Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Zhao Guifen handed out two pancakes and a bowl of soup to each person, muttering with a dark expression, "In this family, there seem to be many people, all capable of work. But look, each one of them eats so much. If you go out and ask around, who else can match our family's meals, where we ensure everyone is well-fed?

Especially those who don't work..."

As she spoke, she looked at Bai Xiuxiu.

Unable to do anything drastic to her eldest daughter-in-law, it was satisfying to verbally jab at her!

Bai Xiuxiu glanced back at her, not backing down. "Mother, what you say makes sense. Indeed, few families are like ours. Not a drop of oil can be seen on the dinner table, yet our family earns so many work points. My husband does the work of both of us.

I really wonder where all our money goes!

Perhaps someone isn't good at math and can't manage accounts properly.

All the family's money has been mismanaged! Maybe we should have someone else handle the finances?"

Zhao Guifen tore her pancake in half in anger and threw it into her bowl. "What? Do you want to take over the household? Do you think I'm dead?"

"Huh? Mother, why are you angry? I'm just following your lead and speaking up for you," Bai Xiuxiu said innocently.

She had heard such hurtful words countless times in her previous life.

At the time, she thought that since they didn't physically harm her, she could just listen.

It didn't cost her anything.

But now... She didn't want to suffer any losses, whether in words or in life!

No one was going to indulge Zhao Guifen anymore!

Zhao Guifen felt like she could be driven to death by her eldest daughter-in-law every day. "Is this how you're helping me? Can't you speak properly?"

"Didn't you say it yourself? There are many workers in the family, but even more eaters. It seems like we can barely make ends meet. Since the accounts are unclear, we should find someone capable of ensuring a better life. Otherwise, are we waiting to starve to death at the dinner table with no oil in sight?" Bai Xiuxiu spoke with confidence.

Zhao Guifen turned red with anger.

Zhao Cuihua swallowed her coarse pancake and, considering her current position as the eldest sister-in-law, chimed in, "Mother, the eldest sister-in-law is right. Look at what we've been eating these past few days... I think the pigs in our village don't eat much worse than us.

Although the fieldwork is done, no one in the family is idle.

Do you plan to starve all five of your sons to death this winter?"

"Pah! You two stop badmouthing us! Who's starving? If we don't budget our food, we'll give it all to you. How will we survive then?" Zhao Guifen couldn't hold back her curses.

Just as she was about to say more, Wang Shoucheng interrupted, "Enough, enough. Stop quarreling first thing in the morning. This is indeed a bit excessive. We should at least have some oil. Eldest son, make sure to hunt more game today.

We need to improve our diet."

Wang Shoucheng immediately shifted the blame to Wang Qinghe.

Upon hearing this, Bai Xiuxiu turned to wink at her husband.

Wang Qinghe understood her intention—she wanted him to bring back nothing from his hunt tonight...

He had a plan in mind but maintained a pleasant demeanor. "Sure, but the food at home really lacks nutrition. Xiuxiu is still sick, so why don't you steam an egg for her first, Mother. Once she's well-fed, I can venture into the mountains with peace of mind.

Otherwise, I really can't bear to leave her and won't dare to go into the mountains."

"What? What conditions are these? Letting her, who doesn't work, eat eggs?" Zhao Guifen nearly jumped when she heard her eggs being mentioned.

"Enough, stop shouting. Second daughter-in-law, go steam an egg for your eldest sister-in-law." Wang Shoucheng's ears were ringing from his wife's yelling.

This foolish woman couldn't even understand the eldest son's intentions?

If he didn't get an egg steamed for his wife, he would refuse to work today!

What a nuisance!

First thing in the morning, unable to win an argument, she had to stir up trouble.

A mother-in-law who couldn't control her daughter-in-law was good for nothing!

Liu Xiaoe froze upon hearing this. She hadn't even taken two bites of her meal before trouble landed on her head! And why?

Why did the eldest sister-in-law get to eat well?

Seeing the reluctance in the room, Wang Shoucheng was satisfied.

This was how it should be; only then would the other sons develop resentment towards the eldest and unite!

"Don't think I, as your father, am being biased. Your eldest brother contributes to the family. If any of you know how to hunt, I'd also have eggs steamed for you. He earned this through his skills!"

Wang Shoucheng's words stirred dissatisfaction in the others.

Liu Xiaoe went to steam the egg with a dark face.

Bai Xiuxiu glanced at her father-in-law and almost laughed.

These in-laws were truly relentless in digging pits for her husband.

If she didn't know their selfish nature and their unwillingness to raise children for others,

she would doubt if her husband was their biological child.

The stove was still warm, and soon, the egg custard was served. The custard made from two eggs wasn't a small portion, and its aroma drew everyone's attention!

Zhao Guifen was almost snapping her chopsticks. How could such a delicacy be reserved for the eldest and his wife?

Did they even deserve it?

If only it were given to the second son or Old Fifth; how much better it would be for them.

Angrier than Zhao Guifen was Zhou Jiaojiao.

The scent brought all her grievances to the surface.

She hadn't been treated this way even back at her own family's home! What did Bai Xiuxiu have that she didn't? A pitiable girl without a father and a mother by her side!

While Bai Xiuxiu couldn't read their thoughts, their expressions told her enough.

But she didn't care. She didn't need to maintain a good reputation with these people!

All she wanted was to gain some benefit for herself and Qinghe.

Under their watchful eyes, Bai Xiuxiu divided the egg custard into four portions, one each for her, Qinghe, and the two children.

Zhao Guifen stared so intently that her gaze seemed ready to pierce through the bowl, but the eldest daughter-in-law showed no sign of offering her any.

She grumbled inwardly!

Wang Shoucheng, fearing another outburst from his wife, quickly said, "Alright, everyone, let's eat. We still have work to do after breakfast."

After breakfast, those who needed to go up the mountain and those with chores went about their tasks.

Zhao Cuihua took advantage of her mother-in-law leading the second daughter-in-law to the kitchen to plan lunch, and hurried over to Bai Xiuxiu.

"Eldest sister-in-law... About before?"

"Yesterday I already checked the price. When my man is free in a couple of days, I'll sell it and let you know." Bai Xiuxiu knew what she meant. Ginseng wasn't a trivial matter; nothing else these days was as valuable. It was no wonder Zhao Cuihua was worried!

Zhao Cuihua felt a surge of joy upon hearing this, then brought up another matter: "Eldest sister-in-law, last night I saw Old Fifth's wife sneaking out. I followed her and didn't go far before I saw her third sister-in-law waiting for her at the entrance of our alley..."