Chapter 80 - Chapter 80: Chapter 80: Making a Determination (1/2)
Chapter 80: Chapter 80: Making a Determination
Translator: 549690339
“Come here, little girl, tell me, how old are you this year, and what can you do?” Although Su Wenyue was tender-hearted, she still had to ask the necessary questions.
The child seemed to have been frightened by beatings, and was very timid. Upon hearing Su Wenyue’s question, she did not dare to respond but instead looked to Mrs. Liu Jin, Mrs. Liu’s eldest sister-in-law from her mother’s family. Only after Liu Jinshan nodded did she begin to speak, her voice still very small.
“My name is Jin Qiao, I am eleven years old this year, I can do housework and farm work, cook and light the fire, I can also collect pig fodder, chop wood, and work in the fields.” Jin Qiao thought for a moment and listed all the things she could do. Although these were common tasks, they were quite remarkable for an eleven-year-old child.
“Very good, you know quite a bit. The injuries on your body were caused by your stepmother, weren’t they? Do you hold a grudge against her in your heart, do you blame your father for not protecting you properly? I heard you have a younger brother born to your stepmother, do you feel jealousy and resentment towards him?”
“This…” Jin Qiao did not expect Su Wenyue to ask such questions. She lifted her head that was originally lowered, feeling somewhat at a loss, not knowing how to answer properly. She feared that a wrong answer would make Su Wenyue reject her, and she would have to return to that nightmare of a home where her stepmother would surely beat her to death. When her Aunt had taken her out of the house, her stepmother had said not to come back, or she would see what was coming to her.
Mrs. Liu Jin and Mrs. Han Liu were also not expecting Su Wenyue to be so direct with her questions, leaving the child with no room to maneuver, they too were somewhat flustered and looked at Su Wenyue pleadingly.
Mrs. Liu Jin tugged at Mrs. Liu’s sleeve, and Mrs. Liu spoke reluctantly, “Fourth Daughter-in-law, Qiao Qiao is still a child, isn’t it a bit much to ask her these questions?”
“If you want to pass my test, then these questions must be answered clearly and truthfully. Otherwise, consider your visit to the Han Family as that of guests. I will take good care of you with food and drink, but afterward, you should still take the child back with you. Neither the Su Family nor I will accept someone into our home without understanding clearly who they are.”
Upon hearing Su Wenyue’s words, Mrs. Liu and her eldest sister-in-law fell silent, not daring to speak further. Despite their concerns, they understood this reasoning. Anyone would want to check a child’s character before taking them in; they just hoped Qiao Qiao would be wise and careful with her words.
“Jin Qiao, consider your answer carefully. What I value most in a person is their character. If you want to stay, you must answer my questions honestly.”
Mrs. Liu Jin and Mrs. Han Liu both sighed in relief upon hearing Su Wenyue speak, interpreting her words as a clear hint. Although Jin Qiao was timid due to her stepmother’s upbringing, she was still a clever child and, upon hearing Su Wenyue’s hint, should know how to answer.