The first update of the "Koi Fish Stepmother" story, featuring the control group as cannon fodder...
The carriage was like a giant, stuffy can, filled with all sorts of smells: sweat, cheap cigarette smoke, and the stench of leftover food. It hit Chen Xia right from the start, giving her a sensory shock. Her stomach churned, and she almost vomited on the spot.
He quickly pulled a mint from his pocket, popped it into his mouth, and then secretly stuck a protective talisman on himself to keep out all the strange smells before finally letting out a long sigh of relief.
The original owner, Chen Xia, was starved to death by her parents during the war, in order to save food for her two grandsons.
After her parents passed away, her two sisters-in-law immediately changed their attitude and kicked her out of the house.
The elder sister-in-law spoke in such a high-sounding manner: "Little sister, it's not that I'm heartless, but look at all these mouths, it's hard to feed them all!"
When our parents were alive, they always gave you the best of everything, and your older brother and sister-in-law didn't say anything. But now that our parents are gone, and you're all grown up, it's time for you to find your own way in life.
The second sister-in-law was even more direct: "That's right, we can't all starve, can we? A girl will belong to someone else's family sooner or later, so you should hurry up and find a good family to marry into."
The eldest brother squatted outside the threshold, his head almost buried in the mortar, silently puffing on his pipe without uttering a sound.
The second brother raised his head slightly, his lips moved, but in the end he just sighed and turned his face away.
She became an unwanted burden. Just when the original owner was at a loss, her cousin Li Meihua came to her door and introduced her to a military officer named Li Mingliang.
Even knowing that the straw offered to her in a desperate situation might be too hot to handle, she had no choice but to grasp it.
The original owner followed this cousin and traveled by train for three days and two nights to reach the army base. After meeting her, she realized that this marriage was a disaster.
Li Mingliang was indeed a military officer, but he had been married once. His wife died in childbirth, leaving behind three children. He would have to become a stepmother after marrying into the family.
The original owner initially wanted to refuse, but her aunt persuaded her, saying that although Li Mingliang was a bit old and had three children, he was a battalion commander and earned more than a hundred yuan a month, which was more than enough to support his family.
The original owner thought that there was no way to make a living back in her hometown. Her sisters-in-law would probably sell her to some old bachelor or lame man in order to get rid of her. So she might as well follow this officer, at least she would have a place to shelter from the wind and rain.
And so, the original owner married Li Mingliang and became the stepmother of three children.
Although she and Li Mingliang were just living together and there was no real affection between them, she was still grateful to him for giving her a home.
After marriage, Li Mingliang was busy with work, so she took care of all the household chores, from food and clothing to housing and transportation, all by herself.
She kept the three children clean and tidy, and the house was kept in perfect order.
However, the original owner's efforts did not move Li Mingliang; instead, he often found fault with her.
They complained that her cooking was too salty or bland, that her voice was too loud or too soft and not presentable enough, and that she wasn't nimble or agile enough when walking or working. In every way, they thought she was less capable than Jiang Ning next door.
Jiang Ning next door is also a stepmother; she became the stepmother of five children in one go!
But Jiang Ning was luckier than her. She was beautiful, had graduated from high school, and was an excellent cook, keeping her whole family in line.
Her husband was promoted and became wealthy, her children were sensible and obedient, and she gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, in the second year of her marriage. After the college entrance examination was reinstated, she first passed the exam and then went into business after graduation, eventually becoming the richest person in the country.
Everyone praises Ye Qiu for having a lucky fate, bringing prosperity to her husband and family. And her? She miscarried both of her pregnancies.
One died from slipping and falling while out, and the other died from resentment, constantly watching her husband compare her to Jiang Ning, which made her feel bitter and resentful.
She only realized upon her death that she was just an unlucky cannon fodder character in a sweet, romantic novel about a stepmother in a bygone era, with the protagonist being Jiang Ning, a woman who had transmigrated. Her existence was meant to highlight Jiang Ning's lucky streak by showcasing her miserable and pathetic state.
What she found most unacceptable was that the reason she was living such a miserable life was because Jiang Ning was wearing a strange koi jade pendant that was silently absorbing her luck!
The original owner solemnly vowed not to marry Li Mingliang, not to become a stepmother, and to find an opportunity to destroy the so-called koi jade pendant on Jiang Ning's body, so that she could no longer use the black koi to harm people.
After receiving the original owner's memories, Chen Xia glanced at her cousin Li Meihua, who was sleeping soundly across from her.
