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Jiang Chunlan’s lips moved a few times, as she considered saying she wanted to stay, but she didn’t utter the words. Not only did Yang Juxiang understand her daughter, but Jiang Chunlan also understood her mother – her mother’s attitude clearly showed she wouldn’t be willing to let her stay. Yet, she was truly unwilling to give in. If she held this resentment and returned home, she would be suffocated by it.

Thoughts of what her third cousin’s wife had said bubbled up in Jiang Chunlan’s mind. She was really out of ideas now, and perhaps, just maybe, her third cousin’s wife might have some suggestions.

“Chunlan, you’re here! Come, have a seat. I heard you were leaving tomorrow, and I was just thinking of saying goodbye to you. You know my situation; I’m not well-liked in this family. I won’t be able to see you off tomorrow. Being disliked, let’s take this time to chat a little more,” she said.

“Third cousin’s wife, I don’t want to go back, but my mother is determined, and I just can’t bring myself to talk to her about it. Even if I did, she wouldn’t agree. Cousin-in-law, you always have ideas, please help me think of something. I really can’t stand the thought of going back just like this,” Jiang Chunlan said while affectionately shaking Mrs. Wang’s arm, completely unaware of the brief flicker of disdain and aversion in Mrs. Wang’s eyes. But Jiang Chunlan’s words struck right at what Mrs. Wang had in mind.

“All right, stop acting like a spoiled child, it’s embarrassing. If you really don’t want to go back, I’ll think of something for you,” Mrs. Wang replied, going along with Jiang Chunlan’s plea, looking very much like an affectionate older sister indulging her younger sibling.

“That’s great! So, you really have a way, third cousin’s wife? Now I don’t have to worry anymore,” an excited Jiang Chunlan almost hugged Mrs. Wang’s arm again but was avoided by Mrs. Wang. Chunlan was surprised at first but then assumed her cousin-in-law must have dodged because she was pregnant, and such actions were not suitable.

“Chunlan, as you know, I’m pregnant, so I need to be careful. Don’t take it to heart, okay?”

“It’s fine, I don’t mind at all. Please tell me, third cousin’s wife, what do I need to do to stay? I think my mother is really resolved this time. She’s just scared of Su Wenyue, that fox, because of her mother’s family’s powerful background. As for me, I don’t think there’s anything so impressive about the Su family. I’ve targeted Su Wenyue before, and I never saw her do anything to me,” Jiang Chunlan said proudly, having observed how people from the main house fawned over Su Wenyue and seemingly taking pride in giving Su Wenyue a hard time.

“Have you really thought this through about staying? What your aunt said is not wrong; the Su family truly isn’t one we can afford to offend. My mother’s family is in this mess because of Su Wenyue. I advise you not to oppose Su Wenyue. One must accept their fate. I didn’t accept mine in the past, and that’s why I’ve ended up in such an awkward position in the Han family, unable to speak freely; otherwise, I wouldn’t have just stood by and watched Su Wenyue bully you,” said Mrs. Wang with a sigh, her hand sorrowfully caressing her slightly protruding stomach. Although her words seemed to be advice, they were clearly inciting Jiang Chunlan’s anger.

“Don’t be so disheartened, third cousin’s wife. I refuse to believe Su Wenyue could keep acting so arrogantly. Stop talking so negatively, just tell me what I need to do to stay here,” Jiang Chunlan urged.

“Well, okay. Since you’ve decided on this, I’ll think of a way for you, but it might involve some hardship. Are you sure you want to do this?” Mrs. Wang still seemed somewhat hesitant.

“Cousin-in-law, I’ve made up my mind, please teach me. Don’t hesitate any longer, I must stay,” said Jiang Chunlan, her resolve fortified by Mrs. Wang’s hesitation, sweeping away the last of her uncertainties.

Mrs. Wang felt a rush of triumph inside. Sometimes fools were much easier to use than smart people.

“All right, come closer,” …

Since she had to go back home the next day, Yang Juxiang’s original intention had been to get some food from the Han Family, to ease her family’s burden. Now, sitting in Mrs. Yang’s room, they were just engaging in idle talk, mainly to share her hardships and paint a picture of her own straits in hopes of prompting her eldest sister, Yang Guixiang, to offer help as usual. But today, even after talking for half a day, her older sister had shown no sign of willingness to help.

Mrs. Yang was not foolish. Although bound by sisterly affection, the events of the previous days had been eye-opening, and she no longer prioritized her younger sister as she once had. No matter what, her own family came first. She would help her sister where she could, but beyond that, she was powerless. The family’s food had already been heavily consumed to entertain her younger sister and niece, along with the preparations for the old lady’s birthday, leaving her desiring to help but unable.

“Big sister, why are you not saying anything? Do you look down upon me, now that Brother Yu has married Miss Su and your family’s social status changed?” Yang Juxiang knew her question was sharp, but since her older sister wasn’t responding, she felt forced into a corner.

Although Mrs. Yang felt unhappy hearing Yang Juxiang speak like this, she was overstepping. The sisterly affection of many years seemed to have soured. However, in the end, she was her own direct relative.

“Juhuang, what are you talking about! We’re sisters; I’d never think like that. But every family has its own difficulties. No matter what the Fourth Daughter-in-law’s mother’s family is like, it has nothing to do with our Han Family. The days will go on as they must. Our old Han family isn’t dependent on a daughter-in-law to survive. With so many men in the family, all capable of working, surely we can provide for ourselves?”

“Big sister, I…” Yang Juxiang began to explain, only to be interrupted by Yang Guixiang.

“Juhuang, I got up early today and have a headache. Let me rest a bit. I’ve asked the Fourth Child to go hunting this afternoon. Maybe he can catch some prey for you to take back,” said Yang Guixiang, waving her hand in dismissal.

“Well, then, take care of yourself. Your health is most important, big sister. I’ll go back to my room and pack my things,” Yang Juxiang acknowledged, sensing from Yang Guixiang’s demeanor that there was no point in continuing the conversation. Besides, her sister had mentioned letting Brother Yu go hunting; even taking a few animals to sell was better than nothing.

“Mother, have you finished talking with Aunt?” Jiang Chunlan, burdened with thoughts, was exceptionally well-behaved in front of Yang Juxiang.

“Finished? Your aunt couldn’t care less about us poor relatives; she complained of a headache and wanted to rest. How could I have the audacity to stay any longer?” Yang Juxiang replied curtly, not needing to hide her feelings in front of her daughter, feeling genuinely frustrated.

“Mother, Aunt has simply been charmed by that wretched Su Wenyue, which is why she can’t see who’s truly good. Don’t be angry. After all, you and Aunt are direct sisters.”

Hearing this, Yang Juxiang’s anger subsided, but she looked at Jiang Chunlan inquisitively, sensing something odd about her daughter.