Chapter 16 Let's just hand over the sauce business. ...
Yu Man and Deng San Niang rushed home, and as soon as they stepped into the courtyard, they felt a sense of oppressive atmosphere. Xiu Xiu didn't rush out as usual, but instead stood in front of the kitchen door, her little face tense, and silently pointed inside to Yu Man.
Inside the main room, the flickering light of the oil lamp cast an indistinct shadow on everyone's faces. Yu Chengfu sat ramrod straight on the bench, his face ashen, lips tightly pressed together, chest rising and falling slightly, his knuckles white as he clenched his fists around his knees. Old Mrs. Yu sat upright in the only decent chair at the head of the room, her eyelids drooping, her lips downturned, her wrinkled face conveying displeasure. Her third uncle, Yu Chenglu, sat to the left of her, his usual slick smile still on his face.
Seeing this scene resembling a joint trial, Yu Manyan vaguely guessed what the third uncle's family was thinking.
Seeing them return, Old Mrs. Yu didn't even bother to fully open her eyelids. She continued to glance at her eldest son with her eyes, and spoke in a sarcastic voice, as if being slowly cut by a dull knife:
"Oh, Chengfu, you're really something, aren't you! Now you're even guarding against your old mother like a thief?" She drew out her words, each one laced with sarcasm. "I'm just an old woman who heard that Manya has somehow concocted some rare sauces. I was curious and wanted to see for myself, to see if our Yu family is really going to produce a capable person. And you, you're protecting it like some family heirloom, your lifeline, not letting me even touch it! What? Are you afraid that this old woman is dishonest and will steal it from you? Or do you think... your old mother isn't even worthy of seeing your family's things?"
Yu Chenglu immediately stood up and pretended to say, "Mother! Look at you, what are you saying in anger! How could my elder brother think like that? My elder brother is the most filial to you!"
He turned to Yu Chengfu and Deng Sanniang, his tone earnest, "Brother, sister-in-law, Aman, you're finally back! You must be exhausted after a long day. I think we should put everything else aside for now. Nothing is more important than eating! Let's eat first, and chat as we eat. We're all family, there's no knot that can't be untied, no grudge that can't be held overnight."
Li Shi chimed in, "Yes, Mother, please calm down. My elder brother certainly didn't mean it that way." She stepped forward to gently support the old lady, her movements soft and graceful, displaying the demeanor of a virtuous and filial daughter-in-law.
Deng San Niang glanced coldly at the couple who were singing in unison, and at the old lady at the head of the table who was clearly biased and deliberately picking a fight. Without saying a word, she rolled up her sleeves, turned around, and went into the kitchen. Li Shi wanted to take the opportunity to follow her, but Deng San Niang said directly, "The kitchen is smoky." As she spoke, she picked up a broom and pretended to sweep, but actually landed it on Li Shi's feet.
These are her new shoes, which she just wore today!
Li quickly took a step back, and Xiuxiu took the broom handed to her by her mother and continued to block the way.
Yu Chengfu looked up, stood up, and, head bowed, pulled Yu Man outside. He led her to the far corner of the courtyard, her back to the main room. His chest heaved violently a few times before he lowered his voice: "Aman, don't listen to your grandma's nonsense! They don't want to see any sauces; they're after your sauce-making recipe! That's your mother's and your own. Your father is useless and can't give you much, but I'll protect this little thing for you no matter what! I haven't agreed, but don't worry, I know what I'm doing!"
Looking at her father's slightly reddened eyes, Yu Man suddenly remembered her mother's words before she passed away: "Your father is easily swayed, but he's a good person." Her heart felt like it was being clenched tightly. Her nose stung, but she pretended to be nonchalant: "Father, I know. Don't get upset, it's not worth it."
Deng San Niang cooked quickly, and the food was served. It consisted of simple millet rice, a bowl of stir-fried greens with little oil, a dish of pickled vegetables, and a small bowl of meat and vegetables that had been taken away after the sacrificial ceremony and had gone cold.
First, Mrs. Li diligently served food to Old Mrs. Yu, specifically picking out the lean meat from the meat dish. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she put down her chopsticks and sighed softly:
"Brother, sister-in-law," she said, her gaze sweeping over Yu Chengfu and Deng Sanniang before finally settling on Yu Chengfu, "There's something I didn't want to say at this time, lest it spoil everyone's mood, but since we've come this far... You saw Mother's illness today in the ancestral hall; her face was deathly pale, and she could barely stand."
She paused, her tone growing heavier: "To tell you the truth, Mother wasn't feeling well a few days ago, so we specially invited a doctor from the county to examine her. The old doctor said that Mother's health is a result of the hardship she endured raising you three siblings, eating meager meals and struggling to make ends meet. Her constitution has long been severely weakened. Now that she's older, it's even harder for her to cope. She needs to be carefully nourished with the finest old ginseng and astragalus, without missing a single day. Otherwise... otherwise I'm afraid..." Her voice seemed to choke, and she didn't finish her sentence.
