Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Tang Qingqing's newfound goodwill toward Tang Fengzhi dissipated with these words.

She had worked hard to go to school just to marry a good man? The thought alone was an insult to her efforts.

What men can do, she can do too. Why should she rely on others when she can earn it herself?

Using her abilities for such a purpose would be a waste of potential.

Living off others is not something Tang Qingqing considers admirable.

But Tang Fengzhi didn't sense Tang Qingqing's disgust at such remarks and encouraged her:

"Study well, get your junior high diploma, and then Auntie will find you a good match."

Tang Qingqing couldn't help but say, "Auntie, I go to school not to marry into a good family."

Tang Fengzhi's bright smile faltered slightly. "For women, the most important thing is to marry well. If you're not studying to marry well, why bother?"

"I want to become strong myself. It's better to have my own than to depend on others."

Tang Fengzhi chuckled. "You really are still a child, knowing nothing. It's better to marry well than to work hard. No matter how capable a woman is, she can never match a man. It's better to find a capable man and live a harmonious life. That's what matters most."

Zhao Dahua agreed wholeheartedly, "That's right. This girl has gotten wild from studying. She thinks she's a boy, aiming for the top like a scholar."

Tang Xingqiang was the first to disagree. "My sister is the top! She's always been the best in her grade! Even men can't match her."

Tang Fengzhi shook her head disapprovingly. "That's because the boys haven't tried yet. Girls start out well in studies, but they lack endurance and soon reach their limits. Boys mature later and can catch up easily. Look at the leaders; how many are women?"

"That's others. My sister has always been exceptional and won't run out of steam!"

"You're right, my sister is the best!" Tang Xingsheng added his support.

"Look at how close the siblings are, always standing up for each other."

Tang Fengzhi laughed, clearly dismissing it.

"We've eaten more rice than you've eaten salt. We've never seen a girl surpass a boy. Girls are meant for household chores; outside affairs are for men."

Tang Xingqiang pouted. "That's because you were poor before and couldn't afford food."

Tang Fengzhi's face darkened as she glared at Zhao Dahua.

"Sister-in-law, I'm not criticizing you, but you should manage your children better. Look at Xingqiang; he's become so disrespectful."

Zhao Dahua, already unhappy, felt even more annoyed.

"This child follows his sister around; I can't control him."

"No mother can't control her child; it's about effort. Neglecting them now will only lead to trouble later."

Zhao Dahua felt frustrated and was about to retort when Tang Fengzhi continued:

"I know someone who was very smart and became a millionaire before the reforms!"

Zhao Dahua gasped, and everyone's attention was drawn, especially Tang Xingqiang, whose eyes sparkled.

A millionaire! City workers earn only about thirty yuan a month; it would take them over twenty years without eating or drinking to save that much, let alone poor farmers like them.

Old Lady Wu swallowed hard. "Goodness, how did they make so much money?"

"Don't worry about how they made it. Their son turned out to be a disappointment and squandered it all within a year because he wasn't disciplined as a child. Even millionaires can lose everything if they aren't taught properly."

Old Lady Wu felt dizzy. Tens of thousands of yuan lost in a year—how terrifying!

"So, don't neglect your children. If you don't teach them today, someone else will, and the whole family will suffer."

Tang Qingqing agreed with this, though she found the conversation directed at them rather unsettling.

Zhao Dahua also felt uncomfortable. Who likes being lectured?

In recent years, Old Lady Wu rarely criticized her, but this older sister who visits once every few years was overly meddlesome.

Zhao Dahua suppressed her annoyance and asked, "Sister, how have you made your fortune these years? You know such wealthy people?"

Though millionaires are no longer as rare, it shows skill to have been one.

In the past, Tang Fengzhi wouldn't have known such people and wouldn't have had extra money to buy candy for village children.

When she heard Tang Fengzhi was back, Zhao Dahua had planned to send her away, thinking she was here to mooch off them.

