RYEY – Chapter 116 Cheng Qiao’s Crisis

Li Bing saw Skinny Monkey leave. He stood at the entrance of Li Huan’s main room and knocked on the door. He had to talk things over with Li Huan properly. Some things, once done, could be let go, but they must never be done again.

“Brother, what is it?”

“Come out, I need to talk to you.”

“Brother, I know what you’re going to say. Don’t worry, I’ve already stopped.”

Li Bing: “……”

This younger brother of his was too sharp. He’d already pulled back—then there was nothing more to say.

Li Huan returned inside, glanced at the soundly sleeping Cheng Qiao, and smiled as he took out the money he had earned today. After some thought, he decided to use part of it to exchange for ration tickets on the black market. Without tickets, his father-in-law’s side would not be able to move forward at all.

He then took out another fifty yuan. This money came from the fine grain he and Skinny Monkey had collected with cash from different villages and then resold. He intended to give this to his mother.

“Mother, please take this money.”

“No, no. As long as I’m with you, I have food and drink. How could I still take your money? Besides, Qiao already has a baby in her belly. Tomorrow you should go to the county to buy her some nutritious food.”

“Mother, just take it. If you don’t need it, save it for Lele.”

Hearing that it would be saved for Li Le, Mother Li nodded. Cheng Qiao had told her before that a woman’s financial standing determined her position in her husband’s family in the future, so she also wanted to save up more dowry for Lele.

The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, the Li household’s door was knocked upon. Mother Li, displeased, went to open it—so early, when her daughter-in-law still needed to sleep.

“Auntie, the village head asked me to inform you: today, county officials are coming to issue awards to our village. Especially to Li Huan—he’s a hero personally named by the Public Security Bureau to be commended.”

Mother Li’s heart leapt with joy. The village head had long awaited this award, and now, before the New Year, it had finally arrived. She quickly nodded and hurried into Cheng Qiao’s room.

“Huan’er, Qiao, are you awake? Today they’re presenting the awards, and the village head sent someone to call you.”

Cheng Qiao rubbed her eyes, slipped into her space to wash up, and only then came out. Li Huan, already used to this routine of hers, calmly got up and went outside.

“Mother, no need to rush. Prepare breakfast first. County leaders aren’t foolish enough to come give awards on empty stomachs.”

Mother Li agreed wholeheartedly. Her anxious heart eased, and she went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. It was simple: steamed cornmeal buns, thick rice porridge, and pickles—simple yet filling.

Li Le took out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth. This habit had been forcefully corrected by Cheng Qiao; otherwise, she’d always wipe her mouth with her sleeve, which was far too improper.

“Mother, Second Sister-in-law, I’ll go out first and come back to call you later.”

Li Bing, hearing Li Le so naturally address them as “Mother” and “Second Sister-in-law,” understood how important Cheng Qiao had become in Li Le’s heart. With her around, he could truly feel at ease.

As soon as Li Le stepped out, Aunt Wang’s little daughter, Wang Xianghua, ran over. When she saw the brand-new floral cotton jacket on Li Le, her eyes shone with envy.

“Lele, your clothes look so nice.”

“Pretty, right? My second sister-in-law bought the fabric and cotton, and my mother made it for me.”

“Your second sister-in-law is really nice. Since she married into your family, your days have been so much better. My mother says your second sister-in-law is a lucky star.”

“Shh! Don’t say things like that carelessly—you might bring harm to my second sister-in-law.”

Li Le’s face darkened. No matter how close she was to Wang Xianghua, she was nothing compared to her second sister-in-law. She would never allow anyone to bring trouble upon her.

“Sorry, I just blurted it out. I won’t do it again. Please don’t be angry.”

Seeing Li Le upset, Wang Xianghua quickly grabbed her hand and shook it. Her mother had told her—never get into conflict with the Li family. They were generous; even the smallest leak from their fingers could benefit others.

Li Le nodded, gave her another stern warning, then went with her to the threshing ground. Many people were already gathered there with small stools, having received the notification to attend the award ceremony.

Only when the sun broke through the clouds did Li Huan lead Cheng Qiao and the family to the threshing ground. At once, the crowd made way for them.

Miao Qing stood among the villagers. When she met Cheng Qiao’s casual glance, her heart thumped wildly. Why hadn’t Li Huan and Cheng Qiao been arrested? Could it be that Chunhua hadn’t acted?

Miao Qing kept edging backward, thinking to slip away. But before she could move, Fenqiu kicked her hard.

“Your in-laws are here—why aren’t you rushing over to them?”

Miao Qing’s right leg took the brunt of the kick, and she staggered forward. Thankfully, someone in front caught her, saving her from kissing the dirt.

Steadying herself, Miao Qing turned and cast a cold look at her own father. That single glance sent a chill down Fenqiu’s spine as he remembered how this daughter had schemed against Li Bing.

But how could he show weakness in front of his own daughter? He glared fiercely, as if to say, “If you don’t go over, I’ll break your leg.” Miao Qing finally yielded and walked toward Mother Li.

Watching her daughter’s retreating back, Fenqiu gritted his teeth and muttered something into Daya’s ear. Daya looked at her man in shock, wanting to speak up.

But the calculating look in Fenqiu’s eyes silenced her. Forget it. Miao Qing was part of the Li family now—throwing her things into the Li household was only fitting.

About fifteen minutes later, the sound of gongs and drums echoed from the village entrance. Everyone knew the county officials had arrived and craned their necks in anticipation.

Chen Weidang finally appeared. Li Huan had expected him to show up swaggering, but instead, Chen Weidang looked utterly obsequious. Li Huan’s gaze shifted to the men beside him.

One of them made his heart jolt. Wasn’t that the Committee man who had led the search of his home? What was he doing here?

The man with the fleshy face glanced at the sea of villagers, his eyes showing impatience. From the moment he’d heard the name Miao Qing, he’d wanted to meet her—to see what kind of woman would dare to so brazenly use Chen Chunhua.

Now he finally had his chance. A commendation and award ceremony in Xiangyang Village, just before the New Year—this was a rare opportunity. There was no way he’d pass it up.

Suddenly, a familiar face came into view. Wasn’t this…

“You there, come here. What’s your name?”

“Greetings, Leader. My name is Li Huan. Yesterday someone falsely reported and framed me. Otherwise, I would have demanded she come forward for a confrontation.”

The fleshy-faced man felt a flash of inspiration. He leaned down and whispered two words into Li Huan’s ear. Li Huan nodded. As expected of his clever wife—she had already guessed it was Miao Qing.

Li Huan turned and scanned the crowd, only to find Miao Qing standing right beside Cheng Qiao. He pointed her out. The fleshy-faced man followed his finger and looked her over, his eyes showing disappointment. She was far too plain-looking.

But when his gaze shifted to Cheng Qiao, his eyes suddenly lit up. This woman was definitely not an ordinary village girl—perhaps an educated youth sent down to the countryside. If she wasn’t married… then…