Knowing their thoughts, Yu Chengfu spoke coldly, picking up a piece of lean meat for Xiuxiu: "I know Mother's health has always been poor. Every month, I send money and rice to you on time, never daring to be short a penny, just so that Mother can eat better, dress warmer, and suffer less."
Yu Chenglu immediately replied, his face now displaying a deeply distressed expression: "Yes, yes! Every month when the rice and money are sent, we make sure Mother uses them first, giving her the best of everything. It's just...sigh!"
He sighed heavily, held up his right hand, and gestured a shocking number. "Brother, you have no idea how precious these medicinal herbs are! The old doctor's prescription costs this much for just one dose! Mother's monthly medical expenses alone have almost used up all the money you sent over. There's such a large family to feed, drink, and take care of, and Jinbao is getting older. His education and schooling all cost money! We... we really can't hold on much longer!"
His performance was excellent, clearly outlining the difficulties he faced.
The atmosphere froze instantly, even the chewing sounds ceased. Deng San Niang stopped serving rice completely, and Yu Man lowered her eyelids. She knew that her third uncle's family's true purpose was probably not just money, but also to use this to control the eldest son's family.
"Smack!"
A sharp, loud crash shattered the silence! Deng Sanniang slammed her chopsticks on the table, making the bowls and plates rattle and spill soup. She looked up, her gaze sharp as a knife, fixed on Li Shi, who was still pretending to wipe her eyes. Her voice was crisp and clear, carrying a reckless shrewishness and undisguised mockery:
"You've gone around in circles, spouting all this nonsense! All you want is more money, isn't it? What? Do you really think our family is a gold mine that can't be dug up, or do you think we're easy to bully?!"
Li had only heard of Deng San Niang's shrewish reputation, but this time she truly faced her. The merciless words stung her, causing her to tremble. A flicker of panic and anger crossed her face, but she quickly suppressed it. She immediately adopted an expression of utter injustice and impending tears, her voice trembling:
"Sister-in-law! You...you're being so hurtful! It really hits home! Who are we doing this for? We work from dawn till dusk, exhausting ourselves for whom? Isn't it all for Mother's health!"
She turned to Old Madam Yu, her voice even more sorrowful, "Mother endured so much hardship to raise my eldest brother and his siblings. Now she is old, sick, and unable to move. It is we, the third branch of the family, who have been by her bedside day and night, serving her tea and water, preparing medicine and feeding her, wiping her body and washing her clothes. We have done every dirty and tiring job."
"Have we ever uttered a single word about the hardships we've endured, or complained about the money that's been spent like water? It's only because Mother's health desperately needs good medicine to keep her afloat, and we're struggling so much that we had to swallow our pride and ask for this... How... how has it become that we're after your money?!"
Yu Chengfu's face flushed red, and he suddenly stood up. Because of the large movement, the bench behind him was knocked over. His veins throbbed, and his gaze fell on the face of the old lady Yu, who had been pretending to be deaf and dumb but was actually biased.
“Mother.” His voice was hoarse, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth, “Put your hand on your heart! Speak to my father’s memorial tablet! When Father passed away, you said it yourself: you would rather die at my third brother’s house than step into my house. You thought I, Yu Chengfu, was useless, you thought I was incompetent, you thought I… I couldn’t give you a grandson to carry on the family line, and I cut off the Yu family’s ancestral line!”
"All these years! I've been sending you money and food every month, have you ever given me a kind look?! Have you ever even glanced at Aman and Xiuxiu?! Am I being treated unfilially?!!"
These words struck like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, making Old Mrs. Yu shudder violently. She abruptly opened her eyes, her cloudy old eyes flashing with resentment and venom. Her finger trembled as she pointed directly at Yu Chengfu, nearly fainting from anger. Her face turned from red to white, and she could barely speak coherently.
"You...you unfilial son!! You heartless bastard!! You...you're going to make me die of anger! I knew it...I knew you were a heartless ingrate! Ever since your father died, you...you've grown up and stopped treating me like your mother!! You wish I were dead!!" She pounded her chest, looking like she was about to faint.
Madam Li rushed over, half-jokingly trying to soothe the old lady, patting her back forcefully while turning to Yu Chengfu, her tone reproachful: "Brother! Look at you! Look how angry you've made Mother! Can't you talk things out properly? Why do you have to bring up these old grievances? We're all family, why say such hurtful things?! Do you want to drive Mother to her death before you're satisfied?!"
Old Mrs. Yu shoved Li's hand away, her old eyes glaring at her eldest son. She was breathing heavily, finally revealing her true stance for the day:
"Fine! Fine, Yu Chengfu! I was blind to what happened in the past! I won't hold it against you!" She slammed her hand on the table, making the dishes jump again. "Chengfu, I know you and your wife have it tough, with two daughters who are a burden on your shoulders. You must have resentment!"
Her tone abruptly shifted, becoming earnest and earnest, as if she genuinely cared for him: "Since we've mentioned your father, don't forget! Before he passed away, what did he say when he held the hands of you three siblings?! He said, 'When brothers are of one mind, their strength can break metal. Only when the family is harmonious, united as one, and working together towards a common goal can everything prosper! Only then can we bring glory to our Yu family!' Have you forgotten those words too?"
