Chapter 57: Not One to Care About Saving Face

Lu Chuan rapped Lu Xiaosan on the head. “Don’t bother using your little tricks in front of your sister-in-law. They won’t work.”

Besides, with her personality, she doesn’t even know what tact means. Just tell me, isn’t that awkward?

Lu Chuan just wanted to say, she’s the kind of person who’s stubborn as a mule—won’t act unless she sees real results. If she doesn’t see your sincerity, she’ll avoid you entirely.

When it comes to money, even your own brother won’t trust you, let alone a younger brother-in-law. Scheming gets you nowhere with Fang Yuan. Sweet talk won’t work either.

Lu Xiaosan was quick-witted and thick-skinned, so he found himself an out: “I just wanted to get on Second Sister-in-law’s good side, that’s all.”

Fang Yuan replied, “No need for that. Just behave yourself and don’t cause trouble for the family, and I won’t have to deal with you.”

As for any benefits? There really aren’t any.

Fang Yuan’s standard for getting along with you is simply the difference between ‘dealing with you’ and ‘not dealing with you.’ If she leaves you alone, that’s already good enough. Don’t overthink the rest.

Lu Xiaosan just stared at his second sister-in-law, feeling a bit unsettled. So that’s the standard?

Lu Lao’er (Second Brother) said, “What, not satisfied? Want your second sister-in-law to deal with you?”

Lu Xiaosan still remembered how Second Sister-in-law had handled Lu Laoda (the eldest brother) before, and shivered. “No way! I’ll behave, Second Sister-in-law, don’t worry. I definitely won’t give you any trouble.”

Father Lu said, “It’s not easy for you all out there. Your mother and I haven’t been much help, but Second Daughter-in-law, don’t worry, we won’t cause you any trouble.”

Fang Yuan replied sincerely, “Dad, don’t worry. That’s the one thing I’m truly not afraid of.”

The whole family looked at Fang Yuan. This kind of attitude—they’d have to get used to it.

Fang Yuan never even gave them a chance to cause her trouble. Lu Xiaosan also realized what she meant: don’t even think about taking advantage.

He didn’t even dare mention the idea of going out to make money with his second brother.

Fang Yuan said, “Xiaosan’s grown up now. First, learn how to behave from Mom and Dad. When there’s a suitable opportunity in the future, your second brother will definitely keep you in mind. But remember, wherever you go, you have to rely on your own abilities.”

Lu Xiaosan replied, “I understand. I have to rely on myself. If Second Brother helps me find a job, I won’t make things difficult for him.”

Fang Yuan made things clear from the start: “If he can’t help, don’t be upset. It’s all just a favor.”

Lu Xiaosan grinned, knowing that’s just how his second sister-in-law is. “Got it, I’ll appreciate whatever help I get.”

Fang Yuan smiled. “You’re a good kid.”

Lu Chuan watched from the side, feeling a bit stifled. The whole family was as meek as kittens in front of her—whatever she said, went. How could she not be good?

Lu Xiaosan, too—usually so cunning and bold at home, but in front of Fang Yuan, he was as obedient as could be, not daring to say a single rebellious word.

The meal went well and everyone was happy. Fang Yuan thought the Lu family was actually pretty nice. They all had good tempers and were easy to get along with.

Lu’s mother helped clean up the house before leaving. Fang Yuan thought her mother-in-law was hardworking and really quite good.

She even made a point to praise her parents-in-law and brother-in-law to Lu Chuan.

Lu Chuan felt all sorts of emotions—he just wanted to ask, “You’re the queen in my family. Who wouldn’t think you’re great?”

A couple days ago, Li Meng’s family came over and made a scene, even getting the whole commune involved.

Li Meng’s family didn’t get their way, and ended up dragging their daughter home and giving her a beating. Li Meng still had a handprint on her face.

Mother Lu thought, “My eldest son brought Li Meng home to her family, but apparently nothing got resolved.”

