Chapter 150: Who Holds the Power

Wang Cuixiang was happy for her youngest son too, but the fact that he bought a house and didn’t dare mention it at home—why was that?

With a sigh, Wang Cuixiang said to Fang Daleng, “Let’s talk about this. Since everyone’s home for the New Year, tomorrow we should split off the fourth and fifth sons.”

Fang Daleng protested, “Why? They’re not even married yet! A father who splits up his sons before marrying them off—what kind of father is that? I’d be too ashamed.”

Wang Cuixiang replied, “We’ll pay for their weddings. But now the kids are earning their own money and have their own businesses. It’s not right for everyone to keep muddling along together. Otherwise, why do you think the fifth didn’t say a word about buying a house when he came home?”

This man never thinks things through.

Fang Daleng grumbled, “You think I’d let him use his money to marry off his brothers or take over the family property? Am I dead or something? He’s so petty?”

After thinking for a moment, Fang Daleng added, “That boy’s a piece of work.”

Wang Cuixiang said, “Alright, just listen to me. As for the fifth, just be happy about it in your heart. None of your sons are all that great, so it’s not wrong to be a little cautious.”

Fang Yuan chimed in, “My mom is wise. Don’t worry, when it comes to Fifth Brother’s house, there’s a place for you to stay. I helped pick it out when he bought it—otherwise, I wouldn’t have let him buy it.”

Fang Daleng looked at his daughter and felt better. “I’m not counting on him. If he wants to play mind games, fine. When I go to the provincial capital, I’ll stay at my daughter’s place.”

Fang Yuan patted her chest and promised, “My place is big! Even if I had a few more dads, there’d still be room.”

Lu Chuan really couldn’t stay in the room any longer. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to take care of his in-laws, but his mother-in-law’s face had turned green. There was really no need for Fang Yuan to be so filial.

His father-in-law’s head had practically been “greened” by his wife’s devotion to him.

Lu Chuan struggled to keep a straight face. “I’m going out to walk off the wine.”

Then, inside the room, Fang Yuan got a scolding from her mother, while her father-in-law, still clueless, tried to defend her. “My daughter is just being filial. Why are you stopping her?”

Lu Chuan squatted outside by the wall, unable to say anything. His daughter was even more filial to her mother-in-law.

He heard Wang Cuixiang say, “Oh, shut up. Filial to you, my foot! I have sons, I don’t need her.”

It was embarrassing enough, but to be embarrassed in front of the son-in-law—these two had no sense of shame at all. No wonder the son-in-law was probably hiding outside, laughing.

By the time Lu Chuan came back in, his mother-in-law had calmed down. His father-in-law was still confused, not knowing why his wife was angry.

Of course, Fang Yuan herself didn’t think she’d done anything wrong. She felt aggrieved. “Mom, your temper is getting worse. You get angry at the drop of a hat.”

Wang Cuixiang swallowed her frustration and said, “If you’d stop provoking me, I wouldn’t get so mad.”

Fang Daleng was about to speak, but his wife shot him a look and shut him up. Nothing good ever came out of those two’s mouths.

Lu Chuan felt a bit at a loss. In this situation, it wasn’t his place to speak. He just quietly poured water for his in-laws, trying to find something to do to feel less awkward.

Wang Cuixiang looked at Lu Chuan and spoke with feeling, “Son-in-law, you must have your hands full with her outside, huh?” Her daughter’s sharp tongue and temper were certainly not easy to handle.

Lu Chuan replied, “Mom, Fang Yuan takes good care of me. We discuss everything together. Don’t worry.”

That was just something to say. Wang Cuixiang knew exactly what her daughter was like.

Then Fang Yuan spoke up, “Mom, can you take me to see a doctor tomorrow? Didn’t my second sister-in-law take some kind of medicine when she gave birth?”

Before her mother-in-law could answer, Lu Chuan got anxious. “What are you talking about? No weird medicine, no weird doctors. You’re not allowed to go.”

Fang Daleng didn’t really understand what was going on, so he kept quiet.

Wang Cuixiang glanced at her son-in-law’s reaction, her gaze complicated, and scolded Fang Yuan, “Are you out of your mind? Of all people to learn from, you pick your second sister-in-law?”

Fang Yuan said, “I’m just worried. Why haven’t I gotten pregnant yet?”

