When Uncle came back with Little Cousin, Cheng Ying knew, Because with Little Cousin came Aunt’s mother-in-law, and Aunt’s husband’s sister, several of them. A son raised by a widowed mother, with several younger sisters-in-law below him—surely they all fell to the eldest brother to arrange marriages for, right?

It was a relief there were no younger brothers-in-law needing wives found for them, otherwise that would be another burden. Cheng Ying thought, if I had a daughter, I wouldn’t give her to a family like this either.

The look of this entire family gave Cheng Ying a feeling of utter placidity. Luckily, Little Cousin’s looks followed Old Aunt’s; otherwise, she would surely have dreaded marriage in the future.

Just look at Uncle’s sisters—that was certainly reassuring enough. Though the Old Lady inwardly disliked her own maternal grandmother, her daughter was now in another family, and she exchanged pleasantries quite well with Uncle’s mother.

Old Aunt also had the energy now to look after her nephews. When Cheng Ying saw her own aunt emerge, her eyes were red, clearly emotional.

Aunt spotted Cheng Ying. “Oh my, why aren't the three of you coming inside?

Are you shy?” Cheng Ying replied, “We wouldn’t dare. If Old Aunt sees you crying, how will you deal with the three of us later?” Cheng Shengxia adored her niece.

If anyone could persuade the Old Lady to come and see her, it could only be her niece; no one else had that ability. She felt deeply grateful to Cheng Ying.

Who wouldn't want their marriage blessed by family? Living with the daily grind of life all these years, who hadn't felt wronged?

But she had never dared tell anyone at home, precisely because her own mother had never approved of her marriage—she had simply endured it all. Cheng Shengxia said, “Yingzi, Aunt remembers your kindness.” Cheng Ying waved her hand.

“I wouldn't dare. Cheng Ming brought Grandma along.” Cheng Shengxia chided, “Disrespectful.

Call him ‘Ge’ [older brother].” Cheng Ming finally found a kindred spirit. This unlucky girl, whom he usually had to coerce into calling him ‘Ge,’ said, “Aunt, you see it now.

The ‘Ge’ Yingzi calls is worth a fortune!” Cheng Shengxia took a nephew by each hand. “Go inside and stay there.

Go meet your Uncle.” Cheng Ying was left behind. That was fine; it meant Aunt didn’t treat her like an outsider.

What could she do? Aunt didn’t have three hands.

Cheng Ying went inside. The room was full of children, making it seem a bit crowded.

Finally, introduced by Old Aunt, she met this Uncle. Cheng Ying noticed that her Uncle seemed even more nervous than she was.

Also, Old Aunt’s mother-in-law was truly unlikable. Cheng Ying listened as this old woman endlessly recounted her hardships over the years to her own maternal grandmother.

This one was sharp-tongued but perhaps kind-hearted. You don't mention how hard it was for our Aunt to come to your family and bear children for you, yet you only speak of your own difficulty being widowed?

This person certainly wouldn’t be favored by Grandma. Old Aunt said, “Mother, let’s stop talking.

I’ll take my mother out for a walk.” This widowed old woman finally stopped. “You two go look around; we few mothers will start cooking.” Her own maternal grandmother finally got to wander out with her aunt.

Uncle stayed nearby, accompanying them. The Old Lady didn't hold back, addressing him directly.

“What about your younger brother-in-law?” Cheng Ying thought, there really are younger brothers-in-law? Aunt really did arrange a marriage for one of them.

Before Aunt could speak, Uncle said, “Second brother is staying at his in-laws’ place; he hasn’t come back yet. When he returns, I’ll have him come over for Mother to see.” The Old Lady rolled her eyes.

Why would I want to see your brother? I care about my daughter.

“Li Ding, my girl was pampered when she was at home. Not only did she bear children for you, but she had to raise your brothers too.

Now that your brothers and sisters are about to make their way in the world, shouldn’t my daughter finally enjoy a couple of good years?” She started right off the bat, uncompromising. Cheng Shengxia remained silent, knowing the grievances she had suffered; it was good enough to have someone stand up for her.

By this time, the weather was quite cold—otherwise, why would the winter break start? Otherwise, why would Old Aunt’s watermelons be stored in the well for insulation?

But Li Ding broke out in a sweat. “Mother, Shengxia has worked hard these years with me.

I remember that. In the future, I certainly won’t let the two of them suffer.” The Old Lady retorted, “Words are useless; they must be put into action.

I never heard a single word about how difficult my daughter’s life has been. It must have been difficult for you raising your siblings.

My daughter doesn't seek favors, but as long as your younger siblings grow up without blaming me in return, I’ll be content.” Cheng Ying looked at her Old Aunt’s expression and knew that the Old Lady’s warning was timely. Presumably, Old Aunt had been made difficult for.

Sometimes, being a good person doesn’t pay off. It seemed there was some gossip circulating.

Li Ding’s face flushed. “Mother, rest assured.

My second brother knows what’s what. I’ve managed to raise these few sisters of mine; I’ve done right by my father.

In the future, once they marry, they belong to other families. If anyone causes Shengxia discomfort, don’t come home again.” That was quite decisive.

This Old Uncle was indeed a man of straightforward character. The Old Lady said, “Hearing you say that means my daughter has suffered quite a bit.

I told you long ago that a widowed mother-in-law is hard to serve, but you insisted on not listening.” She directed this statement toward her own daughter. Cheng Shengxia murmured, “Mother—” The Old Lady sighed deeply.

“Ay.” She was a widowed mother-in-law herself; how could she not understand that feeling? Her daughter was too simple-minded, driving herself into a dead end.

She must have suffered. Uncle, however, breathed a sigh of relief.

