Chapter 320: Argument
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The mother and her two daughters, carrying baskets full of radishes and mushrooms, swaggered their way to Old Jiang’s house. Along walked swaggeringly towards the old Jiang’s house. Along the way, they told everyone they met that they were preparing for Jiang Hong’s engagement.
Those who liked to chat and were on good terms with them responded, “Your family is truly kind-hearted. When you separated, the old madam was so unpleasant, yet you still set aside past grievances and come to help.”
Zhou Lan hesitated and said, “In the end, we’re all family. We can’t offer money, so we can only offer our help.”
Those who knew better could tell that the old Madam Jiang must have caused some trouble, prompting Zhou Lan’s family to assist the old Jiang household. In no time, the village would be buzzing with gossip.
Jiang Xia admired and joked, “Mother, if you didn’t go into acting, the entertainment industry would surely suffer a loss!”
Jiang Gu asked, “What’s the entertainment industry?”
Jiang Xia replied, “It’s like putting on a play.”
Today was Jiang Hong’s engagement day. Jiang Gui’s wife was the center of attention. Early in the morning, she went to town and had her hair done. Her curly hairstyle made her look like a Pekingese dog, very outdated.
Upon her return, feeling proud of her new hairstyle, she was spotted by old Madam Jiang. Discovering that the hairdo cost one yuan, the old madam began to berate her in the courtyard, “You spendthrift! Look at the people working tirelessly in the yard, and you’re wasting money on frivolities. Zhou Lan is more useful than you!”
Although Zhou Lan couldn’t bear a son, she was diligent at home, ensuring the house was always tidy and meals were always prepared on time. In her spare time, she’d also take up sewing jobs.
Old Madam Jiang, although not fond of Zhou Lan, found her preferable to the lazy Jiang Gui’s wife.
Jiang Gui’s wife deeply despised Zhou Lan. Because of Zhou Lan’s decent looks, she received lots of praise when she first married into the Jiang family, overshadowing Jiang Gui’s wife.
In the days that followed, Jiang Gui’s wife continually found ways to trouble Zhou Lan, burdening her with chores and tasks. As a result, Zhou Lan lost weight and her complexion turned sallow.
Every meal, the third household had to wait until they finished eating before they could have the leftovers. Jiang Gui’s daughter-in-law would rather stuff herself until her belly was bulging than leave a little extra food for them. As a result, Zhou Lan, in order to ensure her husband and daughters had enough to eat, tried to eat as little as possible, leaving them more food. In less than two months, she became thin and pale, without a hint of color, not to mention how unattractive she looked.”
Old Madam Jiang comparing Zhou Lan to her was like hitting her weak spot, and she wasn’t afraid of Old Madam Jiang. With her hands on her hips, she retorted, “1 dress up to bring honor to our family. What if the in-laws come and see me looking disheveled? How would they perceive our Jiang family?”
Jiang Gui’s wife proudly added, “If you liked Zhou Lan so much, you shouldn’t have kicked her out.”
With the Jiang house bustling with activity and the gate left open, the quarreling attracted the villagers’ attention.
Old Madam Jiang didn’t want to embarrassed herself and waved her hand impatiently, saying, “Get out of here and stop bothering us!”
Jiang Gui’s wife retorted, “I didn’t want to be here in the first place.”
She had just stepped out when she ran into Zhou Lan and her two daughters. Already in a huff, she was taken aback by their improved appearances. Having not seen them for several months, Zhou Lan and her daughters seemed even prettier. Their complexions were rosier, their lips naturally red without any lipstick, and their faces were clear without any oily shine. Instantly, jealousy welled up within her.
Jiang Gui’s wife shot them a glance, “You show up just in time for meal. Are you here to freeload?”
When Old Madam Jiang had sent Jiang Cheng to Jiang Chuan’s house, Jiang Gui’s wife wasn’t around, leading her to assume that Zhou Lan and her daughters had come uninvited, hoping to get a free meal.
Jiang Xia, in front of the onlooking villagers, retorted loudly, “Wasn’t it Aunt who asked Jiang Cheng to personally invite us? Why are we being turned away at the doorstep now?”
A neighboring villager chimed in, “Exactly, 1 saw your Jiang Cheng going to invite them. Why are you now denying it?”
Jiang Gui’s wife, with a dark expression, glared at her, “What’s it to you? Always having so much to say!”
The neighbor, not wanting to stoop to Jiang Gui’s wife’s level, waved dismissively and went back to her home..