The situation was critical, leaving no time to ask questions or dwell on the details. Shen Shan only had one thought in mind: to get Mother Shen to the hospital as quickly as possible. Along the way, Wang Cuihua explained exactly what had happened.
Jiang Tang crossed her arms over her chest. "Big Brother, I’ve already made things clear. Besides, didn’t your wife tell you?"
If there was one person in this family with a truly calculating mind, it was Shen Shan. The villagers praised him for his good character and dependability, and even the original owner of this body had thought him a good man, if only because he was the only one in the house who ever put in a good word for her. But in Jiang Tang’s eyes, he was an out-and-out hypocrite.
As long as his interests were not at stake, he was easygoing and indifferent to whatever you did. But the moment something displeased him, he became an entirely different person. This was most evident in his treatment of Wang Cuihua. Before outsiders, Shen Shan played the part of a perfect husband who doted on his wife, but in reality, once Shen Shan made a decision, there was absolutely no room for negotiation. If Wang Cuihua made him unhappy, he might slap her, only to beg for forgiveness later with hollow promises of regret. Seeing his feigned contrition, Wang Cuihua would immediately forgive him. To put it simply: he hits me because he loves me.
Jiang Tang met his suspicious gaze with a calm expression. "Big Brother, if there’s nothing else, I’m going to rest."
Her words left a flicker of astonishment in Shen Shan’s eyes. She was simply too calm; had this been the past, she would never have had the heart to sleep. He frowned. "Regardless of how Mother treats you, she is still your elder. We are the younger generation; we should show her filial respect."
Jiang Tang replied, "Big Brother, you shouldn't be saying this to me. I have always listened to Mother and shown her respect. If you think there is anything I’ve done wrong, you can say it directly, or we can ask the villagers to judge who is in the right."
Shen Shan’s brow furrowed, his gaze turning cold. "Family matters should stay within the family. There is no need for outsiders to know." He waved a hand. "Enough, it’s getting late. Go get some rest."
Jiang Tang smiled, putting on a look of total compliance. "Alright."
***
The next day, Mother Shen returned from the hospital. Before she had even stepped through the door, Jiang Tang hurried over to greet her.
"Mother! You’re finally back." Jiang Tang said, her voice filled with worry. "How are you feeling? Why did you come home so soon? Please, don't delay your recovery just to save money. The money Shen Chuan sends back every month is more than enough to cover your medical expenses."
The concern on her face was genuine, and she spoke loud enough for everyone nearby to hear clearly. Mother Shen wanted nothing more than to shake off Jiang Tang’s hand, but she couldn't. With so many neighbors watching, she couldn't risk her reputation. She couldn't afford to be labeled the "vicious mother-in-law" the village whispered about.
The villagers were well aware of the state of the Shen Family and knew that Jiang Tang’s life there was far from easy. They had expected her to harbor resentment toward Mother Shen, but seeing her kindness and magnanimity, they were stunned. It was impossible to find someone like her in any of the surrounding villages; Mother Shen was truly blessed. Her youngest son sent money, and her younger daughter-in-law served her hand and foot. It was a life better than that of an immortal.
"Old Woman Shen, you are truly lucky. Look at your daughter-in-law; she treats you better than a biological daughter would!"
"It’s true. My own daughter has never been this attentive to me."
"Jiang Tang is truly beyond reproach. She works in the fields all day, and I’m sure she hasn't even fully recovered from her own health issues, yet she’s still worrying about her mother-in-law. How rare."
The surrounding crowd showered Mother Shen with envy over her filial daughter-in-law.
"And you didn't see her yesterday! The girl was so frantic, she ran all the way to the brigade leader's house—she nearly fell over!"
"Yes, she’s a wonderful child. Such filial piety is a rarity."
With everyone chiming in, they found themselves surrounded, unable to move the last few steps to the front door. Mother Shen struggled to keep a smile on her face, her lips stiff. Since so many people were praising Jiang Tang, if she were to say a single word against her, she would be spat upon by the entire village. She could only nod awkwardly and offer a few insincere grunts of agreement.
Seeing the fake smile on Mother Shen’s face, Jiang Tang was inwardly delighted. She said, "Being good to my mother-in-law is only right. She is my elder, and I am the younger; this is what I should do."
Wang Cuihua, who had spent the night tending to Mother Shen, had reached the limit of her patience. She couldn't hold back any longer. "Enough, enough! Why is everyone so chatty? Go on about your business; don't stand here blocking the way. Can’t you see we’re trying to get inside?"
Fuming, Wang Cuihua shoved through the crowd and helped Mother Shen into the house.
"Big Sister, be careful, don't bump Mother," Jiang Tang said to the people nearby, her voice apologetic. "I’m so sorry. My sister-in-law has a bit of a temper, but she doesn't mean any harm. Please, don't take it to heart."
The words seemed harmless, but in reality, they were a calculated poison. Everyone lived in the same village and knew exactly how things were run.
"That eldest daughter-in-law of the Shen family sure has a big temper. I’m an elder, is that any way to talk to me?"
"Isn't that the truth? I always see her bossing Jiang Tang around."
"It's only because Jiang Tang has such a good temper. If it were me, I’d have shown her what I'm capable of."
Mother Shen’s leg was bound in splints. With a fracture, the doctor had told her she needed to rest properly for a hundred days. As soon as she entered the house, she sat in her chair and glared balefully at Jiang Tang, who was following behind. The moment she saw her, Mother Shen’s leg began to throb.
The whole affair was too strange—too conveniently timed. It felt as if someone had been leading her by the nose. Could it be Jiang Tang? Mother Shen began to suspect, yet she couldn't be sure. Ever since Jiang Tang had joined this family, she had done whatever she was told without a hint of complaint. If she ever had one, a beating would make her forget it. Could someone like that really stand up for herself?
"Grandma!" When Shen Guofu saw Mother Shen, his small eyes widened. He charged toward her, nearly knocking her over. Wang Cuihua quickly intercepted him. "Grandma’s leg is hurt, be careful."
"My precious grandson, come here and let Grandma look at you. Have you been starved thin?"
"Hungry, I’m hungry." Shen Guofu wanted his grandmother to punish Jiang Tang, but when he met her cold, mocking gaze, he remembered her "man-eating" look and dared not speak.
Mother Shen’s heart ached for him. "My precious grandson has been starved thin." She glared at Jiang Tang. "Why are you still standing there? Go cook! If you starve my grandson, just wait and see how I deal with you."
It was a blatant lie. In an era where no one could eat their fill or dress warmly, no one could look healthier than Shen Guofu. He was as sturdy as a wooden stump. To call him thin was an absurdity.
"Alright, I’ll go right now," Jiang Tang said.
Dongdong followed Jiang Tang into the kitchen. If she was going to cook, she would make a feast—the kind that would make the family's wallet bleed.