The timing was impeccable, really. He and his younger sister had argued just two days ago over her marriage, and today his mother-in-law arrived.

Li Ding had assumed his mother-in-law had come to stand up for his wife, but it was all due to his sister being thoughtless. From what he heard, the mother-in-law hadn't been called by his wife.

His wife was considerate! He looked at Cheng Shengxia with tenderness in his eyes.

Cheng Ying glanced over unintentionally, raising goosebumps all over. The Old Lady concluded, “Enough.

It’s a good thing my daughter has endured it all. Your sister is grown now.

From now on, it’s just the two of you living your own lives.” Cheng Shengxia agreed, “Exactly. Daughters are like water splashed out; we can finally settle down.” Cheng Ying added, “Yes, Grandma, at home, she was always thinking about this bowl of splashed-out water Aunt.” Li Ding let out a breath.

People say that after many years, a daughter-in-law becomes a mother-in-law. For him, after many years as a son-in-law, he finally gained approval.

He had made it! Li Ding felt like thanking his mother-in-law’s ancestors for eight generations.

But he still adored his little niece. She looked even more delicate than his own daughter.

Furthermore, this child was clearly sensible just from listening to her talk. Speaking of which, Li Ding was most thankful that his daughter took after his wife’s side of the family and not his sisters.

Otherwise, that would have been a disaster. Looking at this niece, and Cheng Ming, and Chi Wu—the genetics must come from the wife’s side, he figured.

Of course, Li Ding didn't know what 'genetics' meant. In his mind, his daughter took after her maternal grandparents' family looks.

Aunt took her own mother aside. With no outsiders present, they could exchange some heart-to-heart words.

But the time was short; Aunt Li’s sister-in-law soon came to invite them to eat. Cheng Ying looked at the spread on the table.

It was truly simple: stir-fried potatoes, stewed potatoes, and a large bowl of stewed green beans. Then again, the in-law grandmother was very frugal.

They had brought two large roosters, but they hadn’t been killed. The preserved fish hadn't even been served.

Cheng Ying could only conclude that a widowed family was used to being careful with resources. One couldn’t very well be picky about food at Aunt’s house, could one?

However, this hospitality wasn't exactly enthusiastic. Especially the words from the in-law grandmother’s mouth—they weren't on the same level at all.

No wonder Grandma said this person wasn't genuine. Then again, her own Grandma was also widowed and raising children—how could she be so much superior to this in-law grandmother?

She never heard her own Grandma complain about hardship. This showed that people truly differed.

Comparing their standards revealed the difference. Old Aunt looked at the dishes on the table but remained silent, only urging Old Lady and the nephews to eat.

Uncle, however, had gone out for a while. Cheng Ying and the others were almost finished when Uncle returned, carrying a large platter of pig’s head meat.

In those days, getting such a thing wasn't easy. Cheng Ying looked at her Uncle; his outer garment was damp with sweat.

At this season, a padded coat was too warm, and a single layer too cool. Sweat on the body wasn't comfortable.

Friends, don't mention thermal underwear or sweaters; common people’s lives were just starting to improve. Summer meant light clothes, winter meant cotton-padded jackets; they couldn't afford such fuss.

Cheng Ying thought it was fortunate that Old Aunt’s home had convenient transportation, close to the township, otherwise running errands to the supply and marketing cooperative would have completely worn out Uncle. Old Aunt smiled slyly looking at her man and quickly grabbed a cloth to wipe his sweat.

Of course, she didn't forget to scoop meat for her own mother and her nieces and nephews. Cheng Ying glanced at the in-law grandmother sitting at the table, whose face was turning congested.

She thought, this meat tastes as if it were cannibalized. Anyone who didn't know better would think this meat had been sliced from the in-law grandmother herself.

It was hard to swallow. Grandma said, “Why buy this stuff?

Quickly take it away and give it to the children.” Uncle’s sisters were not at the table; this was a special spread for relatives. Luckily, the in-law grandmother had a shred of propriety left.

“No need. I was thoughtless.

Our son-in-law is so generous; Cousin, please try some.” Old Aunt glanced at her mother-in-law and said nothing. Uncle Li caught his breath and then sat on the kang to eat with his mother-in-law.

“Mother, please eat more. Tomorrow I’ll go to the market in the neighboring township and get you something better.

The township cooperative only had pig’s head meat left today.” The Old Lady looked at her son-in-law and had no further fault to find. This man was genuine.

Her daughter had borne him children, and besides, while the in-laws weren't great, the son-in-law himself was decent, at least honest. The Old Lady had never wanted to find her daughter a man who looked good but was useless.

Her initial reluctance stemmed only from Li Ding’s poor family circumstances. She knew her daughter would surely suffer and toil coming here, which was why she had worried for her daughter all these years and disapproved.

Now that Li Ding’s siblings were grown, her daughter’s burden was lighter. Only a mother-in-law remained, and every family had to care for their elders until the end; that was unavoidable.

So, the Old Lady’s attitude toward this son-in-law softened considerably. “No need.

I came to check in. I have a pile of things to deal with at home.

I’ll leave right after eating, or we’ll be caught in the dark.” The in-law grandmother chimed in, “Look at you saying that. Since you’ve come through the trouble, you must stay a couple of days.” Cheng Ying watched the old woman’s insincere words and felt worried for her Aunt.

How could Aunt manage life dealing with such a mother-in-law day after day? The Old Lady insisted, “Seeing Shengxia is doing well, and Feng is grown, and with her in-law looking after her, I have nothing to worry about.

Home can’t wait.” Old Aunt said, “Mother, how long has it been since I married? You’ve finally come—”

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