Judging by the time, they had only just set off from their hometown and were still far from the island where Li Mingliang was serving in the army, so there was a lot of room for maneuver.
As dawn broke, the carriage began to stir with the sounds of coughing, children crying, and shouts of people calling for hot water to soak bread.
Aunt Li Meihua was woken up by the noise. She rubbed her sore eyes and yawned. She was startled to see Chen Xia staring blankly out the window with her eyes wide open.
"Oh my, Xiaxia woke up so early? Why didn't you sleep a little longer? The journey is still long, you need to get plenty of rest."
As she spoke, she pulled a hard, dry flatbread from her cloth bag and handed it over: "The boxed meals on the train are too expensive, ordinary people like us can't afford them. Just make do with this flatbread to fill your stomach."
Chen Xia didn't answer, but turned her head and looked at Li Meihua's face, making her smile a little unsteady.
Chen Xia spoke, her voice low and slightly hoarse from just waking up: "Aunt, you said last time that Battalion Commander Li... isn't that old?"
Li Meihua was stunned for a moment, then stammered, "Ah...yes, Liangzi...he's in his prime."
"Becoming a battalion commander must be quite an achievement, right?" Chen Xia's tone remained calm, as if he were chatting casually.
"You're over thirty? At this age... you're still not married? Was it because you were too busy before, or is there another reason? Auntie, I'm not stupid, I just want to hear the truth."
Li Meihua's smile froze on her face, her eyes began to dart around, and she didn't know whether to hold the pancake in her hand or put it down.
She coughed twice, lowering her voice: "Sigh... It's also my fault, I didn't explain things clearly to you."
Mingliang... he was married before, but his wife had a tragic fate; she died during childbirth. She left behind three motherless children, adrift and alone—it's heartbreaking to see...
...This is all for your own good, Xiaxia. Think about it, with Mingliang's high salary, if you marry him, you won't have to worry about food and clothing.
Of the three children, the eldest and second eldest are already seven or eight years old and don't require your attention. As for the youngest, if you raise him well from a young age, he'll be no different from your own son in the future.
No matter how much Li Meihua talked, her mouth was dry and her spittle flew, praising Li Mingliang to the skies.
Chen Xia kept a straight face and said only one sentence: "I will never be a stepmother. If you force me to get married, I will die."
Seeing that Chen Xia was being stubborn and determined not to be a stepmother, even saying she would get off at the next stop and go home...
Li Meihua panicked. If Chen Xia really turned back halfway, how would she explain it to her nephew? That was a minor issue; the real problem was that all the travel and food expenses would be wasted.
She hurriedly pressed Chen Xia back into her seat, whispering and quickly advising, "Silly girl! Don't be foolish! Go back? Your parents are gone, where can you go back to?"
Do you think your brother and sister-in-law will let you in? You'd better go back home and starve! Listen to your aunt, she won't hurt you.
Chen Xia let her talk without refuting or responding, just turning her head away, looking like she was completely unresponsive and didn't care what anyone said.
Li Meihua was truly at her wit's end. Her mind raced, and she was filled with regret, wishing she hadn't told the truth earlier.
Seeing that Chen Xia was determined not to be a stepmother, she quickly racked her brains and came up with a suitable candidate, then suddenly slapped her thigh!
"Alright, alright! I'm scared of you, okay? I... I have a distant nephew named Su Yuanchao, who's also serving in the army on that island!"
"He's a newly promoted company commander, with a bright future ahead of him. He's never been married, which perfectly meets your requirement of not being a stepmother."
Chen Xia glanced at her suspiciously: "With such good qualities, why didn't you introduce her to me before? Auntie, you're not just making this up again, are you?"
"Oh my! I'm not kidding you, Yuanchao is great in every way, except that he has a heavy family burden."
His parents are gone, and his two younger siblings rely on his meager allowance to make ends meet.
Your aunt previously thought it would be more practical for you to marry into Mingliang's family; you could take charge of the household as soon as you arrived...
So you're not happy being a stepmother right now, so... well, why don't you consider aiding North Korea?
It's his first marriage, after all, and he's young. It's just that his family isn't well-off, so he'll have to suffer for two years after marrying into the family, until his sister gets married and his brother comes of age..."
Chen Xia lowered her head and thought for a while: "Okay, Aunt, I'll trust you one more time and meet with this Comrade Su."
If it works out, I'll remember your kindness for the rest of my life; if it doesn't, I won't blame you.