Unexpectedly, after a few years, Tang Fengzhi had changed significantly. Not only was she wearing a new, expensive coat, but she was also very generous with her gifts.

She brought many bags filled with various items.

Zhao Dahua had peeked earlier and saw a large piece of expensive pork in one basket, weighing about five or six pounds!

Besides the meat, there were white noodles, canned goods, candies, sausages, and other delicacies. Two bags contained unknown items, likely not cheap either.

If not for seeing it with her own eyes, Zhao Dahua wouldn't have believed it.

Tang Fengzhi's smile deepened. Her face was fuller, and she had gained weight, indicating a comfortable life.

With this smile, she looked particularly impressive.

"In recent years, luck has been on my side, and I've earned some money following the crowd."

The village where Tang Fengzhi married into was fortunate. About ten miles away, they discovered coal underground.

Actually, there had been signs long ago, but at first, the excavation wasn't comprehensive, and those who benefited were mostly from the nearby village. Tang Fengzhi's village, although not far, was not initially included.

As development progressed, more mines opened up, gradually benefiting the surrounding areas as well.

Tang Fengzhi has two sons, and perhaps because they were once very poor, they are particularly daring and hardworking.

Now they work in the mines and have made a fortune.

Zhao Dahua envied them immensely. What kind of luck is this!

That mountain valley that even birds wouldn't visit now has coal mines! This must be a huge windfall!

Although working in the mines is very hard and dangerous, the pay is substantial.

Just look at how Tang Fengzhi returned; it shows how much money they've made!

"Both nephews are working in the mine?"

Tang Fengzhi scoffed, "How much can workers earn?"

Zhao Dahua stared, "Are they in leadership positions?"

"Neither. They have their own ways to make money."

Tang Fengzhi kept her lips sealed and didn't reveal how they made their money.

However, it was clear that everything revolved around the coal mines.

This made Zhao Dahua envious, and Old Lady Wu felt even more proud.

Old Lady Wu: "My dear daughter, do you still need workers? Can you arrange something for Xingwang? He's getting older and it's time for him to get married."

Tang Fengzhi did not immediately agree. "I haven't seen Xingwang in years. I wonder what he looks like now? Where is he during the New Year?"

Zhao Dahua quickly replied, "He went out to play with friends. I've already sent someone to call him back."

Tang Fengzhi shook her head. "During the New Year, and he's already running around. Really... Mother, why don't you manage your daughter-in-law better? You used to be so strict with us. How could you let him disappear during the holidays?"

Old Lady Wu: "He's a grown man. He can't stay cooped up at home like a little girl. Men need to go out and socialize to succeed."

"That's true. Your two grandsons connected with others this way, and their work grew bigger and more profitable."

Zhao Dahua: "How much do they earn per month? Thirty yuan?"

Tang Fengzhi snorted. "Thirty yuan isn't even enough for cigarettes and alcohol."

Old Lady Wu and Zhao Dahua both gasped. They had noticed Tang Fengzhi's changes over the years, and hearing her talk now made them realize she was different.

Zhao Dahua hurriedly asked Tang Xingqiang to fetch Tang Jianjun. It wouldn't do for him to be absent at such a time.

Tang Xingqiang wanted to stay, but seeing Tang Fengzhi's frown, he reluctantly moved.

Tang Qingqing also tried to leave but was held back by Tang Fengzhi.

"Tang Qingqing, stay here. As a girl, you shouldn't mingle with boys. Women should avoid the cold in winter."

Tang Fengzhi looked at Tang Qingqing fondly.

"I've met many children, but none connect with me like Qingqing. Qingqing, come back with me this time. Let everyone see my outstanding niece."

Tang Qingqing tried to free herself, but Tang Fengzhi's grip was like iron.

"Aunt, I have to go to the Public Security Bureau in a few days."

Tang Fengzhi was taken aback. "Why are you going to the Public Security Bureau?"