Hearing this, Fang Daleng also started to worry. It had been half a year, and his daughter still wasn’t pregnant. But this wasn’t a topic he could weigh in on.

Still, his expression matched his daughter’s—father and daughter both looked worried about her empty belly.

Wang Cuixiang knew what was going on. “What’s the rush? Some people don’t have kids for two or three years. You’re still young, no need to hurry.”

Then she told Fang Yuan, “Go to sleep, go to sleep.”

Lu Chuan and Fang Daleng went to rest in the west room. As he left, Lu Chuan shyly said, “Mom, don’t be mad at Fang Yuan. If we need to see a doctor, it’s easy in the provincial capital. All the doctors are proper, no need to look for weird remedies.” Then he hurried off.

Wang Cuixiang felt a bit embarrassed too. The son-in-law clearly didn’t believe in folk remedies. Her own daughter was enough to give her a headache.

Later, while chatting with her daughter, she heard that every month Fang Yuan went to see a doctor when she didn’t get pregnant. Wang Cuixiang’s face turned black—how embarrassing was that?

When they got back to the provincial capital, she’d have to avoid the hospital, or people would laugh at her for not raising her daughter right, for not even teaching her basic common sense.

Fang Yuan said, “I told you, even the doctors in the provincial capital aren’t much help. That’s why I thought I’d come home and try. Honestly, Lu Chuan is so clueless, he doesn’t even believe in folk remedies.”

Wang Cuixiang just felt sorry for her son-in-law, exhausted on his behalf. “Can I ask you something? Can you listen to your husband a bit more in the future?”

Fang Yuan shot back at her mom, quick as ever, “Didn’t you want me to be in charge? If I listen to him, doesn’t that mean I’ve lost my power?”

It was a tough choice. Wang Cuixiang said, “I just want you to live a good life and stop making trouble. If you don’t understand something, listen to people who do.”

Fang Yuan, as irresponsible as ever, said offhandedly, “Don’t worry, I already listen to him most of the time.”

Wang Cuixiang didn’t feel reassured at all. What a disgrace—turns out she’d never held any power at all. How could her daughter be so useless?

Her son-in-law was so capable, but her daughter couldn’t keep him in check at all. How was she supposed to live like this? The more she thought about it, the more anxious she felt. She couldn’t sleep.

In the middle of the night, after Fang Yuan had fallen asleep, Wang Cuixiang shook her awake. “Is your husband really the one in charge?”

Fang Yuan mumbled sleepily, “Yeah, but I hold the money, don’t worry. I bought the house too.”

Wang Cuixiang patted her chest in relief. At least she still had control over the finances—now she could sleep soundly. Her daughter wasn’t that dumb after all.

Looking at her daughter, who fell asleep again in no time, Wang Cuixiang wondered how she could be so carefree, with not a worry in the world.

Lu Chuan didn’t have to worry about any of this. Fang Daleng pulled his son-in-law aside and spoke earnestly, “Son-in-law, I know Fang Yuan has a quick temper and a sharp tongue, but she’s a good person. You have to treat her well. When she was at home, I never let her suffer.”

Lu Chuan replied, “Don’t worry, Dad. I won’t let Fang Yuan be wronged. At home, she calls the shots.”

Fang Daleng said, “Son-in-law, I don’t buy that. With your brains, you could outsmart not just Fang Yuan, but our whole family put together. Who’s in charge doesn’t matter. What matters is that you treat my daughter with all your heart.”

Lu Chuan had to admire his father-in-law—rough on the outside, but sharp where it counts. He knew what was important.

[End of chapter. Next two chapters will be posted after 2 a.m.]"

"Chapter 151: The Hot Commodity

Fang Daleng said, “We’re all men here. If a man doesn’t put his heart into it, there are plenty of ways a woman can end up feeling wronged.”

My father-in-law’s words were really down-to-earth. But what could Lu Chuan say? That I care about Fang Yuan, but she doesn’t really appreciate it? Even if I wanted to confess, it’s not like I could do it in front of my father-in-law. This was a tough spot to be in.

But my father-in-law wasn’t about to let it go, looking like he was ready to keep talking all night.

Lu Chuan said, “Dad, I can see how good Fang Yuan is. She’s straightforward, doesn’t beat around the bush, and is focused on building a life together. I may be young and inexperienced, maybe my thoughts still wander a bit, but I come from hardship, so I know a stable life isn’t easy to come by.”

