Chapter 43

Chapter 43

The room fell silent for a few seconds, and everyone's expressions varied.

Tang Qingqing snorted. "If you were a public security officer, the crime-solving rate would definitely be one hundred percent."

Tang Xingqiang, with his head poking out boldly, asked, "Sis, why?"

"Because those who get beaten, robbed, or have their stuff stolen, oh, and our team’s grain that was set on fire by someone—well, they all deserved it for doing something wrong. If they all deserve it, then what’s there to investigate?"

Tang Xingqiang burst into laughter. "That’s sheer nonsense! This would surely get you beaten up. Oh, even if you get beaten up, you’d deserve it too, dying in vain! Hahaha!"

Enraged, Tang Jianjun got off the bed to pick up his shoes, ready to throw them at Tang Xingqiang.

Tang Xingqiang immediately ran behind Zhao Dahua, huddling into a small ball.

"You little brat, come here! I’ll beat you to death!"

"Waaah, Mom, save me! I can’t die like that; it would be in vain! Then you’d have no one to cheer you up when you’re old."

Zhao Dahua shielded Tang Xingqiang with her body, and Old Lady Wu also intervened, "Enough, it’s the New Year; why hit the child?"

Tang Jianjun threw the shoes back on the floor and climbed back onto the bed to warm himself, muttering angrily:

"I’ll beat you to death sooner or later. Why do you always talk back?"

Tang Xingqiang stuck out his tongue at him, which made Tang Jianjun raise his hand to strike but ultimately held back.

Old Lady Wu looked at Tang Qingqing disapprovingly. "Why do you always stir up trouble? What kind of words are these?"

Tang Qingqing ignored her and tossed a piece of candy to Tang Xingqiang.

Although there were plenty of candies at home—some sent by Tang Jianguo and some brought back by Tang Qingqing—

all the candies were strictly controlled by Old Lady Wu. During the New Year, she only took out a few pieces for everyone to enjoy, keeping the rest locked away.

Tang Xingqiang never had enough and constantly begged for more, but Old Lady Wu remained unmoved, even when her most beloved grandson pleaded for sweets.

Thus, receiving the candy from Tang Qingqing made him ecstatic, grinning so widely that his back teeth showed.

"It’s because you insisted on asking. Anyway, the public security officers are used to such cases. Beating someone becomes addictive; once it happens without consequences, it will happen again, getting worse each time. Many people ended up dead."

Tang Guizhi shivered, her face turning pale.

She deeply understood what Tang Qingqing meant. At first, Xu Taian didn’t hit her hard, just pushing her around, then slapping her, and now he was hitting her to near-death.

She knew how families treated daughters who returned to their natal homes; they were often unwelcome.

But she was truly afraid, fearing she might be beaten to death.

Her fear, which had diminished over time, surged back due to Tang Qingqing’s words.

Her anticipation of Xu Taian’s arrival turned into dread and panic.

Old Lady Wu impatiently interrupted, "Why bring up such things during the New Year?"

Zhao Dahua noticed Tang Guizhi’s changed expression and pinched Tang Qingqing, but the thick winter clothes prevented any effect.

"You little devil, after a few days outside, you think you can scare people. Your aunt’s situation is different."

Tang Qingqing blinked. "How is it different? Isn’t it the same—no family support when needed? Oh, right, others don’t know because they live far away, while we know but do nothing."

Tang Guizhi felt aggrieved. She was told her brothers would stand up for her.

So her dowry stayed at home, and she always brought good things to her natal home, hoping her brothers would protect her.

But when trouble arose, there was no support, leaving her heartbroken.

They said Xu Taian would apologize once he realized his mistake, but seeing no change from him, her sister-in-law began treating her poorly.

Zhao Dahua retorted, "What do you know!"

"I may not know much, but I know that if you get hit, you should hit back. Otherwise, you’ll always be bullied. Take Li the widow at the village end; after her husband died, she was constantly bullied. No matter how much she endured, it didn’t help. One day, she went berserk and attacked those who bullied her with a knife. Now, no one dares to provoke her anymore."

