TSWPF -Chapter 443 Can’t Stand It

The eldest daughter-in-law glanced at the second daughter-in-law, knowing that her sister-in-law was laughing at her. She pressed her lips together and spoke in a calm tone, “The magistrate’s wife isn’t angry at all—she even teaches Gou Sheng how to raise chickens.” Seeing how patient the magistrate’s wife was with Gou Sheng, it was clear she wasn’t petty and wouldn’t quibble over a child.

Hearing this, the second daughter-in-law looked at her as if she had seen a ghost. “Sister-in-law, are you joking? How could the magistrate’s wife raise chickens?” What kind of person was the magistrate’s wife? How could she possibly do such dirty work?

In her mind, the eldest daughter-in-law must be lying, just trying to cover up the fact that the magistrate’s wife scolded Gou Sheng.

The eldest daughter-in-law continued to stir the dishes while defending herself. “The magistrate’s wife told me that she has a chicken farm, a duck farm, and even a fish pond at home…”

She admired the magistrate’s wife. Despite her high status, she was willing to work for the benefit of the people, helping them live better lives.

Having such a good magistrate and magistrate’s wife in Ninghua County was truly a blessing for the common people.

“That’s impossible! The magistrate’s wife must be joking with you, sister-in-law,” the second daughter-in-law said, growing even more incredulous. How could the magistrate’s wife raise chickens, ducks, and fish? She couldn’t believe it at all.

Before the eldest daughter-in-law could respond, a cold voice came from outside the kitchen.

“Why would I lie to you, sister-in-law? What benefit would I get from lying to you?”

The second daughter-in-law turned and saw the magistrate’s wife, Li Qingling, standing at the doorway holding Gou Sheng’s hand. Flustered, she gave an awkward smile.

“Madam, there’s a lot of smoke in the kitchen; be careful not to get it in your eyes. Why don’t you go sit in the hall for a bit? Dinner will be ready soon.” If it weren’t for the mother-in-law worrying that the magistrate and his wife might be invited elsewhere for a meal, she wouldn’t have asked Gou Sheng to trick his father by saying the food was ready. Now she had to make them wait here—it was awkward.

The second daughter-in-law quickly agreed, trying to flatter Li Qingling. “Yes, yes, madam, please sit in the hall for a bit and don’t get bothered by the smoke.” She paused, then loudly called her son’s name, “Gou Dan! Gou Dan! Come here and talk to the madam.” Her son was prettier than Gou Sheng; surely the magistrate’s wife would like him better.

Hearing the name “Gou Dan,” Li Qingling’s lips twitched. Thankfully, her father hadn’t given her siblings such ridiculous names; otherwise, she wouldn’t even know where to cry.

Her father had been quite foresighted—he had consulted her grandfather for naming advice, rather than naming them arbitrarily. She suspected that if left entirely to her father, the names would have been even worse.

She silently thanked her grandfather for that.

“No, G…”

Before Li Qingling could finish, a slightly chubby boy ran in. “Mom, what do you want with me?” he said, sniffling.

Li Qingling frowned. Compared to the neat Gou Sheng, this Gou Dan looked dirty.

The second daughter-in-law patted him on the back and pushed him forward, urging him to go speak with the magistrate’s wife.

Gou Dan wiped his nose with his sleeve; half the snot stuck to it, half hung on his face. He looked up at Li Qingling and asked if she had anything to eat.

Li Qingling frowned more tightly and replied coldly, “Do you have to be given something to eat just to chat with me?” This child had been spoiled by his mother.

Her eyes swept over both daughters-in-law. It was clear that the eldest daughter-in-law held little authority at home; otherwise, her child wouldn’t be so weak and frail.

“That’s…” Gou Dan’s entitled words were cut off when his mother lightly tapped his back.

“What nonsense are you spouting?” scolded the second daughter-in-law, then awkwardly glanced at Li Qingling. “Madam, he was just asking casually. No harm meant.” How could her son miss such a crucial moment? If the magistrate’s wife liked him, it could be a great opportunity.

She glared secretly at Gou Sheng, thinking he had stolen her son’s spotlight.

She thought nobody noticed her glance, but Li Qingling had seen it clearly.

“Gou Dan’s mother, haven’t you heard the saying, ‘disease enters through the mouth’? His hands are filthy. Why didn’t you think to wash them?” From her tone, it was obvious Li Qingling disliked the second daughter-in-law.

People too sharp and petty were someone she preferred not to deal with.

Embarrassed, the second daughter-in-law’s face flushed red and white. She mumbled that she had been too busy to wash Gou Dan’s hands.

