Chapter 7: A Misunderstanding

Chapter 7: A Misunderstanding

A gentle breeze stirred, lifting Lu Xiang's bangs and making the young woman appear even more radiant.

Old Mr. Li recounted, "I offered her money back then, but she refused. I didn't have much on me, so I followed her down the mountain. I wanted to remember where my benefactor lived, and from a distance, I saw her enter that house. Later, I returned with three hundred yuan and gifts to express my gratitude. The person there told me the girl was named Lu Zhaodi and declined the money, asking only for a letter of commendation."

So, when Old Mr. Li was at the police station on other business and overheard a report about Lu Zhaodi from Dayu Village arranging a marriage swap for bride price money, he immediately dropped everything and rushed with his grandson, Li Yucai, to the village.

He was determined to clear his benefactor's name. He mused, if she refused a three-hundred-yuan reward, how could she possibly commit such a shameless act for a mere three hundred yuan in bride price?

Old Mr. Li gazed at Eldest Aunt Lu. He had always believed villagers were simple and warm-hearted, never imagining he would be deceived and that the Lu family would collude against his benefactor.

Old Mr. Li was deeply shaken.

Lu Xiang instantly grasped Eldest Aunt Lu's scheme. Someone willing to offer three hundred yuan as a token of gratitude must be well-off and respectable—it would be far more advantageous to cultivate a connection than to simply take the money.

Eldest Aunt Lu took such a significant risk to arrange the marriage swap likely because she had learned that Old Mr. Li had an eligible, unmarried grandson. Given the life-saving favor, it would be easy to bring the two together.

Furthermore, Lu Zhaodi and Lu Xiang were cousins and bore a slight resemblance.

By establishing a connection first, they could, after six months, ask Old Mr. Li to arrange a job, then visit frequently under the guise of social calls. Given Lu Zhaodi's popularity in the village, winning over his grandson wouldn't be difficult.

However, their elaborate plan backfired. They hadn't anticipated Old Mr. Li's genuine sincerity. Upon hearing of Lu Zhaodi's alleged disgrace, he rushed to help, only to uncover the truth.

Li Yucai was speechless, utterly at a loss for words.

Old Mr. Li, being a man of refinement, did not openly rebuke Eldest Aunt Lu and Grandma Lu, but his silence spoke volumes.

Officer Chen, who specialized in mediating village disputes at the police station, listened to the entire account and stated, "This incident is extremely serious. The county has repeatedly emphasized the importance of respecting women's freedom in marriage at recent meetings."

Officer Chen continued, "Since the Fu family has already recovered the three hundred yuan, and Brother Fu told me earlier that, as fellow villagers, they won't pursue the matter further, it may not warrant administrative detention. However, the nature of the offense is severe. Village Head Wang, please ensure they receive a thorough lecture and correction."

Village Head Wang immediately nodded obsequiously, "Yes, I will certainly give them a stern lesson."

Officer Chen concluded, "I've taken note of this incident. If the Lu family engages in similar behavior again, the penalties will be compounded. Next time, it won't just be detention—it could mean jail time or being sent to a farm for reform."

Grandma Lu and Eldest Aunt Lu both shivered at his words.

Finally, Officer Chen turned to Lu Xiang and said, "You are exceptional and very courageous!" He had witnessed too many women in the countryside who suffered in silence. Decades after the founding of the nation, women had long been liberated, and he deeply admired those who actively spoke up for themselves.

If one doesn't help themselves, no one else can help them! A mere claim of "family matter" could easily exclude police intervention.

After speaking, Officer Chen pulled a piece of candy from his pocket and offered it to her, saying, "If they ever dare to bully you again, come find me."

Lu Xiang bowed respectfully to Officer Chen in gratitude.

Old Mr. Li felt immense guilt toward Lu Xiang and insisted on compensating her with money. Lu Xiang, however, refused. She said, "When I saved you, I never expected anything in return. Anyone would have done the same."

Old Mr. Li sighed, realizing his actions today had disappointed Lu Xiang. What was done was done, and no words could change it. He left the village filled with regret.

Eldest Aunt Lu tried to stop Old Mr. Li and Li Yucai's bicycle, hoping to explain further.

But Li Yucai impatiently waved her away like a fly, saying, "Get lost," before pedaling off on his bicycle.