Zhao Dahua chimed in excitedly, "This girl learned some skills and is often invited by the Public Security Bureau to help solve cases. I always told her girls shouldn't do such things, but she wouldn't listen. She has unique abilities, so we let her be."

"What kind of abilities could make the Public Security Bureau invite her?"

Zhao Dahua had plenty to say on this topic.

She usually disliked seeing Tang Qingqing succeed, but since Tang Fengzhi returned, she had been showing off too much, even overshadowing Old Lady Wu.

She often lectured others, which Zhao Dahua found irritating.

Tang Fengzhi, as an elder sister, used to criticize everything when she visited.

Zhao Dahua could handle it before, but now, seeing all the gifts Tang Fengzhi brought, she felt overshadowed.

Not listening to Tang Fengzhi earlier even allowed Old Lady Wu to comment.

Clearly, money gave her confidence.

Though Zhao Dahua wanted a share of the wealth, she was tired of being lectured.

So, she began recounting Tang Qingqing's achievements, embellishing them greatly. Even Tang Qingqing felt like she was hearing a story unrelated to her.

Tang Fengzhi was surprised. "I didn't expect this girl to have such skills."

"Indeed, now she doesn't listen to anyone, thinking she's capable."

Suddenly, Tang Fengzhi scowled and reprimanded Tang Qingqing:

"You've wasted all your education! You don't understand basic filial piety. If this continues, you might as well stop studying! It's only making you worse. You should get married soon, settle down, and have children. Then you'll understand how hard it is to be a parent and learn to be filial.

Starting next semester, you won't go back to school. Stay home and learn how to be a good wife. Finding a good husband is the most important thing."

Zhao Dahua laughed directly and didn't bother with those petty thoughts anymore.

"Exactly, that's what I said too. What's the point of girls reading so many books? Getting married early and having children is the right thing to do. Want something? Marry a good man and you'll have everything. What use is there in learning all that? Knowing how to read a few characters and being able to count while buying vegetables is enough."

"That's true. Men don't like illiterates, but they also don't like overly smart women. And this whole tracking business, Mom, sister-in-law, I don't know how to put it, but why involve a young girl in men's affairs? It could ruin her reputation!"

"Enough, let's not waste words. This time, I'll take Qingqing back with me and find her a good family to marry into directly."

Upon hearing this, Grandma Wu hurriedly said, "No way. How can we just take her away and marry her off so casually? Our daughter doesn't need to worry about marriage."

Tang Qingqing also said, "I won't marry! I want to study!"

Zhao Dahua disagreed as well. Taking her away directly would be problematic; it could lead to coercion later, leaving nothing for them.

Tang Fengzhi's lips curled slightly, and she raised her index finger. "The family I found will offer no less than five hundred yuan as a dowry."

"Five hundred?!"

Tang Jianjun was stunned upon entering the room and hearing this.

What kind of family is so generous, offering five hundred yuan as a dowry? Are they out of their minds?

How wealthy must one be to offer such an amount?

In the countryside, this number is unimaginable.

Five hundred yuan is more than enough to buy the three-turns-and-a-buzzer, with money left over. Even in the city, not many families can afford to get all these items at once.

Zhao Dahua drew a sharp breath. "Really five hundred? Is it money or goods? Do we have to provide a dowry in return?"

Grandma Wu, who had initially refused, now remained silent.

"It's a minimum of five hundred. If they like her, it might even be more. I knew a family once who was very satisfied with their daughter-in-law. They not only provided the three-turns-and-a-buzzer but also gave an additional five hundred yuan as a dowry."

Everyone in the room was incredulous, including Tang Xingqiang, whose eyes widened.

"How can people outside be so generous?"

Tang Jianjun couldn't believe it. Could the gap between people be so vast? Even his brother, the factory manager, wouldn't be so generous when marrying his son.

"Sister, are you sure you're not just repeating someone's nonsense?"

"How could it be nonsense? The match I made is real. I've seen those things with my own hands, and I watched the dowry being handed over to the girl's parents."

