Chapter 10: The Highest Level of Arguing

Shen Meng looked at everyone with a pitiful, sorrowful expression, while sneering inwardly. The highest level of arguing isn't getting red-faced and shouting at the other party; it’s being so passive-aggressive that the other person can’t even get a word out, choking them to death.

Although her words didn't sound very pleasant, they were the truth.

Shen Fugui and Wang Guizhi helped Shen Meng sit on the *kang*, feeling that their daughter had spoken perfectly. Now was not the time to be aggressive; just like when they first arrived at the Lu household, they had been anxious and caused a scene, which in the eyes of outsiders, made them the ones in the wrong.

After seeing Shen Meng sit down, weak and listless, the two of them silently pulled the children behind them. Although they couldn't pull Mingyang back, it didn't hinder their display of vulnerability.

Li Debang and Zhang Hongfa felt truly embarrassed by what Shen Meng said. It wasn't as if accidents involving production team oxen hitting people hadn't happened during the busy farming season; when oxen went wild, some people had even been trampled to death. When Shen Meng was hit, only Zhou Jiaojiao had been there.

When she was carried back by the commune members, she had cursed the heavens and the earth, claiming Zhou Jiaojiao was trying to harm her, saying she was full of malice and would eventually be the death of her husband and children. Zhou Jiaojiao had been married into Lu Village for over half a year; she usually spoke gently, greeted everyone she met, and would lend a hand if any family needed help. In contrast, Shen Meng was seen as lazy, slippery, and often scolded or hit her children.

Comparing the two, it was obvious who everyone would side with.

However, no matter how much Shen Meng cursed, she had indeed been hit by the production team's ox. Not to mention compensation or hiring a doctor, the fact that the production team hadn't even sent anyone to check on her was truly indefensible.

Lu Debang pursed his lips, and relying on his status as village chief, he frowned at Shen Meng.

"Zhenping’s wife, speak properly. Don't be so strange. At the time, Hongfa and I, along with several other commune members, asked your Lu family people. They said you were fine, which is why we left. You saw it yourself; in front of your own family and your children, you mustn't tell lies!"

"Ah? The Lu family said I was fine? That can't be right. My head is spinning so much I can't remember anything. Was it my mother-in-law who said that? Or Jiaojiao? Oh, I’ve been married here for so many years, I never knew Mother had studied medicine? Or did Jiaojiao study nursing? It’s my fault for making Brother Changhong run a trip, and for using so much medicine to wash the wound. If it had been any later, my forehead might have become infected. Regardless, I still have half a life left, it’s no big deal."

Lu Debang: "..."

He always said women were the most difficult to deal with. He hadn't wanted to come, but Hongfa insisted. Look at this unreasonable attitude, hmph!

Liu Sanjin and Zhou Jiaojiao’s faces looked terrible. Naturally, they hadn't studied any medicine or nursing. They had just seen the gash on Shen Meng’s forehead and used a folk remedy, applying pot-bottom ash and spiderwebs to the wound. Besides, the older generation always did things like that; how could it have gotten infected?

Liu Sanjin shot her a glance. This woman was just being pretentious.

"Forget it, forget it. Fortunately, my parents are here, so I can at least see my children before the end. In front of the village chief and the branch secretary, I’ll say it again: those three brick-tiled rooms of mine were lent out. It was agreed they would stay for a year and pay two yuan in rent per month, but I haven't seen a single cent. That house was built by my Zhenping for the children. They are growing up and can't keep sleeping squeezed together. Later, Mother said that since Jiaxuan and Jiaojiao were getting married, even though the house had been renovated, it was a happy occasion, and she wanted Jiaojiao’s family to see the Lu family’s sincerity. She asked me to give up the house for them to live in for a year. As the eldest daughter-in-law, for the sake of family harmony, I brought the children to the old house. Mother and Father live in the newly renovated house, and our family of five lives in this drafty old shack. It doesn't matter; I am willing to sacrifice for the family. But I’m afraid I won't make it now. I’ve given the land deeds and everything to Mingyang, Jiaxuan, and Jiaojiao. I’ve done enough as the eldest daughter-in-law. You should move out first; that house belongs to Mingyang and his brothers! But please don't misunderstand, I’m not saying you’re being deadbeats and refusing to return it, that’s really not what I mean."

