Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Although Zhao Dahua found the things Tang Qingqing brought back a bit meager, the Tang family was still delighted to receive something unexpectedly.

Especially since they had not expected anything, thinking it would be like last time when Tang Qingqing returned empty-handed.

Unexpectedly, this time was different. They received something, which made them feel as if they had gained an advantage.

Wu LaoTai looked at the jar of oil and smiled, praising Tang Qingqing:

"It seems that one must learn some skills. Look, even a girl can bring back good things from the Public Security Bureau."

Tang Qingqing felt uncomfortable hearing these words of praise.

"Qing, in the future, you should help your brothers more; they are your support."

Tang Qingqing restrained herself from rolling her eyes, treating these oft-repeated words as mere background noise, not letting them affect her.

Tang Xingwang had snatched the fruit cans and finished them outside, leaving nothing for the family.

Tang Xingqiang only managed to grab a little. If not for the candy given to him later, he would still be crying about unfairness.

The three brothers fought over the cans on New Year's Day, getting their clothes dirty.

The adults in the family did not reprimand Tang Xingwang to teach him the importance of brotherly love.

Wu LaoTai even praised him slightly: "He knows how to fight for food; he won't suffer in the future."

They did not comfort the younger ones much either, just giving them candy when they cried.

Tang Xingqiang, who cries easily, got the candy. Tang Xingsheng, the quiet one with the most injuries, did not cry or make a fuss, so he got nothing.

Tang Xingqiang did not share his candy with his second brother who helped him, stuffing it all into his own pocket and even showing off in front of Tang Xingsheng.

"Second Brother, I have candy and you don't. I can go to school, but you can't."

Tang Xingwang sneered, "Do you think going to school is a good thing? Even if I wanted to go, I wouldn't bother."

"If it's not good, why does the Public Security Bureau want Big Sister to go? Do you think they're fools?"

Tang Xingwang was left speechless, merely scoffing, "Little brat."

Tang Xingqiang, being cunning, added, "Not wanting to go and not being able to go are two different things, right, Big Sister?"

Tang Qingqing noticed Tang Xingsheng's face turning pale and felt a twinge of sympathy for her second brother.

In this family, she was undoubtedly the least favored, far below her three brothers.

But even among boys, parents and elders inevitably have their favorites.

Wu LaoTai doted on Tang Xingwang, considering him the eldest grandson.

Tang Jianjun and Zhao Dahua also favored Tang Xingwang but loved their youngest son more.

Tang Xingsheng, caught in the middle, neither high nor low, was in a rather awkward position.

Being the quiet type, he was even easier to overlook.

However, no matter how overlooked, his situation was still better than Tang Qingqing's, so it wasn't as noticeable before.

Tang Qingqing had not paid attention to these things before, being too busy with her own struggles. Now, stepping back from the family, she saw things more clearly.

Favoring boys could easily spoil them, but if there was also unfairness among the boys, wouldn't that create problems?

At this moment, Tang Xingsheng looked at Zhao Dahua, "Mom, I want to go to school too."

Zhao Dahua didn't even glance at him, "School? What use is school for someone like you!"

"Why can my elder brother and younger brother go to school, but I can't?"

"I say none of you should go!" Zhao Dahua said impatiently, "It's the New Year. Are you trying to ruin everyone's mood?"

Zhao Dahua couldn't understand why her mother-in-law always wanted to send the children to school. It was useless and cost money.

Tang Xingwang couldn't do anything now because of his schooling.

Now she wanted the youngest to go to school too, which Zhao Dahua thought was just asking for trouble.

If it weren't for the New Year, Zhao Dahua would have beaten the child up. She was really stirring up trouble where there was none.

Wu LaoTai was displeased with this response and patted Tang Xingqiang's head.

"Don't listen to your mother. Don't you want to live like your uncle? He got where he is because of his education."

Tang Xingqiang's eyes lit up, flattery in his voice, "Grandma, I'll study hard and earn lots of money to take care of you, even better than Uncle."