Tang Fengzhi always enjoyed matchmaking, but previously, when she returned, no one paid attention to her offers.

After all, her husband's village was so poor that no one wanted to marry their daughter there. It would be a pitfall for their daughter.

Tang Fengzhi herself married into that family because they could afford a high dowry; otherwise, it wouldn't have happened.

Grandma Wu asked, "Fengzhi, is this really such a good marriage? Who is the family?"

"Mom, why would I lie to you? If you don't believe me, come see for yourselves. Our village has changed a lot. Now, anyone connected to the mines can earn a fortune."

Tang Jianjun had heard some stories from Tang Xingqiang on the way and became interested.

"Sister, tell me, how much can one earn working at the mine every month?"

"It depends on what you do."

"Just tell me the minimum."

"The minimum is for the workers, around eighty or fifty yuan a month, but it's not much. I haven't looked into it closely."

Everyone present drew a sharp breath. Eighty or fifty yuan a month isn't much? Was she exaggerating?

"Why would I exaggerate? Times have changed, especially in the past two years. There are more opportunities to make money now."

Tang Fengzhi rolled her eyes. "If you don't believe me, forget it. It's not my daughter anyway. If she gets delayed, it's none of my concern."

Zhao Dahua quickly said, "Sister, it's not that we don't believe you. We're just narrow-minded and think that earning so much a month is already a lot. That's a high salary anywhere in the country. But you treat it like it's nothing. We just can't understand."

"You guys, the world has changed drastically, yet you still cling to your small plots of land. No wonder you're left behind! Look at you now compared to how poor I was back then."

Grandma Wu said, "Daughter, now that you've made it, please help your brother. He's the backbone of our Tang family. If he does well, our family will thrive. Having a strong family gives you more confidence, doesn't it?"

"I naturally want the family to do well. That's why I'm trying to find Qingqing a good family. Not only will she live well, but you'll also benefit financially."

Tang Jianjun was eager to learn more. "Sister, can you explain more clearly? What's going on?"

Tang Fengzhi glanced at Tang Xingqiang and the other children listening intently.

Tang Jianjun composed himself. "Kids, go play outside. Why are you all here?"

Despite his reluctance, Tang Xingqiang was ushered out, along with Tang Qingqing.

Tang Qingqing's objections were completely ignored. Tang Fengzhi even laughed and said:

"Kids are just immature. They don't know what's good for them. She's shy now but won't want to leave once she's married. I understand young girls' minds too well. They're getting spoiled and picky."

Even the eldest aunt wasn't allowed to stay inside. Tang Fengzhi looked down on her eldest sister-in-law and had a strained relationship with her eldest brother. When Tang Jianshe fell ill and couldn't walk properly, she suffered the most and was even blamed for his condition.

She had been unfairly blamed many times, so Tang Fengzhi had no affection for her eldest brother, let alone his wife.

Once outside, Tang Xingqiang and Tang Xingsheng were worried.

"Sis, what did Aunt mean by that?"

"Sis, what should we do? Aunt won't really take you away, will she?"

Tang Xingqiang became anxious when he learned from Tang Xingsheng that Aunt was about to sell Tang Qingqing by the pound.

"Sis, you should hide! Who knows what kind of misshapen person she'll find for you!"

Tang Qingqing stepped out of the room, her mind much calmer despite her grim expression, but she was not afraid.

"I won't let them succeed."

Aunt: "We'll discuss this with your Uncle when we get back. Rest assured, as long as your Uncle and I are here, you won't be married off in such a haphazard manner."

The group went to the main house, where they heard that Tang Fengzhi wanted to take Tang Qingqing away and find someone who could pay a five-hundred-yuan dowry. Tang Jianshe frowned deeply.

"Qingqing, don't worry. If you're unwilling, no one can force you."

Aunt: "But what if Uncle and his wife agree? What then?"

