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Speaking of Mrs. Yang, she felt somewhat in the wrong. However, Mrs. Yang wasn’t the type of mother-in-law to be unreasonable: “I know that her aunt and cousin can eat quite a bit; the Jiang Family is just too poor. They can’t stay here for too long, so just bear with them a little longer.”

Mrs. Liu wasn’t bold enough to push her mother-in-law too far, but she felt somewhat indignant all the same. Seeing her mother-in-law’s softening attitude, she pressed the point further: “Mother, I understand that you have a kind heart and cherish the kinship with your relatives, but I’m not sure your sister and niece feel the same way.”

Mrs. Yang was slightly displeased by what her eldest daughter-in-law had said but kept her temper in check: “What exactly are you implying?”

“Mother, although I’m a bit straightforward, to the point that my husband always says I’m thoughtless, I can still see some things clearly.” Mrs. Liu said this, deliberately changing her intonation as if to prove something.

“It’s just that you, Mother, value your relationship with your sister too much. Ever since Aunt and my cousin came to our home, haven’t we always treated them with perfect hospitality? However, they do not show the slightest gratitude and act as if it’s their due. In these times, some families are better off than others. We Han Family are not exactly wealthy, and Aunt and my cousin have stayed with us long enough to know that. Yet, when it comes to consuming resources, they are wasteful as if everything in our house didn’t cost money. Coming from a peasant family like the Jiangs, I can’t believe they don’t understand the importance of food. They’re taking advantage of us without sparing a thought for you, their sister, and aunt.”

“Is that really the case?” Mrs. Yang felt that her eldest daughter-in-law’s words were not completely convincing, yet there seemed to be some truth to them.

“Certainly. Mother, why don’t you put yourself in their shoes? Would you act the same way if you were a guest at your sister’s house?”

“I certainly wouldn’t. The world is getting more chaotic by the day, and life is hard for every peasant family…” Mrs. Yang trailed off, clearly aware that the behavior of Yang Juxiang and her daughter was inappropriate, yet she was reluctant to blame her own sister and niece.

Seeing Mrs. Yang’s reaction, Mrs. Liu knew she had reached her mother-in-law’s heart and felt somewhat triumphant. As long as she could persuade her mother-in-law, she wondered how Yang Juxiang and her mother would continue to act so arrogantly in the Han Family. The forth daughter-in-law was wise; these were all arguments she had learned from the fourth daughter-in-law when she had counseled her on what to say. Although Mrs. Liu couldn’t recall the exact words the fourth daughter-in-law had used, she had added her touch, making it less pleasant to listen to. Despite that, she had managed to convince her mother-in-law. She hoped that by having gained some face now, her mother-in-law wouldn’t think of her as brainless anymore.

“Mother, I didn’t mean to speak ill of my aunt and cousin, but it’s true that we don’t have much food left at home. Even if we want to help Aunt and my cousin, we need to think more about our own family. Everyone’s life isn’t easy, and our family is fortunate to have the fourth child occasionally go hunting in the mountains to help support us; otherwise, where would we get the means to survive? But you’ve also said that there’s a risk every time he goes hunting.”

Mrs. Liu was not foolish. Even without the fourth daughter-in-law’s advice, she knew what her mother-in-law cared about most. Sisters and nieces could never be more important than her own son.

Mrs. Yang was clearly becoming flustered: “Alright, I understand. I’ll think it over and I’ll have my sons buy more food. Now go about your business and stop bothering me with this.”

Achieving her goal, Mrs. Liu left understanding that saying any more would surely lead to a scolding from her mother-in-law.

Su Wenyue saw Mrs. Liu come out of her mother-in-law’s room with a triumphant look and knew what she had been up to: “Sister-in-law seems quite pleased with herself.”

“It’s the fourth daughter-in-law. She has been making some delicious nourishment for our mother, so it’s no wonder Mother says you’re virtuous. Yet, you’re willing to spend your dowry silver on these things. Our family’s best food has gone to outsiders. What’s the meaning of this!”

“Mother is soft-hearted, after all, and they’re family. There are some things Mother finds hard to say, so don’t complain too much.” Su Wenyue did not like to talk about others behind their backs. The reason she brought it up previously was only because she saw Mrs. Liu and Yang Juxiang struggling and had offered a few ‘pointers’.

“You, fourth daughter-in-law, are just too soft-spoken. How does that saying go? ‘The willing horse is ridden, the kind person is bullied’…” Mrs. Liu, hearing Su Wenyue’s comment, forgot her previous admiration for Su Wenyue and began to preach at length, aiming to change Su Wenyue’s perspective.

Su Wenyue interrupted her directly: “Sister-in-law, please go ahead with your tasks. I’ve finished stewing the chicken soup for Mother; it should be taken to her while it’s still hot. I’ve left some for the children as well.”

“The fourth daughter-in-law, you’re here.” Mrs. Yang had just sent Mrs. Liu away and wasn’t in the mood for more visitors, but her expression softened upon seeing Su Wenyue. She thought that the fourth daughter-in-law wouldn’t also be there to talk about her sister and niece’s issue.

“Mother, I made some chicken soup for you. Have it before your rest.” Su Wenyue brought the chicken soup in.

“Oh, fourth daughter-in-law, why have you made chicken soup for me again? The wound on my head is nearly healed, and here you are, still going to all this trouble. I’m just an old lady; it seems a waste to use good things on me.” Mrs. Yang was about to say more, but her daughter-in-law had already placed the fragrant chicken soup before her.

“Mother, what are you talking about? It’s my husband’s and my pleasure to honor you. Just drink and get your strength back. That’s what’s most important.”

“It’s you and the fourth child who are so attentive. Who else in this household takes such good care of this old woman, showering her with delicacies? I must have built up good karma in my previous life to have a daughter-in-law as wonderful as you,” Mrs. Yang mused, and in comparison to her other daughters-in-law, the fourth daughter-in-law’s piety stood out even more.

“Mother, elder brother and sister-in-law honor you just the same, only in different ways. I just happened to be fortunate in this regard. But I am delighted by your compliments all the same,” Su Wenyue said playfully, her tone affectionate.

“Oh, you!” For once, a smile graced Mrs. Yang’s otherwise expressionless face.

“Fourth daughter-in-law, your elder sister just visited and had a long talk with me. What do you think about your aunt and cousin’s situation?” Mrs. Yang had initially been unhappy, thinking that Su Wenyue had come for that reason. But now, with Su Wenyue not broaching the subject, she herself brought it up, considering her youngest daughter-in-law to be clever and discerning enough to offer some advice.

“Mother, they are family, what’s there for me to think about? We certainly can’t let it affect your relationship with your sister. The Jiang Family lives far away, and it’s not easy for them to visit. Let’s allow Aunt and my cousin to stay a bit longer; it gives you the chance to catch up more with your sister. However, our family isn’t exactly well-off, so perhaps we should cut back on food expenses a bit. It’s not feasible to have white flour and rice at every meal; we simply can’t sustain that for long. I think Aunt and my cousin, being from a farmer’s background and accustomed to some hardship, should be able to understand that.”

Understand? Su Wenyue thought otherwise, yet her lips curved with a hint of skepticism.