He was being tactful—couldn’t just talk about love and romance, so he spoke from reality. “And ever since I married Fang Yuan, my days have been happy. I laugh every day. Dad, you must have noticed how much I’ve changed since we got married. It’s not because I moved to the provincial capital, or because I’m going to school or anything like that—it’s because Fang Yuan is by my side.”

Fang Daleng didn’t really get all of it, but he summed it up: “So, seeing my daughter makes you happy, right?”

Lu Chuan nodded modestly and gave a quiet “Mm.”

Fang Daleng’s reaction was to slap his son-in-law on the shoulder, all excited: “Looks like we’re on the same page! Ever since my girl was born, just seeing her makes me happy. No matter when I see her, I’m always delighted. Ah, this is good, this is good.”

And then he fell asleep. Really, not a care in the world, snoring away.

Lu Chuan just lay there, half-dozing. Even though what he said wasn’t exactly what his father-in-law meant, and his feelings were kind of confessed in a roundabout way, in the end, it all worked out. As long as his father-in-law was at ease, that’s what mattered. See, now that they were in sync, the old man didn’t have a single worry left.

In his father-in-law’s heart, probably anyone who saw Fang Yuan should feel the same way he did—just delighted to see her.

The next morning at breakfast, the whole family gathered. Not just Lu Chuan—even Fang Yuan noticed that her sisters-in-law were being unusually warm to him.

Even more so than yesterday. But Fang Yuan didn’t have time to bicker with them—she was anxious to get home, since tomorrow was New Year’s Eve. The Lu family must be getting anxious.

At the table, the eldest, second, and third sisters-in-law were all piling food into Wu Hu’s bowl, so enthusiastically that even the people sitting nearby took notice.

But it was early, and there wasn’t much on the table besides pickles and soybean paste. They weren’t worried about giving Wu Hu too much salty food.

Fang Yuan, who always spoke her mind, didn’t bother to spare anyone’s feelings: “What, are you all trying to set my fifth brother up with a wife?”

Wu Hu quietly picked up his bowl, not daring to let his sisters-in-law add any more pickles.

The eldest sister-in-law’s face darkened, and she lowered her head to eat, not daring to provoke her sharp-tongued sister-in-law.

The second sister-in-law smiled, “That’s not what we meant.”

The third sister-in-law looked around and spoke the truth: “If I’m the only one not being nice, that’d look bad.”

So she was just following the crowd. Wu Hu said, “Third sister-in-law, if I get salted to death, that’d be a real injustice. Don’t just follow along.”

Finally, the table quieted down.

After breakfast, Lu Chuan took Fang Yuan home. The second sister-in-law stood at the door and called out from afar, “Little sister, take it easy!”

Sitting in the car, Fang Yuan said to Lu Chuan, “Why do I feel so creeped out? My second sister-in-law must’ve taken the wrong medicine.”

Lu Chuan figured that last night, Wan Shun and the others who came back with them must’ve said something while chatting.

Big brother’s face this morning looked forced, and the eldest sister-in-law’s expression was all over the place. Lu Chuan noticed it all.

Lu Chuan said, “Just ask Wu Hu later and you’ll know. You haven’t been back in a while, it’s normal for your sisters-in-law to miss you.”

He even praised his wife with a smile: “Our Fang Yuan is welcome wherever she goes.”

Fang Yuan rolled her eyes, “I know myself—I’m not that popular.”

Lu Chuan said, “Who says so? Mom misses you all the time.”

Fang Yuan replied, “But my sisters-in-law definitely don’t miss me. Did you see the forced smile on the eldest’s face? I felt embarrassed for her.”

Lu Chuan couldn’t help but nod, “It’s tough on the eldest, for sure.” Fang Yuan could read people’s faces, after all—it wasn’t easy.

Fang Yuan said, “Serves her right. If she’d just managed things better at home, if she’d meddled less, my big brother wouldn’t have gone half a year without making any money.”

Lu Chuan didn’t agree: “But big brother is the most popular. Even fourth brother says there’s never a shortage of people supporting him.”

Fang Yuan didn’t buy it: “Losing money just for show—how stupid is that?”

Then she added angrily, “And they want to set my fifth brother up with their relatives? Dream on. One of my brothers marrying into their family is more than enough.”

Lu Chuan said, “Wu Hu knows what’s up. Big brother knows even more, but I can’t say it to you.”