Wu LaoTai was delighted, saying "Good" several times and even gave him a piece of candy from her pocket.

Tang Xingqiang's mouth became even sweeter, while Tang Xingwang glared at him in displeasure.

Wu LaoTai, being fair, also gave Tang Xingwang a piece, "And here's one for my eldest grandson."

Tang Xingwang reluctantly accepted the candy, his sullen expression softening slightly.

Tang Xingsheng still got nothing and couldn't help questioning,

"Grandma, why can't I go to school?"

Zhao Dahua watched Wu LaoTai with schadenfreude, waiting to see how she would answer.

"Xingsheng, how can you compete with your brother? Our children don't do things like this."

Tang Xingsheng's eyes immediately reddened.

Initially, she did not want to get involved in the family's affairs, but seeing Tang Xingsheng's state, she couldn't help but speak up:

"Just let Xingsheng go to school. It wouldn't be right to leave him out, would it?"

Tang Qiaoqiao is now also studying under Zhai Hongyi. Uncle and Aunt know that she enjoys reading and plan to send her to school in two years.

She hasn't been sent to school yet because Tang Qingqing said that the teachers for grades one to three aren't good, so there's no point in going.

Tang Xingsheng looked at Tang Qingqing with gratitude.

Among these three brothers, Tang Qingqing likes Tang Xingsheng the most.

Tang Xingwang has been spoiled rotten. Moreover, seeing that the family treats her poorly, he treats her badly too, often ordering her around as if she were a servant, acting as if she owes him something.

He is also particularly irresponsible, always blaming her for his mistakes, which results in her getting beaten.

Actually, she has a similar attitude towards the other two brothers, but it is even worse towards Tang Qingqing.

Younger brother Tang Xingqiang is just a troublemaker, always talking nonsense, being a real annoyance.

Tang Xingsheng doesn't talk much, but he helps with chores.

Although Tang Qingqing couldn't make him do much work before, due to the influence of their parents and elders on the children's attitudes, he was still better than the other two brothers.

Zhao Dahua glared at her angrily: "Why do you always have to stick your nose in everything? You're never home, don't earn any work points, and yet you talk so easily. Who will pay for all of them to go to school?!"

Tang Qingqing: "Tang Xingsheng isn't my child. If you don't like him, why did you have him in the first place? Is he not part of this family like me?"

"Don't spout nonsense! Tang Qingqing, don't think I won't hit you during the New Year!" Zhao Dahua raised her hand.

Tang Qingqing wasn't afraid of her: "Then why leave out Tang Xingsheng? I'm a girl, so you don't like me, but Tang Xingsheng is a boy."

Tang Xingsheng stared at Zhao Dahua without blinking, making her feel inexplicably guilty.

"Don't ask me; I didn't tell you to go to school."

This question was thrown back to Grandma Wu, who nearly fainted from anger.

Feeling the second grandson's gaze, Grandma Wu smiled awkwardly: "Xingsheng, you're a good boy. Whether you go to school or not, it doesn't matter."

"But Grandma, that's not what you used to say."

Grandma Wu couldn't understand why Tang Xingsheng was so stubborn today, insisting on an answer.

She blamed her daughter-in-law; Tang Xingqiang's plan to go to school was supposed to wait until summer, so why bring it up now?

She also blamed Tang Qingqing for causing trouble, almost letting it slide earlier.

Tang Xingsheng asked again: "Grandma, why can't I go to school?"

"It's because I'm useless. The family can only afford to send one child to school. I always thought you were a well-behaved and understanding child, and you wouldn't make things difficult for me, right?"

Tang Xingsheng pursed his lips tightly.

"Besides, your brother isn't as capable as you. We need your labor in the family. Your brother should go to school to be disciplined by the teachers. You've done well enough without needing a teacher."

Tang Xingsheng remained silent. He might be young, but he wasn't stupid.

