Chapter 111

Chapter 111

Unfortunately, someone had no sense of tact. "Second Sister-in-law is right. Yuexin is pregnant now, so be careful with your words so you don’t upset her and affect the baby."

Wu Xueying pretended to care about Jiang Yuexin’s well-being.

Xu Qi was taken aback by Wu Xueying’s remark and seethed at her cluelessness—couldn’t she see how furious Jiang Sanjie looked?

*Idiot!* Xu Qi inwardly raged.

"Eldest sister-in-law, let’s go!"

Xu Qi dragged Wu Xueying out of the room.

Wu Xueying resisted but was dragged out anyway.

Once outside, Wu Xueying tried to pull Xu Qi aside for gossip, but Xu Qi had neither the time nor the patience.

Especially knowing Wu Xueying and Jiang Lixi had their eyes on Qu Zhenxin—it made Xu Qi find everything about Wu Xueying irritating.

She brushed Wu Xueying off with an excuse and headed straight to her room.

Wu Xueying huffed and retreated to her own room.

Inside, she immediately gossiped to the other wives in the family and Jiang Lixi about Jiang Yuexin’s pregnancy, even lecturing Jiang Lixi to "keep her legs closed" and not follow Jiang Yuexin’s example.

Meanwhile, Jiang Sanjie and Zhang Cuifen sat on chairs, while Jiang Yiwei, Jiang Lingxin, and Jiang Weilin—the three siblings—stood off to the side.

Jiang Yuexin and Shao Yaoguo stood in the middle. Unlike Shao Yaoguo, who looked guilty, Jiang Yuexin just looked annoyed, not scared.

Her legs must’ve been tired from standing, so she plopped down on an empty chair.

That got her a sharp glare from Jiang Sanjie. Noticing, Jiang Yuexin slowly rose and stood beside Shao Yaoguo again.

Shao Yaoguo couldn’t stand seeing Jiang Yuexin uncomfortable, especially since she was pregnant.

"Uncle, Yuexin’s pregnant—she should rest."

Jiang Sanjie brushed that off. "You two need to explain—what the hell is going on here?"

Jiang Yuexin was pregnant, and they owed him an answer.

"Uncle, Aunt, punish me, not Yuexin. I lost control—it’s on me."

Shao Yaoguo’s face flushed red.

"You think ‘I lost control’ makes this okay?" Jiang Sanjie’s voice trembled with anger. "Do you even know what Yuexin will face?"

If word got out, the whole village would talk, and who knew what rumors would spread?

Shao Yaoguo hung his head. "I’m sorry, Uncle."

He never thought she’d get pregnant from one slip-up.

"Dad, Mom, I’m carrying Yaoguo’s child. Yelling at us won’t fix this. Just let us marry already."

Jiang Yuexin isn’t showing yet, but after some time when her pregnancy becomes visible, getting married while visibly pregnant will inevitably invite gossip.

And since things have already come to this, what good would blaming them do now? Jiang Yuexin felt that instead of pointing fingers, it was better to let them get married as soon as possible.

Zhang Cuifen saw Jiang Yuexin’s impatience and, suppressing her anger, snapped at her.

"Yuexin, you two have to get married now, but how could you and Yaoguo go this far before even getting married?"

Getting pregnant before marriage—Zhang Cuifen was furious.

"And Yaoguo, how could you... how could you just..."

How could you lose control? How could you let Yuexin get pregnant?

Couldn’t they have waited until after marriage?

Shao Yaoguo bowed his head in shame, consumed by guilt.

"Mom, it’s not his fault. If anyone’s at fault, it’s me, because I was the one who initiated it."

Jiang Yuexin couldn’t bear to see Shao Yaoguo scolded. In this matter, she was the one who took the lead—if anyone was to blame, it was her.

Zhang Cuifen widened her eyes in shock, momentarily at a loss for words.

A girl her age...

Now Zhang Cuifen deeply regretted being too indulgent with Jiang Yuexin, which had fostered this bold and brazen personality in her.