Fang Yuan snorted and dropped the subject.

From a distance, Lu Xiaosan was already waiting at the village entrance. When he saw his brother and sister-in-law, he greeted them happily, “Second brother, second sister-in-law!”

Fang Yuan walked up, “It’s so cold, you didn’t have to wait for us out here.”

Lu Xiaosan replied, “It’s not cold, I had nothing else to do. If you hadn’t come back soon, Dad would’ve sent me to town to pick you up.”

He helped Lu Chuan push the car along.

Fang Yuan and Lu Chuan walked behind Xiaosan, and from afar, they could see the tall walls and six big rooms in a row—really eye-catching, bright and spacious, the talk of the village. And there was even a courtyard wall around it.

Lu Xiaosan led them into the three rooms on the west side: “This way, Mom and Dad are staying here with me. We eat and celebrate the New Year here.”

Fang Yuan pointed at her own family’s three rooms: “So those are empty?”

Lu Xiaosan said, “No, Mom’s raising chickens for you there. She goes over every day, it’s never lonely.”

Before he finished, Lu’s father and mother came out together. One pulled Fang Yuan into the house, the other followed behind: “Why are you back so late? It’s almost New Year’s, you’re never idle all year—come inside, quick.”

Lu’s father even asked, “Was it cold on the way?”

Lu Chuan and Lu Xiaosan were left behind in the yard—no one even noticed them, let alone said a word.

Lu Chuan asked Lu Xiaosan, “Am I really that unimportant? I haven’t been back in months either, you know?”

Lu Xiaosan said, “Second brother, be content. When Mom chats with people outside, it’s always ‘my second daughter-in-law’ this, ‘my second daughter-in-law’ that. Now hardly anyone in the village talks to her.”

Lu Chuan asked bluntly, “Is it that your second sister-in-law isn’t popular, or Mom isn’t popular?”

On this topic, Lu Xiaosan sighed, “Second brother, let me tell you—when you’re poor, people look down on you. When you get ahead, you stand out too much and people resent you. I’ve figured it out—there’s just never a good time.”

Lu Chuan said, “That’s because you’re not high enough yet. When people feel like they can’t catch up to you, that’s when they’ll start treating you well.”

Lu Xiaosan shook his head, not understanding.

Lu Chuan said deeply, “When you get to that level, you’ll understand.”

Lu Xiaosan, the rascal, said, “When you talk like that, does second sister-in-law get it?”

Lu Chuan answered honestly, “Do you think I’d dare talk to your second sister-in-law like that?”

A reply that was both humble and frank.

152."

"Chapter 152: Watch Your Step When You Walk

Lu Xiaosan and Lu Chuan exchanged a glance—of course they didn’t dare, no need to say it out loud. The answer was already silently agreed upon between the two brothers.

Lu Xiaosan thought to himself, No matter how high you climb, you’re still the same old Lu Lao’er who’s afraid of his wife, nothing to brag about. “Why don’t you go check out your own house? Anyway, no one at home will remember you for a while.”

Lu Chuan picked up his bag and headed to the courtyard next door—otherwise, no one would pay him any attention. If Xiaosan hadn’t spoken up, everyone would probably just feel sorry for him.

The house was tidy, the kang (heated bed) was warm, and the walls were decorated with big red double happiness characters. The bedding on the kang was newly made, with bright red covers.

Lu Chuan felt a little embarrassed—he guessed it was the wedding bedding their mother had made for them when they got married. The only old thing in the room was a pair of cabinets, part of Fang Yuan’s dowry.

There was a big mirror in the room now, making it bright and cheerful.

In the west room was a wooden bed that their father had built himself, with clean bedding all neatly arranged.

After one look around, Lu Chuan could tell that the house and yard had been carefully looked after. His parents had put in a lot of effort and hadn’t neglected Fang Yuan in the slightest.

Lu Xiaosan said, “Mom and Dad made me some bedding for when I get married, made a set for you, and a set for Lu Laoda too. But Lu Laoda didn’t appreciate it.”

Lu Chuan wandered around his own yard, feeling pretty good. When he heard Lu Laoda mentioned, he just tossed out three words: “Don’t mention him.”

Fine, then we won’t mention him.

He opened the back door. The backyard was piled high with firewood, all chopped by their father after the freeze set in, when he wasn’t out working.

In the front yard, several hens were pecking at their feed. You’d never guess this yard had been unoccupied.

