Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Afternoon.

The wind picked up and it started to rain.

The ants hid away, except one that got left behind.

The wind swept away the fragrant scent that Old Lady had left in the yard when she came by earlier.

Old Lady smelled of sandalwood incense, as if she burned incense and prayed to Buddha every day.

After Mother Qin said that.

Old Lady’s eyebrows and eyes, which were as beautiful as a Bodhisattva's, twisted in anger.

Her lips quivered in rage.

When her lips trembled, her spitefulness finally showed.

How dare this country bumpkin compare her precious Wan'er to others.

It was preposterous.

And that Strong Woman directly stretched out her sand pot-sized hands, about to hit them.

Yet she did not expect to be blocked by Qin Luoxia.

The Strong Woman’s face turned red.

She did not expect that after having a child, this country bumpkin would become so strong that she could block her attack?

She had training.

Old Lady’s expression was ugly as she spoke, “Qin, mind your own business. Too much injustice will lead to self-destruction. Evil deeds may not lead to immediate misfortune, but blessings have long left you. Yao, let’s go.”

The Strong Woman supported Old Lady as they left.

What an odd pair.

Jiang Mianmian was confused by them.

She wondered if they got rained on along the way. For the first time, Jiang Mianmian wickedly hoped that someone would get drenched in the rain.

Qin Luoxia was very angry.

Rage billowed in her chest.

But she had nowhere to vent it.

Old Lady was slippery with words. Without evidence or facts, she always took the moral high ground. Whenever she decided you were in the wrong, she would condemn you for it.

Qin Luoxia took a deep breath. She suddenly felt excited remembering how she had blocked that slap today.

Some said that giving birth and postpartum care could cure previous postpartum illnesses. Did giving birth to Mianmian cure her body?

She started to work vigorously.

So Jiang Mianmian watched Mother Qin carry the bed on her back... pick up the stone mill... move pillars... squat on the ground and scrub every corner clean.

Shabby as it was, at least it was now spotless.

Finally.

It started pouring.

The rain grew heavier.

And now, ah...

Qin Luoxia was also shocked.

She was already in a bad mood today. Hearing her husband’s words...

She showed an uglier smile than a crying face.

“Death is better than suffering. This world...”

It seemed everyone in the family had hardened hearts. No one mentioned it again and instead they happily prepared dinner.

Jiang Yu said delightedly, “It’s perfect that I don’t have to work tomorrow. I can stay home and take care of my sister. Father got promoted so we won’t starve anymore.”

After the meat buns padded their stomachs, tonight’s wild vegetable soup tasted even more bitter.

But everyone ate with big gulps.

Eat your fill so you won’t wake up hungry midnight.

Jiang Mianmian sucked her fingers as she nursed. Not taking part in the wild vegetable soup.

Watching her older siblings with green complexions.

Her scholarly-looking father was also skin and bones.

Yet today, Mother had a glowing, oily complexion and sturdy limbs.

Jiang Mianmian thought to find an chance to add some spring water to the vegetable soup, at least to improve their health.

It had been an informative day, full of information.

Jiang Mianmian completely forgot about the ant she had fed a drop of spiritual spring water.

That little ant had already built a home under the wooden basin.

Her older siblings played with her for a while. She was determined to conserve her energy and listen in from her bed corner tonight.

Finally lying in her mother’s arms.

Lulled to sleep as her mother coaxed her. Placed aside.

In the dark of night.

She stared wide-eyed, listening to the rustling sounds.

She saw her father bury his head in her mother’s embrace...

A muffled voice softly traveled in the darkness, “Wu led me step-by-step. I should have thanked him, but when I learned he wanted to frame me to take the fall, I reported him first. He died, I lived, and took over his position too.”

“Xiaomei, I was terrified afterwards, yet I feel happier. I really am the unfilial and unrighteous petty man you called me. Living is so hard.”

In the darkness.

Her mother’s large hand slowly caressed her father’s bony back.

So her father was very thin after all.

His protruding spine.

His usual wide robes made him seem refined.

Jiang Mianmian nibbled on her own little foot. Tears suddenly wet her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

Her little foot tasted a little salty.