Joyful Motherhood in a Rural Family

chapter 20

“Give her a meeting gift? She doesn’t even hesitate to take this money! We’ve been married for days, and she only comes to visit us with empty hands today. On the contrary, I still have to give her a meeting gift. What’s going on here? I’m just…”

Ms. Zhao’s words automatically faded after Elderly Mr. Di’s gaze swept over her.

After mumbling for a while, Ms. Zhao reluctantly took out a wrinkled red envelope from her arms and handed it over.

“Thank you, Father-in-law, thank you, Mother-in-law.”

Liu Sisi thanked and tried to take the red envelope from Ms. Zhao’s hand.

Ms. Zhao’s hand clenched tightly onto the corner of the red envelope, refusing to let go. Liu Sisi tried to pull it several times but couldn’t take it. Di Yelei, who was standing beside her, naturally noticed this and couldn’t help but frown.

“Ahem!”

Elderly Mr. Di, who was sitting in a superior position, coughed twice and knocked the dry pipe on the armrest of his chair.

Ms. Zhao was startled and had to let go of her hand, even glaring at Liu Sisi along the way.

Liu Sisi could only smile helplessly, feeling speechless in her heart.

Did Ms. Zhao really think she was a soft persimmon to squeeze?

It was just because today was a special day, that Liu Sisi swallowed her anger. Clenching the wrinkled red envelope in her hand, judging from its thickness, there seemed to be something like a stone inside.

Could it be a silver ingot? Liu Sisi guessed.

Elderly Mr. Di glanced at everyone, looked at the defensive Third Brother, and then at Liu Sisi standing slightly behind Di Yelei. The faint smile on her face reminded him of various remarks about her.

One could say that gossiping was the favorite pastime of villagers.

At first, the matchmaker bragged a lot about Di family, saying Liu Sisi had a good appearance, skillful hands, and was unparalleled in the world. He should have been more cautious at that time. If there was such a great young maiden, how could she marry into the Di family, especially given the Third Brother’s reputation for being a wife and mother killer?

Unexpectedly, after the marriage, a series of problems emerged. Thinking of his Third Brother’s fate, Elderly Mr. Di sighed secretly.

Sometimes, people just need to accept their destiny!

After refilling his clean dry pipe, Elderly Mr. Di fumbled around for a while before finding the flint and continued: “Third Brother is not young anymore, and you’ve been separated for many years. Some matters should be addressed, and over the years, I’ve said it many times. Dad has no other requirements, just like before, give us two old people 100 maces per year. As for any medical expenses we might have, like before, you four brothers will share them. Sisi, do you have any objections?”

Why had the conversation turned back to her?

Liu Sisi, who had been trying to minimize her presence, couldn’t help but laugh softly and said, “Father-in-law, just let Father-in-law and Yelei make the decisions on these matters. Sisi, as a humble woman, only needs to be filial to Father-in-law, take good care of Yelei and the children.”

Her words naturally satisfied Elderly Mr. Di, who nodded his head, as at least this daughter-in-law was sensible. He was just casually asking, not intending to inquire about Liu Sisi’s opinions.

Seeing Third Brother’s angry face and the veins bulging on his arm, Elderly Mr. Di hurriedly sent the two away, lest more trouble would arise if they continued to stay.

“It is for the best. Today is not early anymore, you should go back. To live a good life, you need to plan carefully and be frugal.”

“Alright, Dad, then we’ll leave first.”

Di Yelei naturally was not in the mood to stay. At the moment, hearing his father’s words, he took the opportunity to leave.

“Go ahead, remember to take good care of the two children, after all, they are the offspring of my Di family.” Elderly Mr. Di finished and once again sucked on his dry pipe, turning his head away.

Was he afraid that she would abuse the children?

Liu Sisi didn’t feel angry at the thought either. After all, she had Ms. Zhao as an example. It wasn’t a surprise that Father-in-law didn’t trust her completely.

However, she didn’t have too much expectation either. As long as everyone could maintain a surface calm, it would be fine. After all, they had already separated from the family and she didn’t have to beg for food from her in-laws, which was good enough!

As the two left the main entrance, Ms. Wang, who had just disappeared, chased after them, blocking their way.

“Third Sister-in-law, when are you going to repay the borrowed money? When you borrowed money, you behaved like grandsons; when it comes to repaying it, you act like grandfathers! If you don’t clarify today, don’t expect to get past here!”

Liu Sisi couldn’t help but laugh loudly!

Even if she had borrowed money, constantly pursuing repayment every two or three days was really annoying, especially since this money had nothing to do with Liu Sisi at all. The fact that Ms. Wang stopped her was just because she saw her as an easy target — it was like grabbing a soft persimmon in the middle of the night!