Lu Chuan said, “Mom and Dad really put in a lot of effort. Xiaosan, it’s all thanks to you being home.”

Lu Xiaosan replied, “We’re brothers, no need to be polite. If it weren’t for you and Second Sister-in-law, I wouldn’t have been able to build this house in a few years.”

Then he probed a little, “About the old house—I suggested tearing it down, but Mom and Dad wouldn’t let me. They said they want to keep it for their retirement.”

Lu Chuan answered tactfully, “Then just do as they wish. No matter who we live with, if you can’t get along, it’s better to have your own space.”

Lu Xiaosan said, “Then we’ll wait until we have more money and help Mom and Dad renovate the old house.”

Lu Chuan nodded. “That’s a good idea.”

Lu Xiaosan understood—no matter how things were outside, the house at home was still Lu Chuan’s. There were no other plans.

The brothers both knew what the other meant. It was better to be clear than to leave things unsaid. That way, they’d get along well in the future.

When they had more money, they’d help their parents fix up a courtyard so everyone could live comfortably. Sounds good. Smart people understand each other without needing to say much.

Lu Chuan put away the things he’d brought back, then he and Lu Xiaosan went to see their parents.

Over at their parents’ place, their mother was already chatting with Fang Yuan about the year’s harvest—going over every little thing with her daughter-in-law.

She even explained in detail which hens weren’t laying well.

Finally, she said with a bit of pride, “I never expected that in just half a year, we’d have six new rooms, and your dad and I even managed to save some money. That’s the thing—you can’t be afraid to spend, just afraid you can’t earn.”

Fang Yuan agreed, “Being able to save money is a good thing. It’s because Dad works hard and Mom is good at managing the household.”

Lu’s mother was flattered, but she admired her daughter-in-law even more: “It’s all thanks to your good fortune, bringing luck to our family. I really appreciate it.”

Fang Yuan had learned to be modest over the past six months, and she spoke honestly: “Not at all, it’s Dad’s hard work and Mom’s good management. Xiaosan’s capable too, keeping everything together.”

Lu Xiaosan said, “How come Second Sister-in-law sounds different from when she first got married?”

Lu Lao’er (Lu Chuan) felt proud—after all, look whose wife she is now. But then again, that could be misunderstood, so he didn’t say anything.

Their mother was truly happy, being praised for her household management: “I never imagined we’d live like this. Those other women might ignore me, but they’re jealous inside. I walk around with my head held high these days.”

Their father couldn’t listen anymore and quickly interrupted: “You’d better keep your head down and watch your step, or you’ll strain your neck.”

Fang Yuan nodded, “It’s good to be proud, but health comes first. Dad’s right—keep your head down and watch where you’re going. It’s safer.”

Lu’s mother agreed, “Fang Yuan’s right, I’ll listen to you.”

Their father fell silent, feeling like he didn’t matter at all. This wife of his, honestly…

Lu Chuan couldn’t get a word in, just listened as the conversation wandered off.

Fang Yuan said, “Oh, Mom, we bought a house in the provincial capital.”

Lu’s mother was stunned: “What?” She was truly shocked.

Their father was so surprised he dropped his pipe on the kang. He looked at Lu Lao’er to confirm he’d heard right.

Lu Xiaosan exclaimed, “Wow, a house in the provincial capital!”

Fang Yuan explained, “Lu Chuan will be studying there for several years. After university, he probably won’t find suitable work in the village, so we bought a house in the city.”

Lu’s mother thought, A house in the provincial capital? That must have cost a fortune. Building the new house in the village already used up a lot of money, and Lao’er probably doesn’t have much left. She gritted her teeth and said, “It’s fine, at least you’re establishing your own household. How much are you short? Your dad and I still have over eighty saved up—take it.”

This daughter-in-law was great in every way, just a bit too keen on setting up house. Lu’s mother hadn’t even enjoyed her days with her head held high for long. No wonder her daughter-in-law told her to watch her step.

Their father said, “Everyone does this when starting out. It’s no shame to owe a little when you’re building a life.”

Fang Yuan replied modestly, “We didn’t owe too much, and we don’t need Dad’s money. We’re just not flush right now, so we didn’t buy much to bring back.”

Lu’s mother said, “Don’t be a stranger. Your dad has money—no need to owe outsiders.”