Grandma Wu had often talked about the benefits of education. Whenever his elder brother didn't want to go to school, she would coax and persuade him.

When Tang Xingwang decided not to go to school and became a shepherd, she was sad for a long time.

Now, when it came to him, she had another set of reasons.

Seeing that she couldn't fool this grandson and not wanting to be the bad guy, Grandma Wu started complaining of a headache.

Zhao Dahua, unusually, did not oppose Grandma Wu and sent the children out to play, telling them not to crowd the room.

Tang Qingqing grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds and headed to Uncle's house.

Though they hadn't separated households, each had their own rooms.

Uncle rarely came to the main house anymore, preferring to stay in his small room.

Aunt and Tang Qiaoqiao also seldom went to the main house, only coming over to work or eat, never sitting idly there.

As Tang Qingqing left the main house, she noticed Tang Xingsheng following her.

"Why are you following me?"

Tang Xingsheng didn't say anything, silently following her to Uncle's room.

The three brothers rarely came to Uncle's room because Uncle's legs were different from others, and Zhao Dahua often threatened them by saying they'd end up like Uncle if they misbehaved.

The village children also mocked them for having an uncle with scary legs.

Moreover, Uncle had a strange temper and rarely spoke, making him seem gloomy, so they kept their distance from him since childhood.

Uncle and Aunt were very surprised to see Tang Xingsheng.

Aunt quickly greeted him: "Xingsheng, why are you here? Is there something you need?"

Tang Xingsheng shook his head and followed behind Tang Qingqing without a word.

Aunt looked at Tang Qingqing, who shrugged, not bringing up the earlier incident again.

Aunt didn’t ask many questions; she just gestured for Tang Xingsheng to sit down and took out the canned food that Tang Qingqing had brought over earlier.

"Here, Xingsheng, have some canned food. It’s sweet and delicious."

The can was already opened because Tang Qingqing had opened it as soon as she brought it over; otherwise, they wouldn’t know how long they would have waited.

If Zhao Dahua had snatched it later, that would have been unfair.

Tang Qingqing watched them each take a piece before leaving.

Now, there was only a little less in the can than when Tang Qingqing left, probably because they gave another piece to Tang Qiaoqiao later.

Tang Qingqing wasn’t surprised by Aunt’s generosity; it was just her nature.

Tang Qiaoqiao was clearly used to it too. Although she felt heartache, she didn’t show any dissatisfaction.

This was also because Tang Xingsheng never grabbed her things. If it were Tang Xingwang or Tang Xingqiang, she would remain silent but feel very aggrieved.

Tang Xingsheng looked at Tang Qingqing, but she showed no reaction.

He finally shook his head, "This is what Elder Sister gave you."

Aunt looked at Tang Qingqing, who said, "Xingsheng is right, Aunt. You don’t need to share it. You all eat it. In previous years, even if we had it, it wouldn’t be your turn, but this year, you should definitely taste it."

"How much can Qiaoqiao eat?"

"Not just Qiaoqiao, you and Uncle should eat it too. By the way, tomorrow, Elder Sister will visit her natal home, right? Let her taste it too."

Tang Qingqing thought that if Elder Cousin came back tomorrow, she would secretly give her a can.

Although Elder Cousin wasn’t part of the Tang family, after Aunt married into the family, she took care of Tang Qingqing a lot when she was young.

Back then, Tang Qingqing was a messy child, and no one taught her how to tidy herself up.

It was Elder Cousin who taught her. Even after getting married, she occasionally supported the family, and some of those things ended up in Tang Qingqing’s stomach.

In the past, without the means, even though she saved money, she couldn’t directly give it away. Elder Cousin wouldn’t accept it.

Now it was different. She had a reason to send gifts to express her gratitude.

Uncle rarely spoke, but he said, "Accept it."

Aunt then stopped insisting that Tang Xingsheng eat the canned food but still took out some candies.

Compared to canned food, candies were more common.

Tang Xingsheng looked at Tang Qingqing again, who now reacted and handed him a candy.

