As time went on, more and more people gathered around to watch the spectacle, and the whispers and pointing fingers grew louder and louder.
Shen Yunsheng felt the time was right, and deliberately put on a wronged and helpless expression, saying, "Grandma, you see, we've tried our best, but we're really powerless! Over the years, to support my second uncle and eldest cousin's education, our family has almost exhausted everything, and even my husband has faced death countless times. I really can't risk his life again..."
As she spoke, Shen Yunsheng lowered her head, her body trembling slightly, and deliberately made soft sobbing sounds.
When no one was looking, she secretly put some spring water in the corner of her eye so that everyone would think she was really crying.
Those around who witnessed this scene couldn't help but feel a surge of pity.
They began to whisper among themselves, expressing their dissatisfaction and condemnation of Granny Yang's behavior.
Some people even stood up and pointed at Granny Yang, shouting, "How could you treat a weak woman like this?"
"You've gone too far! If you want to support your second son and eldest grandson's education, then earn the money yourself! Why are you scheming against others?"
These voices rose and fell, making Granny Yang, who was already feeling guilty, even more ashamed.
Realizing that her actions had provoked public outrage, she turned ashen-faced. "You've all misunderstood. This girl has only been married into our family for two or three years, and she hasn't contributed a single penny."
Granny Yang's voice carried a hint of panic as she tried to use these words to prove her innocence. However, her expression was extremely tense, with fine beads of sweat on her forehead and nose, and her hands clenched into fists, revealing her inner unease.
Upon hearing this, Li Hongyu felt a surge of anger. She glared at Granny Yang, her eyes flashing with fury. She couldn't tolerate Granny Yang's lies and deception, and even less could she forgive her for treating her friend this way.
Before Granny Yang could speak again, Li Hongyu retorted sharply, "Granny Yang, you should speak with a conscience! My sister Yunsheng has only been married into your family for two or three years, but you've taken all the money she's earned!"
Li Hongyu's voice was high-pitched and shrill, filled with anger and defiance. Her gaze was sharp as a knife, piercing straight at Granny Yang, causing Granny Yang to shiver involuntarily.
Xiao Jingchuan didn't give Granny Yang a chance to refute: "Grandma, I know you favor Second Uncle, but you can't wrong my wife! She works hard to manage the household and take care of our whole family. She deserves credit for her hard work, even if she hasn't done anything great! But you always find fault with her and even beat her often. How can she not feel wronged?"
Xiao Jingchuan's voice was filled with anger and disappointment, which made people feel pity for him.
Upon hearing this, Granny Yang's face turned extremely ugly. She opened her mouth, wanting to retort, but didn't know what to say.
After all, she knew in her heart that she had indeed gone too far.
However, she still refused to admit her mistake, stubbornly saying, "Hmph, so what if I hit her? She's a woman, she should put her husband first and obey her in-laws' arrangements. Now look at her, daring to talk back to me, she's really gone too far!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingchuan could no longer contain his anger. He glared at Granny Yang, his eyes flashing with fury. "Grandma, don't go too far! My wife has already been tolerant enough. Do you still have to be so aggressive? Originally, I didn't want to bring up old grievances, but you always act like you're old and domineering. I really can't stand it."
Xiao Jingchuan took a deep breath to calm himself down, and then continued, "As far back as I can remember, all the money my father earned went to my second uncle and his son's education. You wouldn't even allow my sister to buy a new dress."
Granny Yang trembled with anger, “Your father is the elder brother, it is only natural for him to support his younger brother and nephew in their studies.”
"What a self-evident truth! My second uncle is over forty years old and still lives off his brother. Aren't you ashamed to say that?"
Xiao Jingchuan couldn't be happier that Granny Yang would continue to make a scene, since he wasn't the one who would be embarrassed, so he let her do as she pleased.
Xiao Zhenzhu felt a wave of helplessness and sighed. She frowned slightly and muttered to herself, "Grandma, didn't I already tell you not to cause trouble, not to cause trouble... But why can't you control your bad temper? And you always treat others like fools." She knew that if this farce continued, it would not only embarrass her grandmother, but also make her father and brothers feel extremely ashamed.
Before Granny Yang could retort, Xiao Zhenzhu interrupted, "Grandma, my uncle has already been more than kind to my father, so please don't make things difficult for him."
Shen Yunsheng wiped away his "tears" and smiled at Xiao Zhenzhu. "Sister Zhenzhu is the most sensible. It is only right for relatives to help each other, but they should not be calculating in every way."
"Second sister-in-law, don't worry. From now on, our second branch will no longer accept your money. I will speak to Grandma properly."
Xiao Zhenzhu stepped forward to help the old lady up, secretly pinching her cheek.
Although Granny Yang was unwilling, she still dared not continue to make trouble.
Shen Yunsheng looked at Xiao Zhenzhu with a helpless expression, "Sister Zhenzhu, I'll leave the old lady to you. She makes a fuss every few days, and we can't stand it, especially my father. He's getting old and can no longer afford to support my second uncle's studies."
Xiao Zhenzhu understood what Shen Yunsheng meant. If she were Shen Yunsheng, she wouldn't want to support her father's education either.
"Don't worry, Second Sister-in-law. We remember how much money my father spent on Uncle. When he passes the imperial examination, he will definitely pay Uncle back with interest."
Xiao Zhenzhu wished she could sew Shen Yunsheng's mouth shut with a needle. Her father and brothers would be taking exams soon, and they couldn't afford any more mishaps.
Upon hearing about repaying the money, Granny Yang immediately interrupted Xiao Zhenzhu: "What repayment? You child, why are you being so formal! Your uncle isn't short of money, it's only right that he gives it to your father. You shouldn't think too much about it, living a good life is the most important thing. If you have this intention, then you should take good care of him in the future."
As she spoke, Granny Yang patted Xiao Zhenzhu's hand to comfort her.
Xiao Wenjing, who had been silent all along, broke the awkward atmosphere with a smile, "Mother, you haven't eaten yet, have you? Sit down and eat with us."
When Granny Yang saw that her eldest son was no longer bothered by the farce, a smug smile immediately appeared on her face, as if this farce was her victory.
But at this moment, Shen Yunsheng spoke up, "Pearl, since Grandma has said so, you don't need to pay back the money. However, I still hope that Grandma can be more understanding of us in the future and not cause trouble for no reason."
Xiao Jingchuan chimed in, "Yes, Grandma, harmony in the family is the foundation of everything. We should all try to stay peaceful and harmonious as a family. Please don't take your anger out on my wife all the time."
Although Granny Yang was unhappy, she could only nod in agreement.
After the family dispute subsided for the time being, Granny Yang and Xiao Zhenzhu found a place to sit down and ordered two bowls of mutton rice noodles.
When it came time to pay the bill, Xiao Zhenzhu not only settled her own and Granny Yang's bills, but also settled the bills for Shen Yunsheng and his wife, Xiao Wenjing, and Li Hongyu.
Shen Yunsheng originally wanted to give the money for the powder to Xiao Zhenzhu, but Xiao Jingchuan said there was no need to give it. Since she was willing to treat them, they would accept it without hesitation.
Just as Xiao Jingchuan and his wife were about to leave the flour shop, Xiao Zhenzhu struck up a conversation, "Second Brother, I heard from Grandma that you went to Master Huang's house. Has Hongyu's matter been resolved?"
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