Madam Yang said firmly, "Mother, have you ever considered that the money was originally Yu's dowry, and she has the right to dispose of it? Huaiyu is grieving the loss of her child. Shouldn't we, as her family, offer her care and support?"
Bai Qi's face darkened, and she said angrily, "Are you lecturing me? Let me tell you, the Bai family is mine, and Yujing is my son. I will never allow anyone to touch his filial piety!"
Madam Yang gritted her teeth, thinking to herself: "She really is a difficult mother-in-law." She suppressed her grievances and continued to persuade her, "Mother, please let me finish. Huaiyu's actions were not intended to offend; she just wanted to leave a way out for her child. If you can be magnanimous and give her some face, I believe she will be extremely grateful."
Bai Qi snorted coldly, a hint of hesitation flashing in her eyes, but she quickly became resolute: "How can the people of my Bai family be easily manipulated? If she is truly sincere, she should return all the money she offered me as a token of respect, otherwise she should not expect to gain even the slightest benefit from the Bai family!"
Madam Yang's heart tightened, knowing that the matter was becoming increasingly difficult. She took a deep breath and said slowly, "Mother, you have misunderstood Huaiyu's original intention. She did not want anything from the Bai family, but only wanted to leave some security for her child. If you can understand her predicament, I believe she will be very grateful for your great kindness."
Madam Bai scoffed coldly and said irritably, "Jiang Huaiyu took it upon herself to divorce Yujing. What does she take the Bai family for? Yujing owes her nothing, and she herself didn't want to live in the new house. What does it have to do with Madam Bai?"
Madam Yang sighed and said gently, "Mother-in-law, although Jiang Huaiyu acted on her own initiative, this matter ultimately concerns Yujing's marriage, so we should handle it properly."
Bai Qi glared at Yang, her face growing increasingly grim: "Handle it properly? She's already asked for a divorce, what's there to handle?"
Madam Yang bit her lower lip, knowing her mother-in-law's temper well, and dared not persuade her any further. She turned and called over Aunt Liao, and whispered, "Go to the county town and invite Jinxiao back. This matter still needs his decision."
Aunt Liao responded and hurried away. A short while later, Bai Jinxiao returned, looking travel-worn. Upon seeing Madam Yang, he asked with concern, "Madam, what happened?"
Madam Yang briefly recounted the events to Bai Jinxiao. Upon hearing this, Bai Jinxiao's expression turned solemn. He walked up to Madam Bai Qi and respectfully bowed, saying, "Mother, your son has returned. May I ask what your orders are?"
Madam Bai glanced at Bai Jinxiao, a look of satisfied pride in her eyes. She coughed and said, "You can handle this matter yourself, but don't forget, I am your mother, and you must be filial to me."
Bai Jinxiao nodded and replied respectfully, "Mother, rest assured, I understand."
Looking at her husband, Yang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Clearly, Bai Jinxiao was a smart man; he would surely handle this matter properly.
That evening, Bai Jinxiao summoned Yang Shi, Bai Qi Shi, and Jiang Huaiyu together to discuss the matter of divorce.
Madam Bai sat at the head of the table, her face serious. She glanced at Jiang Huaiyu and said coldly, "Jiang Huaiyu, you took it upon yourself to propose a divorce. Do you know how serious this crime is?"
Jiang Huaiyu lowered her head, not daring to look Bai Qishi in the eye. She answered softly, "Mother-in-law, I know I was wrong, but I really can't bear my married life with Yujing."
Bai Jinxiao frowned and asked, "Jiang Huaiyu, could you explain in detail why you cannot tolerate your married life with Yujing?"
Jiang Huaiyu raised her head, a hint of pain flashing in her eyes. She bit her lower lip and said, "Yujing... he always ignores me, I can't feel his love."
Bai Qi sneered, "Ignore you? Yu Jing is a filial son, how could he ignore you? You're just being dramatic."
Madam Yang gently tugged at Madam Bai's sleeve, signaling her to stop talking. Then she turned to Jiang Huaiyu and said gently, "Huaiyu, marriage is about mutual understanding. Yujing may have his faults, but you can't generalize. Try communicating with him; perhaps things will improve."
A glimmer of hope flashed in Jiang Huaiyu's eyes. She looked at Bai Jinxiao and said softly, "Husband, your daughter-in-law is willing to give Yujing another chance, but I hope he can understand that marriage is not a game and he can't always ignore my feelings."
Bai Jinxiao nodded, agreeing with Jiang Huaiyu's request.
Jiang Huaiyu stared straight at Bai Qishi and said solemnly, "I don't want the money Bai Qishi gave me back. I only ask to get back my dowry, books, clothes and utensils."
Madam Bai Qi's eyes widened slightly, then she smiled with satisfaction. She gently patted Jiang Huaiyu's hand and said in a gentle tone, "Yu'er, you are so sensible. This makes your mother very happy."
Sitting to the side, listening to Jiang Huaiyu's words, Madam Yang couldn't help but feel worried. She couldn't help but say, "Huaiyu, aren't you being taken advantage of? After all, that money is rightfully yours."
Jiang Huaiyu looked at Madam Yang and smiled, "Sister-in-law, I don't feel like I've been taken advantage of. That money isn't important to me. I just want to get back what's rightfully mine."
Madam Yang frowned, wanting to persuade her further, but was stopped by Madam Bai Qi.
Bai Qi said, "Since Huaiyu has made her decision, we will respect her choice. Yu'er, I appreciate your kindness and I also feel your sister-in-law's good intentions. However, do you really not need that money?"
Jiang Huaiyu shook her head, her expression resolute: "Mother, I really don't need the money. Besides, I feel this is a relief. I don't want this money to complicate our relationship."
Madam Bai sighed and said with emotion, "Yu'er, you've really grown up and know how to handle these complicated interpersonal relationships."
Yang looked at Jiang Huaiyu, her eyes filled with worry. She couldn't help but ask again, "Huaiyu, are you sure your decision is right? After all, it concerns your interests."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and looked at Yang Shi with a firm gaze: "Sister-in-law, I believe my decision is correct. I appreciate your concern, but I hope you can respect my choice."
After a moment of silence, Yang finally nodded: "Since you've made up your mind, I won't try to persuade you anymore. But if you encounter any difficulties in the future, you must tell me."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and nodded: "Thank you, sister-in-law, I will."
The atmosphere inside the room gradually became harmonious. Looking at her two daughters-in-law, Bai Qi was filled with emotion. Clearly, Jiang Huaiyu's decision had solidified her position within the family and earned her even greater respect from Yang Shi.
At this moment, Bai Jinxiao walked in. He looked at Jiang Huaiyu with admiration in his eyes. He walked up to Jiang Huaiyu and gently patted her shoulder: "Huaiyu, your decision has impressed me. You've really grown up."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly: "Thank you for the compliment, Father."
Bai Jinxiao then turned to look at Madam Yang: "Don't worry, Huaiyu is a person with her own opinions. Her decision must have been made after careful consideration."
Madam Yang smiled slightly and said nothing more.
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