Upon hearing his mother’s suggestion, Qi Jianguo furrowed his brows, feeling somewhat displeased.
"Mom, how can you say that? Actually, you just need to apologize to Dad, and all will be well," Qi Jianguo said. "Dad isn’t heartless. An apology from you won’t cost you anything."
It should be easy for a woman to soften towards her husband, yet his mother wanted him to lie about his studies? No matter how he thought about it, he felt uncomfortable.
"It’s not about softening now. Your father said it’s up to your sister-in-law to let go of her anger, what does that mean? Don’t you understand? He’s trying to force me, his mother-in-law, to humble myself and apologize to your sister-in-law. Pah! What kind of mother-in-law does that?" Mother Qi spat on the ground.
"But you’re the one who did something underhanded. It’s no wonder they’re angry with you... How could you do such a thing!" Qi Jianguo said, his face turning red. He was a conservative young man and just couldn’t bring himself to say it outright.
If he hadn’t been so reluctant to upset his father, going all out to ask why he was angry, he would never have known about the shameful thing his mother had done behind the scenes.
Really, how could she even think to do that? It was too much!
Listeing to the tone of his voice change, Mother Qi’s expression darkened as she glared at him. "What, are you going to side with outsiders against your own mother, too? You think I’m embarrassing? You little ingrate, when you were born, you would always cry at night. It was I, your mother, who had just given birth, yet still carried you around until dawn. Your older brother has no conscience, completely bewitched by a woman, and now you’re following in his footsteps, losing your conscience too, aren’t you? Don’t forget who paid for your education and the milk you drank."
There she goes again, bringing up that story she’s retold for a thousand years!
Qi Jianguo, losing patience, said, "Mom, that’s not what I mean. But you know Dad’s temper as well as I do. He seems easy to talk to about everyday issues, but when it comes to important matters, once he’s made up his mind, there’s no changing it. Remember how much you opposed big brother’s marriage? What did Dad say? In the end, didn’t you give in?"
Thinking back on this made Mother Qi regret everything deeply. If she had truly refused to consent to her eldest son’s marriage, even threatening to take her own life rather than agree, would they have avoided today’s situation?
She knew all too well the stubbornness of her husband of many years.
But to back down just like that was something she couldn’t bring herself to do. If she gave in, she would never be able to hold her head up high for the rest of her life, only to be trampled on by her daughter-in-law!
"That’s why I’m asking you to plead with your father. He adores you the most. You’re doing well in your studies. Just threaten a little, and he’ll definitely back down. Son, I’m begging you. I can’t go on living here!" Mother Qi started to dab at her tears again.
Qi Jianguo didn’t want to continue the conversation and said, "Mom, I’ll talk to Dad, but I can’t guarantee he’ll listen. You know how he is. Honestly, if you just apologize to sister-in-law, the whole thing will blow over!" Seeing the change on his mother’s face, he quickly added, "Mom, I’m leaving the rice here for you, I have to go back now."
Mother Qi watched as her youngest son effectively ran away from her, infuriated, she took a few steps forward and yelled, "Remember, I’m counting on you!"
Qi Jianguo waved his hand without turning back.
Full of anticipation, Mother Qi refused to go and humble herself before Cheng Su. Pah, as if she would. This was a war between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and she could not afford to lose. Otherwise, she’d have no say in this house ever again!