After dinner, the rain outside showed no signs of stopping; in fact, it grew heavier. Li Rouniang went into Granny Zhao's room and began searching.
Granny Zhao's trunk wasn't locked. Li Rouniang opened it and found a small box inside. Inside, there were two taels of silver and a string of copper coins. Next to it was a small handkerchief wrapped around something. When she opened it, she found a pair of outdated silver pendants.
Li Rouniang thought, "If only this space were still here. I don't feel at ease keeping these things anywhere." Just then, after a familiar white light, she found herself entering the Falling Spring Space.
In an instant, Li Rouniang understood. The reason she couldn't enter before was because she was holding Sanni in her arms. This space couldn't hold living beings, so she couldn't enter. The reason Sanni was able to enter initially was because she was pregnant when she entered and gave birth in the space.
Having this space was incredibly convenient. Without hesitation, Li Rou Niang put the money that Granny Zhao had saved inside, thinking that even if she were ever kicked out, she would at least have some financial security to support her child.
At this moment, she noticed a familiar piece of cloth in the box. Taking it out, she was struck by a sudden realization: wasn't this the cloth that Granny Zhao had used to bribe the clan chief's wife?
The imperial court discovered a mine, and the county magistrate ordered that every household must send someone to register and take turns mining in the mountains. Old Mrs. Zhao, feeling sorry for her son, bought this fine silk and gave it to the wife of the clan chief, Zhao Youtian, thus exempting her from the registration requirement.
I remember when Erni was curious about the silk, she gently touched it with her finger, and Granny Zhao slapped her hard across the face, scolding her for not being qualified to touch such a fine thing.
Now, it's all mine!
She's not qualified, is she? She wants to make dresses for her daughters to wear, humph!
Just as she put the fabric into her spatial storage, Li Rou Niang suddenly had a flash of inspiration: Go to the mine!
Yes, let's get the two brothers to the mine first, and then we can find a way out ourselves.
Li Rouniang was somewhat agitated. Looking down at her disheveled state, she decided to go to her sister-in-law's room to tidy herself up.
She was the same age as her sister-in-law, Zhao Dahua, and even two months younger than Zhao Dahua on her birthday. Yet, despite this, the Zhao family showed her no pity whatsoever. She wore and used only what Zhao Dahua didn't want, and lived a life of unkempt appearance and tattered clothes.
On the other hand, Zhao Dahua was always dressed up and flamboyant, never lifting a finger. She was a peasant girl who acted like a pampered young lady. No, Zhao Dahua was determined to become an official's wife, which is why she eagerly pursued Wu Xiucai in the village. It was like a turtle and a green bean, and the two of them hit it off after a while.
Li Rounian wasn't envious, but she felt that the two of them shouldn't have set their sights on her daughter!
After tidying herself up, Li Rouniang looked at herself in the bronze mirror again and again.
What woman doesn't love beauty? Besides, Li Rouniang is only twenty-three.
In the bronze mirror, Li Rouniang, dressed in beautiful clothes, with her hair styled and adorned with a wooden hairpin, looked exquisitely beautiful. Her delicate eyebrows resembled distant mountains, and her eyes sparkled with a lively spirit. Although she lacked the innocent charm of a young girl, she possessed a beauty born of experience at her age.
"Wow~ Mommy, you're so beautiful!" Erni exclaimed sincerely. Dani nodded vigorously, but there was also worry in her eyes. What's wrong with Mommy? Her aunt usually treasures these things so much.
They won't let anyone touch it. If my aunt finds out, who knows what kind of trouble she'll cause!
"You two take good care of the house and your sister. I'll be back in a bit. I'll make you some nice clothes tonight too," Li Rouniang said happily, grabbing a raincoat and hurrying out.
At the Zhao Youtian family, the clan chief, Li Rouniang said directly, "Originally, the matter of quietly erasing the name was just left as it was, but my husband and uncle got drunk and told everyone about it. So many people in the tavern know about it now. My husband was afraid of causing trouble for the clan chief, so he asked me to come back and ask what to do."
Zhao Youtian glared fiercely at his good-for-nothing wife. He had never agreed to this in the first place, but his wife was too naive and took the silk from his aunt's family. She had even made clothes out of the silk and was wearing them, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and do it. He never expected that these two big mouths would dare to gossip about it.
If the county magistrate finds out, what good will come of it for me? Besides, I'll lose all my authority among the villagers after this, won't I?
"These two good-for-nothings!" Zhao Youtian's wife was also angry. Looking at her husband's face, she was anxious: "Husband, what do you suggest we do?"
"What are we going to do? It's all your fault, you spendthrift woman!" Zhao Youtian said angrily.
"Why is it all my fault? You didn't say anything in the first place!" You Tian's wife retorted unhappily.
"Clan chief, I have a plan, but I don't know if I should say it." Seeing that the couple was about to start arguing endlessly, Li Rou Niang quickly interrupted.
"Tell me what you think," Zhao Youtian said.
"How about we send them to the mines tonight for three months? That would prove we haven't shown favoritism and shut others up. What do you think, clan chief?" Li Rouniang stated her purpose directly.
Zhao Youtian stared intently at Li Rouniang. Having served as the clan chief for many years, he could tell at a glance that Li Rouniang had originally intended to send Zhao Dayou and his brother up the mountain. Therefore, the truth of what she had just said now needed to be questioned.
"Clan Chief?" Li Rou Niang felt uneasy under Zhao You Tian's gaze. Although Zhao You Tian was somewhat fond of taking small advantages, he was generally dutiful in protecting his clansmen. It seemed he had seen through her trickery, and Li Rou Niang's heart began to pound.
“Dayou, you’ve been married into our Zhao family village for six or seven years now, haven’t you? Couples sometimes have their little squabbles, don’t take them too seriously,” Zhao Youtian said.
That shows they've seen through it.
Li Rouniang lowered her head and clenched her fists, saying, "Dayou is just a bit short-tempered, but I don't blame him."
"That's good. Every young couple has their disagreements. You don't have any family back yet, so you'll have to stay with Dayou and live a good life together. Stop making a fuss and go home," Zhao Youtian said, waving his hand.
Actually, he knew something about Zhao Dayou beating Li Rouniang. He remembered that once, it was probably the first year after Li Rouniang married into the family, she came to him with a bloodied face to seek justice. At that time, he also severely criticized Zhao Dayou.
After that, Li Rouniang never came to see him again. However, Li Rouniang herself had left a mark of restlessness in Zhao Youtian's mind. In this village, how many men don't beat their wives? Who would come to him to complain, and even put on a bloody face to gain sympathy? Look at her appearance, she's just restless!
And now, who knows what she's been through today? This heartless woman actually wants to send her husband and brother-in-law to the mines. Truly, the most vicious heart belongs to a woman!
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