Jiang Yiwei thought to herself—this was so typical of Jiang Yuexin.

She had always suspected that in matters like this between Jiang Yuexin and Shao Yaoguo, Jiang Yuexin probably made the first move. And it turned out to be true.

After a pause, Jiang Sanjie asked Shao Yaoguo,

"Yaoguo, do your parents know about Yuexin’s pregnancy?"

"Uncle, I’ve only told my mother. I haven’t told a soul."

Shao Yaoguo had only informed his mother about Jiang Yuexin’s pregnancy. As for others, he kept it completely under wraps.

After all, he and Jiang Yuexin weren’t married, yet she was pregnant.

With something like this, secrecy is best. If too many found out, it’d ruin both their reputations.

Shao Yaoguo wasn’t worried about himself, but he cared deeply about Jiang Yuexin and the child in her belly. He didn’t want them to be disturbed by gossip.

"And what did your mother say?"

"My mother asked me to come and talk to you and Auntie about our plans to pick a wedding date."

Since they already had a child together, now they just needed to get married.

They needed to tie the knot ASAP.

Jiang Sanjie nodded, and Jiang Yiwei could see that he liked how Shao Yaoguo’s mother handled it.

When they found out Jiang Yuexin was pregnant, they started talking about marriage right away.

Jiang Sanjie looked at Jiang Yuexin and said, "Next, we’ll discuss your marriage with Yao Guo’s parents. If you want anything, say it now so you don’t throw a fit later."

Jiang Yiwei and Jiang Lingxin both picked up on the warning in his voice.

But then again, considering Jiang Yuexin’s temperament, if she didn’t get her way, she’d definitely throw a tantrum.

Getting her to say what she wants now would prevent her from suddenly making a scene during the wedding talks and pissing off Shao Yaoguo’s family.

"The 'Four Big Items' and 'Thirty-Six Legs' are a must."

Not a single piece could be missing—otherwise, Jiang Yuexin would be mortified. She’d lose face if people found out she married in such a shabby way.

But when she made her demands, she missed the flash of worry in Shao Yaoguo’s eyes.

"Yao Guo, get your parents to come over later. We need to talk with them," Jiang Sanjie said calmly.

"Alright, I’ll tell them when I get back."

Shao Yaoguo agreed, but he still looked worried.

Jiang Yiwei and Jiang Lingxin exchanged glances, both knowing the next few days at home would be chaos.

Sure enough, after Shao Yaoguo left, Jiang Sanjie called Jiang Yuexin out on her demands.

"Yue Xin, you know Yao Guo’s situation. Why are you pushing for all this? You’re making it hard for him and his family."

Jiang Yuexin frowned and snapped, "Don’t all grooms have to give the 'Four Big Items' and 'Thirty-Six Legs'? Why’s it a problem for Shao Yaoguo? I’m the one pregnant with his kid."

"You *are* making it hard for him."

She denied it, but didn’t she get how tight things were for Shao Yaoguo’s family?

"Yao Guo earns just over a hundred yuan a month, and half of it’s probably spent on you. Does he even have enough for all that? Why blow money just to show off? Save it for the kid."

Jiang Sanjie wasn’t stupid—he knew Shao Yaoguo likely spent half his salary on Jiang Yuexin, sent some home, and was lucky to save twenty or thirty bucks a month.

The "Four Big Items" meant a TV, tape recorder, sewing machine, and bicycle.

The "Thirty-Six Legs" covered furniture—a bed, three-door wardrobe, five-drawer chest, dressing table, sofa, and four stools.

Do you have any idea how much that’d cost?

Instead of blowing cash to keep up appearances, they should save it.

"Obviously, his parents should foot the bill. Their son’s getting married—they should cover the 'Four Big Items' and 'Thirty-Six Legs.'"

"And the betrothal gifts too."

Pfft. Jiang Yuexin wasn’t about to let Shao Yaoguo pay. His parents had to cough it up.