Tang Qingqing seemed to recall something and looked at Zhao Dahua.

"Oh, right, Mom, didn’t you almost get cut by her? Now you run away whenever you see her."

Widows often faced many troubles, but Old Lady Wu wasn’t ostracized because she had brothers supporting her.

Li the widow had no family backing, and her children were young. Her late husband’s brothers often bullied her, trying to take over her property.

Women like Zhao Dahua thought widows were easy targets and often mocked them, as if others’ misfortunes brought them joy.

At first, Li the widow endured, but eventually, she decided to fight back, threatening anyone who dared to harm her.

Though she became infamous as a shrew, no matchmakers came, yet no one dared to provoke her anymore, and she kept her home and belongings.

Zhao Dahua felt embarrassed, remembering how terrified she was when Li the widow waved a knife at her.

"I felt sorry for her and didn’t hold it against her."

Tang Xingqiang immediately contradicted her. "Mom, you cursed her a lot but ran away whenever you saw her."

Before Zhao Dahua could hit him, he darted behind Tang Qingqing.

Tang Qingqing rewarded him with another piece of candy, and the naughty boy fully sided with her.

"Dad, you’re just spineless. If it were Big Bao’s dad, he would have beaten up Uncle by now. If I were as tall and strong as you, I wouldn’t let Aunt wait. Pfft, I’d punch him. He’s a government official, so beating him would be even more satisfying!"

Tang Jianjun was so flustered by his younger son that his face turned red. "I'm not some kind of brute; I'm reasonable."

"Sure, you're just afraid you can't win. Big Bao's dad said you were always the one getting beaten up since childhood. Even those younger than you dared to hit you, and you never fought back."

Tang Xingqiang still had a bit of self-preservation and didn't say the word 'useless.'

This time, Tang Jianjun couldn't hold back anymore and started beating the child with a shoe. Tang Xingqiang dodged and jumped around on the bed.

Tang Qingqing saw that he wasn't really being hit much, yet his cries could almost lift the roof off.

Zhao Dahua and Grandma Wu didn't protect him anymore and just watched him get beaten.

Tang Xingqiang didn't yield either, shouting, "Why don't you go beat my uncle-in-law instead? You only dare to hit me because I'm smaller. Would you dare to do this to your brother-in-law? You're just a bully! Wait until I grow taller than you and see if you still dare to beat me!"

"I'll kill you today! I don't want you as my son!"

Tang Guizhi rarely intervened but stepped in to shield Tang Xingqiang.

Tang Xingqiang, adept at reading people, quickly hid behind Tang Guizhi.

Because she was protecting him, Tang Guizhi got hit a few times too.

The bed was only so big, and after being stepped on several times, Grandma Wu finally called it off.

Tang Jianjun was panting from chasing him, while Tang Xingqiang remained lively, acting like an unceasing monkey.

He reached out to Tang Qingqing for candy, but this time, she didn't give him any.

She could offer it herself, but she wouldn't let him ask for it; these were two different things.

Though disappointed, Tang Xingqiang didn't complain, still savoring the candy in his mouth.

Tang Guizhi, now emotionally stirred by Tang Xingqiang, said, "Mom, Third Brother, what should I do about this?"

Tang Jianjun replied irritably, "It's your Xu family's problem; why ask us?"

The work unit had already resumed operations, and Xu Taian had returned to work. Still, there was no news from the Xu family.

His married sister staying at home every day had led to gossip outside, and Zhao Dahua constantly grumbled about the dwindling food supply. He was quite unhappy about it.

Tang Guizhi's eyes widened, her heart sinking.

Zhao Dahua seized the opportunity, saying, "Exactly. You can't stand on your own and rely on us for everything. Once you two reconcile, we'll be left in a bad light. We've already been very accommodating by letting you stay here for so long. What more do you want?"

Tang Guizhi looked at Grandma Wu, clinging to a last shred of hope.