Tang Xingsheng’s expression changed instantly, becoming less sullen, and he moved closer to Tang Qingqing.

Seeing this, Tang Qiaoqiao frowned and squeezed closer to Tang Qingqing, as if afraid she would be taken away.

"Sis, tell us about what happened when you went to the commune this time."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone’s attention turned to her, even Uncle glanced over.

Calling Tang Qingqing to the commune during the New Year must have meant trouble. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have done so.

The team leader didn’t hide anything and said that the supply store at the commune had been robbed.

When Tang Qingqing came over earlier, she simply mentioned that the thief had been caught but didn’t explain the details.

Thinking about the case, Tang Qingqing had a lot to say.

She organized her thoughts and began narrating the whole story in the style of a picture book.

In between, she didn’t forget to create suspense, intentionally leading everyone to think Zhang Guangyi was bad, especially when they heard about the plot to marry Meng Daniu to him. The atmosphere in the room became heavy.

Uncle couldn’t help but curse, “Scoundrel.” This was probably the reaction of parents with daughters who cared deeply for them.

Aunt held Tang Qiaoqiao’s hand worriedly, her eyes full of concern.

What would they do if their daughter were tricked into marrying someone like that?

But when they heard the end of the story, the room fell silent for a while.

Aunt sighed, "That old policeman was right; children must be taught well."

Tang Qiaoqiao felt regretful, "Zhang Guangyi was a good person. It’s a pity he got caught."

Tang Qingqing replied, "He was indeed good to his wife and children, but doing wrong is wrong, and he has to be responsible for his actions."

"But he was forced."

"He wasn’t held at knife-point; he could have refused. No matter what he thought, he did it."

At first, Tang Qingqing couldn’t understand either, but these words were what Zhai Hongyi told her.

Aunt also seriously said, "So, no matter what happens, one shouldn’t do wrong."

Only then did Tang Qiaoqiao stop worrying.

Tang Xingsheng listened silently throughout, not saying anything, and no one knew what he was thinking.

The next morning, Yang Zhaodi returned to her natal home with her husband and children, carrying plenty of gifts.

A bag of flour, a slab of meat, a basket of eggs, and a large packet of homemade sweet potato starch.

Upon seeing this, Grandma Wu couldn’t help but smile at this granddaughter who wasn’t related by blood.

Grandma Wu favored boys over girls and never had a good attitude toward Tang Qingqing and Tang Qiaoqiao. As for this granddaughter, she was even worse.

The eldest uncle, who had always been silent like an invisible person, stood up to Grandma Wu for the first time because of Yang Zhaodi.

Back when Yang Zhaodi reached marriageable age, Grandma Wu planned to marry her off to a widower with three children, simply because he offered a substantial dowry.

She felt that after raising this child for so many years without cost, it was time to get something in return.

The eldest uncle vehemently disagreed at the time and didn't even let his wife intervene. He directly stated that Yang Zhaodi's marriage had nothing to do with the Tang family, and Grandma Wu had no right to interfere.

This nearly drove Grandma Wu to fury, and she cursed him for being ungrateful.

In the countryside, it was already difficult for healthy children to stand on their own, let alone someone like the eldest uncle, who was disabled.

If not for her careful upbringing back then, Tang Jianshe would have fallen ill much earlier, and by now, his grave would be taller than a person.

Under normal circumstances, the eldest uncle would have endured silently, feeling that his condition was a burden to the family and thus not daring to make any demands.

At that time, all kinds of harsh words were spoken, causing his wife to cry continuously, and Yang Zhaodi even considered giving up.

Those words were truly hurtful; even outsiders would feel uncomfortable hearing them, let alone someone constantly troubled by their disability.

But this time, the eldest uncle showed rare firmness, refusing to budge no matter how Grandma Wu cursed him.

He even made a rare trip out for Yang Zhaodi's marriage.

Yang Zhaodi's current husband, Zhu Yushan, was introduced by the eldest uncle.