The whole business of the eldest and second sons getting married hadn’t caused a stir in the village, but when Li Meng’s family came, they didn’t give her any face at all.

Her own sister-in-law scolded her in public, calling her shameless for running off with a man and even paying out of her own pocket.

The things she said were as nasty as could be. Li Meng’s reputation was in tatters.

Li Meng, furious, started arguing with her sister-in-law: “Even my parents didn’t say anything, so who are you to talk? You just want to marry me off to someone better for a bigger bride price, but I have to agree to it, don’t I?”

Li Meng’s sister-in-law jumped up and cursed her for being shameless, saying she stole money from the family.

Li Meng retorted, “What I took was the bride price you got for marrying me off. That’s my money.”

Her sister-in-law spat, “You ran off, so where’s the bride price? Never seen a girl cheat her own family like this.”

Her sister-in-law cried to the villagers, saying, “What kind of family raises a daughter who doesn’t want a bride price? Who wouldn’t feel heartbroken raising a girl like this?”

The villagers only cared about the gossip, not anyone’s feelings.

Li Meng said, “Ha! You can sell me for money, but I can’t get one over on you? The money’s gone, and I’m not going back with you. For your information, I’ve already got my marriage certificate.”

Her sister-in-law was furious. “You shameless thing! Don’t count on your family for anything ever again. No matter who you marry, you’ll have to pay the money back. Besides, you agreed to it at first, then changed your mind and cheated your own family.”

Li Meng refused to admit it, still clinging to her pride: “I never planned to go back anyway. Whoever took the money can pay it back. I never took money from anyone else. What I took was what the Lu family gave me when we got engaged.”

Her sister-in-law spat again, “Look at this poor family—where would they get a bride price?”

It was true there wasn’t much, but Li Meng, having gone toe-to-toe with Fang Yuan, had toughened up: “What, you smashed up their house and think it’s nothing? Now that I’m here, shouldn’t I make it up to them? Otherwise, how am I supposed to live?”

Lu Laoda didn’t say a word, thinking, “If Li Meng had been this tough when she was up against Fang Yuan, she wouldn’t have been cheated out of so much money.”

Li Meng’s sister-in-law sat at the village entrance crying, saying her sister-in-law had stolen her private savings and run away.

True or not, that’s what she told everyone.

Li Meng had learned Fang Yuan’s “thick-skinned” ways perfectly—her reputation was already ruined, the money was gone, but at least she had to come out ahead in something.

She couldn’t let Lu Feng look down on her anymore. From start to finish, she stood firmly on his side, and without even needing Lu Feng to step in, she managed to send her family packing.

Li Meng’s sister-in-law had even searched the Lu house from top to bottom—there really wasn’t any money, nor anything worth taking. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have left so easily.

In the end, the two women ended up fighting, and when Lu Feng tried to pull them apart, he got scratched and hit by Li Meng’s sister-in-law.

Of course, Li Meng ended up hurt—that was inevitable. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to pay, she really just didn’t have the money.

It was clear that Li Meng’s sister-in-law wasn’t any good either.

Mother Lu watched Li Meng and felt cold inside, secretly spitting, “Neither Li Meng nor her sister-in-law are any good.”

After everyone left, Li Meng clung to Lu Feng, sobbing, “Brother Feng, I don’t even have a family anymore. From now on, I’ll have to rely on you.”

For once, Lu Feng was kind to her: “From now on, we’ll live our lives together. With a family like that, why go back?”

Li Meng mainly wanted to save a bit of face: “Brother Feng, they even slapped me in the face.”

Mother Lu, listening from the side, felt disgusted. No matter how she looked at this woman, she didn’t seem like a good person.

What kind of decent daughter-in-law acts so shamelessly?

Behind closed doors, do whatever you want—no one cares. But with outsiders watching, why act so lovey-dovey and embarrassing?

58."