In rural areas, marriage matters were still decided by parents.

Tang Qingqing had some skills, but the Public Security Bureau couldn't interfere with family affairs.

Tang Qingqing: "Aunt, don't worry. Marriage is free; they can't force me."

Aunt wasn't convinced. If Tang Jianjun and Zhao Dahua insisted, and Old Lady Wu supported them, it would be troublesome.

"They can't decide for Qingqing," Tang Jianshe said firmly.

Tang Xingqiang: "Sis, we'll protect you. If Mom and Dad dare to act recklessly, we won't support them in their old age."

Tang Xingsheng nodded vigorously. "Sis, we're here for you!"

Tang Qingqing chuckled, patting their heads. It hadn't been in vain to care for them these past few days.

Tang Xingqiang couldn't help but ask curiously, "What exactly did Aunt do to make so much money?"

Tang Qingqing thought for a moment. "It might be an illegal coal mine."

"What?" Tang Xingqiang blinked.

After the reforms, the economy boomed, but lack of experience led to various loopholes, making local security increasingly chaotic.

Combined with the previous turmoil, which left many places with unresolved issues, many people took advantage of the situation.

Remote mining areas were often chaotic, with all sorts of problems.

"It's illegal coal mining and secret transactions."

Tang Xingqiang widened his eyes. "That's undermining socialism!"

"I'm just guessing."

Tang Qingqing recalled a vague mention in the book about Tang Fengzhi, but it wasn't clear. She only remembered one line: apart from Tang Jianguo, who was adopted and influenced by his stepfather to become a decent person, everyone else in the Tang family was problematic.

Tang Jianjun bringing his family to the city to seek Tang Jianguo's help, and stubbornly staying there, was also related to this aunt. It seemed that because of him, they couldn't stay in the village anymore.

The book was vague about supporting characters, often jumping around without clear beginnings or endings. Sometimes it seemed detailed, suggesting a character's importance, but then it would suddenly shift focus to the main couple.

Thinking about the interactions described in the book, Tang Qingqing's expression darkened. Although she didn't believe the person described was her, she couldn't help but feel affected.

She often doubted the book, wondering how someone with her personality could endure such interactions and find them sweet and happy. It was perplexing.

Clearly, the book wasn't about her. Perhaps due to a life swap, changes occurred, or maybe the book simply couldn't be trusted.

Thus, she treated it as a somewhat related but mostly irrelevant magical book.

Given Tang Fengzhi's secretive demeanor and her attitude of being rich and looking down on trifles, combined with their village's location, other businesses were unlikely. Therefore, she guessed it was related to illegal coal mining.

"If that's the case, wouldn't they go to jail if caught?" Tang Xingqiang's eyes darted around.

"Sis, then we have nothing to fear. If Aunt acts recklessly, I'll report her to the Public Security Bureau! I'll ruin her business and leave her penniless!"

Tang Qingqing couldn't resist kissing him. "My goodness, you're amazing!"

Tang Xingqiang blushed. "Sis! What are you doing! I'm already so grown up!"

Tang Qingqing laughed heartily. "You're actually shy now!"

The tense atmosphere lightened considerably with this little incident.

Tang Jianshe said, "Let's keep this among ourselves. Unless absolutely necessary, don't get involved in this mess."

Tang Xingqiang: "Uncle, your awareness isn't good enough."

"If it's an illegal coal mine, it can't operate without background support. How could such a big hole be unnoticed? They need connections to transport and sell the coal. We common folk can't afford to provoke them."

Tang Jianshe spoke earnestly. "Qingqing, I know you're a good girl and can't stand injustice. But don't blame Uncle for being weak. If there's no way to report them effectively, it will be futile and may harm yourself."

Tang Qingqing: "Uncle, I'm just guessing. Without evidence, I won't act rashly."

Uncle looked at Tang Xingqiang, who quickly assured him, "As long as they don't take my sister."

At dinner, the whole family gathered for a reunion meal.

