Farm Tough Girl

Chapter 53 - 53 054 An Unusual Madam Liu_1

?Chapter 53: Chapter 054 An Unusual Madam Liu_1 Chapter 53: Chapter 054 An Unusual Madam Liu_1 “Auntie, why have you come over?”

Madam Liu said with a smile, “I was just saying how I missed you this time, who knew you would just happen to be back.”

Muniang hurriedly welcomed her into the house, “Auntie, please come in. I mentioned wanting to visit you a while ago, why did it take until now for you to come?”

Madam Liu sighed, “You’re not unaware of your grandfather’s temper. If he knew I was in contact with you, he would likely drive me out.”

Muniang brought tea over and said with a smile, “I’m certainly aware of his temperament.”

“As for driving me out of the house, I would actually prefer it. I don’t want to spend another day in that place, but even if it’s just for my four children, I still have to endure!”

Muniang understood that the children belonged to the Qiao family; even if Madam Liu left, she couldn’t possibly take any of them with her, unless Qiao Yuanming advocated for a separation. However, with Qiao Yuanming’s temperament, he probably wouldn’t dare to go against his parents’ wishes.

“So how did Auntie manage to come out today?” Muniang changed the subject.

“Today is the fourth brother’s provincial examination; Father and Mother went with him to the city. There’s good food and fine dishes prepared, all to ensure he doesn’t have the slightest discomfort that could affect his performance,” said Madam Liu with a hint of sarcasm.

And isn’t that just the way? The Qiao parents only care about their youngest son, blatantly neglecting the others. The house has been without provisions for several days, the children eating dry buns until their faces are pallid and thin, while Qiao Yuanzhen, just for the sake of one examination, is treated to a chicken slaughtered just for him to eat alone!

Madam Liu herself could bear the poor meals, but seeing her children suffer like this simply broke her heart.

“Auntie, don’t get too upset. No matter how bad, we still have to live through these days, right?” Muniang genuinely didn’t know what else to say to comfort Madam Liu, after all, what good could come from such a problematic family?

Madam Liu suddenly laughed, “Exactly, perhaps the days will start getting better soon. A few days ago, for some reason, the couple from the main house suddenly raised the issue of separating from the family. It infuriated the parents, but they are adamant. It’s still at a deadlock, but because the fourth brother is taking the examination, it’s temporarily put aside. However, once today is over, I reckon there will be a commotion. The main house is quite determined, and I think there’s a good chance it will happen.”

“If they could separate, wouldn’t that be for the best!” Muniang said delightedly, “Auntie, why not talk with Uncle Three? If he could also push for it, with two brothers wanting to separate, it would be mostly settled, and the parents, even if reluctant, would have to agree.”

Madam Liu’s eyes dimmed, “You know well what Uncle Three is like: except for Father and Mother, he cares for no one, why would he help me?”

But Muniang said, “Auntie, I speak to you as family. It’s true Uncle Three is somewhat foolishly filial, but he is not a bad person, is he? He loves the children as much as you do, it’s just that he doesn’t often show it. You have a strong personality and never show weakness to him; although you always consider the family’s welfare, sometimes this approach can damage his pride. Separating the household doesn’t mean it’s unfilial, we can always honor our parents often afterwards.”

“Have you thought about talking properly with Uncle Three? Lower your stance and consult with him about this separation, for everything is for the children, and he won’t be too heartless. Though he may be a foolishly filial son, he is also a caring father.”

Madam Liu listened blankly to Muniang’s speech, her heart suddenly a mix of complex emotions. For so many years she had resented him for being inconsiderate and not looking after the family, yet she had never thought about how she had been trampling on his dignity every day, preventing him from holding his head up high. They had been at odds for so many years, yet she had never seen the situation clearly, allowing a young girl to understand it so thoroughly. How could she not feel ashamed?

“Muniang, I really can’t thank you enough,” said Madam Liu, so grateful she hardly knew what to say.

“Auntie, don’t thank me; I’m just offering a suggestion. What matters most is how you act on it,” said Muniang.

“Yes!”

Qiao family.

As soon as Madam Liu entered the house, she saw Qiao Yuanming chopping firewood. Thinking of what Muniang had said, she suddenly didn’t know what to say, and her whole demeanor became awkward.

They were an old married couple; there was no need for greetings every time they saw each other. Qiao Yuanming didn’t pay much attention and continued chopping wood. However, he noticed that Madam Liu stood still in the same spot and finally looked up at her.

“What’s wrong? Is there something you need to say?”

Madam Liu’s gaze flickered, clearly uncomfortable, “No, I mean, um, what are you going to do later?”

Qiao Yuanming thought Madam Liu was acting strange today. Her usual attitude towards him was rather cold, and she never initiated conversation unless it was to start a fight.

“I plan to go up the mountain to chop some more wood.”

“Oh, I, I have something to say to you. Let’s go inside,” said Madam Liu hastily, then turned and headed into the house.

Qiao Yuanming, confused as a two-zhang-tall monk, followed her in but was stopped by a small figure.

Tianniu tugged at Qiao Yuanming’s clothes, pleading softly, “Daddy, please don’t argue with mommy, okay?” She was only nine years old, but her heart was more sensitive than anyone else’s.

Qiao Yuanming’s heart warmed. He touched her face: “Yeah, Daddy won’t argue.”

Qiao Yuanming went inside where Mrs. Lin was already sitting on the kang bed. He walked over and sat across from her, uneasy at his wife’s exceptional behavior today.

“Husband, we’ve been married for ten years now. I married you when I was fifteen, and to say that we’ve made it this far is not easy at all. Let me speak frankly, if it weren’t for our four children, I really wouldn’t have been able to endure.”

A jolt went through Qiao Yuanming’s heart – Madam Liu’s words couldn’t mean she was thinking about divorce, could they?! After all these years, even with all their bickering, he had never thought about divorcing her.

“I feel like my life is almost over; I don’t have much to worry about, but our children are still so young. Every time I see them thin and frail, or envying other children who have sweets and meat to eat, my heart feels like it’s being clawed at.” As Madam Liu spoke, tears rolled down her cheeks.

Qiao Yuanming had never seen Madam Liu like this, and he was somewhat at a loss: “You, you, please don’t cry.”

“The other day, the main house brought up dividing the property, and honestly, I’ve been thinking about it too. It’s not for me; it’s for the children. I want our children to have enough food and warm clothes, to be carefree, but that will always be a dream in the Qiao family.”

Qiao Yuanming was stunned before he spoke, “But Father and Mother are getting old. If we divide the family, who will take care of them?”

Under normal circumstances, Madam Liu would have snapped back, but she restrained herself.

“Father and Mother are still quite robust and don’t need constant care. If you’re worried, why not just send some silver coin to their house every few months? If we do divide the property, we’ll take a smaller share and leave the larger one for Father and Mother, how’s that? Dividing the family doesn’t mean we stop taking care of Father and Mother. You care for them, but don’t you care for our children, for me?”