Qin secretly resented the old lady for being mute, for not explaining her third sister-in-law's situation clearly, which led to this mess and made the people of Linjiagou laugh at her.
She saw that the people drawing water from the ancient well and the people "reclaiming land" on the back mountain had stopped working and were standing still looking in this direction. She knew that she was going to lose face today.
All of this is the fault of that wretched old woman!
Her son is still studying in school, hoping that one day he can pass the imperial examination to become a student, then a scholar, a provincial graduate, and so on, until he becomes the top scholar!
As the mother of a future top scholar, her reputation is naturally of utmost importance. So even though she has her mother-in-law under her thumb, she still has to put on a good show in public. Only behind closed doors can she do whatever she wants.
Just like what happened earlier.
But now, her reputation is ruined.
My aunt's family was in trouble, and not only did she not help, but she also came to their door empty-handed and specifically asked for noodles made from freshly ground wheat. What kind of reputation does she have?
But her reputation cannot be ruined!
She glared fiercely at the old woman again, took a few deep breaths, and then put on an apologetic expression. She took the purse from her sleeve and placed it in the hands of the still-wailing Yue Jiuyue, comforting her:
"Third sister, I'm so sorry, I never imagined your family was going through such hardship. Mother came last night and then went home without telling me anything. I really didn't know your fourth son almost..."
Sigh! This morning I was so focused on coming to your house to ask about the sweet potatoes that I forgot to bring the gift I had prepared. My mother said we're all family, so there's no need to be so particular, and I can bring it next time. I listened to my mother and didn't go back to get it.
This is my fault. I shouldn't have been so focused on growing more food so that my family wouldn't go hungry, neglecting even the most basic social interactions.
"This is the money my son earned copying books at school. It's only a few dozen copper coins, but it's a small token of our family's affection. Life is hard for everyone these days, and there's only so much I can do to help. Please don't think it's too little, Third Sister."
Qin clutched the purse tightly, not because she was afraid Yue Jiuyue wouldn't take it, but simply because she couldn't bear to suffer such a huge loss.
Those were dozens of copper coins! She carried them only to make a show of herself and to flaunt them to others.
Now look what's happened! Before she could even show off, all that money had become Yue Jiuyue's.
It's all that old hag's fault! I'll settle this score when we get home!
Qin made another note of her mother-in-law's actions.
Yue Jiuyue: ...
Unexpectedly, not only did she not give herself away, but she also received an unexpected surprise?
She immediately stopped wailing, snatched the purse back, and then showered Qin with profuse thanks, showering her with compliments:
"Oh my! Sister-in-law, you are such a kind person! I thought you looked down on my family because we were dirt poor, since you never gave us a second glance before. I never expected you to be such a warm-hearted person on the outside!"
"Oh dear! Sister-in-law, you must be exhausted from the journey, right? Come on, let's go inside and rest. I'll ask your nephew's wife to cook you a meal; I promise there will be plenty of wild vegetables!"
"Little Man's mother, did you hear that? Add more wild vegetables!"
After giving instructions to Liu, Yue Jiuyue smiled as brightly as a flower, and pulled Qin's arm as they walked home, looking as if they were very close friends.
Everyone present: \(◎o◎)／!
My friend, I'm stunned!
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