Tang Qingqing didn't really want to participate, knowing there would be no pleasant talk.

But regardless, she was part of the family. Whether or not she was Tang Jianjun's daughter, Tang Fengzhi was still her aunt.

It's not easy for her to come back once. If she runs away, she'll definitely be criticized.

In the countryside, it's always the same old things that get talked about, and it's easy to become the subject of gossip.

Tang Fengzhi is smiling warmly, so she can't be too impolite.

I don't know what Tang Fengzhi said to Tang Jianjun and the others, but it's clear that Tang Jianjun and Zhao Dahua are constantly flattering her.

Old Lady Wu also treats this daughter with a gentle demeanor, showing a hint of flattery.

At the dining table, Tang Fengzhi is very enthusiastic, constantly arranging things, busy both with her mouth and hands.

"Qingqing, you're too thin. Eat more. Being a bit plumper makes you more likable."

Tang Fengzhi puts a chicken leg into Tang Qingqing's bowl, and Tang Xingwang's eyes widen; usually, he gets the chicken legs.

He is the eldest son and grandson, destined to support the entire Tang family in the future, so all the good food goes to him first. Tang Xingqiang and Tang Xingsheng can only share one chicken leg.

"Aunt, thank you." After thanking her, Tang Qingqing then places the chicken leg in Old Lady Wu's bowl. "Grandma is getting older, she should eat more."

Tang Fengzhi doesn't get angry but nods approvingly instead:

"That's right. You should be filial. Only then will you be liked when you marry."

Tang Qingqing pretends not to hear and gives a perfunctory smile.

Zhao Dahua says, "Sister, I'll leave it to you later to find a good match for Qingqing. She's a bit immature now, but once she marries, everything will be fine."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it. When I go back, I'll bring her along to meet some prospects."

Tang Qingqing didn't expect even a meal to be peaceful. "Aunt, you don't need to worry about my marriage. I'm not getting married now."

This statement instantly changes the harmonious atmosphere, and everyone's faces turn sour.

Tang Jianjun: "What nonsense are you talking! Can't you keep your mouth shut while eating!"

Tang Fengzhi remains relatively calm, "Don't worry, Aunt will arrange everything. I am your real aunt. How could I harm you? What else would a woman do if not get married? There's nothing more important than marrying a good man. A woman's prime years are short, and if you don't seize the opportunity now, you'll regret it later."

"It doesn't matter to me. My current task is to study."

"What Aunt said earlier was out of anger; I didn't mean for you to stop school."

"I plan to finish junior high, then go to senior high, and eventually university. The earliest I'd consider marriage is six years from now."

Tang Fengzhi's expression stiffens, and her brows furrow deeply.

"Why does a girl need so much education? Eventually, she'll just get married, have kids, and serve the whole family. Isn't it a waste of time? You're already not young. Delaying for six more years will make you an old maid. By then, only widowers will want you. Good matches will be gone by then. Let's see how anxious you'll be!"

"If that's what I want."

"Who will want you at that age? Do you really want to be an old maid, never marrying? Others will laugh at you."

"That's my choice, and I'm willing to bear the consequences."

Tang Fengzhi scoffs and looks at Tang Jianjun and Zhao Dahua.

"This is the daughter you raised, as if I were trying to harm her. The men I introduce are hard to find, and they are sought after. Look at her attitude! Does she think I care so much? If you weren't my niece, I wouldn't even look at you!"

Tang Jianjun slams the table and raises his hand toward Tang Qingqing.

"Smack—" He hits Tang Xingqiang and Tang Xingsheng's hands instead.

Seeing Tang Jianjun raise his hand, the two boys quickly try to block it.

Tang Jianjun uses great force, pushing their arms towards Tang Qingqing's face, causing her to stumble almost falling off the chair.

Tang Jianshe becomes furious: "What are you doing!"