If his parents didn’t, who would?

No way was Shao Yaoguo paying—his paycheck was for their future.

"Bottom line—his family *has* to give the 'Four Big Items' and 'Thirty-Six Legs,' plus betrothal gifts."

The four major items and thirty-six legs are absolutely necessary, and the money for the dowry must also be given.

"There's no need for you to persuade me; if these conditions aren't met, I will not marry."

If they were not provided, Jiang Yuexin would rather not get married.

"You're already pregnant; how can you not marry?" Jiang Lingxin looked at Jiang Yuexin disapprovingly.

Does she even know what she's saying? She's already pregnant, and without the four major items and thirty-six legs, she doesn't want to marry.

Is this a matter of her not wanting to marry so she won't?

Jiang Lingxin looked at her belly and sighed helplessly.

Today, Jiang Weilin told her about Jiang Yuexin's pregnancy, and Jiang Lingxin almost stumbled in shock. Realizing the situation was serious, she followed Jiang Weilin home.

"You and Yao Guo have been together for quite some time. Hasn't Yao Guo always indulged your every whim? Besides, you're carrying his child. If you don't marry now, what about Yao Guo? What about the child in your belly?"

Shao Yaoguo and Jiang Yuexin had been dating for a long time, and Shao Yaoguo was very accommodating towards Jiang Yuexin. Even when Jiang Yuexin threw tantrums, Shao Yaoguo always patiently soothed her, and he tried his best to satisfy her wishes.

If Shao Yaoguo treated Jiang Yuexin poorly, why would she agree to date him?

Jiang Yawei nodded secretly; indeed, Shao Yaoguo treated Jiang Yuexin very well.

One couldn't help but admire Jiang Sanjie's keen eye for finding such a good match for Jiang Yuexin.

"I don't care; if these conditions aren't met, I won't marry."

Jiang Yuexin didn't care about anything else. If Shao Yaoguo couldn't meet her demands, she wouldn't marry.

"If you don’t marry, what will you do if you get pregnant?"

Zhang Cuifen panicked. If she didn’t marry, what would happen if she got pregnant?

She was only focused on what she wanted, never considering what she’d do if she ended up with a child.

"They can talk all they want—I don’t care."

Jiang Yuexin paid no mind to gossip.

All she cared about was getting what she wanted.

"Second sister, just the TV alone for the 'Four Big Items' costs four or five hundred yuan. The other three would run over a thousand. You’re wiping out Yao Guo’s family’s savings."

Shao Yaoguo had two older brothers and a younger sister. His brothers were already married with kids.

His mother’s job had been handed down to Shao Yaoguo’s eldest brother, and his father was just a regular factory worker.

Expecting Shao Yaoguo to spend this much—could his family even afford the bridal 'Four Big Items' and 'Thirty-Six Legs' furniture set?

"Yue Xin, listen to your elder sister. Work with what they can afford."

"Yao Guo’s family isn’t well-off. They’re just average folks, like us."

If their family had to buy those dowry items now, it’d clean them out completely.

"I don’t care—I’m getting these things."

Jiang Yuexin dug in her heels. No dowry, no marriage.

Jiang Sanjie’s eyes were filled with disappointment and worry.

He knew exactly how stubborn Jiang Yuexin could be—without the traditional dowry items known as the "Four Big Items" and "Thirty-Six Legs," she’d never agree to marry.

"I’ll work everything out with Yaoguo’s parents."

Jiang Yuexin’s eyes lit up. Jiang Sanjie was basically promising her that her demands for the dowry would be met.

She was thrilled right away.

Jiang Yiwei gave a small smile as she glanced at Jiang Sanjie, her suspicions growing.

She wasn’t part of the talks about Jiang Yuexin and Shao Yaoguo’s marriage, keeping to her usual routine at the shop.

Even when Jiang Sanjie met with Shao Yaoguo’s parents, Jiang Yiwei wasn’t there. But Jiang Lingxin was—and she even came to the shop to find Yiwei, since some things had to be said behind Jiang Sanjie’s back.