Grandma Wu's eyes darted away, feeling her son and daughter-in-law's dissatisfaction. This situation indeed lacked justification.

"Couples fight in bed and make up by night. Just apologize, and this will all be over. There's no need to make it so tense."

Tang Guizhi's eyes welled up with tears, the accumulated pressure finally breaking her.

"Mom, how can you say that? When you took my dowry and asked me to bring benefits to the family, you didn't talk like this. Why do they dislike me? Isn't it because I care about my natal family? Why, when trouble arises, does my natal family cease to be my family?"

"Huh, you're blaming me now? Was it me who made you fail to please your husband and get beaten? I told you to be less stubborn, but you didn't listen."

Tang Guizhi's last sliver of hope vanished. No wonder the Xu family looked down on her; such a natal family, who would respect?

She was a rootless dandelion without support, with no one to rely on.

Heartbroken, Tang Guizhi got off the bed and ran outside.

Grandma Wu panicked, "Hey, where are you going?"

Tang Qingqing quickly followed her out.

The door opened, and the cold wind blew in, making Grandma Wu retreat back onto the bed.

Zhao Dahua and Tang Jianjun remained motionless, while Tang Xingqiang, after looking around, also put on his shoes and ran out.

Tang Qingqing stopped Tang Guizhi before she could leave the courtyard. "Aunt, it's almost dinner time. Where are you going?"

Tang Guizhi felt lost, unsure where she could go, realizing she had nowhere to turn.

In this vast world, there was no place she could call home.

Tang Qingqing pulled Tang Guizhi into her room. "Aunt, running around in the cold winter will make you sick."

Tang Guizhi, seeing only Tang Qingqing caring for her, cried even harder.

She had seldom paid attention to Tang Qingqing, favoring her nephews instead.

But when she faced trouble, it was this niece who stood by her side.

"Aunt, why punish yourself for others' mistakes? Wouldn't that just make them happy while you suffer?"

"Qingqing, what should I do now?"

"That depends on what you think. Do you want to continue living like this or stand on your own?"

Tang Guizhi stammered, "I, I..."

Seeing her hesitation, Tang Qingqing knew divorce was out of the question.

In this region, widows were common, but divorces were unheard of.

Only in cities did some people divorce during intense conflicts to sever ties.

But rural folks, mostly three-generation peasants, didn't have such issues and wouldn't easily divorce.

Life in the countryside isn't easy for those seeking marriage. If life becomes unbearable, they wouldn't take this step lightly.

Rural women have even fewer choices; if anyone were to get divorced, they would likely be drowned in gossip and scorn.

The Tang family wouldn't allow her to do such a thing, considering it too shameful.

Without support from her natal family, Tang Guizhi would have nowhere to live after a divorce, and her basic living conditions would be hard to secure.

This is the sorrow of rural women—often, it's not that they don't choose but that they have no choice. Since she was young, Tang Qingqing has heard countless stories of wives who couldn't bear their lives and ended up drinking pesticide.

Feeling helpless yet forced to face reality, Tang Qingqing had little affection for this aunt. Back home, she always looked down on her as if she didn't see her at all.

Sometimes she would shirk her duties and make Tang Qingqing do the work instead. When she made mistakes, she would blame Tang Qingqing, which was particularly annoying.

But principles are principles; within the family, they could bicker, but when faced with outsiders, they must stand united.

Especially in matters like these, Tang Qingqing couldn't tolerate it.

"Aunt, you need to make your own decisions. If you don't have any thoughts, even if someone helps you, it won't matter. You can't expect my father or anyone else to guard your house every day."

"But what can I do? They don't listen to me," Tang Guizhi said, tugging at her clothes, feeling wronged.

Tang Qingqing rolled her eyes. "When you were unmarried, you were so fierce. You weren't invincible, but among the girls, you were the one who said what you meant. Why did you become so timid after getting married?"

"You haven't been married, so you wouldn't understand."

Tang Qingqing thought to herself that she had indeed been married, just in another world.