Seeing that Chen Xia had relented, Li Meihua finally felt relieved and readily agreed.
As long as Chen Xia doesn't give up halfway and is willing to go to the island, even if she doesn't end up marrying Li Mingliang.
Her trip wasn't entirely in vain; she managed to get some money back from Su Yuanchao as a thank-you gift, preventing her from losing everything.
After calming Chen Xia down, Li Meihua began to worry inwardly. She had stabilized things here, but what about there? Li Mingliang was still waiting for his new bride to arrive!
Her trip to the island was paid for entirely by her cousin Li Mingliang, who also provided her with food expenses.
She couldn't let him really lose his money, could she? She had to quickly think of a suitable wife for Li Mingliang to fill this hole... What kind of mess is this!
The train arrived at the station with a whistle and heavy panting. Li Meihua pulled Chen Xia along and squeezed onto the bumpy ferry.
A salty sea breeze swept over him, whipping his hair into a frenzy. Chen Xia stood on the deck, gazing at the distant azure sea and the ever-approaching outlines of islands, a sense of calm washing over him.
As soon as the boat docked, Li Meihua spotted the figure in military uniform on the pier. She immediately stood on tiptoe, waved her arms, and shouted at the top of her lungs, "Liangzi! Liangzi! Auntie's here!"
Li Mingliang turned around at the sound and saw Li Meihua and the plain-dressed, pretty girl behind her. His eyes lit up immediately.
A smile spread across her face as she quickly stepped forward to take their luggage: "Auntie, you must be tired from your journey. This must be Comrade Chen Xia, right? Give me your luggage, I'll take it."
Chen Xia subconsciously moved her small bundle behind her, didn't say a word, glanced at him indifferently, and then looked away.
Seeing Chen Xia's attitude, Li Meihua understood perfectly and quickly stuffed her large bundle into Li Mingliang's hands.
He blocked the hand that was reaching for Chen Xia, and said with a laugh, "Liangzi, thank you for your hard work! Um, why don't you help your aunt take her luggage to your house first?"
Xiaxia and I have to rush to Yuanchao's house to take care of some urgent business. Later, I'll come over and have a proper chat with you!
After saying that, without waiting for Li Mingliang's reaction, he grabbed Chen Xia's arm and hurriedly walked in another direction.
Li Mingliang stood frozen in place, holding the heavy bundle, looking utterly bewildered.
Wasn't his aunt here specifically to bring him a wife?
Why are they taking people to Su Yuanchao's house right after they got off the ship?
He watched Chen Xia and Li Meihua's hurried departure, opened his mouth, but ultimately didn't dare to call out.
Frustrated, I could only shoulder my luggage and walk home dejectedly, feeling incredibly suffocated.
Li Meihua led Chen Xia through several turns in the island's barracks and family quarters, arriving at a slightly old but clean and tidy courtyard.
Before she even entered the courtyard, her voice rang out: "Manman! Manman! Are you home?"
As soon as the voice fell, a pretty little girl, about twelve or thirteen years old with two braids, peeked out from inside the house, lifting the curtain.
Upon seeing Li Meihua, a delighted smile immediately appeared on her face, and she called out in a clear voice, "Auntie! What brings you here? Come in, come in!"
Then he turned and shouted into the house, "Weiguo! Weiguo! Go to the barracks and find our brother. Tell him that Auntie is here and he should come back right away!"
Li Meihua, holding Chen Xia's hand, followed the little girl Su Manyun into the house with a smile.
The room was simply furnished, but neatly organized. Li Meihua pointed to Chen Xia and said to Su Manyun, "Manman, this is your sister Chen Xia."
Hey, didn't you tell your aunt last time that you wanted her to find a sister-in-law for your brother?
Perfect timing! My niece is a middle school graduate, a well-educated girl, sensible and hardworking. I was thinking of bringing her to let your brother meet her.
If this works out, we'll be even closer relatives! How wonderful!
Su Manyun felt a surge of joy from the moment she first saw Chen Xia.
She thought this older sister was really pretty, with fair skin and bright eyes. Just standing there quietly made people feel comfortable.
But fearing it was just wishful thinking on her part, she blushed with excitement when her aunt said it so directly. She excitedly squeezed next to Chen Xia, looked up at her with wide eyes, and could barely speak.
"Sister-in-law... oh no, Sister Xiaxia! My brother... although he can be a bit dull at times, and you can't get him to say a word, he's incredibly reliable and capable, and he's very honest with people!"