Zhu Yushan, Yang Zhaodi's husband, has an ordinary appearance but is very honest and kind-hearted.

Otherwise, Yang Zhaodi wouldn't be able to visit and support her family as often, all with her husband's tacit approval.

Yang Zhaodi and Zhu Yushan have two children, a boy and a girl.

The boy is named Zhu Jingzhe, and he is six years old. The girl is named Zhu Maisui, and she is only two years old.

When the family of four entered the house, Zhu Maisui was riding on Zhu Yushan's shoulders, which made Tang Xingqiang envious.

Tang Jianjun never allowed children to ride on his shoulders or play with him, fearing they would dirty or wrinkle his clothes. No matter how much Tang Xingwang or Tang Xingqiang begged when they were young, it was useless.

When Yang Zhaodi saw Tang Qingqing, she hardly recognized her.

"Is this Qingqing?"

Every time she came back, she was in a hurry and never ran into Tang Qingqing, so they hadn't seen each other for months.

Tang Qingqing affectionately linked arms with her. "Sister."

"Oh my, you've really grown into a beauty! It's been such a short time, yet you've become so tall and pretty! If I hadn't met you here, I wouldn't have recognized you."

Yang Zhaodi was incredulous, circling around Tang Qingqing in amazement.

She always thought Tang Qingqing had the makings of a beauty, and now it seemed she was right.

If she looks this good now, who knows how beautiful she'll be when she grows up.

The eldest aunt also smiled. "Indeed, not just you, even we who see her every day feel the same way."

Tang Qiaoqiao shared in the joy, feeling as happy as if she herself were being praised.

Zhu Maisui, a little smartie, immediately set her sights on Tang Qingqing upon entering and reached out for a hug.

Yang Zhaodi couldn't help but laugh. "This child usually refuses to get down from her father's shoulders, but when she sees someone pretty, she wants a hug."

"How can you let a girl ride on your shoulders like that? You spoil her too much."

The eldest aunt was secretly pleased but couldn't help saying it aloud.

In the countryside, children with such privileges are usually boys.

Zhu Yushan smiled. "Mom, Maisui is my daughter, of course I spoil her."

Hearing this, the eldest aunt was delighted, feeling that her husband had indeed chosen a good son-in-law.

After greeting Grandma Wu in the main house, the family went to the eldest uncle's room to talk.

Once inside, the eldest aunt couldn't help complaining:

"Why did you bring so many things? Never mind the rest, why did you bring meat?"

That piece of meat weighed at least three or four pounds, making the eldest aunt's eyes widen.

But since Grandma Wu and others had already seen it, there was no way to take it back.

"Mom, our team had a good harvest this year, and the pig we raised was particularly fat, so we got more meat."

"But you shouldn't have brought it all. It's better to keep some for the children to eat." The eldest aunt looked at Zhu Yushan. "Why didn't you stop Zhaodi from doing this?"

Zhu Yushan smiled. "Mom, these were gifts from my parents."

Hearing this, the eldest aunt finally relaxed.

She feared upsetting her daughter's in-laws, which would make her life difficult.

The eldest aunt took out some canned goods hidden in the cabinet and called out to her grandchildren:

"Jingzhe, Maisui, look what Grandma has here. Come, come and eat."

Zhu Jingzhe and Zhu Maisui both widened their eyes, especially Zhu Jingzhe, who was older and had visited his grandmother's house before.

He had always known that his grandmother's house wasn't in good condition. Every time he came over, there was nothing good to eat, and he had to watch out for the uncles who would try to snatch food from him.

He never expected that this year there would actually be fruit tins, such a rare treat. He was truly amazed.

He had only seen others eat tins before but had never tasted them himself. He couldn't help swallowing his saliva but didn't step forward to take one, instead holding back his eager sister.

Yang Zhaodi was also surprised. "Mom, where did you get these tins?"

"It's all thanks to Qingqing!" The eldest aunt recounted how Tang Qingqing had solved a case earlier.