"**Chapter 58: You Should Know Where You Stand**

After the recent fight, Li Meng felt that she was now one of the Lu family, her position clear and secure. So, for the next couple of days, she stopped cooking altogether.

From time to time, she even bossed Old Lady Lu around, claiming she’d twisted her waist during the fight.

Old Lady Lu just let her have her way, and Li Meng was convinced she had the Lu family wrapped around her finger.

But good days never last long. A few days later, Fang Yuan and Lu Chuan came back and even hosted a dinner party—except they didn’t invite Li Meng and her lot. That was a real slap in the face.

Li Meng started stirring things up with Lu Feng: “Don’t you think she doesn’t see us as family? Like we don’t even matter to her?”

Lu Feng’s face darkened. “If I went over there, would you feel comfortable?”

That shut Li Meng up immediately. Of course she wouldn’t feel comfortable—she’d rather Lu Feng and Fang Yuan had nothing to do with each other.

After all, they’d been married in their past life—who knows if there were still lingering feelings between them?

At the end of the day, she’d taken something that belonged to someone else. No wonder she always felt uneasy.

Since she couldn’t pick on Fang Yuan, she turned her attention to Old Lady Lu instead. Li Meng complained, “I feel like Mom doesn’t really care about me. She’s always thinking about the second son’s family.”

Then she whispered to Lu Feng, “I heard from the villagers that the second son made a lot of money in town.”

Lu Feng frowned, looking even more unhappy. “What are you trying to say?”

Li Meng was quick on her feet and immediately changed her tune: “I just mean, don’t worry, Feng-ge. You’ll be even more capable than him in the future.”

Who wouldn’t be anxious in this situation? How many people truly wish for others to get rich? Especially when it’s your own brother—people are always comparing.

Still, Lu Feng was in a foul mood. He grabbed his hoe and went out to the fields, needing some time to cool off.

Watching Lu Feng head out with his hoe, Li Meng couldn’t help but compare him to the Lu Feng she’d seen sitting in a luxury car by the roadside. The difference was huge.

She worried—if he spent all his time working in the fields, when would he ever become a rich man?

Did Lu Feng strike it rich by digging up gold nuggets in the fields?

Li Meng regretted not knowing more about how Lu Feng had made his fortune in her previous life. She only knew he’d become wealthy, but not how.

And lately, their quality of life had really gone downhill—she could practically taste the bitterness in her mouth. She desperately wanted to improve their lives, and for her future rich husband to get rich sooner.

She figured she’d better encourage Lu Feng to get out and look for opportunities. Compared to digging for gold in the fields, going out and seeking chances to make money seemed a lot more reliable.

That evening, when Lu Feng came home, Li Meng suggested he go to town and look for opportunities.

Lu Feng said, “You saw the second son making money and now you think I’m not as capable as him, don’t you?”

Wasn’t that obvious? But of course Li Meng couldn’t admit it. “No, Feng-ge, you’re really wronging me! I just feel bad seeing you work so hard in the fields.”

Lu Feng just turned his back to her. Honestly, he hadn’t even become rich yet, but he was already getting all moody and hard to please.

Li Meng really did treat Lu Feng like a future tycoon—she flattered and coaxed him endlessly, until finally he said, “Stop worrying about what’s going on in other people’s families all the time.”

Li Meng was frustrated. Her future rich husband clearly needed more motivation. When would she finally become a rich woman herself? Sharing hardships was no easy feat.

Because of Li Meng’s fight with her own family, the newlyweds, who had only just reconciled, were now at odds again over this trivial matter.

Of course, it was all one-sided—Lu Feng was the only one upset.

When Lu’s father and the others came home, they were in high spirits, but the west room was pitch black. Who knew what the young couple were doing, but the atmosphere was definitely off.

Lu Xiaosan, the youngest brother, was sharp—he sensed the mood and quickly slipped out, not wanting to get involved.