Lu Xiaosan chimed in, “Second Sister-in-law, having a house in the provincial capital is amazing. Owing a little isn’t a big deal. I’ve been working with Fourth Brother these past couple of months and saved up a hundred—take it.”

Fang Yuan focused on the money from Fourth Brother: “You worked with him for two months and only got a hundred?”

Lu Xiaosan scratched his head, “Fourth Brother looked after me. It’s not a small amount. I only did light work, running errands and such.”

Fang Yuan said, “Not a small amount? My fourth brother is so stingy. Don’t be too honest—keep your eyes open. Learn to take a loss first, then make money. Think of it as paying for experience.”

Lu Chuan added, “Listen to your sister-in-law, she’s right.” Fourth Brother really hadn’t paid much.

But Lu Xiaosan was still focused on the money: “So how much do you still owe?”

Lu Chuan kept quiet—he didn’t really know what the right amount was. He’d have to listen to his wife.

Fang Yuan wasn’t hiding anything—she really didn’t have much money: “Anyway, your hundred won’t cover it. Save it for your own wedding.”

153."

"Chapter 153: Awkward Silence, Huh?

Lu Xiaosan thought to himself, “Even my hundred yuan isn’t good enough for them? Just how much money do they need?” He said, “Second Sister-in-law, I don’t have much money, but if you need anything, just tell me.”

Lu Chuan raised his eyebrows—since when did this kid stop playing tricks?

Fang Yuan smiled, “I’ll remember that. Don’t blame me if I don’t stand on ceremony in the future.”

Then she turned to Lu’s parents and said, “Dad, let Mom keep your money. When you have money in hand, you feel more secure about life.”

Fang Yuan continued, “Lu Chuan is capable—he can build up a family business, and he can handle debts too. We’re not telling you this because we’re short on money. We’re just letting you know that we’ve bought something big, so you can be happy for us.”

Old Lu knew very well that his little bit of money couldn’t really help his second son. Fang Yuan was just letting them know—they now had a house in the provincial capital.

Old Mrs. Lu patted her chest. “As long as you can pay it back, that’s good.” Only then did she feel genuinely happy for her son’s new home in the city.

Life had long since worn down Old Mrs. Lu’s spirit. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have cared first and foremost about how much debt they owed.

Fang Yuan said, “Mom, it’s not a big deal. My dad knows what’s going on. The two of us aren’t lazy or greedy, so this amount of money is nothing. Besides, we have our business—the mixer, the new house—they’re all assets.”

Lu Xiaosan listened on the side and did a quick calculation. That really was quite a bit of family property. “When will I ever have the confidence to say something like that?”

Fang Yuan teased, “Probably when Fourth Brother feels embarrassed to give you a hundred yuan every two months.”

Lu Xiaosan was a bit embarrassed by his second sister-in-law. He was proud of being able to earn money, but he didn’t expect to be looked down on like this.

Meanwhile, Old Lu and Lu Chuan were talking about the house in the provincial capital, finally feeling the joy of building up the family.

Old Mrs. Lu said, “You’re complaining about a hundred yuan every two months? Back when you weren’t even married to the second son, we had to scrape together two hundred yuan from everywhere.”

Fang Yuan replied, “That’s all because unlucky Oldest Brother tossed away all of Mom and Dad’s savings.”

She wasn’t wrong. After all, when they got engaged to Li Meng, they spent a lot, and after breaking off the engagement, they didn’t get a single thing back.

But bringing up Oldest Brother at this moment made things awkward. Even Lu Chuan didn’t like it.

Old Lu looked at his second son, started to say something, then suddenly fell silent, his face darkening. He sighed inwardly—his second son really minded this topic.

But some people don’t just disappear because you don’t mention them.

That’s when Li Meng arrived, waddling in with her big belly, calling from outside, “Second son and his wife are back!”

Lu Xiaosan was stunned. Anyone hearing that greeting would think the two families got along great.

Fang Yuan ignored Li Meng and turned to Lu Chuan, “Am I really that close to her?”

Old Mrs. Lu felt exhausted at the sight of Li Meng. They clearly didn’t get along, so why force it? That’s just asking for a fight. Actually, with Fang Yuan’s personality, Li Meng was just asking to be scolded.

Old Mrs. Lu didn’t want the family to become a laughingstock. “Second daughter-in-law, if you’re tired, go rest. I’ve warmed the bed for you. I’ll deal with her.”

