In her two lifetimes combined, Jiang Wanqing believed she had seen many fools, but she had never met one who was so foolish, wicked, and stubborn as Qiao Hongmei.
Even that wicked Jiang Xiu knows how to go with the flow, but she has a brain but no intelligence.
Jiang Wanqing chuckled and stepped forward.
"Comrade Hongmei has had a problem with me for a long time. Since everyone is here today, and you're the one spreading the most rumors, why don't you produce some evidence? If you can't prove it, you'll have to apologize today, whether you like it or not. Otherwise, if I tell your school, do you think the punishment will be less severe than the apology?"
Qiao Hongmei then felt truly afraid. If she reported it to the school, she might lose many qualifications and opportunities for advancement, and even face expulsion. This humiliation was far greater than the apology!
Her classmate tugged at her and whispered, "Just apologize to her first. We still need to be nominated for awards."
It's not very effective to hurt her dignity if someone who has no morals like that does it; only when her interests are directly harmed will she understand the consequences.
She bit her lower lip tightly, her gaze even more intense than her sister's: "I'm sorry!"
"Whom should I apologize to?"
Jiang Wanqing wouldn't let her be vague and pressed on with more questions.
"Comrade Wanqing, I'm so sorry..."
"I accept your apology, but that doesn't mean I forgive you. Go back and study your moral character carefully."
Qiao Hongmei's nails dug into the flesh of her palms. Having lost face in front of everyone, she had no desire to stay any longer. Without even eating, she turned and left.
The matter was resolved, but the atmosphere didn't return to its initial liveliness for a long time, and everyone's expressions varied.
Sister-in-law Wang opened her mouth, and as the well-known peacemaker in the courtyard, she was about to speak when Cheng Ran spoke first.
His voice and authority were not diminished by his injury; on the contrary, they became even more intimidating.
“Wanqing is my wife. Respecting her is respecting me. If I hear any more rumors and gossip, I’m currently recuperating and have plenty of time to use the law to defend my wife’s rights. You’re welcome to try!”
These were his comrades and their families. Cheng Ran's actions in protecting Jiang Wanqing were a way of showing his stance.
A warm feeling welled up in her heart. Actually, he had already done a good job by scaring Qiao Hongmei to protect her. Now, he had completely tied her to himself. Although the effect was good, it would be difficult for him to clear his name later.
She touched his arm, trying to get him to calm down, but he grabbed her hand instead.
In front of everyone, wouldn't they look like a model of a loving couple?
"Alright, alright, we all trust Battalion Commander Cheng. You've definitely made the right choice. Comrade Wanqing isn't a bad person either. Come on, let's eat. The food will get cold if we don't eat soon."
Sister-in-law Wang stepped in to liven up the atmosphere, and everyone broke free from the awkward silence, eating and drinking and returning to normal life.
The food was laid out on several tables, with the sisters-in-law having their own table.
They still couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
"Judging from how protective Battalion Commander Cheng is of his wife, if Comrade Wanqing had really done something to betray him, would he act like this?"
“That’s right. Actually, I guessed it too. The two Qiao sisters don’t like Comrade Wanqing and have been pulling strings behind the scenes. How can we say anything about that?”
"That's right, we all live in the same courtyard, it wouldn't be right to favor one side over the other."
"Stop talking, just eat, eat, and take care of yourselves."
...
As they ate and chatted, a woman with slightly disheveled hair and a tired face suddenly squeezed next to Jiang Wanqing.
"Wanqing, your sister-in-law has something she'd like to ask you for help with."
Jiang Wanqing glanced at the woman, who looked unfamiliar, probably because she hadn't stayed in the family compound for more than a few days.
"This is Sister Zhang."
"Hello, Sister Zhang." Jiang Wanqing greeted her with a smile after being reminded by Cheng Ran.
What can I do for you?
Few people ask her for help. After all, in everyone's eyes, she is just a country bumpkin who has never seen the world, has no skills and no family background. People feel that it is already a kindness for them not to look down on her, so why would they ask her for help?
“I heard that last time you translated the letter that the leader’s daughter sent, the clerk praised you for your translation.”
"Ah...that's perfect, Sister Zhang, what kind of help do you need me to do?"
After all that was said, she still didn't understand what the other person meant, so she asked directly.
"My sister-in-law wants you to tutor my son in Chinese."
Jiang Wanqing's lips twitched; she thought it was an English tutoring session.
But then I thought about it again. English learning wasn't widespread in this era, so the leader's daughter probably learned it from translated books, which is why she used it in the letter.
It's probably because the clerk said she translated it well and that she had some writing skills, which is why Sister Zhang asked her for help.
Not hearing Jiang Wanqing's reply immediately, Zhang's wife assumed she was unwilling and quickly added a sentence.
"Don't worry, it won't take up too much of your time. My son is very obedient and won't let you teach him for nothing. In the future, if you and Battalion Commander Cheng have any big or small matters, we will definitely help you."
As the saying goes, a close neighbor is worse than a distant relative. Besides, having more friends in this residential compound is never a bad thing. Knowledge is too easy for Jiang Wanqing in this era, and it's rare to be trusted. Taking some time out of her way wouldn't hurt. It seems there's no reason to refuse...
Cheng Ran looked at her, and was about to help her out of the predicament, but she agreed instead.
"Then I'll give it a try."
"That's great! I knew you were kind-hearted, Wanqing. Your sister-in-law is a good judge of character. Even if you haven't studied much, you must be quite knowledgeable."
Aunt Zhang warmly took her hand and patted it, and Jiang Wanqing forced a smile.
The college entrance examination will be reinstated in a year. If it can really help Aunt Zhang's son improve his studies, it would be a small act of kindness on her part.
"Comrade Wanqing, please don't push yourself. This child is the hardest to teach. It's okay if you don't teach him properly, but I'm afraid you'll teach him the wrong way."
When someone raised a question, Jiang Wanqing smiled and looked in the direction from which the voice came.
She was a woman wearing a headscarf, who had appeared with Qiao Hongmei earlier.
"Thank you for your kind reminder, sister-in-law. Whether it's forced or not, we'll find out when your son takes the exam next time. Why are you in such a hurry?"
"Hmph, your good intentions are wasted! Even Xuemei and Hongmei, who are educated, wouldn't dare say they can teach others, but you're putting on airs. Aren't you afraid of making a fool of yourself..."
She spoke softer and softer as she went on, and Jiang Wanqing lowered her hand under the table and casually tossed a large bone over there.
The big black dog, which had been lurking under the table, smelled the aroma and pounced on the bone.
Just then, the bone landed right at the woman's feet, startling her so much that she fell off the stool.
"Where did this dead dog come from! Get out of here! Someone come and help!"
As everyone watched, someone leisurely shooed the dog away, preventing her from being humiliated too much.
Cheng Ran picked up a piece of meat and put it into Jiang Wanqing's bowl.
"Eat more. Dogs are more sensible than people and won't bite."
"Pfft..." Jiang Wanqing laughed.
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