Liu Sanjin: "..."

Lu Jiaxuan: "..."

Zhou Jiaojiao: "..."

Bullshit! What "family harmony"? You’re just here acting all high and mighty for those two yuan!!!

These words left the three of them burning with rage, but Lu Debang and Zhang Hongfa didn't see anything wrong with it. After all, those were three brick-tiled rooms. Everyone in the surrounding villages envied the house belonging to Lu Zhenping’s family. Their own families had brick-tiled houses too, but only two rooms, and they were very narrow, with the rest of the courtyard being mud-brick houses. Even so, that house was the best in Lu Village.

How could such a good house be given to others to live in? Not even for one's own brother!

Back then, when people were curious about why Shen Meng took the children to live in the old house, what did she say? Oh, she was thinking of Jiaxuan, because he was getting married and couldn't lose face. If a soldier's brother had a wedding that went poorly, wouldn't people laugh?

At the time, many people called her a fool, while others said she was a good military spouse. Even the village officials thought she was selfless and worthy of praise. Who would have thought it was for two yuan a month, and she hadn't even received a cent?

So stupid. She didn't get the benefit, the house was occupied, and she ended up with nothing.

Lu Jiaxuan’s face turned bright red. He didn't believe a word of Shen Meng’s story. His mother had clearly said she had given the money; how could it be missing?

"Sister-in-law, this is impossible. Didn't Mother give you the money every time? You can't tell lies, can you?"

"Jiaxuan, look at me now. Even if I had money, I wouldn't be able to spend it. Why would I lie to you? As the old saying goes, 'The words of the dying are good,' or something like that, right, Secretary? I don't even want you to pay me back now. If Mother uses the allowance Zhenping sent to pay the rent for you, won't that cause resentment in Jiahe, Xianglan, and Jinghao, making them think Mother is biased? Forget it, I don't want it. Just let us move back in. In my final days, I just want to live in my original house. *Sob, sob*... It can be considered fulfilling one of my wishes."

Liu Sanjin: "..."

Lu Jiaxuan: "..."

Zhou Jiaojiao: "..."

Even at the end, you’re still sowing discord! Very well, it looks like you won't be dying anytime soon!!!

With things said to this point, if the Lu family didn't make a gesture, rumors would spread immediately. The story would get out that the mother-in-law favored her youngest son, taking advantage of the eldest son being away as a soldier protecting the country to scheme for the eldest branch's house, forcing the eldest daughter-in-law to her death and leaving the children motherless.

Liu Sanjin could already imagine how vividly the old women at the village entrance would describe the situation.

"Little Meng, if you want to move home, just say so. Mother agrees. Oh, and the rent, for six months, twelve yuan, Mother will give it all to you. A family doesn't need to be so calculating. My good daughter-in-law, as long as you can hold on, let alone twelve yuan and a brick-tiled house, even if you wanted to drink Mother’s blood, I’d be willing!" Liu Sanjin’s face was full of feigned heartbreak, but her heart was bleeding.

Twelve yuan! That was twelve yuan! How long would it take to save that? This little hussy really needs a lesson. When she gets the chance, she must write a letter to the eldest son and file a proper complaint.

Shen Meng couldn't help but click her tongue twice. The old hag’s words were truly full of "tea" (passive-aggressiveness).

"Mm, Mother, I knew you cared about me. Then the children and I will move back tonight. Jiaojiao and Jiaxuan, hurry back and pack your things. Mother, I shouldn't take the money, but for the sake of the children’s future, I will accept it. Thank you, Mother."

Liu Sanjin: "..."

Shameless! She clearly wanted the money all along!!!

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(End of chapter)