Keeping the two daughters-in-law apart was definitely the wisest choice.

But was Fang Yuan the type to avoid trouble? “No need. I’ll make things clear to her—she just needs to stay out of my way from now on.”

Old Mrs. Lu was really exasperated and muttered, “Always looking for trouble, what’s the point?”

By then, Li Meng had already pushed the door open and walked in—making herself right at home. She greeted them loudly, “Second daughter-in-law, you’re back!”

Fang Yuan spoke up bluntly, “We’re not that close. I can’t stop you from coming here, but don’t come to my place.”

Li Meng’s face turned awkward. There’s a saying: ‘Don’t hit a smiling face.’ But why was this woman so blunt? “We’re sisters-in-law—why so distant?”

Fang Yuan shot back, “What kind of relationship do we have? You’re like a weasel wishing a chicken Happy New Year—up to no good. But it’s useless trying that on me.”

Li Meng said, “Look at you! Lu Chuan is so successful, and you’re his wife—a college graduate’s wife, no less. You wouldn’t have all this if it weren’t for me. Shouldn’t you be grateful?”

After she said that, the room fell silent. How could she say something like that? Grateful to you and your ancestors for eight generations?

In the past, Fang Yuan would have cursed her out, but things were different now. She was used to dealing with people in the university cafeteria in the city—cursing wasn’t appropriate, and she felt a bit embarrassed to do so.

Fang Yuan replied, “Do I look like an idiot to you?”

Old Mrs. Lu, worried Li Meng would get hit, quickly said, “Eldest daughter-in-law, I’ve said it before—our family isn’t like others. You sisters-in-law don’t need to be close. Just nod when you see each other—or don’t. I don’t care.”

Old Lu added, “Eldest daughter-in-law, if you have any issues, just discuss them with me or your mom.”

Li Meng started wiping her tears. “What’s the point of talking to you? I’m about to have a baby, but we don’t even have a way to make a living.”

Lu Chuan’s face darkened—how embarrassing. She was making a scene for everyone.

Fang Yuan sneered, “You’re out here making a fool of yourself. Does your husband know? Can’t he support his wife and kid?”

Li Meng shot back, “If it weren’t for you tricking all my money away, would I be like this? I can’t even get together enough capital to start something.”

Fang Yuan replied, “So you really think I’m a fool, that you can get money out of me? Which of your eyes is crooked enough to believe that? Point it out, and I’ll help straighten it for you.”

Li Meng had never met a woman who could go from talking to throwing hands so quickly. She clutched her belly, “I’m pregnant, you know! And I was your matchmaker, after all.”

Fang Yuan didn’t even want to argue with her—it was beneath her. “Are you an idiot, or do you just think I am?”

If Lu Chuan hadn’t held her back, Fang Yuan would have kicked her. “She’s not worth it. She’s just here to cause trouble.”

Fang Yuan raised her chin at Li Meng, “It’s not just you—go ask around, see if anyone’s ever managed to scam money out of me. If you weren’t pregnant, I wouldn’t even bother talking to you.”

Li Meng shouted, “I’m just asking for a loan!”

Fang Yuan replied seriously, “You won’t get a loan from me. From now on, if you see me, go the other way. Otherwise, you’ll regret it.”

Old Mrs. Lu pulled Li Meng aside, “Just stop it. Do you even know what kind of person the second daughter-in-law is?”

If Fang Yuan were the type to fall for this, she wouldn’t have left Li Meng in her current state.

If Old Mrs. Lu hadn’t asked how much she wanted to borrow, Li Meng would still be pestering Fang Yuan.

This wasn’t about borrowing money—she just wanted to get back what she’d lost. Otherwise, why keep harping on about money with Fang Yuan? She’d finally figured it out.

Back in their own yard, Fang Yuan asked Lu Chuan, “Did I say something wrong just now?”

Lu Chuan understood and finished her thought for her, “You’d never lend her money.”

Fang Yuan said, “How can she be so shameless, thinking she can borrow money from me? Is she out of her mind?”

Then she added, “Do you think there’s something wrong with her brain? How does someone like that end up pregnant?”

Fang Yuan’s sudden change of topic made Lu Chuan turn his head and stifle a laugh—his good mood instantly restored.

Is there really a connection between those two things? Was Fang Yuan’s reaction a bit off?

154."

"Chapter 154: Blisters on the Soles of the Feet