"I don't know, but I know I can't tolerate others hitting me. I hold grudges! If someone hits me, I'll hit back. If I can't beat them, I'll wait until they're asleep."

"Girls shouldn't be so vindictive; it's not likable."

Tang Qingqing almost choked. Tang Guizhi was lecturing her now.

"Aunt, what are you trying to say? If you think your current life is good, then go back."

As she spoke, she moved towards the door. The room wasn't heated until night, and it was freezing.

Tang Guizhi quickly pulled her back. "I was just saying. Why are you so angry now?"

"You used to be angrier than me."

Tang Guizhi recalled her days as an unmarried girl, feeling nostalgic.

Back then, there were many worries, wishing to marry quickly and have her own home.

But now she realized how carefree those times were compared to the present.

Tang Guizhi smiled bitterly. "You don't understand. I married up, and it wasn't easy to catch my husband's eye."

"You're already married and have two children. Can he divorce you now? If he misbehaves, you should report him to his superiors."

"How could you do that?"

"Why not? In the workplace, you report issues to your superiors. Our brigade has a Women's Director, and surely the city has someone responsible for this."

Tang Guizhi hesitated, and Tang Qingqing was about to say more when Tang Xingqiang squeezed in.

"Hehehe, Aunt, if you're willing to pay, I can help you fight back."

Tang Guizhi looked at Tang Xingqiang, who barely reached the table. "You?"

"Of course not just me. If you pay enough, I can gather a lot of people from the brigade."

"Don't be ridiculous. Adults are talking; you're just a kid, don't interrupt."

Tang Xingqiang jumped onto the bed. "I'm a kid, but I'm also a man. Besides, my eldest sister isn't much older. She can listen, why can't I?"

Tang Guizhi ignored him, but Tang Xingqiang persisted.

"Just give everyone a dime."

"Where did you learn this nonsense? Stop being ridiculous." Tang Guizhi was annoyed and impatient.

"I'm not being ridiculous. I know that when someone bullies you, you have to fight back. I've never seen anyone who doesn't fight back and still avoids being bullied. My eldest brother is a coward. If my second brother and I didn't protect him and fight for him, he'd be bullied all the time."

Tang Xingqiang swung his short legs, looking defiant.

Tang Xingwang was pampered at home but was nothing among the kids in the brigade.

Tang Xingqiang, however, couldn't stand being bullied. Even as a toddler, he knew to fight back.

If he couldn't win, he would bite or ambush. He wouldn't let others off easily if he suffered.

This often led to parents coming to complain, and he was frequently beaten and scolded.

Unlike Tang Qingqing, though, his beatings and scoldings were just for show.

"Anyway, I've said my piece. Aunt, if you want someone to stand up for you, pay and someone will help. Don't count on my father; he doesn't help me when I'm bullied, only talks nonsense. How could he help you?"

Tang Xingqiang jumped off the bed and pulled Tang Qingqing away.

"Don't count on my eldest sister either. She's a girl and younger than you. If you were killed, she might seek justice, but she can't do anything else."

Without caring about Tang Guizhi's reaction, they left the room.

Tang Qingqing felt as if she didn't recognize her little brother. Since she started herding sheep, she rarely interacted with him.

She had helped take care of the other younger brothers, but she hadn't been involved with this one.

She knew this little brother was particularly troublesome, always causing trouble and stirring up mischief.

And his mouth was especially annoying; he could often say things that would infuriate people. But when he wanted to please someone, his words were especially sweet.

"You little brat, doing business over Aunt's head."

Tang Xingqiang rolled his eyes dramatically: "That's why they say women have long hair but short sight. You can track footprints, so you think you're smart, but in the end, you're just as foolish."

"Tang Xingqiang, you're asking for a beating."

"Even if you beat me, I still have to say it. Weren't you trying to stand up for Aunt just now?"

Tang Qingqing didn't respond. It was useless for others to step in; she needed to handle it herself.

Otherwise, no matter what others did, they would be dragged down too.

But she said nothing, curious about what Tang Xingqiang was up to.