Eldest Aunt Lu was consumed by regret. If only she had accepted Old Mr. Li’s three hundred yuan reward. By taking it upon herself to refuse the money, she had lost both the money and the wealthy prospective son-in-law from the county.

As she turned, she saw Village Head Wang glaring at her menacingly, and her heart trembled again.

Eldest Aunt Lu then turned to Fu Qinhui, saying, "Xiao Fu, we're family—no need for formalities... Misunderstandings happen, just like even the tongue and teeth clash."

Xiao Cailian spat at her, "Pah! What misunderstanding? Trying to upgrade your match, who do you think you're fooling? Oldest, second, third, fourth, let's go home."

They left, but the curious onlookers remained. The village had never witnessed such a dramatic event. Although Lu Xiang suffered greatly this time, fortunately, everyone knew her character and were merely disgusted by the actions of the Lu family's old household.

Lu Zhaodi watched as everyone went to comfort Lu Xiang, while several sisters-in-law made veiled criticisms aimed at her.

Grandma Lu and Eldest Aunt Lu wanted to leave, but the villagers wouldn't let them. The village head ordered them to go to the village committee to write self-criticisms and read them aloud in front of everyone. The two felt their heads spin at the thought.

…

The Fu family returned home. After the morning's commotion, no one had eaten, and everyone was starving.

Third Sister-in-law Fu went into the house, planning to reheat the leftovers and quickly make a pot of dough ball soup. But when she lifted the lid of the pot, she found a large, puffy loaf of multigrain bread emitting a sweet aroma. Below it, a pot of multigrain congee was still warm.

Third Sister-in-law Fu quickly fetched bowls and chopsticks, exclaiming, "I didn't expect to come home to food already prepared!"

Everyone looked and exclaimed, "Wow, what a huge loaf of bread!"

Third Brother Fu, the most eager, tore off a piece with his bare hands. The bread was soft and fluffy, with a natural sweetness, not at all harsh on the throat—tender yet satisfyingly chewy.

"You can make this at home? It's delicious!" Third Brother Fu mumbled through a full mouth. "If we could eat this every day, I wouldn't even need other dishes."

Xiao Cailian remained silent, so no one else dared to touch the food.

Now, looking at the soft multigrain bread and porridge, Xiao Cailian felt a mix of emotions.

Third Sister-in-law Fu tentatively asked, "Mom, what should we do about Fourth Brother's situation?" She secretly hoped Fu Qinhui would marry Lu Xiang. After this incident, Lu Xiang might not be able to marry anyone else. If they agreed to marry her, they might even save three hundred yuan.

Second Sister-in-law Fu said, "Lu Xiang is indeed a good girl. Thankfully, she was sharp. The Lu family is too unreasonable!" She was glad it didn't happen to her, or she would have been overwhelmed.

Third Brother Fu also wanted Lu Xiang to marry into the family. If nothing else, the multigrain bread alone had won him over! He wished he could eat it every day.

Fu Qinhui kept a stern face, still angry about the earlier events.

Xiao Cailian said to Fu Qinhui, "Why are you still standing there? Go bring your wife back." She handed him the three hundred yuan she had retrieved from Grandma Lu earlier. "This time, don't give it to the wrong person."

Fu Qinhui didn't move. Xiao Cailian raised her eyebrows sternly and said, "Go on."

Fu Qinhui rose, took the money, and turned to leave.

Xiao Cailian said, "Eat up, but save some for Fourth Brother's wife."

Third Sister-in-law Fu felt a sharp pang. She had hoped to save the three hundred yuan, but now it was gone again. When she married into the family, they had only spent one hundred. Why should another daughter-in-law receive more? Though resentful, she didn't dare say anything and instead angrily tore off a large chunk of multigrain bread.

Second Brother Fu said between bites, "I hope this doesn't create hard feelings in Fourth Brother's heart."

Third Brother Fu continued eating hungrily, afraid of missing a single bite. Hearing his brother's words, he swallowed with effort and said, "Don't bother with needless worries. Back at the Lu family's door, our Qinhui was watching Lu Xiang intently. Since they've already exchanged vows, they're a couple."

"Then I'm relieved," Second Brother Fu said.

As the family ate the bread and drank the porridge, they marveled at how Lu Xiang had managed to turn ordinary coarse grains into something so delicious.

"Dear, this is really delicious."

"If it's delicious, eat more."