Back in the village, Ning Huan told Zhou Jing'an about what had happened at the Wan residence that day.
In the end, she couldn't help but sigh, "So many beautiful women in this manor are trapped in the backyard their whole lives. They have looks and talent, yet they have to revolve around one man, trying every possible way to please him..."
Zhou Jing'an raised an eyebrow upon hearing Ning Huan's words. He couldn't help but think to himself, "This woman's ideas are indeed quite unique."
How many women in this world don't spend their entire lives revolving around their men and children, trapped in the concept of being virtuous and gentle?
Seeing Ning Huan's deep sadness, Zhou Jing'an couldn't help but comfort her, saying, "This is also their life. Although it's unfortunate, they still have to live on in the deep courtyards of the mansion."
"As for Madam Wan, she may not be as kind as people imagine. There are quite a few concubines and mistresses in the Wan family. If Madam Wan didn't have some ruthless methods, she probably wouldn't be able to hold onto her position as the head of the household."
"Moreover, even with so many women in front of him, Master Wan still holds an important place for her in his heart. It's clear that Madam Wan must be quite capable."
Ning Huan nodded in agreement, "That's right, especially today when Madam Wan found out who had harmed her, her face immediately turned terrifying."
Zhou Jing'an suddenly remembered something: "Oh right, this afternoon Yao Xiaocui sent someone to deliver a message saying that after she went home, her parents wouldn't let her come back because they wanted her to help with chores, and she would come back after the New Year."
Ning Huan frowned: "I was worried that Xiao Cui wouldn't be able to get out, and I specifically asked her about it back then."
However, it's not a bad thing for her to learn herbal medicine and make money. As long as Yao Xiaocui's parents aren't mentally challenged, they'll probably let her come back.
However, preparations for learning medicinal herbs were almost complete, and many villagers were waiting for notification. Since Yao Xiaocui couldn't make it back in time, Ning Huan would have to teach her later.
The next day, Ning Huan found the village chief and told him that he was ready and that he could teach the villagers to identify medicinal herbs in two days.
Upon hearing this, the village chief beamed with joy: "Great! I'll go and inform everyone right away. They'll all be overjoyed!"
"Jing'an's wife, you've really done a great thing for our village!"
When Ning Huan returned home, she saw Yao Shi leading two women into her house from afar.
Curious, she hurried back and recognized one of the women as Liu Shi. The other woman was indeed a complete stranger.
Seeing the three people enter the house, Ning Huan followed them in, and only then did she get a clear look at the woman's face.
The girl was beautiful, slender, with bright, sparkling eyes and a lovely smile.
However, when she saw Ning Huan, she rolled her eyes in annoyance, as if there was some grudge between them.
Ning Huan was taken aback, somewhat confused. But then it dawned on her—could this beautiful woman be another one that Yao had found to be Zhou Jing'an's concubine?
Because she said last time that Yao Xiaocui wasn't pretty, Yao specially found a beautiful one to come over.
Thinking of this, Ning Huan pursed her lips. Why was Yao so eager to find someone to replace her? Was driving her away Yao's task as an NPC?
Seeing Ning Huan's expression, Liu felt incredibly smug.
For so long, Ning Huan has turned her home upside down. She doesn't think about her family when she has something to gain, and she has become selfish. Not to mention, her four little beasts are always bullying her son!
This pent-up anger was finally released today when Ning Huan pouted.
She looked at Ning Huan triumphantly and asked, "Sister-in-law, are you unhappy? Who are you trying to embarrass yourself with?"
Ignoring Ning Huan, Yao walked straight to Zhou Jing'an, forcing a kind smile: "Third son, you complained that Xiao Cui, whom I found for you last time, wasn't pretty. That was because I didn't think much of it."
"I've found you a beautiful girl this time. Look at her, I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"
With a smile, Madam Yao pulled the girl behind her to Zhou Jing'an's side: "Look at your mother's memory. When you were little, you were the one who liked pretty things and beautiful people the most. I actually forgot about you."
"Mother knows she was wrong. Look at the girl I found for you this time. She's a maid from your sister-in-law's family, named Lü Yan. She's beautiful and very good at taking care of people!"
Zhou Jing'an's expression immediately changed, and he didn't want to say a word to Yao.
When the four little ones saw that Madam Yao had brought a new woman into the house, they thought of Yao Xiaocui, who had just left a few days ago, and how she had caused such a commotion in their home.
If another one comes along, will this family ever have a peaceful day again?
Furthermore, they didn't want Zhou Jing'an to marry a concubine or find them another stepmother. They only wanted Ning Huan as their mother!
So the four little ones quickly said to Madam Yao and the woman, "We don't want her to come and take care of our father!"
"This woman isn't pretty either. We don't want her in our house. She's too ugly!"
"My father won't marry another woman, we don't want a concubine, and we don't want you either!"
"We don't want our father to take a concubine! Don't even think about becoming my father's concubine!"
These words immediately changed Lü Yan's expression. She had been forcibly dragged here by Liu Shi. This man was now bedridden with illnesses requiring care, not to mention he had four children.
She's a perfectly healthy young woman, why would she choose to become someone's stepmother instead of marrying into a good family? She must be crazy!
If it weren't for Liu's constant persuasion, she could have driven Ning Huan away as soon as she came over.
Furthermore, Yao's words that Zhou Jing'an would be a capable official in the future, and that she would become the wife of an official, finally moved Lü Yan's heart.
Seeing Lü Yan's expression change, Madam Yao quickly scolded, "You four little brats, what are you saying again, so ill-mannered!"
"Is it because your mother didn't teach you well that you say such things!"
She turned to Zhou Jing'an and said, "Jing'an, it's not that I'm being nosy, but look at these four children, they've all been spoiled. They talk without any restraint, what kind of behavior is that? If you ask me, you're not a good daughter-in-law at raising children..."
"Why don't you let me take your four little dumplings home? I guarantee I'll raise them to be well-behaved and they'll all be as successful as you in the future!"
As she spoke, she reached out to grab the three little ones closest to her. The four little ones immediately scurried away, running behind Ning Huan as if afraid that Yao would catch them and take them away.
Just as Zhou Jing'an was about to speak, Ning Huan coldly asked from the side, "Mother, I heard that Father locked you up at home and forbade you to go out. How did you get out today?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Yao fell silent.
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