Chapter 85 - Chapter 85: Chapter 85: A Little Intimacy (1/2)
Chapter 85: Chapter 85: A Little Intimacy
Translator: 549690339
Speaking of Mrs. Yang, she felt somewhat in the wrong. However, Mrs. Yang wasn’t the type of mother-in-law to be unreasonable: “I know that her aunt and cousin can eat quite a bit; the Jiang Family is just too poor. They can’t stay here for too long, so just bear with them a little longer.”
Mrs. Liu wasn’t bold enough to push her mother-in-law too far, but she felt somewhat indignant all the same. Seeing her mother-in-law’s softening attitude, she pressed the point further: “Mother, I understand that you have a kind heart and cherish the kinship with your relatives, but I’m not sure your sister and niece feel the same way.”
Mrs. Yang was slightly displeased by what her eldest daughter-in-law had said but kept her temper in check: “What exactly are you implying?”
“Mother, although I’m a bit straightforward, to the point that my husband always says I’m thoughtless, I can still see some things clearly.” Mrs. Liu said this, deliberately changing her intonation as if to prove something.
“It’s just that you, Mother, value your relationship with your sister too much. Ever since Aunt and my cousin came to our home, haven’t we always treated them with perfect hospitality? However, they do not show the slightest gratitude and act as if it’s their due. In these times, some families are better off than others. We Han Family are not exactly wealthy, and Aunt and my cousin have stayed with us long enough to know that. Yet, when it comes to consuming resources, they are wasteful as if everything in our house didn’t cost money. Coming from a peasant family like the Jiangs, I can’t believe they don’t understand the importance of food. They’re taking advantage of us without sparing a thought for you, their sister, and aunt.”
“Is that really the case?” Mrs. Yang felt that her eldest daughter-in-law’s words were not completely convincing, yet there seemed to be some truth to them.
“Certainly. Mother, why don’t you put yourself in their shoes? Would you act the same way if you were a guest at your sister’s house?”
“I certainly wouldn’t. The world is getting more chaotic by the day, and life is hard for every peasant family…” Mrs. Yang trailed off, clearly aware that the behavior of Yang Juxiang and her daughter was inappropriate, yet she was reluctant to blame her own sister and niece.
Seeing Mrs. Yang’s reaction, Mrs. Liu knew she had reached her mother-in-law’s heart and felt somewhat triumphant. As long as she could persuade her mother-in-law, she wondered how Yang Juxiang and her mother would continue to act so arrogantly in the Han Family. The forth daughter-in-law was wise; these were all arguments she had learned from the fourth daughter-in-law when she had counseled her on what to say. Although Mrs. Liu couldn’t recall the exact words the fourth daughter-in-law had used, she had added her touch, making it less pleasant to listen to. Despite that, she had managed to convince her mother-in-law. She hoped that by having gained some face now, her mother-in-law wouldn’t think of her as brainless anymore.
“Mother, I didn’t mean to speak ill of my aunt and cousin, but it’s true that we don’t have much food left at home. Even if we want to help Aunt and my cousin, we need to think more about our own family. Everyone’s life isn’t easy, and our family is fortunate to have the fourth child occasionally go hunting in the mountains to help support us; otherwise, where would we get the means to survive? But you’ve also said that there’s a risk every time he goes hunting.”
Mrs. Liu was not foolish. Even without the fourth daughter-in-law’s advice, she knew what her mother-in-law cared about most. Sisters and nieces could never be more important than her own son.
Mrs. Yang was clearly becoming flustered: “Alright, I understand. I’ll think it over and I’ll have my sons buy more food. Now go about your business and stop bothering me with this.”
Achieving her goal, Mrs. Liu left understanding that saying any more would surely lead to a scolding from her mother-in-law.