That Li Meng, so shameless, even sneaked eggs from the east room to cook for her husband. No wonder she wasn’t a good person. Good thing they’d split the family, or he’d have to put up with her too.

When Lu Xiaosan came back that night, Li Meng was still in the east room, crying and complaining to Old Lady Lu: “Mom, I didn’t even say anything, but he got mad at me and is ignoring me.”

Lu Xiaosan chimed in sarcastically, “Just take a couple of eggs from the east room and cook them for him, and he’ll be fine.”

Li Meng just kept crying, not daring to say a word. Deep down, she knew exactly what she’d done.

Lu Xiaosan didn’t bother keeping his voice down. Even Lu Feng in the west room was so embarrassed his face turned red. He shouted from across the hall, “Get back here! Aren’t you ashamed?”

Fine, she was ashamed. Li Meng sobbed her way back.

That annoying brother-in-law—what’s wrong with cooking eggs for her own husband? Even after splitting the family, he was still being sarcastic.

Old Lady Lu pointed at her youngest son. “And you, eating those eggs.”

Lu Xiaosan replied, “It’s not like you’re so well-off you can spare them for me.”

Old Lady Lu said, “You’re not a girl, why are you so greedy?” She doted on her youngest son and eldest grandson.

Lu Xiaosan said, “Don’t go telling people outside, or they’ll say you’re biased. If my future wife hears that the daughter-in-law is mistreated here, it’ll be hard for me to get married. It’s not like she’s done anything to you.”

Old Lady Lu replied, “If you’ve got the guts, go stir things up with your second sister-in-law.”

What a troublesome kid, always so prickly.

Lu Xiaosan, the penniless bachelor, said, “I’d better behave, Mom. Let’s forget about second sister-in-law, but don’t spoil the eldest one too much.”

Look at Fang Yuan’s status in the Lu family—she’s in a league of her own, not even in the normal category.

Old Lady Lu didn’t like Li Meng’s constant fussing either. If she wasn’t mad at the eldest, she’d be finding new ways to boss her mother-in-law around.

How did she end up with someone like this? She sighed. “She’s still your sister-in-law, after all.”

Lu Xiaosan said, “She hides food now, takes things from your room and doesn’t even share with you. You think you can rely on her when you’re old?”

Old Lady Lu replied, “I didn’t marry you boys off for anything in return. As long as you know to treat us well, that’s enough. Your eldest sister-in-law might not be great in other ways, but at least she cares about your brother.”

What could Lu Xiaosan say? His mother was just soft-hearted.

Even though the second sister-in-law was tough, at dinner today, she kept giving their parents meat with her chopsticks. Clearly, she didn’t mind sharing the food.

Lu Xiaosan was sharp—he knew what was what. “Some people might not be good with words, but they have a good heart. You need to know who’s good and who’s not.”

Old Lady Lu replied, “You’re all my children. I’m not clueless.”

Lu Xiaosan wanted to say, “That’s not necessarily true. Who knows when Li Meng might win you over?”

Whenever there was something good to eat, his mom always secretly gave some to the eldest brother.

Old Lady Lu said, “What’s with that look?”

Lu Xiaosan replied, “Don’t think I don’t know—you’ve been secretly giving big brother extra food. Now that eldest sister-in-law is doing the same, you should save it.”

Old Lady Lu said, “Why are you so suspicious? Did I shortchange you? Your big brother works the hardest, always in the fields with your dad. If I don’t give him a little extra, how can that work?”

She sighed again. “Your second brother is smart and good at studying, but that costs money. If I gave him extra too, how would we get by? Not to mention your big brother—even you wouldn’t stand for it.”

Three kids, three different personalities—a mother always knows.

Of course, why should he give in to them? For the first time, Lu Xiaosan realized how tough his mother had it. What was the point of having so many sons?

Stay tuned for the next chapter."

"Chapter 59: A Matter of Reputation