Tang Xingqiang shook his head and showed off, "You really are foolish. The way you spoke was like deliberately inviting trouble. If they reconcile later, they'll say you have issues."

"Do you know why my father and the others don't want to get involved?"

"Why?"

"Besides being cowardly, they also fear that if Aunt and Uncle reconcile, they'll be caught in the middle and won't be able to maintain relations anymore."

Tang Qingqing looked up and down at her brother who wasn't even seven years old. She knew he was clever, but she didn't realize he was this shrewd.

She suddenly remembered that the book mentioned this brother.

In the book, he was the youngest cousin, and the smartest in Tang Jianjun's family.

After the reforms, he went into business and became the most successful one in the family.

When doing business, he used the name of Tang Qingqing's husband, the protagonist, to secure many projects and made a lot of money.

After being discovered, he was severely reprimanded by the protagonist, and his business plummeted.

But he didn't give up. After wandering around for a few years, he became a leader of a pyramid scheme, making millions through fraud and coercion during the millennium, until he was caught after causing a death.

The next time she heard news of him, he was already in prison.

Tang Jianjun and Zhao Dahua even came to the protagonist, hoping she could use her husband's power to get him out.

Although Tang Xingqiang had poor character in the book, his mind was indeed sharp and good at leveraging situations, just not in the right ways.

"How do you know all this?"

"I figured it out. There's nothing hard to understand here. Haven't you seen couples fighting in the village? If someone stirs the pot, once they stop arguing, they'll blame the stirrer first."

Tang Xingqiang put his hands behind his back, speaking like an adult:

"Don't say you're doing it for Aunt's sake. Once they reconcile, your words will seem like stirring the pot. Then you'll be blamed and left in a difficult position."

Tang Xingqiang puffed out his chest, continuing proudly:

"But if you ask for compensation, it's different. It's her choice, and we'd be fools not to take advantage of it. No one can say anything."

Tang Qingqing was impressed. No wonder he caused so much trouble for the protagonists in the book. Even at such a young age, he was quite astute.

Despite being older, she learned a valuable lesson from him.

No wonder the saying goes, "Among three people, there is always something to learn."

"Good boy, you sure know a lot."

Tang Xingqiang dusted off the dirt on his clothes, "Not bad, I guess. Who says I'm not smart?"

"Why haven't I seen you siding with me before?"

"No benefits..." Tang Xingqiang quickly shut his mouth, grabbed Tang Qingqing's arm, and shook it, blinking innocently, "You're my big sister, of course I should side with you."

Tang Qingqing quickly pulled her arm away, shuddering.

"I don't believe you."

Clearly, he was just seeing which way the wind was blowing. Now that she could earn things, he started flattering her.

Before, when she couldn't even feed herself, he never paid her any attention and often mocked her.

"Regardless, do you think what I did was right?"

"Right, right, right. Here's your reward."

Tang Qingqing gave him another candy, and Tang Xingqiang jumped with joy.

"Sis, you're the best!"

His words were overly sweet, making Tang Qingqing feel nauseous.

Nevertheless, Tang Xingqiang's intervention was timely. Tang Qingqing was willing to help, but if helping led to resentment, it would be very unpleasant.

She had seen couples fight before, and those who tried to help ended up getting attacked by both sides.

Just thinking about it was terrible!

In terms of worldly wisdom, Tang Qingqing was not as thorough as the young Tang Xingqiang.

No wonder he's so annoying and yet hasn't been beaten to death. Although he often gets scolded, he is also pampered.

So, Tang Qingqing gave Tang Xingqiang another piece of candy.

Because of this candy, for several days, when Tang Xingqiang called her "Sister," his voice was sickeningly sweet.

After Tang Qingqing stopped Tang Guizhi, she lost her resolve again and stayed.

Zhao Dahua, seeing that she was still lingering, grew even more annoyed with her, constantly cursing indirectly.

Not only did she curse her, but she also dragged Tang Qingqing into it, "Always causing trouble for the family. Things were fine, but you had to meddle. If you're so capable, why don't you support us financially?"