"Get out of my way! I've been holding back for a long time! Don't think that because you have some skills now, I can't do anything to you! You are my son, and it's perfectly justified for me to beat you to death!"

Tang Jianjun, being stopped, becomes even angrier and stands up, striding towards Tang Qingqing.

His sister-in-law rushes over to stop him, and Tang Xingsheng and Tang Xingqiang also move to block him.

Tang Qiaoqiao runs over, crying and shouting, "Uncle, don't hit Sister," while trying to hold him back.

Tang Jianjun's legs are held tightly, preventing him from moving.

"Tang Xingsheng, Tang Xingqiang, do you want to get beaten too!"

"Sister-in-law, get out of my way! This is our family's business. It has nothing to do with you. Mind your own business instead of causing trouble!"

The sister-in-law, small in stature, struggles to hold back Tang Jianjun: "It's the New Year, you can't hit the child."

"My child, I can hit whenever I want. Even the king himself can't stop me! Brother, Sister-in-law, don't think I don't know that you want to take advantage of Tang Qingqing's abilities and the things she brings back! That foolish girl can't see through your tricks!"

The sister-in-law stiffens but continues to hold back.

Zhao Dahua comes over, trying to pull her away.

"We manage our own child, why are you interfering? Do you really think you can treat my daughter like your own? Disgusting! Raising her wasn't easy, and now we can finally benefit, but you want to pretend to be nice and take advantage!"

Tang Qiaoqiao sees her mother being pulled away and rushes to hold her, creating chaos.

Tang Qingqing has already left the table and runs towards the door.

"Tang Qingqing, if you dare run, I'll smash that one-eyed cripple's house!"

Tang Qingqing stopped in her tracks, her gaze fierce. "If you dare to smash my master's house, I'll smash you!"

"Really going too far, speaking to your parents like that! I must teach this girl a lesson today, or she'll never learn!"

Tang Fengzhi also stood up from her chair, raising her hand to strike at Tang Qingqing.

Tang Qingqing had been prepared and certainly wasn't going to stand still. She quickly dodged into the courtyard and grabbed a broom.

She had been attacked so many times over the years and had consistently practiced the self-defense techniques taught by Zhai Hongyi.

Women often lack the physical strength of men, especially since she was quite petite. Direct combat would be disadvantageous, so she focused on how to escape, developing quick reflexes.

Grandma Wu slapped the table in frustration: "It's the New Year, what are you all doing? Can't we just have a peaceful meal?"

"Mom, don't interfere. This girl has been out of control for too long, completely disregarding this family. It's high time she was disciplined!" Zhao Dahua shouted.

Usually, it might be fine, but if they didn't subdue Tang Qingqing today, they'd miss a great opportunity and wouldn't be able to control her in the future.

With her disloyal behavior, there was no way they'd get any dowry money.

They could tolerate other things, but they couldn't let Tang Qingqing act recklessly with this matter.

"Brother and sister-in-law, if you continue like this, we can't be brothers anymore. You think we don't know that you've been inciting Qingqing, which is why she's distant from us. For your own selfish reasons, you've truly lost all sense of morality. You've been driving a wedge between our mother-daughter relationship, and even with your disability, you're still so unethical!"

Zhao Dahua's words made Tang Jianshe and Wang Simei's faces turn red. Tang Jianshe, who had just managed to stand up from his chair, trembled with anger.

Tang Jianshe: "How dare you say such things! You have no right to meddle in Tang Qingqing's marriage."

Zhao Dahua scoffed: "We, as her real parents, have no right to meddle, but you, as her uncle, do?"

Tang Jianshe didn't argue further and instead turned to Tang Jianjun:

"If you really consider yourself her father, then think about what's best for her."

"Brother, how am I not thinking about what's best for her? Do you even know who Sister wants to introduce to her? Or are you trying to keep her for your own daughter, Qiaoqiao, and deliberately sabotage everything?"

"Nonsense!"

"Ha, Brother, everyone knows your intentions. Can you swear you haven't benefited from Qingqing?"