After he was promoted last year, his monthly salary is over sixty yuan! My third brother and I are not young anymore, but we can help with chores around the house, chopping wood, carrying water, feeding the chickens, you name it. We don't eat much either..."
The little girl eagerly promoted her brother, wanting to list all the good things about the family in one go, afraid that Chen Xia wouldn't like him.
Looking at the innocent and eager young girl in front of her, Chen Xia's heart softened. She reached out and gently took the girl's slightly rough hand, her voice gentle. "Don't rush, speak slowly."
She had a very good first impression of Su Manyun; she was sensible, hardworking, and had clear eyes.
A family that could raise a sister like that must mean that Su Yuanchao, whom I've never met, is a decent person.
Even at her worst, it's still much better than marrying Li Mingliang and becoming someone's stepmother.
Su Yuanchao had just come down from the training field and returned to his office covered in sweat. Before he could even sit down and have a sip of water, his younger brother Su Weiguo, who rushed in like a cannonball, grabbed him and dragged him out.
"Brother! Hurry! Come home! Auntie's here! And she brought a really pretty older sister with her!"
Su Weiguo was panting heavily from running, and could barely speak.
Su Yuanchao was startled, thinking something urgent had happened at home. His heart was in his throat, and he quickly followed his younger brother home.
As soon as I entered the house, I saw my aunt Li Meihua sitting inside with a strange girl I had never seen before.
His younger sister, Manyun, was chattering away around the girl, and he immediately realized that this was a blind date arranged by his aunt.
Su Yuanchao glanced at Chen Xia furtively, scratched his head, and couldn't bring himself to refuse.
But only he knows his own situation. His family's circumstances are what they are: low wages, and two growing children who could eat his father out of house and home.
They barely make ends meet to support their education, and their home has nothing of value. Marrying a girl now would only bring them hardship and poverty.
Li Meihua gave Su Yuanchao several meaningful glances, and seeing him standing there like a block of wood, awkwardly greeting Chen Xia and not knowing where to put his hands, she sighed.
He took the two younger ones out and slapped Su Yuanchao on the back: "Don't just stand there like an idiot, have a good talk with Xiaxia!"
After Li Meihua led Su Manyun and Su Weiguo out, Chen Xia saw that Su Yuanchao remained silent, so she simply spoke first: "I'll call you Brother Su, you can call me Chen Xia, or Xia Xia."
Su Yuanchao cheerfully called out, "Xia, please sit down. Are you thirsty? Let me pour you some tea."
He quickly ran to the kitchen, grabbed the thermos, poured a mug of hot water for Chen Xia, and scooped two large spoonfuls of sugar from the sugar jar into it: "Drink some sugar water to sweeten your mouth."
Chen Xia took the enamel mug, thanked him, and took a sip. It was cloyingly sweet. She silently put the mug down. This guy was good-looking, and although he was a bit clumsy, he was quite honest.
She wanted to fulfill the original owner's wish: after her stepmother Jiang Ning, the koi carp, came to the island to join the army, she would find an opportunity to destroy the koi carp jade pendant. She had to be prepared to stay on the island for a long time.
After all, she still doesn't know the details of that koi fish jade pendant.
Silently putting down the enamel mug, Chen Xia looked at him and said, "On the way here, my aunt told me some things about you, and I have a general understanding of the situation."
Let me tell you about my own situation. My parents starved to death last year during the Cultural Revolution.
I have two older brothers who are already married with children. After my parents passed away, my two sisters-in-law couldn't tolerate me anymore.
My aunt is kind-hearted and wanted to help me find a husband so I would have a place to stay.
My aunt initially introduced me to her nephew, Battalion Commander Li, but I didn't agree. I didn't want to be a stepmother.
My aunt mentioned you to me and brought me here.
I don't like to drag things out, so let's be frank and what do you think of me?
If you think I'm a good match, then let's get our marriage certificate and live a good life together.
If you feel I'm not suitable, I definitely won't pester you. Once we're out this door, we'll each go our separate ways and leave each other alone.
After hearing Chen Xia's words, Su Yuanchao stood up abruptly: "Suitable, of course it's suitable. Xia, I'm not good with words, I don't know how to say nice things."
But I assure you with this military uniform that I will strive to be a good husband and give you a good life.
Su Yuanchao's promise was simple and unpretentious, even somewhat clumsy, but its sincerity and determination were weighty and gave people a sense of security.
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