“Yes,” Sister-in-law Huang immediately chimed in, “and while we’re at it, let’s also make fun of those who became apprentices because they got their heads stuck.”
In short, both sides became the butt of jokes.
“That’s true at the beginning,” Old Man Huang said with a stern face. “But once you learn real skills and make it big, who cares whether you worship a woman or a man? After you make it big, these jokes become beautiful stories.”
"It's hard to say," Old Mrs. Huang shook her head. "Our family doesn't know any important people, so how can we guarantee that their children will definitely succeed? If they don't succeed, Yaya will keep being laughed at. That won't do."
Every parent loves their child. Her daughter-in-law is such a good person, so why should people gossip about her because of these people?
"What's the big deal?" Old Huang frowned and said, "A few words from others are nothing to worry about. Hasn't Ya Ya been treated with more respect over the years?"
It's no big deal if people say a few words, what's there to be afraid of? Women are so petty!
“That was then,” Old Mrs. Huang retorted. “Back then, our Yaya was indeed in the wrong, but things are different now.”
“Father, Mother,” Huang Shi said, “please stop arguing and listen to what Ya Ya has to say.”
“I’m not afraid of what people say,” Jiang Nuan said, “I’m just afraid of getting into trouble.”
Perhaps because she watches too many TV dramas, she is genuinely afraid that her own family will also encounter all sorts of dramatic misfortunes.
“You don’t need to worry about that,” Old Man Huang said, puffing out his chest. “Although there are few people in Huangjiakou, they are really not afraid of trouble.”
Huang Shi chimed in, "Ya Ya, if you're worried about gossip, I'd definitely advise you to reconsider. There's absolutely no need for that. It's true that Huangjiakou has a small population, but few dare to mess with us. Even the government is the same. As long as we pay our taxes, the emperor won't dare to do anything to us."
“No, that’s not it,” Jiang Nuan explained. “I’m afraid that some rich, powerful, and malicious people will take advantage of their power to bully others.”
“Our village is so remote and small, how could we possibly encounter such a person?” Old Huang continued to persuade him. “He’s just trying to make a living, nothing worth anyone’s concern.”
"That's enough," Old Mrs. Huang said unsatisfiedly. "So what if Ya Ya doesn't accept it? Everyone keeps their skills to themselves. Haven't you heard the saying 'Teaching an apprentice will starve the master'?"
“I didn’t say I would teach him everything at once,” Old Huang explained helplessly. “I just taught him the parts that I didn’t use.”
“Mother,” Huang Shi said, “Father thinks that everyone has a hard time making a living. If Ya Ya has the ability to help people live a better life, then we should lend a hand. If we don’t want to, then forget it.”
After all, who doesn't distinguish between insiders and outsiders, close and distant relatives?
“I don’t really want to take on apprentices,” Jiang Nuan said after a moment of thought. “However, Father and my elder brother can find some good young men, and I can teach them some things.”
"No way," Old Mrs. Huang said before Old Man Huang could speak, "They've given away all their skills without even getting the title of master. It's too easy for them."
Even being an apprentice isn't this easy!
“Don’t be silly,” Old Man Huang explained, “it’s not like that.”
Turning his head, Old Man Huang said to Jiang Nuan, "It's good to handle it this way. If we were to take on any apprentices, it would cause all sorts of trouble."
Huang Shi noticed the problem and frowned as he spoke, "Ya Ya, you're not alone. We've got you covered. Don't be timid."
Taking on disciples would be even better. With this relationship, no matter what happens in the future, these people will have to respect Ya Ya as their master.
"I understand," Jiang Nuan lowered her head, "I will pay attention to these things in the future."
"Then why don't you take on apprentices?" Huang Shi asked, puzzled.
"I don't want to put in too much effort," Jiang Nuan explained, shaking her head. "It's fine as it is now."
Apprentices must be pleasing to the eye; no amount of benefits can change that.
The people her father and older brother had sent were all close to her family, and none of them appealed to Jiang Nuan.
Huang Hai's family.
After telling Liao about his son becoming Jiang Nuan's apprentice, Huang Sheng waited for his wife's reaction.
"That old hag Jiang?" Liao said with a tense face. "No, I will not let my son become her apprentice."
"Don't get so worked up," Huang Sheng sighed and advised. "Whether you admit it or not, she's a capable person. She's a widow who got three sons married, while our Dahai is still a bachelor. That's proof of that."
Upon hearing this, Ms. Liao fell silent.
Her son's continued unmarried status is a thorn in her side that she can't shake off. Now, because of her, it's even more difficult for him to find a wife.
After a long silence, she finally spoke, as if in resignation, "I've been at odds with her for twenty years, and she probably doesn't want to take our Dahai in."
“You’re right,” Huang Sheng nodded emphatically. “She really didn’t want to accept it, so she used you as a raft, just waiting for you to refuse.”
"Dream on," Liao sneered. "I've never beaten her in my life, and I won't let her have her way this time. I agree to this."
Not only did Liao agree, but despite her ailing health, she packed all of her son's belongings and had Huang Sheng deliver them to him.
Watching Huang Sheng's departing figure, Liao shouted, "Husband, tell our son, don't come home until he's learned his skills!"
"Okay, I understand." Huang Sheng waved his hand and strode away.
Jiang Nuan hadn't been sitting down long after returning from the old house when she saw Huang Sheng carrying bedding appear at her home, and she was immediately taken aback.
After realizing what was happening, Jiang Nuan tentatively asked in a low voice, "Did Sister Chunhua agree?"
“She agreed,” Huang Sheng grinned and explained, “She packed all the bedding and said that Dahai wasn’t allowed to go home until he learned his skills.”
"What?" Jiang Nuan could hardly believe her ears. "Did you tell her that Huang Hai wanted to be my apprentice?"
The two had been fighting for so many years and had long become mortal enemies, yet Liao actually yielded.
How could she back down?
That's so unprincipled!
This is terrible. The parents have already sent over their bedding, and the apprentice really can't refuse.
“I told her,” Huang Sheng said, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes. “My wife has always been a reasonable person; she agreed after I explained it to her.”
Is Liao's philosophy reasonable?
Are you kidding me?
Jiang Nuan thought to herself, but showed no outward expression.
After struggling for a long time, she compromised and said, "Since you parents don't object, I'll agree to this. However, you should take your bedding back. It's not only inappropriate since you haven't formally become an apprentice yet, but you also have nowhere to stay at home."
"It's alright, it's nothing." Huang Sheng waved his hand. "I'll find the clan chief and elders right away, and have Dahai serve tea and kowtow. It'll be over in a bit."
"As for not having a place to stay, that's not a big deal. He's a young man in his twenties with plenty of energy. He can just make a makeshift bed on the floor in the kitchen."
Huang Sheng's words made Jiang Nuan realize a saying: "People who are not on the same path will not enter the same door."
Liao was a ruthless woman who was willing to go all out, and her husband was no less so; the two of them were both incredibly difficult to deal with.
Another lesson learned!
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