Chapter 101: Chapter 61: When the Guests Leave, the Host is at Peace

Laicai, with tears in his eyes, looked at the small slice and said doubtfully, “You’re just fooling me! How can ginseng be this tiny?”

Mrs. Wang said to him, “Ask your mother if this is ginseng or not.”

Lin Family had no choice but to say, “This is ginseng. It’s for nourishing your body, not for the taste. You only put a few slices in a whole pot of soup.”

Only then did Laicai believe her. Ignoring the meaning behind her words, he popped the slice of ginseng into his mouth. Before he could even chew twice, he spat it out, shouting, “This is gross! It’s bitter!”

The meal was an unpleasant affair.

Juhua sighed. ’When will these days ever end!’ she thought.

As if her grandmother had heard her silent plea, Mrs. Wang told Lin Family to pack her things and go home right after lunch.

Lin Family asked in surprise, “Mom, didn’t you just get here? Why are you leaving already?”

Mrs. Wang was so angry she ground her teeth. “Your husband is at home with nothing to eat. How long were you planning on staying? His paternal aunt has to sell vegetables, while Juhua and her father have to do the washing and cooking. Her father’s leg is just getting better, and Juhua isn’t well herself. They still have to feed the pigs and chickens. They’re already this busy, and on top of that, they have to serve the three of you. Is this any way to live? Qingmu is out on business. If he came home today, where do you think you’d sleep tonight? Are we supposed to paint pictures of you three and paste you on the walls? Cuizhi, pack up two jars of the pork offal and head meat. Take it with her for Laicai to eat at home.”

Before Yang Family could say a word, Lin Family grumbled, “But Qingmu isn’t back yet, is he? We just got here yesterday. It’s such a hassle to go back today. All that travel for nothing.”

Although Yang Family was also angry at Lin Family for her thoughtlessness, she couldn’t just kick her out. This was her brother’s wife and son, after all. If for no one else’s sake, she had to consider her second brother’s dignity. So, she said to Mrs. Wang, “Mom, why don’t they stay one more night? You can sleep with Juhua tonight.”

Mrs. Wang hadn’t even responded when Laicai, hearing he had to go home, immediately started to protest. He hadn’t had his fill of meat yet! He started to twist his body and wail, finally throwing himself on the ground to kick and scream.

Yang Family sighed and quickly tried to soothe him, “One more night! One more night! Laicai, be a good boy, don’t cry!”

Laicai thought, ’One more night isn’t enough. I want to stay for many more days. But this will have to do for now. When they try to make me leave tomorrow, I’ll just cry and refuse to go.’ So, he let Yang Family wipe his tears and quietly calmed down. He was also afraid that if he pushed it too far, his grandmother would get angry and take him home immediately.

Seeing that her grandmother hadn’t managed to get rid of them, Juhua cursed her bad luck. ’Just have to endure one more night,’ she told herself. ’Besides, with Grandma here, Second Aunt-in-law won’t dare to be too outrageous.’

Who knew that even the heavens disliked Lin Family, refusing to grant her wish to stay another night—Qingmu had returned, carrying two large bundles on his back.

When Qingmu saw his grandmother and aunt-in-law, he hurried to greet them. “Grandma! Second Aunt-in-law!”

Mrs. Wang smiled happily. “Ah! Qingmu, you’re home. Was the journey alright?”

Yang Family had already told her about buying the land, which was why she was so dead set on taking this petty daughter-in-law away before she could stir up trouble. But Lin Family had been shameless enough to refuse to leave, and Laicai had thrown a tantrum. Mrs. Wang had been getting a headache from it all and was about to give in and let them stay one more night. Now that Qingmu was home, however, her mind was made up. They were leaving immediately.

When Lin Family saw Qingmu was home, her heart sank. She figured her mother-in-law would now insist on her leaving today. Unresigned, she asked with a beaming smile, “Qingmu, where have you been? Why did you buy so many things?”

Qingmu answered, “To Qinghui County!”

Laicai rushed over to rummage through the two bundles, but Mrs. Wang immediately slapped his hand away and scolded him angrily.

Qingmu quickly opened one of the bundles himself, took out some exquisitely packaged pastries, and handed a box to Laicai. He even helped him open it, letting him and Laishou eat while leaning over a stool.

Lin Family, meanwhile, asked in astonishment, “You went to Qinghui County? Goodness! That’s so far. What for?” Her eyes were glued to the bulging bundles the whole time.

The moment she asked, Juhua knew this was bad and tried to signal Qingmu with her eyes.

Unfortunately, Qingmu didn’t look at her at all. When his second aunt-in-law asked, he answered honestly, “I bought some land, so I went to register the deed!”

Just as she’d feared, Lin Family’s eyes went wide. She asked in disbelief, “Bought land? Goodness! And his paternal aunt lied to me, saying you hadn’t made any money! If you’re buying land, just how much did you make?”

Juhua was furious. ’What is wrong with this person? What business is it of yours how much money we make? She’s talking as if we stole it.’

Yang Family finally lost her temper too. “Second Sister-in-law, what kind of talk is that? Why would I lie to you? Let’s not even mention that I didn’t make that much money selling pork offal. It’s a one-cent-a-scoop business, how much do you think I can make? And even if I did make good money, it’s what our whole family earned through months of back-breaking work. I didn’t steal it, and I didn’t rob anyone. Why should I be afraid of people knowing? You just think it’s all so easy for me, that I’ve struck a mountain of gold and silver! I wish I could make more, but you need customers for that. Why don’t you go take a look at Xiatang Market? In this weather, how many people are at the market? Just a few wandering around. You won’t see a single soul on the main road leading there. I have to carry my pole right to people’s doorsteps just to coax them into buying a scoop or two. I wander from village to village, visiting several in a single morning. When I’m out selling, you’re still tucked warmly in your bed. You sleep in until the sun is high in the sky every day, and then you have the nerve to be jealous of the little money I earn? What kind of behavior is that?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep