Chapter 36 - Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Something’s Wrong (2/2)

“Yes, Mother, exactly. What’s the use of marrying a daughter-in-law from a high-ranking family? She can’t even do fieldwork, and we all have to treat her with kid gloves. No benefits, just gossip.”

“Hmm, Third Daughter-in-law, the way you talk sounds off to me. It seems you’re the one who can’t stand seeing Fourth Daughter-in-law doing well.

She’s quite generous, treats all nephews and nieces well. It’s only you who haven’t benefited from her. But who can blame you? You spend your days picking faults with her. She hasn’t really offended you, has she? You’re just jealous of what she has!”

Mrs. Liu, hearing Mrs. Wang gossip behind others’ backs, retorted sharply. With a straightforward personality, she had little patience for such backstabbing. And since Fourth Daughter-in-law had treated her well, she felt compelled to say a few words on her behalf, to prevent being backstabbed by Third Daughter-in-law. But with Mrs. Liu’s voice, though the words were meant for Mrs. Yang and Mrs. Wang, nearby people overheard, piquing their curiosity further, all ears for more tidbits.

Mrs. Li had caught wind of the Village gossip and knew Mrs. Wang was behind it. The hard worker she was, she put down her hoe and raised her voice more than usual.

“Yes, Third sibling, you’re being unfair. Fourth Daughter-in-law may not do fieldwork, but she excels in her household duties and can even read and write. She’s teaching my Baofu, and I’m truly grateful and respect her. Fourth younger sister-in-law is easygoing and never puts on her Miss’s airs in front of us sister-in-laws, always polite. Her demeanor, you won’t find a better one even if you search the whole Village. Third sibling, stop picking on her. Fourth younger sister-in-law is already doing well, and being born wealthy is not her fault.’

“What’s with all the noise, Second Sister-in-law? I never would have guessed— you seem quiet, but you’re actually calculating. It’s no wonder you’re speaking up for her; your house benefits the most from Fourth Daughter-in-law.”

Several people were defending Su Wenyue, leaving Mrs. Wang’s face looking rather unpleasant as she replied bitterly to Mrs. Li. She was picking on Mrs. Li, knowing she was typically a soft-spoken and meek person, unlike Mrs. Liu, who was more assertive.

Meanwhile, the quietly working Second Brother Han Ping saw his wife being bullied by Mrs. Wang simply for speaking fair words. Although it was inappropriate to interject in the women’s conversation, his frown deepened. Third Daughter-in-law was always looking to stir trouble as if the family’s peaceful days were too boring for her, inciting problems now and then.

Mrs. Yang, having had her temper stirred by Mrs. Wang, had cooled down after listening to Eldest Daughter-in-law and Second Daughter-in-law. She gave Mrs. Wang a warning glare. Mrs. Wang looked sheepish, and seeing that Mrs. Yang did not bring up the earlier issue, she felt relieved, thinking the matter settled. However, after completing the work in the field and returning home,

Mrs. Yang was called away by several familiar Old Ladies for some matter. Mrs. Wang remained apprehensive..