Tang Qingqing pretended not to hear anything. As for Tang Guizhi, she didn't say much more.

She had already shared everything she knew and thought with Tang Guizhi. If Tang Guizhi couldn't stand up for herself, what could a child like her do?

If she doesn't divorce, then either she endures, hoping for good luck to survive, or she fights back until the other party is afraid and stops.

Tang Xingqiang asked every day whether they should hire them.

Although Tang Xingqiang is young and seems unreliable, under the circumstances where everyone else fails, they actually perform quite well.

With the children all mobilized, let's see if Tang Jianjun can still sit idly by.

If he doesn't make any move, he'll lose face in the brigade.

Even a little kid knows how to seek justice for his aunt; if he does nothing, wouldn't it show that he's a coward?

Old Lady Wu no longer had the patience she once had with her daughter, but Tang Guizhi seemed to have gained some enlightenment and stubbornly refused to leave.

Although the Tang family often does unscrupulous things, they have one redeeming quality: they care about their reputation and won't go too far.

So although they grumble, they haven't really driven her out of the house. As long as she has thick skin, she can stay.

This is probably why Tang Qingqing wasn't abandoned on the mountain like other girls. In this aspect, they are slightly more humane than others.

The chaos at home didn't affect Tang Qingqing because she left early in the morning for her master's place.

Ever since she started bringing things home, the Tang family no longer disliked her going out as much as before.

One day before the Lantern Festival, the Xu family couldn't hold out any longer.

Tang Guizhi's two sons came to Rongshan Brigade with the captain who had returned from town. The two children were dirty, with snot all over their faces, looking worse than rural kids.

"Mom—waah—"

The younger son, Xu Qianjin, rushed towards Tang Guizhi like a cannonball, sobbing uncontrollably.

The exhausted Tang Guizhi, upon seeing her children, couldn't help but cry too.

During her stay at her mother's house, she felt very uncomfortable. Her mother and sister-in-law constantly nagged her, making her want to run away many times.

Especially at night, thinking of her two children, her heart felt like it was being cut by a knife.

If she hadn't known about a woman who was beaten to death by her husband and falsely accused of running away with someone, Tang Guizhi might not have held on.

But when she saw her children, she completely broke down.

After crying for a while, Tang Guizhi looked up at her older son, Xu Shengli.

"Shengli, come here and let Mom take a look at you."

Unlike his brother, who immediately clung to her, Xu Shengli glared at her angrily.

"Aren't you abandoning us?"

Hearing this, Tang Guizhi felt even more heartbroken. "How could I abandon you?"

"Then why don't you come home? Grandpa, Grandma, and Dad all say you've strayed and run off with someone."

Tang Guizhi felt both angry and terrified, thinking of the woman in that case.

"They're talking nonsense! If they weren't so cruel, trying to beat me to death and find a stepmother who would bully you and have a new child to replace you, I wouldn't have left!"

These words didn't comfort Xu Shengli; instead, he became even angrier.

"So you just left us!"

"Mom hasn't abandoned you..."

"Then why don't you come home!"

The younger son, Xu Qianjin, poked his head out and tugged at Tang Guizhi's sleeve. "Mom, let's go home. I miss you so much."

Tang Guizhi remained silent, looking at the captain who had brought them.

"Captain, what's going on?"

"I happened to be going to town for some errands and saw their grandmother with them at the market. She pushed them onto my donkey cart, saying they missed you and wanted me to bring them here."

Tang Guizhi understood immediately. The old lady couldn't hold out any longer but couldn't bring herself to ask Xu Taian to fetch her back, so she deliberately sent the children.

It was hard enough for her to stay at her mother's house alone; adding two more children would make her own mother kick her out.

This was a deliberate attempt to force her, but also to give her a way out.

This made Tang Guizhi feel uneasy. It meant that after she went back, the beating incident would be forgotten without any resolution.

