USWHC -Chapter 66 Treating the Picked-Up Wife Like a Treasure (Part 6)

“Enough! Either we pack up and leave, or we stay like this—no splitting the family! Think carefully before you speak!” Suddenly, Old Master Ji’s authority erupted with a loud shout, and everyone fell silent.

Zhu Jie looked at Old Master Ji with genuine admiration. So there was someone in this family willing to stand up for Ji Yi! That was good.

Actually, in big families, elders naturally have their favorites—some favor the eldest, some the youngest. The worst is when a child feels unloved by both father and mother. Zhu Jie had assumed Ji Yi was that awkward one, but to her surprise, Old Master Ji actually liked him.

Suddenly, Ji Mei began to sob quietly, her voice small and filled with grievance. “I’ve reached the age to be married, but our family is like this. We can’t even afford a meat bun. When the matchmaker comes, how could they look favorably on me? With so many people farming such little land, when will we ever earn enough for a dowry? Who would want me under these circumstances?”

Elder Brother Ji sighed along with her. “Exactly. We’ve been married all these years, just wanting a child, but there’s no land to settle on. Cramped together as a big family, what’s the point? We’re so poor we eat sweet potatoes!”

Old Master Ji, seeing that they weren’t yelling but still complaining, became even angrier. He choked up as he said, “Yes, it’s true. I, as your father, am useless. Maybe I should just die, free up space, and save sweet potatoes for you!”

“Dad, what are you saying?” Ji Yi, moved, replied, “If anyone were to leave, it would be me. This family could never be without you!”

“No, I’m useless!” Old Master Ji cried. “I thought I could give you a good life… if only I had known… if only I had…”

Zhu Jie was astonished to see Old Master Ji actually crying. Seeing his tears streaming down, it truly felt like a touching father–child moment. She couldn’t help but be a little moved.

Just then, Old Madam Ji finally spoke up, “Alright, that was just a hot-tempered remark! Splitting the family? Do we even have anything to split? And come spring, we’ll still be counting on our second son to pull the plow!”

“Pull the plow?” Zhu Jie thought, that sounded like something done by oxen. She had been ready to be moved even more, but hearing Old Madam Ji’s words, she couldn’t help but feel exasperated. Old Madam Ji really didn’t mince her words!

That night was unusually quiet. The Ji family went to bed early, but Zhu Jie couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned, thinking about what she could do for Ji Yi.

Watching his back as he drifted into a deep sleep, she felt guilty. He truly treated her well. Whatever his motivation, she benefited from it.

Although she often said one should live within limits, that didn’t mean she could enjoy someone else’s kindness without giving anything back, right?

She pondered this repeatedly all night. Only when the sky began to lighten did she finally fall asleep. When she woke, it was already morning. Seeing Ji Yi sitting on the edge of the bed wearing his patched-up cotton jacket, Zhu Jie finally decided what she wanted to do for him.

“Good morning, sister-in-law!” Zhu Jie greeted Sister-in-law You warmly, but was met with an unsolicited eye-roll as a morning greeting. She froze awkwardly. Sister-in-law You’s attitude had changed drastically—from warm and friendly to… well, clearly showing that money (or lack thereof) makes a difference!

“Is breakfast ready?” Zhu Jie turned to the rest of the family with a pleasing smile, clearly hoping to make amends.

Of course, living under the same roof, it was impossible to remain completely silent with each other.

But everyone acted as if they hadn’t seen her. Zhu Jie had no choice but to walk over shyly and quietly take her seat.

Breakfast was served—just a few sweet potatoes for each person. But today, there was none for Zhu Jie. The plates in front of her and Ji Yi were empty. Yes, the plates were there, but the food was gone. This was blatant provocation!

Zhu Jie knew everyone was still upset. Even if she asked now, it would only embarrass her, so she chose to sit obediently, giving Ji Yi a small, apologetic glance.