Chapter 28: Being Worked Like a Beast of Burden

Zhao Meijuan failed to notice her mother's complex expression and continued to complain to herself,

"Not only is his attitude terrible every day, but he also makes me pay living expenses. It would be more comfortable if we just lived on our own. After paying the expenses, I only have six yuan left in my hand. What is that even good for?"

Zhao Meijuan's face was dark with irritation; a single bottle of balm cost her five yuan.

Liu Hehua stared at her daughter, her heart heavy with complicated emotions. She blamed herself; she had never let this brat touch any money, and even when she occasionally bought something, it was always strictly limited.

She had thought things would improve after marriage, but she hadn't expected that, aside from becoming even more stubborn, her daughter would be completely clueless about the daily necessities of life.

"You silly girl, you look quite shrewd, but is your head filled with straw? With only twenty-one yuan from your husband, you'll be begging for scraps before the end of the month.

Listen to your mother and stop being so stubborn. As a daughter-in-law, doing housework and cooking is your duty. Don't rely on your husband taking your side to start making trouble. If you truly push people to their limit, you'll be the one suffering in the end."

This girl had been spoiled rotten by her son-in-law; her head was nothing but straw. If she were truly kicked out by Li Xiangqin, she would be the one dealing with the headache.

"I get annoyed just seeing that old woman," Zhao Meijuan huffed defiantly.

"Even if you're annoyed, you have to endure it. Don't forget, you haven't secured that job yet."

Liu Hehua stood up and brushed the dust off her clothes.

"Go, light the coal stove and get lunch ready."

Zhao Meijuan looked at her fair, delicate hands, clearly displeased. "The coal stove is so dirty. I don't even cook at my in-laws' house."

"Bah! Stop acting up in front of me. Just because your husband pampers you doesn't mean you're an empress. If you're so capable, don't come back to your maternal home. Hurry up, your two sisters-in-law will be home from work soon. Don't delay dinner."

Liu Hehua rolled her eyes at her. A mere girl trying to show off in front of her—what a brat.

"Mom, how can you not tell good people from bad? The sisters-in-law are outsiders... I am your own flesh and blood," Zhao Meijuan said, standing up, feeling incredibly wronged.

Although that old woman at her in-laws' house was annoying, she was wonderful to her daughter. Why was it that when it came to her, her own mother never took her side?

"I think you're just looking for trouble. Your sisters-in-law have given our family several grandsons; they are the heroes of the Zhao family. Don't you dare give me an attitude.

This household will eventually be handed over to your sisters-in-law. It's fine while I'm alive, but once I'm gone, whether or not you can even step foot in this house will depend on your attitude toward them."

Liu Hehua glanced at her daughter's fair hands and gave a casual warning.

"When you come back in the future, don't always come empty-handed. Buy something for your nephews and their wives."

"Mom, when do I ever come here without bags full of things? Today is the exception, and you're blaming me for that too?"

Hearing this, Zhao Meijuan snapped. She looked at her mother in disbelief.

"I know you only care about your sons, and you don't care about me or my two sisters. But I have always proven myself through my actions. Not only did I give you the betrothal gifts, but I even spent most of Zhang Jianchi's monthly salary on my maternal family. Haven't I done enough?"

"You brat, why are you shouting? Isn't it only natural to buy something when visiting your own family? I raised you with blood, sweat, and tears; it's only right that you show me filial piety.

You're acting stingy over a few small things? Let me tell you, even if you gave me more, it wouldn't be enough to buy your life."

The girl dared to throw a tantrum in front of her. She wasn't a coward like Li Xiangqin who could be easily manipulated.

Zhao Meijuan: "..."

She had given so much, so why couldn't she get anything good in return?

She just wanted her own mother to protect her; why was it so hard?

"Hurry up and wash the vegetables. It's almost time."

Liu Hehua called out. Seeing her daughter's tearful face, she realized she shouldn't push her too hard and softened her tone.

"Alright, stop acting out. Mom is doing this for your own good. A woman's fate is written in the stars; if you want your maternal family to back you up, you can't be stingy."

As the mother and daughter chatted aimlessly, the meal was just finished when the door was pushed open.

The eldest and second sisters-in-law entered together. Seeing their sister-in-law, they raised their eyebrows and greeted her with smiles.

"Is little sister here?"

"Yes, I came early this morning and made lunch with Mom. Hurry, wash your hands and eat," Zhao Meijuan said, suppressing her emotions and greeting them with a smile.

"We're returning to our own home; no need to host us," the second sister-in-law replied with a half-smile.

Among the three sisters-in-law in the family, this one was the only one who couldn't distinguish between kin and outsiders. Even after marrying out, she still treated her maternal home like her own. What a fool.

"Second sister-in-law is right. We are in our own home, so there's indeed no need for formalities," Zhao Meijuan nodded gently, showing none of the assertiveness she had at her in-laws'.

Liu Hehua glanced at her daughter, feeling for the first time that she was a bit dim-witted.

"It's so hot out. There's cooled water on the table; everyone come inside and have a drink to cool down."

Zhao Meijuan untied her apron and went to the courtyard to wash her face. When she entered the room, she saw everyone already gathered around the table, eating.

Watching them chatting and laughing, Zhao Meijuan stood at the doorway, feeling as though she didn't belong.

"Juanzi, why are you just standing there like a fool? Come sit down. Dale, move inward a bit to make room for your aunt," Liu Hehua said, looking at her daughter's dazed expression with utter disdain.

"Grandma, it's too crowded, I can't move!" Zhao Dale shouted unhappily.

"You child, your aunt is a guest. She can't exactly eat while standing, can she?" The eldest sister-in-law patted her son's shoulder, telling him to move.

"Ow! My leg! Auntie is so annoying, why doesn't she go eat at her own house?" Zhao Erlei complained, having been bumped in the leg.

"What's happening? Dale, move aside quickly, don't crowd your brother..." For a moment, the living room was in total chaos.

Zhao Meijuan stood alone to the side, unable to sit and unable to stand.

"Alright, alright, it's no big deal... Juanzi isn't an outsider. If there's no room at the table, she can just eat standing up," Liu Hehua announced, breaking a piece of steamed bun and stuffing it into her hand.

Zhao Meijuan stared at the bun in her hand, completely stunned. Ever since she married Zhang Jianchi, she had never suffered such a grievance.

At the Zhang family's dining table, there was always a place for her; she never even had to reach for food, it was always placed right before her.

From initial discomfort to habit, and eventually to various things she found disagreeable—but through it all, Zhang Jianchi had always stood by her side, to the point where she had forgotten her life back at her maternal home.

She swallowed the half-bun hurriedly and walked out to the courtyard. Even though the sun was scorching, she felt a chill over her body.

Just as she was dozing off on a small stool, a shadow fell over her head.

"The sun is so strong, why are you sitting outside? Get inside, tidy up, and wash the dishes."

Liu Hehua stood at the door, her brow furrowed into a knot as she watched her daughter's sleepy posture.

(End of Chapter)