Liu Dalang, who was curled up on the ground, couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when he saw the debt collector finally leave. He didn't have to have his hands and feet cut off.
When Mr. Liu saw his rebellious son sighing with relief, he felt a surge of anger in his heart. He picked up the broom behind the door and started beating his son.
Liu Dalang also knew that he had caused a big disaster this time, and he didn't dare to easily avoid the old man's stick and beating. He just kept wailing loudly, hoping to get protection from his mother.
Wang, who had lost more than two taels of silver, was already furious, and this bastard kept yelling. Wang rushed to her husband in anger, snatched the weapon from the old man's hand, and started beating him until it broke.
"You're a spendthrift. It's fine if you just fight crickets with those idle hooligans in the village, but now you've even taken up gambling. I think it's only a matter of time before you break up this family and sell off my eldest grandson! From today on, you're going to sleep in the woodshed and only have one meal a day. When spring comes, you're going to open up some wasteland. If you don't earn enough money to pay me back this year, I'll sell you to the quarry for more!"
When had Liu Dalang ever been treated like this by his own mother? He looked at his wife eagerly.
Seeing that her son was still trying to get help, Wang was so angry that she grabbed his collar and said to her daughter-in-law, "Be more capable of doing this. If you don't care about your husband anymore, he will sell you and your mother out!"
In this way, Liu Dalang was locked up in the woodshed by his mother to reflect on his actions.
Because of this incident, Li Dalang lost his appetite and put down the things he brought and went back.
Old Man Liu stopped him and said, "It's New Year's Day. How can you go back without eating? Your mother has prepared the food. She will be well soon!"
Wang quickly wiped away her tears, called her grandson to bring out the snacks she had bought for her grandson, and then she took her daughter-in-law to the kitchen to busy herself.
Da Niu, who escaped danger thanks to his uncle's intervention today, was very generous and immediately took out his favorite candies to share with his cousins.
Maomao looked at Da Niu, whose face was covered in tears and snot, and rarely did he mock his cousin. "Well, seeing how miserable my cousin was crying just now, I decided to be generous and not bear a grudge!"
While her parents were busy cooking, Liu Shi found her husband in the fields and pleaded, "Da Lang, my family has run into trouble today. Can I leave two coins for them to use during the emergency? It's New Year's Eve, and they might need money anytime soon. I just used up all the money in the house to pay off my debts!"
Li Dalang scratched his head innocently and said, "My pockets are cleaner than my face. Mother should have given you some money during this period. Just give some to your mother-in-law to help with the emergency!"
When Liu heard that her husband had no objection, she was very happy. She discussed the matter with her husband in detail. Even if her mother-in-law knew about it in the future, her husband would speak for her.
Li Dalang looked at his silent wife and said soothingly, "Mother-in-law is quite sensible and can be ruthless enough to manage my brother-in-law. So, as you said, leave some money for them for emergencies. After all, it's New Year's Eve, and everyone needs money!"
After dinner, Li Dalang was about to take the children back home. Liu pulled his mother into the room and handed two strings of copper coins to Wang: "Mother, I don't have more. Keep this money for emergencies!"
Wang Shi, however, was adamant about not accepting her daughter's money. "Last time you said your mother-in-law wanted you to be the head of the household. That's a good thing. When you go back, live a good life with Dalang. Don't get involved with those gossipy women. Don't worry about us. We will keep a close eye on your brother and won't let him get involved in gambling again. Go home without worry!"
Liu listened to her mother's earnest exhortations and couldn't help feeling sad. Why did she listen to the instigation of Li Erzhu's wife and ignore her mother's advice, and quarrel with the second son's wife at home?
Wang looked at her daughter with red eyes and said comfortingly: "Okay, you are lucky to have a husband like Dalang who is willing to listen to you. Go quickly and don't worry about home. Your father and I are still strong and don't need your money." After that, she pushed her daughter out to meet her son-in-law.
On the way home, Li Dalang clearly sensed his wife's low mood and asked with concern, "What happened?"
Liu shook her head and said sadly, "Mother, you won't accept my money!"
Li Dalang patted his wife's shoulder comfortingly: "Your mother-in-law didn't let you leave any money, she must have her reasons. If you are worried, we will come to your house with food in a few days. We will definitely put your mind at ease!"
Liu felt warmed by her husband's comfort, and she gathered her thoughts and rushed home with her husband and child.
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