Chapter 70: 70 He’s Schemes
Madam He’s words made Madam Zhao shudder slightly, but she also thought that Madam Li was going overboard. Even if they wanted to make a new quilt, they didn’t even have a legitimate daughter-in-law in the house. Madam Li, although she was the father-in-law’s woman, was only a concubine and one who ate for free, at that. Yet, there she was, absurdly dreaming about making a new quilt—ridiculous!
However, this was precisely the time to show loyalty, and Madam Zhao couldn’t miss this opportunity. “Oh dear, who can be so selfish? Wanting to make new clothes and new quilts, no daughter-in-law here would think like that. Even though my sister-in-law earned some money, it still shouldn’t be wasted . Our family is fortunate enough to have a full meal; we can’t afford such fanciful ideas!”
Madam He’s eyelids twitched as she lashed out at Madam Zhao, “You, fixated on the sight of money! Even eyeing your own sister-in-law’s earnings—you must be really fallen into the trap of money, haven’t you?
“Let me tell you, the money my daughter earns is hers, and as long as I live one more day, don’t even think about those impossible schemes.”
Madam Zhao wanted to say something more but was promptly driven out by Madam He, “Get out now! If you can’t speak properly, then shut your foul mouth. I’m sick, and I don’t wish to hear your nonsense.”
She was only pretending to be sick, but if Madam Zhao kept on talking, she was afraid she might indeed fall ill from frustration.
Everyone in the house knew how biased she was. Everyone knew that Jiujiu was her darling. Yet there was Madam Zhao, trying to openly take Jiujiu’s things in front of her, clearly intending to anger her to death.
After all, it was about a hundred and some taels of silver—who wouldn’t be tempted?
Madam Zhao did want to argue some more, but the moment she saw Madam He’s ferocious expression, she was so startled that she dared not speak her intended words.
“Mother, don’t be angry, I’ll go. Isn’t it okay if I leave?” While speaking, Madam Zhao hesitantly walked out, still fearful in her heart—what if Madam Zhang soothed Madam He, and Madam He gave all the money to the primary family?
After Madam Zhao left, Madam Zhang first poured a glass of water, then tenderly fed it to Madam He, while gently patting her chest, “Mother, you need to calm down. We’re all useless, but thankfully, our little sister-in-law is capable. Even at such a young age, she knows to earn money and come back to honor you. Now, our family’s days have finally improved just a bit. If you were to fall ill because of anger, wouldn’t that play right into some people’s hands?
Moreover, my younger brother is about to talk about marriage pretty soon. After the New Year, the management of our lands will surely need your attention again!”
“Hmph, I’ve lived for most of my life, what haven’t I seen or experienced? I know, each of you is just waiting for me to die early so you can split up the household. You really think that managing to have enough food to last until Qiushou is an easy feat?
“If it weren’t for the fact that my youngest son hasn’t married yet, I wouldn’t want to be in charge anymore.” Madam He murmured, “I feel sorry for my youngest oh, I had planned to visit your sister-in-law in the Wang Family this afternoon to help look around, to see which family has a suitable daughter. Now I lie here again, and if this gets delayed any longer, my boy will soon turn seventeen!”
“Mother, do you mean to say…” Madam Zhang thought she understood Madam He’s intention, but still wasn’t sure, so she dared not speak recklessly.
“Blind and inept, if I were truly to die on this kang now, both my youngest and Jiujiu are depending on you all. I fear they might be ground to death!” Madam He said, clutching her chest in discomfort.