Yang Zhaodi and Zhu Yushan were fine; they had heard about Tang Qingqing's prowess before.

This was Zhu Jingzhe's first time hearing it, and he was so shocked that his mouth hung open, completely forgetting about the fruit tins.

Tang Qingqing saw Zhu Maisui drooling and smiled as she picked up the tin, giving each child a piece, including Tang Xingsheng.

When Tang Xingsheng received his share, he was stunned, not expecting to have any.

The children, upon tasting the fruit tins, all grinned widely.

By then, there were only a few pieces left. Tang Qingqing wanted to share with Yang Zhaodi and the others, but they refused, saying these were for the children and that they didn't like them.

Of course, they weren't really disliking them; they just wanted to leave the best for the children.

Tang Qingqing didn't insist and distributed the remaining fruit among the children.

Yang Zhaodi noticed that Tang Qingqing kept giving to others without taking any herself and quickly stopped her.

"Have some yourself too; don't keep giving it all away."

Tang Qingqing smiled. "I won't neglect myself; rest assured, I've already had some."

Just then, a small hand offered a mangled and dirty orange.

"Auntie, eat this."

Tang Qingqing looked down and saw Zhu Maisui.

Seeing the orange clearly taken out of someone's mouth, Tang Qingqing couldn't help laughing and crying at the same time.

"I won't eat it, Maisui; you eat it yourself."

Zhu Maisui insisted on feeding her, refusing to lower her hand until Tang Qingqing accepted it. This made Tang Qingqing turn to Yang Zhaodi for help.

Yang Zhaodi smiled and handed Tang Qingqing the last piece of fruit from the tin. "Maisui, Auntie has some; you eat yours."

Zhu Maisui still stared at Tang Qingqing until she ate the piece of fruit. Only then did Zhu Maisui happily eat her own piece, looking very satisfied.

Everyone couldn't help but laugh, even the eldest uncle showed a rare smile.

The eldest aunt hugged Zhu Maisui and kissed her repeatedly. "My granddaughter is so lovable."

Zhu Maisui giggled nonstop.

Zhu Yushan was quite proud. "Daughters are indeed little warm coats. Our family's Jingzhe is a good kid too, but when it comes to being considerate, it's Maisui."

While Tang Jianshe's house was filled with joy, Grandma Wu's side was rather quiet.

The children had gone out to play, Zhao Dahua had returned to her parents' home, and Tang Jianjun was nowhere to be found.

Grandma Wu's house was empty, with no one to talk to.

She couldn't bring herself to invite the eldest son's family into her main room. Years ago, there had been a disagreement over Yang Zhaodi's marriage.

Although Yang Zhaodi greeted her every time she came back and maintained a polite facade, there was still a layer of distance between them.

Grandma Wu didn't care much before; after all, Yang Zhaodi wasn't of Tang blood and was a girl.

But today, during the New Year, hearing laughter and joy from the other side while her place was cold and lonely, she couldn't help but feel a bit resentful, thinking the family was too inconsiderate.

Grandma Wu kept glancing outside. It was the second day of the New Year, and according to local customs, married daughters usually returned to their parents' homes today.

But by now, neither of her daughters had shown up.

Her eldest daughter could be excused; she lived far away and rarely visited.

But her younger daughter should have been here. She lived nearby and usually came often, yet it was almost noon and she hadn't arrived.

Grandma Wu was very pleased with her younger daughter's marriage since she had married into town, and her son-in-law worked for the government, which made her very proud.

Her younger daughter, Tang Guizhi, had a good marriage partly because of Tang Jianguo. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been chosen.

When Tang Jianguo returned home years ago, it brought glory to the Tang family.

Everyone knew that although Tang Jianguo was adopted out and no longer counted in the family ranking, he still cared about the family.

Just as she was considering sending Wang Simi to check at the village entrance, Grandma Wu saw Tang Guizhi run into the courtyard, covering her face.