Qi Taiguo was feeling uncomfortable, but Cheng Su naturally didn’t know; she was still immersed in her grand plans for making a fortune, writing her proposals without going out to look for a job.
Mother Qi was especially displeased about this, speaking more and more unpleasantly, accusing her of being lazy and doing nothing.
"You might as well go to Taiguo to take care of him," Mother Qi accused her irritably.
Because Cheng Su had brought good fortune, Mother Qi’s hopes of holding a grandchild were dashed. Suddenly, she thought of the two living so far apart, barely able to see each other; when would she be able to hold her grandchild?
She had heard of some soldiers who had married but hadn’t fathered any children for many years because they were away from their wives.
She didn’t want that; she wanted to hold her grandchild. Otherwise, why bring a daughter-in-law home? Why get married if not to have children!
And without the couple being together, how would they have children? Would they just spring out of stones?
Cheng Su’s behavior now made her even more displeased. Sending her to her son would not only ensure his well-being but also, hopefully, a quicker childbirth; out of sight, out of mind.
Hearing this, Cheng Su was truly tempted. Since she was planning to start a business, naturally, going to a more bustling place was better.
Flower County was just a county city; even with her ambitions, there was only so much she could achieve here, and besides, she wanted to get away from the incessant nagging and complaining of her mother-in-law and sister-in-law.
Living together was easy, cohabitating was hard. She was not a submissive person by nature and had reached the limit of her patience with her in-laws.
Since they disliked each other, it was better to separate, which could at least preserve some decorum between them.
So, after hearing her mother-in-law’s words, Cheng Su responded, "Alright, then I’ll go to Qing City!"
Mother Qi had only spoken in passing, but upon hearing Cheng Su’s eager agreement, she felt somewhat displeased, thinking that Cheng Su hadn’t even tried to refuse, clearly showing her eagerness to live the good life in the city.
Thinking this, she set her face into a frown and glared at Cheng Su, "You’ve been longing for this day, haven’t you? You, with your high and mighty heart, can’t be retained by the countryside. You’re probably sick of looking at us two old fogeys, aren’t you?"
Cheng Su’s expression darkened, "This was your suggestion, Mother Qi, to go ’take care’ of Qi Taiguo! What is the meaning behind saying these things now?"
Her meaning couldn’t be more obvious—she was blaming her either way.
Mother Qi’s face turned even sterner, "I hadn’t realized you were such an obedient daughter-in-law."
Cheng Su couldn’t help but retort, "There are a lot of things you haven’t realized, Mother Qi!"
Mother Qi’s face grew even darker upon hearing this, and just as she was about to say something, someone called out from the courtyard.
Both mother-in-law and daughter-in-law went outside. There stood an unfamiliar woman—unknown to Cheng Su, but recognized by Mother Qi.
"Taozi, what brings you here?" Mother Qi approached to open the door.
This woman called Taozi had also married out of the village. Coincidentally, she was from the same village called Gaotian Village where Mother Qi’s eldest daughter, Qi Fenglian, lived.
"Oh dear, Mother Qi, it’s good you’re at home. Sister Fenglian has gone into labor; please hurry over!" Taozi said in a rush.
Mother Qi was stunned, "How is that possible? Fenglian still has two months to go before she’s due; how could she be in labor already?" As she finished her question, her voice became anxious.
Cheng Su also frowned and recalled an image of a woman—Qi Taiguo’s elder sister, Qi Fenglian— who had come to the wedding banquet heavily pregnant, seemingly about seven months along. It had only been a little over a month; was she about to give birth already?
"Don’t even mention it. Sister Fenglian fell while delivering a meal, she’s bleeding, and the baby is coming!" Taozi exclaimed.
"What? A premature labor?" Mother Qi’s legs gave way, and she nearly collapsed to the ground.