Chapter 59: Still Not as Expensive as One Pair of Our Yan Yan’s Shoes

When Mrs. Qian saw that Father Jiang’s face showed no surprise, she ventured to ask, “Brother, this little wife of Ah Yan sounds quite young.”

“Keep your voice down, don’t wake the girl,” Father Jiang replied seriously, ignoring Mrs. Qian’s question and instead admonishing her.

Mrs. Qian was taken aback. She and Mrs. Zhao were infamous in Xitang Village for their booming voices—the legendary “horn and suona” duo. Blocked by Father Jiang’s words, Mrs. Qian secretly rolled her eyes but still spoke without lowering her tone, as if deliberately contradicting him. “Oh, so she’s not some wealthy young lady. Are we forbidden to speak now?”

Father Jiang was never eloquent, so before he could respond, Mrs. Zhao suddenly pushed open the door, her voice so loud it nearly shook the house. “If you’re here for a free meal, at least help with the vegetables!”

Mrs. Qian, though sharp-tongued, actually had a gentle appearance, unlike Mrs. Zhao, who looked fierce and intimidating. Mrs. Qian was stunned by the outburst. Then Mrs. Zhao’s tone softened abruptly, “Don’t be afraid, darling, Mother’s just scolding the little rascal.”

Mrs. Qian was speechless. To hell with your “little rascal.”

…

When Grandpa and Grandma Jiang arrived with Jiang You and their only daughter Jiang Yuan, Mrs. Qian had already washed two basins of vegetables in cold water. The elderly couple were both affable, though Grandma Jiang’s face soured slightly upon seeing Mrs. Zhao.

The old couple were fond of Jiang Chengyan, but Mrs. Zhao simply couldn’t tolerate him. Despite her resentment, she was surprised to see Mrs. Zhao tending the fire inside.

“Eldest daughter-in-law, where’s Ah Yan?” Grandma Jiang asked briskly, stepping toward Mrs. Zhao at the stove.

“The troublemaker’s in the room mending clothes. His wife tore a seam,” Mrs. Zhao replied coldly, a hint of dissatisfaction in her voice.

Grandma Jiang was displeased. “Since when do men mend clothes? Go help him at once.”

Mrs. Zhao grew agitated, gripping the fire poker angrily. “You think I haven’t offered? But he won’t let me—insists on doing it himself!”

Grandma Jiang felt uneasy seeing the fire poker in Mrs. Zhao’s hands. She snorted, then called toward the room, “Ah Yan, Grandpa and Grandma are home. Bring your wife out for us to see.”

There was no response from inside, but a plain-looking girl of thirteen or fourteen sidled up to Grandma Jiang. “Grandma, the eldest sister-in-law must be ugly, right? Otherwise, big brother would’ve brought her out already.”

As soon as Jiang Yuan finished, Mrs. Zhao rushed over, wielding the fire poker, ready to chase her down.

“Aunt! My dress is expensive—ten taels of silver! If you ruin it, you’ll have to pay!” Jiang Yuan clutched her dress and ran.

Only ten taels? Mrs. Zhao scoffed inwardly; it wasn’t even as costly as a pair of shoes for their own Yan Yan. But she kept her thoughts to herself, merely glaring at Jiang Yuan.

To Jiang Yuan, this only made Mrs. Zhao seem more guilty.

“Troublemaker, are you done yet? Bring the girl out!” Mrs. Zhao shouted when no one emerged after some time.

Just then, everyone saw Jiang Chengyan walk out. Clearly, someone was hiding behind him—two small hands gripped his waist.

“Come out,” Jiang Chengyan said gently, turning to the person hiding behind him.