"I saw Dad slip money to Yaoguo. Seems like he’s giving Yaoguo cash to buy the 'Four Big Items' and 'Thirty-Six Legs.'"

Jiang Lingxin remembered catching Jiang Sanjie handing money to Shao Yaoguo earlier.

She figured the cash was for the dowry. Without it, Yuexin would throw a fit and call off the wedding.

Jiang Yiwei gave a small smile. "I kinda saw that coming."

There was no way Shao Yaoguo’s family could afford the dowry. Even if they wanted to, Shao Yaoguo had two older brothers.

Their wives would never okay spending that much on it.

Besides, Jiang Sanjie must’ve felt bad for Shao Yaoguo.

Jiang Yuexin’s temper was more than most could handle. Once she married into the Shao family, she’d definitely butt heads with them.

That’s why Jiang Yiwei had once joked that if Jiang Sanjie had any enemies, he should marry Yuexin off to them—just to make their lives hell.

"You’re... not mad?" Jiang Lingxin suddenly asked.

"Mad? Why would I be?"

Why would she be?

"It’s just that Dad gave Yaoguo money for the dowry."

"Don’t expect the same for you later."

If Jiang Yiwei married Fu Xunian someday, Jiang Sanjie wouldn’t pitch in for the dowry.

"Dad helped Yaoguo because he knew his family’s struggles. Xu Nian doesn’t need the help."

"Besides, without the dowry, Second Sister wouldn’t go through with it."

Shao Yaoguo and Fu Xunian’s situations were completely different.

Shao Yaoguo’s family couldn’t afford the dowry, and they knew Yuexin might refuse if her demands weren’t met.

The real issue? Jiang Yuexin’s pregnancy wasn’t gonna wait.

The more they delayed, the worse it’d get for her. So Jiang Sanjie had to bail Shao Yaoguo out.

"Yeah, you’ve got a point." Jiang Yiwei’s words made sense.

"You know, Yue Xin is grown now, soon to be a mother, yet she's still as willful as ever."

Just thinking about Jiang Yuexin’s stubbornness made Jiang Lingxin’s head ache.

She worried about Yue Xin’s future.

She’s going to be a wife and mother soon—how can she still be this willful?

At home, Jiang Sanjie and the rest could put up with Yue Xin’s behavior, but the Shao family? They won’t be so lenient. Jiang Lingxin couldn’t help but fret over what lay ahead.

"What do you expect? Total chaos!"

Given Yue Xin’s temper, if anything displeased her after marriage, she’d throw a fit until she got what she wanted.

But they’re not Zhang Cuifen—why would they tolerate her? So their marriage is doomed to be a mess.

"I hope Yue Xin and Yao Guo can make it work without her temper driving them apart."

Jiang Lingxin still hoped they’d be happy together.

"We’ll see."

Jiang Yiwei replied flatly.

Though secretly, she knew better.

Once the families settled the marriage between Jiang Yuexin and Shao Yaoguo, the wedding date was quickly set.

On Yue Xin’s wedding day, as Jiang Yiwei bustled about, someone tapped her shoulder. Assuming it was some playful kid, she turned—her eyes instantly filled with tears.

"You... you’re back."

Her voice quivered, half-tearful, half-coy.

Fu Xunian brushed her tears away and murmured, "I’m back."

"When did you return? You didn’t even tell me."

"I got in last night, but it was too late. Didn’t want to disturb you, so I came first thing this morning."

He had no idea today was the wedding.

Jiang Yiwei nodded. "We’ll talk later. It’s hectic here."

She was swamped right now.

"Need any help?"

Fu Xunian offered to help.

"No, go say hi to my parents! They’d love to see you."

Jiang Sanjie and Zhang Cuifen would be overjoyed to spot Fu Xunian.

"Alright, I’ll go say hello to Uncle and Auntie. Just shout if you need me."