Tang Jianshe pursed his lips, and Tang Jianjun scoffed.

"That's enough. I respect you as my elder brother, so I've kept quiet about Qingqing supporting you. But now that it involves her life decisions, you're shamelessly interfering. Her real parents are here; it's not your place to meddle."

Tang Fengzhi was equally furious: "No wonder this girl has become like this. She used to be so obedient. Brother, can't you calm down? Your legs are weak, and everyone has been accommodating, but you can't keep taking advantage of others. Even if we are close relatives, it's not right to behave this way. Your disability isn't our fault. Today isn't just about Qingqing's marriage; she's become too arrogant, thinking she can look down on everyone because of her skills. This needs to be corrected."

Tang Qingqing tried to slip away but found that Tang Xingwang had already locked the courtyard gate and was guarding it, looking smug.

"Sis, you're in for a beating today. Remember how you got me beaten before? I haven't forgotten."

Tang Qingqing narrowed her eyes, "Move aside."

"No way. I've been waiting for this day. If you don't treat me like a brother, why should I treat you like a sister? You need to be disciplined. Running around all the time, no decent girl behaves like you."

Tang Xingwang had grown taller, standing at about 178 cm, thin but strong.

If Tang Qingqing fought him, she would definitely lose.

"Tang Xingwang, are you really set on making trouble for me?"

Tang Xingwang hummed a tune, looking pleased.

"You're so capable, aren't you? If you're so capable, find a way to avoid getting beaten."

Tang Xingwang's provoking attitude made Tang Qingqing grip the broom tightly.

The scene was chaotic. Tang Qingqing forced herself to stay calm and looked around for a way to escape.

Today, if she didn't run, she would surely suffer. No matter what happened, she needed to get away.

Tang Qingqing hadn't expected Tang Jianjun and Zhao Dahua to suddenly become so bold because of Tang Fengzhi's arrival.

They must have encountered something good to feel so confident.

Seeing Tang Jianjun shake off Tang Xingsheng and Tang Xingqiang, Tang Qingqing was about to climb over the wall when her uncle suddenly yelled:

"Enough! If you don't stop, I'll report you to the local police station tomorrow! Tang Fengzhi, don't think a bit of money makes you invincible. Don't think everyone doesn't know about your dirty deeds! Zhao Dahua, Tang Jianjun, how can you sell Qingqing and still live with yourselves?"

Tang Jianshe didn't forget to mention Grandma Wu: "Mom, can you face our adopted third brother with this behavior?"

Grandma Wu's expression changed: "What nonsense are you spouting? What does Jianguo have to do with this?"

"You all know what I'm talking about."

Tang Jianjun sneered: "Brother, you're really good at sowing discord. All these years, I've endured your burdens without a word, and now you stab me in the back. You can't bear to see me happy!"

Zhao Dahua chimed in: "Is this how a brother acts? We've been more than fair to you. We supported your family, and when you wanted to separate, we did. Now, when we discipline our child, you make a big fuss. Who doesn't discipline their own child? If Tang Qiaoqiao did something wrong, would you not scold her?

We're doing this for her own good. She's being unreasonable, and as her parents, we're trying to guide her back on the right path. What's wrong with that?

Now you're making it sound like we're selling our children. How have you been talking about us behind our backs to make her misunderstand us like this!"

Hearing this, Tang Qingqing temporarily abandoned her plan to climb over the wall and escape.

She stared intently at Zhao Dahua and spoke with force:

"My affairs are none of your business, and my decisions have nothing to do with Uncle and Aunt."

Tang Fengzhi: "They are your parents! Your parents worked hard to raise you, how can you be so ungrateful? Every word you say to them is laced with thorns, always talking back, and you don't even call them Mom and Dad. Do you think we're angry because you don't want to get married now? It's all because of your attitude!"

Tang Qingqing smiled: "They are not my parents. Why should I call them Mom and Dad?"