Chapter 19: The Worthless Girl’s Transgression

Lin Yanhong bit her chopsticks, muttering in her defense.

“Actually, it’s not Grandma’s fault. That Lin Qinghuan is so ungrateful. The Lin family raised her for so many years, and yet she just cut ties without a second thought, even shamelessly asking the county magistrate to witness the separation. She’s no better than a beast.”

Old Madam Lin latched onto the excuse, nodding vigorously.

“Exactly, Yanhong is right. That wretched girl is heartless. If I’d known, I would have drowned her in the chamber pot when she was born, instead of letting her anger me now.”

Old Madam Lin threw her chopsticks in fury, cursing with spittle flying.

“Does she think Xiao Hanting’s place is some paradise? Marrying him means becoming a stepmother. She’ll suffer plenty. When she can’t take it anymore and comes crawling back for our help, I’ll teach her a lesson. I won’t even let her through the door!”

Nice thoughts, but who knows if that day will ever come.

“Then what about the housework? I have to take care of Jiadong, so I don’t have time to work,” Second Aunt whispered.

Lin Jiadong was the family’s treasure. Whenever she used that excuse, Old Madam Lin would always give in. It worked every time.

“Then Yanhong and Yanlan will wash clothes, chop wood, and gather wild vegetables. Daguo’s wife will cook.” Old Madam Lin settled it without assigning any chores to Second Aunt.

Big Aunt was displeased.

“Mother, we are both daughters-in-law of the Lin family. You can’t favor one over the other like this. If all the work is left to me, Yanhong, and Yanlan, what are they here for? Jiadong is young and can be excused, but Second Aunt can’t just sit idle. Give her the cooking, and I’ll go chop wood.”

She had already been treated unfairly when it came to food. If work was also divided unfairly, she would flip the table and leave.

Before Old Madam Lin could speak, Lin Daguo made the decision for her.

“Since we haven’t divided the family property, everyone has a duty to work. Second Aunt will be in charge of cooking.”

Since Lin Daguo had said so, even though Second Aunt was utterly unwilling, she could only nod in agreement. Then she shot a hateful glare at Big Aunt.

Just as they were eating, Zhang Cuihong walked straight into the yard.

“Old Madam Lin, are you there?”

Hearing Zhang Cuihong’s voice, Old Madam Lin quickly put down her bowl and hid the remaining sweet potatoes and cornbread.

Although they were good friends, every household was short on food these days. Since Zhang Cuihong had come right at mealtime, she would have to offer her something to eat as a courtesy. But since there was nothing left, even if she wanted to eat, there was nothing to offer.

“Cuihong, why are you here at this hour? Have you eaten? Want a bite?”

Zhang Cuihong glanced at their meal. It was probably almost finished, otherwise why would there be no cornbread left? She did want to eat, but they would need to save her at least one.

“No need. I came to tell you something. That worthless girl of yours is something else. She left your house today and immediately went to that cursed old woman next door to buy a hen. I just said a few words, told her I have chickens too, and could give her a discount for your sake. She didn’t appreciate it, and on top of that, she knocked down half of my wall. What’s that about?”

Any one of these pieces of information was enough to trigger Old Madam Lin’s nerves. She wished she could go back in time and strangle that worthless girl.

Those ten taels of silver were hers. They were only temporarily in Lin Qinghuan’s possession. And she actually spent them, buying a chicken. She didn’t even dare eat a chicken all year round.

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