Chapter 13: Impulsiveness Solves No Problems

She recounted what her aunt had done in collusion with her nephew, as well as what she had overheard at the Ge household, to them: "It’s hard to say whether only Ge Xiulan knew about this or if the entire eldest branch was in on it, but I don't believe Ge Xiulan dared to do that just to help her nephew manipulate me."

Liu Xiaqiu’s eyes immediately turned red: "How could Aunt do such a thing?"

Mother Liu was so furious she roared, "Ge Xiulan, you shameless woman, I’ll fight you to the death!"

As she started to run toward the village, Liu Chuxue grabbed her: "Impulsiveness won't solve anything. I told you all this because I didn't want you to be hoodwinked while kept in the dark. Dad’s leg cannot be delayed, so we cannot pin all our hopes on the family."

Hearing this, Mother Liu forced herself to suppress the anger in her heart: "It’s all because we parents are useless that they dare to scheme against you like this. Chuxue, what are your thoughts?"

"Mom, right now, other than raising money, everything else can be discussed later, understand?

Only by saving Dad’s leg will our little family have hope, and only then will others not dare to bully us so easily."

"You’re right, Mom will listen to you."

Thus, Liu Chuxue explained her plan: "First, we go back to the village and borrow money from house to house. Even if Grandma, Grandpa, and the other two branches hear the news and cause a scene, we are in the right; after all, they were the ones who acted unethically first.

At worst, it will end in a family separation.

If we can really get our wish, aside from the bad reputation, the actual benefits outweigh the drawbacks. We won't have to look at Grandma and Grandpa’s faces anymore, we won't have to listen to the snide remarks of the other two branches, and we can be the masters of our own house. It’s a rare opportunity."

Hearing her daughter’s words, Mother Liu’s eyes turned red. Over these years, because she hadn't given birth to a son, her life in the Liu family had indeed been unsatisfactory. Her parents-in-law seemed fair, but their words always implied that since they had no son, they should be good to their nephews; her ears were calloused from hearing it.

As for those two sisters-in-law, they hadn't mocked her less in private. She wasn't unaware that the villagers called them "the family with no heirs" behind their backs, but the fact was they had no son, so what was the use of arguing?

Seeing the two of them calm down, she said: "Right now, our most important task is to take Dad to the city for treatment as soon as possible. As for other matters, there is plenty of time."

Of course, that was what she said, but she had no intention of letting them off the hook. At the very least, she would have to cause them some trouble from time to time. Since they were the ones who abandoned honor first, they shouldn't blame her for abandoning morality.

The mother and two daughters separated at the entrance of the village; Chuxue couldn't show her face right now: "Mom, if you can't bear small burdens, you will spoil great plans. You must hold back."

Mother Liu raised her hand to wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes and nodded: "I know."

Mother Liu returned to the Liu house, while the two sisters, Chuxue and her sister, walked toward the far east side of the village.

The Liu family did not expect Mother Liu to return at this time.

Old Lady Liu frowned and asked: "Why are you back instead of taking care of Shanliang at the clinic?"

Mother Liu was in no mood for pleasantries and went straight to the point in the courtyard: "Mom, the doctor said Shanliang’s leg cannot be delayed any longer; he needs to go to a big hospital for surgery as soon as possible. I’ve come back to get money from the family."

Before Old Lady Liu could speak, the eldest daughter-in-law, Ge Xiulan, who had poked her head out of the kitchen upon hearing the commotion, spoke up first: "I’ve heard that even if the second brother’s leg goes to a big hospital, it might not be curable. Second brother’s wife, one shouldn't be so selfish.

You also know that Dongzi isn't young anymore. He finally got an opportunity; if the family’s meager savings are taken to treat the second brother’s leg, won't his job prospects be ruined?"

As Ge Xiulan’s words fell, the courtyard suddenly became deathly silent; one could hear a pin drop.