Zhang Cuixiang indeed thought so. She originally wanted Tang Guizhi to come back on her own, so she could better control the situation.

But she underestimated how difficult it was to take care of two children. She had to cook for the whole family and look after the two kids, with no one around to help her.

Her health was already not great, and now her back was hurting so much she could barely stand up straight.

No one in the family cared about her, not even her own son. Even though she told them she wasn't feeling well, they still made her do this and that. If she did anything slowly or not well enough, she would be criticized.

Her husband was even worse, often saying she had nothing to do at home and couldn't even manage these simple tasks.

To make matters worse, while she was cooking in the kitchen, Xu Qianjin tried to get some water from the hot water kettle and accidentally knocked it over onto the floor.

Fortunately, the hot water didn't spill on anyone, and no one got hurt by the shards. Otherwise, it would have been a disaster.

Xu Shengli, while playing outside with fireworks, accidentally injured his hand. If it had been any worse, he might have lost his eyesight.

Although the subsequent checkup showed no major issues, it still gave everyone a huge scare.

Zhang Cuixiang was harshly scolded by her son and husband, who said she was useless and couldn't even watch the children properly.

With no other choice, Zhang Cuixiang decided to find a way to bring her daughter-in-law back. If she didn't return soon, her health wouldn't hold up.

She couldn't go fetch her herself, nor could she send her son; otherwise, Tang Guizhi would gain the upper hand.

So she came up with a plan. On the day before the Lantern Festival, when there was a market day in town, she took the two grandsons to the marketplace and waited there.

Usually, many people from the village would come to the market before such a big festival.

Sure enough, she managed to catch the captain of Rongshan Brigade, one of the few people she knew from there.

She quickly handed the children over to the captain and ran off.

The captain had no choice but to bring the children back.

News of Tang Guizhi's falling out with her in-laws and returning to her parents' house had spread widely.

At first, they tried to hide it and made excuses, but later, Zhao Dahua stopped caring and often complained to the other women about her sister-in-law.

She said Tang Guizhi was too spoiled, which is why her husband didn't like her. A few words led to an accident, and she acted as if the world was ending, running back to her parents' house and refusing to leave.

Even the captain, a man, had heard some gossip and had a rough idea of what happened.

"Life goes on, and staying at your parents' place isn't a solution."

When Zhao Dahua heard this, she smiled broadly.

"The captain is right. We've been trying to persuade our sister-in-law not to be so upset. Couples will always have their disagreements."

Tang Guizhi held her child without speaking. Her face was still bruised, and her bones ached. Yet, according to her sister-in-law, it was just a minor dispute.

Her sister-in-law had seen her injuries but didn't seem to care.

Wu Lao'ai also came out, thanking the captain and apologizing for the trouble caused.

Tang Guizhi felt cold inside, dreading the thought of returning to her old life.

But she had no choice. Wu Lao'ai directly said, "Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival. You should go home. Look at how the children are now. Don't you feel sorry for them?"

Tang Guizhi looked at the hostile gaze and the dependence of her younger son, wiped away a tear, and finally nodded.

Zhao Dahua clapped her hands. "There you go! That's how couples are. Today they fight, tomorrow they're back together."

Wu Lao'ai urged Tang Guizhi to bring the children inside. "Good grandchildren, you must be cold and hungry. Come here, let Grandma show you some treats!"

It was already late, so they didn't rush back to town and stayed overnight.

Though Zhao Dahua was unhappy, she didn't show it and warmly welcomed the nephews, even asking Tang Xingqiang to play with them.

They were town-raised and would surely succeed. If they became friends with her son, it would benefit him in the future.

However, Tang Xingqiang ignored his mother's intentions and didn't treat the Xu brothers kindly. He was slightly better towards Xu Qianjin but completely ignored Xu Shengli.

He remembered how Xu Shengli used to look down on him, calling him a country bumpkin.

Tang Xingqiang whispered to Tang Qingqing, "I remember that old woman always badmouthed us in front of those two. They never liked us. Pah, I don't like them either. Their mother gets beaten, and they don't say a word until they need someone to take care of them. What kind of people are they?"