Her gaze slowly shifted to Yu Man:
"That sauce business that Man Yatou is running, I've heard it sounds like she has some talent and a knack for it. If it's a business that can make money, what's the point of hiding it? How can you be so selfish? Why can't the whole family do it together? Let your third uncle and aunt help out, expand the business, and make some money to supplement the family income. Not to mention buying medicine for this old woman, as long as it fulfills your father's dying wish of 'family harmony brings prosperity,' I'll die without saying a word. Don't you think that makes sense?!"
She spoke with such confidence that Yu Chengfu was furious, his chest heaving violently.
Yu Man met her grandmother's gaze, which seemed to be under the banner of family righteousness but was actually full of greed, and then glanced at her third uncle and aunt's faces, which could hardly hide their expectation and smugness.
Deng San Niang, who was standing next to her, suddenly stood up. She put her hands on her hips, and her originally straightforward face was now full of a fierce look.
"I disagree!" Deng San Niang spat on the ground, her eyes sweeping across Li Shi's hypocritical face like knives, finally landing on Old Madam Yu, who was pretending to be panting.
“You can’t fleece one sheep relentlessly! I’m telling you right now! Every month, the rice, flour, oil, salt, and even the real copper coins we send to your third household are all in full, with no less! This money and food are more than enough to support your mother, let alone two more idle people! How have we failed to fulfill our filial duties? Have we lacked food or clothing for you?!”
She grew angrier and angrier, her voice rising even higher, directly confronting them: "You keep saying that Mother's medicine costs a lot, fine! Since Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law are working so hard to take care of Mother, spending money and enduring so much trouble, we, the eldest son's family, can't just stand by and watch! Mother! If you're willing, move in tomorrow, no! Tonight! Move into our 'unfilial' eldest son's house! Chengfu and I will serve you! Serving you tea and water, decocting medicine and feeding you, we'll do everything! Let us see for ourselves just how much gold and silver your precious body consumes every day! It will also save Third Brother and the others from having to put in both effort and money, and from feeling wronged!"
These words caught her completely off guard, instantly freezing the fake tears on Li's face. Bring the old lady over? No way! The old lady was their biggest bargaining chip; if they just dumped her here, wouldn't all their calculations be for nothing?
Li reacted quickly, immediately responding sarcastically, her aggrieved expression turning sharp: "Sister-in-law! What you're saying... Since you married into this family, you haven't properly served the old lady for a single day, so you can't possibly know the hardships and expenses involved! You make it sound so easy, 'take over'? Can Mother's illness be cured without good medicine? Can she be cured without our day and night care? Have you considered Mother's feelings when you speak like this? Mother is old, can she withstand this kind of torment?!" As she spoke, she patted Old Madam Yu's back.
Grandma Yu immediately began to cough violently, as if she was about to run out of breath. She weakly pointed at Deng San Niang with her eyes full of condemnation and disgust.
Yu Man gently pressed down on Aunt Xiang's arm, who was about to argue back. She raised her eyes, not looking at her shrewish grandmother, nor at her sarcastic third aunt, but directly at the face of her third uncle, Yu Chenglu, who had always played the role of "peacemaker" but was actually the most scheming.
Her voice was calm and clear, reaching everyone's ears: "Third Uncle, I think I understand what my grandma and third aunt mean. What about you? Do you think so too? Do you also think I should bring out the sauce business and recipe, and do it together as a 'family'?"
Yu Chenglu hadn't expected Yu Man to call him out directly. He chuckled dryly, rubbed his hands together, and said in a serious tone, "Ah Man, look at the question you asked... Of course your third uncle loves you. I've seen how clever you are since you were little. Like your father, you're an honest and kind person."
He started by showering her with compliments, then quickly changed the subject: "However, what your grandmother and third aunt said isn't entirely without merit. It's already difficult enough for a young woman like you to be out in the public eye running a business; it's easy to attract gossip. Besides..."
He paused deliberately, his gaze sweeping over Yu Man, then pointedly looking towards the door. His voice was lowered, but clear enough for everyone to hear: "You'll be marrying into the Pei family soon. What kind of family is the Pei? Pei Ji is a scholar, with a bright future ahead of him! If you bring this sauce business with you when you marry into the family, aren't you just giving them a free ride?"
"If you ask me, Uncle, we should keep the profits within the family! Instead of bringing this sauce business to the Pei family in the future, or having to struggle to keep it up yourself, why not hand it over to the family now and let your aunt manage it? We're family, so we definitely won't let you suffer losses! You'll get your share of the profits, and you can better take care of your grandmother. Isn't that a win-win situation? It also saves you from having to worry about this business after you get married, and from your husband's family looking down on us Yu family daughters for being immature. Don't you think that makes sense?"
Her third uncle was indeed a master of scheming; his words were even more dignified than Li's unreasonable nagging and the old lady's forceful coercion, using Yu Man's situation after marriage to pressure her.
A note from the author:
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