Chapter 321: An Engagement
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
People also noticed the basket of vegetables Zhou Lan was carrying and began to tease, “Oh, Zhou Lan, you’ve brought back quite a lot of goodies from Grand Cloud Mountain! These white radishes look so fresh and juicy, they must be sweet just by the look of them!”
Zhou Lan immediately took out several white radishes from the basket and handed them to the onlookers, “Take these home and try them. The white radishes from Grand Cloud Mountain are indeed delicious! These are grown by my eldest daughter’s family. She specifically asked me to bring them as a tribute to her grandmother. My eldest daughter said that without her grandmother’s match-making, how could she have married so far away and found such a good husband? In a few days, when my daughter and her husband move back to the village, everyone should come to their relocation banquet!”
Zhou Lan’s move was brilliant. She indirectly criticized Old Madam Jiang for favoring boys over girls and marrying off her granddaughter so far away. She also informed everyone that Jiang Qing’s family would soon be returning to the village, pleasing the villagers in the process. With just a few radishes that they had in abundance, she earned the goodwill of the villagers – such a worthwhile exchange, especially since these radishes were meant for the Jiang family. They were giving them away without any loss.
The villagers who received the radishes smiled sincerely, “Jiang Qing is so considerate. She’s from our village after all. We’re like her family. If she ever needs help, well be there. Have they chosen their house? Does it need repairs? We can help with that too.”
Jiang Gui’s wife grew even more upset. When they were renovating the house for Jiang Hong, not many villagers were willing to help, even with the promise of payment. Yet, Zhou Lan managed to bribe them with just a few radishes. The stark contrast upset her greatly.
She said resentfully, “Aren’t you going inside yet? Are you waiting for mother to come out and greet you?”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xia knew that Jiang Gui’s wife was about to stir up trouble. When their families lived together, she often caused problems. Unable to surpass Zhou Lan, she’d badmouth Zhou Lan to the old madam, getting Zhou Lan scolded and punished, while she sat back and enjoyed the show.
As expected, as soon as they entered the house, Jiang Gui’s wife said sarcastically, “Mother, you wouldn’t believe how grand Zhou Lan was today. She was distributing our white radishes to the villagers right at the door.”
Upon hearing this, Old Madam Jiang became furious. Seeing only half a basket of radishes and mushrooms left, she was livid, “You three money-wasters, giving away my stuff to win favors! You’ve really grown bold! Just because you’ve left the house doesn’t mean I can’t deal with you!”
Zhou Lan looked indifferent, “From the way you spoke, I almost thought this basket of radishes was taken from this yard. Isn’t this what I painstakingly carried over? Mother, what era are we in now? Can’t you think before you speak? Don’t be used as a pawn by others, thinking you’re all mighty.”
The old madam was taken aback. Zhou Lan was talking back? Was this the same submissive Zhou Lan she knew?
Jiang Gui’s wife’s face contorted even more, making her look even more like a Pekingese dog. “What did you just say?”
The old madam’s expression darkened. Neither of these women was easy to deal with. If she couldn’t handle Zhou Lan, couldn’t she still handle Jiang Gui’s wife?
Either way, someone had to bear the brunt of her anger, and she’d pick the easier target.
Madam Jiang raised her cane and struck Jiang Gui’s wife on the back. The pain made her bend over, her face turning red.
Only then did Jiang Xia notice the thick layer of powder on her face. The powder had now cracked, making her face look like a painted cat – utterly comical. Moreover, there was a strong smell coming from her, as if she had slathered on a whole bottle of scented cream, mixed with the odor of sweat – a complex fragrance.
She had been rushing around since the morning, getting her hair done, and then hurrying back before noon. Even in this cold weather, she had sweated profusely, no wonder she stank.
Jiang Xia stifled a laugh, covering her mouth.
Jiang Gui’s wife shouted in anger, “Don’t you dare laugh, you worthless thing!”
Jiang Xia looked at her with innocent eyes, “Aren’t you a woman too, Auntie? Are you calling yourself worthless?”
Whatever Jiang Gui’s wife said seemed to be backfiring on her, so she chose to remain silent..