Li Qingling didn’t let it pass, adding directly, “And eldest sister-in-law is busy—so why is Gou Dan so clean?” Her eyes weren’t blind; she could see everything. “Pay more attention to your children; don’t regret it later.” Whether the daughters-in-law understood her meaning or not was another matter.

Before the second daughter-in-law could respond, the mother-in-law entering the room barked, “Gou Dan’s mother, take him to wash his hands and face! Stop making a scene in front of the magistrate’s wife.” Such a tactless fool, still daring to embarrass herself here?

“Yes, mother,” the second daughter-in-law muttered, dragging Gou Dan away reluctantly. “You little troublemaker, go wash up, or nobody will like you.”

“Madam, please don’t mind my unrefined second daughter-in-law,” she said apologetically.

Li Qingling replied calmly, “I won’t.” Her eyes shifted to the eldest daughter-in-law. “A woman is weak by nature, but strong as a mother. You must protect your child yourself, or no one will.” She saw her mother’s reflection in the eldest daughter-in-law. If her mother had been more assertive, things wouldn’t have gone so poorly…

Seeing this, Li Qingling felt a surge of anger at the eldest daughter-in-law for not protecting her child, letting her suffer.

“Madam, please sit in the hall; dinner will be ready soon,” said the village head’s wife, not letting the eldest daughter-in-law speak, smiling politely at Li Qingling.

Li Qingling nodded, but couldn’t resist adding, “The flesh of the hand and palm are the same—don’t favor one side. Don’t you think so, madam?” It was clear the village head’s wife favored her second son’s family.

Seeing this, Li Qingling couldn’t help but recall her own family situation.

The village head’s wife nodded awkwardly. She was indeed somewhat biased toward her second son’s family, but she considered it normal; in Wutong Village, which parent wasn’t partial?

Li Qingling said nothing more and walked into the main hall holding Gou Sheng’s hand. Along the way, she instructed him to study hard, rise in the world, and protect his mother so no one could bully her.

The eldest daughter-in-law lowered her head and wiped away her tears. She blamed herself for not protecting her child.

She vowed she would rise up and never let her child suffer again.

“Cry not…” The village head’s wife saw the eldest daughter-in-law weeping and opened her mouth to scold her, then remembered Li Qingling was there and immediately shut her mouth. “Is the food ready?” she asked. What was there to cry about? What would the magistrate and his wife think?

The eldest daughter-in-law nodded lightly. One more dish needed frying.

The village head’s wife glared at her, put the purchased wine aside, and started cooking herself.

Once the dishes were ready, she arranged for the eldest daughter-in-law to bring them over.

Five dishes and one soup—chicken, fish, a hearty spread.

“Magistrate, please excuse our humble dishes,” said the village head, embarrassed.

Liu Zhimou said that was enough.

“Gou Sheng, come down and go out with your nanny,” the village head’s wife called him.

Gou Sheng tried to jump off the chair, but Li Qingling held his shoulder.

“Aunt, I enjoy chatting with Gou Sheng; let him stay with me!” Li Qingling looked at the village head’s wife. “What about the others? Call them in for dinner too!”

“No need, no need. We’ll set a table in the kitchen for you,” the village head’s wife said, glancing at Gou Sheng to ensure he behaved before leaving.

Once outside, the second daughter-in-law looked toward the hall and asked, “Why isn’t Gou Sheng coming out?”

“He’s eating inside with the magistrate’s wife,” said the village head’s wife.

The second daughter-in-law’s eyes darted. “Mother, should we let Gou Dan in too? He can keep Gou Sheng company so he’s not scared.” She didn’t want Gou Sheng to steal all the attention from her son.

The village head’s wife was well aware of her daughter-in-law’s scheming. She glared and silently warned her: if you dare, go tell the magistrate’s wife yourself; if you can’t, don’t grumble.

Thinking of Li Qingling’s stern expression and powerful aura, the second daughter-in-law shivered. “Mother, should… should you speak?” she whispered. “Maybe the magistrate’s wife will take a liking to Gou Dan. Think of it—if she does, Gou Dan’s future is secured.”

She gently nudged Gou Dan to plead with his grandmother.

“Grandma, I want to eat in there too!” he said, eager for the tasty food.

Seeing her spoiled grandson ask, the village head’s wife’s heart softened. She was about to agree, when her granddaughter spoke up: “Gou Dan’s manners might scare the magistrate. If the magistrate becomes unhappy, will we… end up in prison?” She quickly hid behind her mother. Her brother had finally earned the magistrate’s wife’s favor; she wouldn’t let anyone ruin it.