Jiang Huaiyu gently put down her chopsticks and bowl, picked up a handkerchief, and lightly wiped the remaining food from her lips before slowly saying, "Cousin Wenyin's incessant chatter ultimately boils down to blaming me for doing nothing. However, before I arrived, were you spared from the need for food and the hardship of labor?"
Xie Wenyin knew that the other party was eloquent, so she invoked the authority of her family elders.
"My aunt once said that the Bai family cannot tolerate parasites!"
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, a hint of composure in her smile. "This morning, I prepared all the necessary materials for the lesson, and we can officially begin teaching this afternoon, guiding Fengyun in her studies of poetry and literature. Before my brother-in-law set off for the county town, I specifically asked him to help purchase silk and thread there. As soon as the goods arrive, I will immediately begin embroidery. I have made such arrangements; does Cousin Wenyin still think I am an idle person?"
"Who knows if all of this is just empty talk!" Xie Wenying curled her lip in disdain.
Jiang Huaiyu looked at her calmly, "If Cousin Wenyin is still dissatisfied, then I am willing to exchange responsibilities with you. You will be responsible for teaching Fengyun and at the same time taking on the responsibility of supporting the family. I am indeed not good at farming, but diligence can make up for lack of talent. Given time, I will definitely be able to master the skills. I wonder if Cousin Wenyin can also learn the skills I possess?"
"You!" Xie Wenying's face turned as red as the sunset, and a hint of anger flashed in her eyes. She seemed to be so angry that she was at a loss for what to do.
"Why is my second cousin's wife being so arrogant!"
Jiang Huaiyu sat upright like a pine tree, her voice slightly raised, and said firmly, "I have never looked down on anyone, but I firmly believe that for a family to be peaceful and happy, everyone must fulfill their responsibilities. Just as you are not good at poetry and songs, I am not good at manual labor either. I will definitely keep my promises. If I fail to do so, it is not too late for my cousin Wenyin to question me. Why rush to criticize me now?"
She knew that the Bai family had exhausted their savings to marry her, so her family was dissatisfied with her.
But she cannot show weakness, otherwise similar disputes will inevitably occur frequently in the future.
These words were both a response to Xie Wenyin and a reflection of Bai Qishi's true feelings.
Bai Qi glanced at her and said indifferently, "There is still a long time to tell whether you have real talent or just rely on your words."
Xie Wenyin seemed to want to argue, but Bai Qi waved her hand to stop her.
"Everyone, please eat! You're arguing all day long, it's giving me a splitting headache!"
It wasn't that she didn't stand by Xie Wenyin's side, but every time Xie Wenyin argued with her daughter-in-law, she was always at a disadvantage, which made her feel depressed.
Perhaps we should wait and see how things develop.
The adopted daughter of the Jiang family before me was impeccable in her behavior and manners. Her eloquence was like a sharp sword, making it difficult for anyone to gain the upper hand even in a heated debate.
The resentment in her heart was like a blizzard that had been building up; although it was temporarily suppressed, it still longed to erupt.
He secretly resolved to witness with his own eyes whether his daughter-in-law could fulfill the solemn promise she had made.
If her daughter-in-law can truly accomplish those two major tasks as she wishes, then everything will develop in a positive direction. Feng Yun's knowledge and wealth will undoubtedly contribute to the prosperity of the Bai family.
However, if the daughter-in-law fails to achieve her goal, she will ruthlessly settle all old and new scores together!
These promises were made by the daughter-in-law herself. If she fails to keep them, even Yu Jing, who is fiercely protective of his wife, will no longer be able to protect her.
Bai Qi's words were as firm as ice. Although Xie Wenyin was filled with dissatisfaction, she had no choice but to remain silent in the face of authority.
The atmosphere at the dining table became unusually quiet, as if you could hear a pin drop.
Jiang Huaiyu sat quietly for a while, and then took the opportunity to suggest that Huiyi read with him.
A look of surprise appeared on Bai Qi's face, and a hint of doubt appeared in her eyes. "What are you up to now? Huiyi is a girl. What's the point of a girl studying?"
Yang was also taken aback by her suggestion. She glanced at Jiang Huaiyu, her eyes showing both surprise and hesitation.
She hesitated for a moment, then slowly began to speak: "A girl's duty should be to be diligent in managing the household, and after marriage, she should also be able to win her husband's favor. Studying is not an essential skill for a woman, but if..."
A calculating glint flashed in her eyes. "If one can master a skill, one will naturally earn more respect from others. Second sister, if you truly wish to guide Huiyi, why not pass on your exquisite embroidery skills to her? With this talent, she won't have to depend on others, no matter where she is."
Madam Bai nodded in agreement, “That makes sense. In a family like ours, there are so many household chores and trivial matters. What’s the use of a girl learning all that book knowledge? She might just become a pretty but useless vase, and she won’t even be popular when she gets married.”
Upon hearing these words, tears welled up in Huiyi's bright eyes, making her look incredibly aggrieved.
Jiang Huaiyu seemed to ignore this, only gently patting Huiyi's arm to comfort her, and then calmly asked, "May I ask, mother-in-law, what kind of family do we belong to?"
Bai Qi glared at her, "Of course they're just country folk. Do you think this place can compare to your Jiang family in Jindu?"
"Although the Bai family is now destitute, has Mother-in-law forgotten that Yujing will be participating in the imperial examination next year? If he passes with flying colors, have you ever thought about what kind of glory the Bai family will usher in?"
Thinking that her son might become the top scholar in the imperial examination, Bai Qi's heart raced, and her excitement was palpable.
Her face beamed with pride, and her voice became very loud: "For Yujing to win the top scholar title is undoubtedly a blessing for our family, a great honor for our Bai family!"
Bai Qi glanced at Jiang Huaiyu sideways and said jokingly, "Even you will one day bask in the glory of the capital."
After saying that, she curled her lips in disdain, her expression seemingly dismissive.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and said in a relaxed tone, "So, as the saying goes, when one person rises to prominence, even their chickens and dogs benefit. When my husband's official career is successful, our whole family will become an official family, with respect and a prominent status. How can that compare to today?"
Bai Qi frowned and asked in confusion, "What exactly do you mean by that?"
Jiang Huaiyu said slowly, "If Huiyi has an uncle who is an official, she will definitely have more superior choices when it comes to marriage in the future. Don't you think so?"
Before Bai Qishi could speak, Yangshi nodded excitedly, her joy overflowing: "That's right, that's right!"
Once the younger brother-in-law holds an important official position, the eldest son's family can hold their heads high!
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and continued, "But if Huiyi is an official's wife, yet she is illiterate and careless, how can she win the favor of those prominent families?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com