Shen Meng watched Teacher Zheng greet her and quickly explained, "I didn’t mean I wanted to come to school to study, I just feel joyful watching Mingyang and the others study and wanted to learn along with them too. I attended a literacy class before, but couldn’t continue my education due to poor living conditions. I’m not planning to come to school; I just want to learn to read with Mingyang and the others. And, I also want to know how well I’m doing, so I was hoping you could see if I could take the exam at school too."
After she finished speaking, she brushed a lock of hair behind her ear and shyly lowered her head, revealing a timid smile.
Teacher Zheng was particularly welcoming of those who loved to study, and she deeply sympathized with what Shen Meng had just said. This is the plight of country girls who love to study but can’t continue their education. She stays here instead of returning to the city because she wants to awaken more women to recognize their capabilities.
"That’s fine, there’s nothing wrong with that, elder sister-in-law. Your idea is very good. You should study well with Mingyang and the others. During the exam, I’ll prepare an extra test paper for you. If you do well, I’ll apply for a diploma for you, an elementary school diploma. I’ll help you get a student record, elder sister-in-law. Study hard and who knows, you might even attend college one day!"
"I, I will definitely try my best, Teacher Zheng."
Teacher Zheng’s words were exactly what Shen Meng wanted. Although she couldn’t come to school every day, with Teacher Zheng’s help, getting an elementary school diploma was definitely no problem. The middle and high school knowledge might differ from her previous life, but as long as she studied diligently, it wouldn’t be too different.
After receiving the reply she sought, Shen Meng took out everything from the basket and quietly placed the rice and flour under Teacher Zheng’s desk when she wasn’t looking. She then ran out to put a bag of rice noodles in the office, taught her how to cook them, and then rode her bicycle back home.
No sooner had she reached home than she saw someone sitting at the door. On closer inspection, it turned out to be Guo Xiuxin, and she had even brought some gifts, obviously coming to visit her as she was unwell.
"Director Guo, what brings you here?"
Guo Xiuxin felt very ashamed; she had only arrived earlier but was too shy to knock on the door. Seeing Shen Meng return from outside, she quickly went to greet her.
"Xiao Meng, where have you been? Are you feeling better?"
"I’m much better now, there’s nothing wrong with me anymore. I just went to the school because there are so many things happening at home, and I’m always bothering the teachers. I really felt the need to apologize."
Hearing this, Guo Xiuxin was relieved. She raised the gifts in her hands and said, "I knew you were discharged, and I’m relieved. I thought about visiting you last night but was worried you needed rest, so I hurried over today."
"Come on, let’s go home and talk."
Guo Xiuxin shook her head; she had to rush to Uncle Guai’s home soon. There had been constant quarrels in their household, disturbing the neighbors, and things couldn’t go on like this any longer.
"I won’t go over there; I came here this time to apologize to you. Xiao Meng, believe me, even though I felt envy when I saw you got the tile factory coupon, I just sighed about it with my husband and son at home. I didn’t expect my mother-in-law to overhear and go tell Zhenping’s mother, which caused you to be beaten for no reason. It was truly my fault, Xiao Meng, I’m really sorry."
Shen Meng naturally understood that it wasn’t Director Guo’s fault, and her character was well-known in Lu Family Village. She wasn’t one to cause trouble and as the women’s director, she often helped the village women with various issues, so Shen Meng naturally wouldn’t blame her.
"Director Guo, how can you say that? I would never blame you. This matter has nothing to do with you. It’s still my mother-in-law wanting to find fault with me. Otherwise, even if I were to offer my parental home mountains of gold and silver, she wouldn’t say anything. She’s just jealous and uncomfortable in her heart. My parents gave birth to me and raised me, cared for me day and night when I was sick. I’m married, not sold. Respecting them is my natural duty, and no one can interfere."
"It’s true, but since you’re married, you and your spouse should live together. Your mother-in-law isn’t easy to get along with, but after all, she is Zhenping’s mother. For Zhenping’s sake, try to let things pass if you can. Ultimately, having a peaceful life is what matters most."
Being a daughter-in-law is not so easy. Like Shen Meng, Wu Xianglan, Zhou Jiaojiao, and Xie Jinghao, these few are already doing quite well. Some men only listen to their mothers, constantly hitting or scolding their wives, always ending up with battered wives like kneaded dough. A few years ago in Lu Family Village, there were even some who were beaten mad, crying on tombstones at midnight, quite a few of them, indeed.
But what can she do? She can only try her best to reduce such incidents in the village. However, Uncle Guai’s family is completely in disorder. They have good parents-in-law but ended up having a worthless son, truly strange things happen every year, and this year exceptionally more.
"I understand, Aunt."
"This is an apology from your aunt. I’m about to visit Uncle Guai’s house. Their family is also in a mess. I heard that Xiangxiang’s marriage might be off, which is infuriating."
"I really can’t accept this. You go ahead with your business, just come over to hang out when you have free time."
Shen Meng pushed the gifts outward, having just gone to deliver a present to Teacher Zheng, not expecting to come back and receive a bunch of things.
"Keep this. It makes your aunt feel better. I need to go now; I’ll be late, and there might be a fight at Uncle Guai’s house."
Director Guo didn’t give her much time to refuse, placing the gifts into Shen Meng’s bicycle basket, waved her hand, and left.
Shen Meng frowned as she looked at Director Guo. Previously, Uncle Guai mentioned that Xiangxiang was going to get married soon and even hired a suona band to celebrate lively during Xiangxiang’s wedding. They felt they owed Xiangxiang a lot and wanted to make up for it at her wedding.
But it hasn’t been long, and now Xiangxiang’s marriage might not happen.
At Uncle Guai’s house.
Zhu Juying sat on the ground with disheveled hair, opposite her the equally unkempt Huang Maochun. She clenched her waist, pointing at her seated mother-in-law and cursing,
"You old hag, it’s not my fault your daughter can’t get married; if you have the guts, go complain to her in-laws instead of taking it out on me. Tch, who’s to blame for your family being poor and worthless, daring to hit me? I’m not easy to bully. I, Huang Maochun, am an educated person, having attended school for two years, unlike you mud-legged folks. Let me tell you, you better be polite when you see me in the future."
"Mao Chun, how can you talk to your mother like that in front of others? Calling yourself ’old mother’? Who are you referring to as ’old mother’?" Lu Xingchang roared dissatisfiedly.
Unexpectedly, Huang Maochun stepped forward and slapped him with a "smack," leaving the Lu Family stunned and unable to react for a long moment.