Here's the improved translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

He really ought to visit Jiang Sanjie and Zhang Cuifen.

After all, he hadn't been in Beijing for over a month, so it was only right to visit them upon his return.

Sure enough, Jiang Sanjie and Zhang Cuifen beamed at Fu Xunian, fussing over him with warm concern, which made Jiang Yuexin clearly annoyed.

Today was supposed to be her wedding day, yet the moment they laid eyes on Fu Xunian, she might as well have vanished.

What was so great about him anyway? Just because he started some rinky-dink company?

Fortunately, Jiang Yuexin kept her wits about her, remembering this was her wedding day, so no matter how resentful she felt, she held it in.

After Jiang Yuexin was whisked away happily by Shao Yaoguo and his family,

Zhang Cuifen watched their departing figures, unable to hold back her tears, while even Jiang Sanjie's eyes turned slightly red.

Of the two families—one marrying off a daughter and the other welcoming a bride—one was filled with sorrow, the other with joy.

Jiang Yiwei and Jiang Lingxin comforted Zhang Cuifen.

Since they were her daughters, Zhang Cuifen cried while airing her concerns, and soon the topic shifted to Jiang Yiwei.

"Your older sister is already married, so you're next in line with Xu Nian."

She was now the only unmarried daughter left in the family.

"Have you and Xu Nian made any plans? I heard from your aunt that Ning Ning is preparing to start wedding arrangements next month."

Jiang Ningning would begin preparing for her wedding next month, and Zhang Cuifen wondered what Jiang Yiwei and Fu Xunian had in mind.

"Ning Ning is starting wedding preparations next month?"

Jiang Yiwei did a double take.

"What's so surprising? Ning Ning's the same age as Yuexin and Li Ling. Since they're both married, it's only natural for her to marry too."

Jiang Ningning, Jiang Yuexin, and Jiang Liling were all the same age. With Jiang Yuexin and Jiang Liling already married, it was only natural for Jiang Ningning to start planning her wedding now.

Besides, last time she was home, her second sister-in-law had complained that Qu Zhenxin's mother was riding him hard, hoping they'd marry and have children soon.

"You're lucky you don't have a mother-in-law breathing down your neck."

Jiang Yiwei was fortunate—if Fu Xunian's mother were still around, she'd surely be urging them to tie the knot already.

"That's true."

It really did seem that way.

Jiang Yiwei smirked to herself.

"Mom, Yiwei and Xu Nian have their heads on straight. You don't need to worry about them," Jiang Lingxin said, afraid Jiang Yiwei would get fed up with the nagging, so she tried to reassure Zhang Cuifen not to push.

"Exactly, Mom, you don't need to worry about me and Xu Nian."

When to get married was something Jiang Yiwei and Fu Xunian had their own timeline for.

"But you can't keep putting it off indefinitely. It's time to bring it up." However self-sufficient they were, they couldn't just keep postponing the wedding indefinitely.

"Mom, you just want me to get married so badly."

Jiang Yiwei deliberately pouted, putting on an unhappy act.

"Of course, I do want you all to marry."

"But I can’t stand the thought of losing any of you three."

Zhang Cuifen naturally wished for them to marry into good homes, with husbands who’d treat them right.

Yet in truth, Zhang Cuifen was heartbroken at the idea.

When Jiang Lingxin left to marry, Zhang Cuifen wept.

This time, with Jiang Yuexin’s marriage, Zhang Cuifen cried again.

And when it’s Jiang Yiwei’s turn next, Zhang Cuifen won’t be able to help crying then too.

They’re her own flesh and blood, raised right before her eyes. What parent wouldn’t ache to see them go?

"So just let me stay with you a while longer, alright?"

She and Fu Xunian would probably tie the knot soon anyway, so she wanted to spend more time with her mother before then.

"Alright, alright. Stay with me a bit longer—just as my girl."

After that, she’ll belong to another family.

Jiang Lingxin watched the two of them, a fond smile tugging at her lips.