The Xu family looked down on the Tangs, often insulting Tang Guizhi and, by extension, the entire Tang family.

Especially Tang Xingqiang, who was often compared unfavorably to Xu Shengli.

Anything negative about Xu Shengli and Xu Qianjin was blamed on the Tang side, while anything positive was attributed to the Xu side.

Xu Shengli, hearing this repeatedly, believed it and looked down on Tang Xingqiang.

"Wow, you're quite the man, aren't you?"

Tang Xingqiang puffed up indignantly. "Sis, you're underestimating me."

"What if I fought with Mom? Whose side would you take?"

"Hehe, I'd stay out of it and watch. But if you buy me candy, I might reconsider."

Tang Qingqing lightly tapped his head.

"Sis, do you think Auntie will really go back like this? Will Uncle beat her again?"

Tang Qingqing pursed her lips, feeling uneasy.

She sounded convincing, saying everything depended on what Tang Guizhi decided.

It's true that doing nothing feels awkward. What if Tang Guizhi gets beaten again, and even worse this time?

It's true that Tang Guizhi can't stand up for herself, but that doesn't mean she deserves to be beaten.

Tang Qingqing sighed, "What else can we do? Can you convince our grandfather to support Aunt?"

Tang Xingqiang covered his mouth and chuckled, "I'll tell Dad you called him an old man."

Tang Qingqing shrugged, looking indifferent.

"If I could convince him, could you give me a fruit can?"

Tang Qingqing raised an eyebrow at him.

Tang Xingqiang huffed, "Don't think I don't know you're hiding some! You're not craving it because you've stashed more at your master's place, right?"

Last time, the cans Tang Qingqing brought back were mostly eaten by her second brother, Tang Xingwang, making him drool.

Although there are still some left at home, they aren't easily taken out.

"This has nothing to do with me; why should I agree?"

Tang Xingqiang shook her arm, "Sis, just make this bet with me."

"Why should I go to Aunt when you can?"

Tang Xingqiang's eyes flickered, "Because you're a public security officer now. When you see someone being bullied, you have to step in!"

"One can won't work; I don't have any left. Maybe half a can."

"Deal!" Tang Xingqiang extended his pinky, and Tang Qingqing also extended hers to hook with his.

"Pinky promise, one hundred years, no breaking!"

As soon as Tang Xingqiang retracted his hand, he shouted at Tang Jianjun:

"Dad, tomorrow I want to go with you to send Aunt and the brothers back to town."

Tang Guizhi, who was comforting the child, froze and looked at Tang Jianjun.

Tang Jianjun was annoyed; when did he say he was going to town?

Tang Xingqiang quickly added, "This year, Uncle didn't even give me a red envelope."

Tang Jianjun's scolding words instantly died in his throat.

Although the Xu family looks down on the Tangs, they still give red envelopes every year, though only five fen. But it's a gesture.

Tang Jianjun wasn't after the five fen, but thought Tang Guizhi suffered so much; there should be some gesture.

They sent their children over, unable to resist reconciliation. He couldn't waste this opportunity.

"Fine, I'll take you tomorrow."

Tang Xingwang hurriedly said, "I want to go too."

Tang Jianjun was very accommodating, "Everyone go, everyone go. Tomorrow, Qingqing and Xingsheng will go too."

He then turned to Wang Simei, "Sister-in-law, let Qiaoqiao go with us tomorrow."

Tang Qiaoqiao looked expectantly at Wang Simei, who hesitated but couldn't refuse.

"Then it's a bother to Uncle."

"We're all family; don't mention any trouble."

Tang Guizhi was confused. Sending them back was one thing, but why bring a group of children?

However, she was delighted that Tang Jianjun would take her and the children home, giving her more confidence.

Otherwise, returning in disgrace might invite harsh words from the other family.

Tang Qingqing understood Tang Jianjun's plan at once. This wasn't about supporting anyone; it was about taking the whole family to town to freeload!