WBSGVS Chapter 66 V2

The person nodded in agreement; it was the truth. If it were them, they’d have to treat those three children well to keep the benefits coming in the future. That was the real deal: “She’s just shortsighted. Thankfully, your eldest son’s children don’t follow her.”

Hearing this, Zhang Cui smiled with satisfaction, thinking it was all thanks to her son, who had taken after her, and that it was all her credit.

At that moment, the other person suddenly said, “But why isn’t your second daughter-in-law with him? Is it possible that when your second son goes to the army, she’ll go back to her family?”

Zhang Cui felt a bit embarrassed and mumbled, “She’s young; she’s likely missing home.”

“I think she just wants to be selfish,” the person said in a low voice. Even though there was no one else around, it felt as if they were whispering like thieves. “My daughter ran into your second daughter-in-law in town this morning while selling eggs. She was carrying a large bag full of eggs, and a few little chicks. Why isn’t she going home? Is she planning to live with her family? When your second son comes back, will she just stay for a couple of days? Isn’t that like being married but not married?”

Zhang Cui’s heart sank.

It seemed that Du Qingli was indeed serious.

It wasn’t as simple as she had thought; it wouldn’t just resolve itself with time.

Zhang Cui could no longer sit still and said urgently, “Okay, I understand. Please don’t tell anyone about this. I’m going back now.”

“Got it, got it,” the person waved their hand, not appearing to take the matter seriously at all.

But in reality, they kept their eyes on the flustered Zhang Cui, eager to stick close to her and figure out what was going on. It was so strange; she didn’t seem angry at all, but rather had this kind of reaction.

Unfortunately, no one could provide her with an answer.

Zhang Cui rushed back home, carrying the third child, and shouted, “Eldest son! Come out! We have something to discuss!”

The eldest daughter-in-law, looking displeased, replied, “Mother, what is it now?”

The eldest son, still yawning as he got up from bed, asked, “What’s going on?”

Zhang Cui exclaimed, “I didn’t tell you earlier, but the second daughter-in-law isn’t just visiting her family; she has no intention of being the second daughter-in-law anymore! She’s already gone back! We’ve paid the bride price, and she’s just leaving like this? What will we do about the bride price?!”

Yes, she was worried about the bride price.

Upon hearing her friend say that Du Qingli was carrying a lot of things home, her first reaction wasn’t anything else but to think that Du Qingli must be using the money from their family’s bride price.

If the bride price was given but she didn’t want to be the second son’s wife, how could that be?

“What?!” The eldest couple was shocked. Upon hearing this, they became anxious. “No way! We need to get that money back!”

Seeing that they were willing to listen, Zhang Cui sighed with relief and said, “Then hurry up. While it’s still early, you two come with me to find that girl.”

“Okay!”

Without hesitation, the eldest son of the Xiang family agreed, and his wife followed. Zhang Cui pulled her husband along, and the four of them made their way over with great determination.

When they arrived at the Du family village, they saw that the courtyard was tidy. Through the gap in the wooden gate, they could even see a few little chicks happily pecking around for food.

At first glance, this didn’t look like a temporary residence!

Zhang Cui grew more anxious. If Du Qingli had used their bride price, then they’d have to drag her back to be their daughter-in-law!

Taking a deep breath, she began to knock on the door. “Du Qingli! Open the door!”

Qingli was taking a nap and was suddenly startled awake by the noise. She quickly tidied herself up and went to open the door. Seeing the four members of the Xiang family, she greeted them politely and asked, “Is there something you need?”

The eldest daughter-in-law’s face darkened as she was about to retort.

Zhang Cui quickly pulled her back, signaling her to hold back any rude comments. At this moment, seeing that Qingli was willing to come out, she felt somewhat relieved and smiled, saying, “I heard someone say they saw you buying little chicks. Are you planning to live alone for the time being?”

Qingli nodded with a smile. She had no intention of becoming enemies with Zhang Cui and spoke lightly, “Yes, I said I can’t be a stepmother. By the way, you’re here to collect the bride price, right? Initially, you spoke to my aunt about it, and the bride price was meant for her. I don’t have it here; you’ll need to ask her.”

Zhang Cui was stunned. “She didn’t give you the bride price?”

“Nope,” Qingli said, blinking innocently. “The money I’m using to buy things is from my father. You spoke to my aunt back then, so now you should talk to her. It’s pointless to discuss it with me.”

“Really?” Zhang Cui found it hard to believe.

Qingli shrugged. “If you don’t believe me, you can take my valuable things, but even then, they likely won’t be worth as much as the bride price your family gave. So, you should go find my aunt. With so many of you, she surely wouldn’t dare not return it.”

“Mother?” The eldest daughter-in-law whispered, “What do we do now?”

Zhang Cui looked at Qingli and saw that she didn’t seem the least bit guilty. In a low voice, she said, “Let’s go find He Dan!”