This was considered an explanation to the Ma family. Their Qian family owed the Ma family a debt of gratitude. If this marriage fell through, even without others saying anything, she herself would have no face left to stay in the village. Being ungrateful and climbing the social ladder would become the labels attached to their Qian family, inviting scorn and criticism.
Upon hearing Qian Laoshi’s Wife’s words, the Sun family’s faces turned ashen.
If Ma Wuni married Qian Jin, their Sun family’s plans would truly come to nothing. Their daughter would be given to that son of the Qian family who was good for nothing except studying. Moreover, it was a severe blow to their pride.
Their daughter was not some fool to support someone else’s education. The Ma girl had the ability to support Qian Cheng’s studies, but their daughter did not.
The Qian family was despicable, and they were too cooperative with that wretched girl Ma Wuni. The Sun family turned hostile, pressuring the Qians: “Qian family, is this how you give an explanation to our Sun family?”
Qian Laoshi’s Wife glanced at the Ma family on one side, then at Sun Yali clinging to her younger son without letting go. She thought to herself that this girl was already under their control anyway, and today they would inevitably offend one side.
It was time for their Qian family to show some backbone: “I’ve already given my son to your family, what more explanation do you want? My Qian Cheng has no ability; everything inside and outside the home relies on Wuni’s support. Without this daughter-in-law, who can I count on? This is just how it has to be. Besides, my Qian Jin’s marriage has nothing to do with your family.”
Then, after glancing at Ma Wuni’s expression, she added: “Qian Cheng is right here. From now on, this is the condition of our family. If you’re willing to follow, then follow. If not, forget it.”
Forcing an honest person to say such things—the Sun family certainly had their ways.
Qian Laoshi’s Wife had weighed the situation in her mind. Who told your Sun family’s daughter to throw herself at us? Otherwise, our perfectly good life wouldn’t have come to this, and I wouldn’t have lost a son.
Qian Laoshi’s Wife found Sun Yali utterly displeasing—a lazy girl who loved to eat but hated work.
If she really married into the family, expecting her to be filial to them, the old couple, would be a pipe dream. It would be a blessing if she didn’t need to be waited on.
And now there was another issue: she lacked propriety.
Knowing their own family’s affairs, Qian Laoshi’s Wife was well aware. Their second son’s education expenses were a minor matter; the main thing was that all the household chores were managed by Wuni. They truly couldn’t manage without Wuni.
Captain Sun, having his pride wounded, snorted coldly and took a step forward, his imposing presence overwhelming. Qian Laoshi’s Wife immediately retreated behind Wuni.
She knew exactly what this daughter-in-law was capable of—she could protect her.
The villagers watched with sighs, thinking that this Qian family woman had some backbone, but not much.
The Qian family had few members in the village. After becoming engaged to the Ma family, they had received no small amount of help from the Mas.
It was worth noting that Ma Jiye was an open and honest man with many friends, and in recent years, he had become increasingly prominent in the village.
Ma Wuni showed no fear toward Sun Yali or Captain Sun. Standing there, her presence was even more imposing than the brigade leader’s: “I, Ma Wuni, don’t scheme against others, but scheming against me won’t work either. If you fancy this man, you can have him.”
Then she turned to Sun Yali: “If you have the ability, go ahead and do this and that with Qian Jin from the Qian family. His wages will surely be under your control. I, Ma Wuni, am not some cheap woman who’ll take any kind of man.”
Then she turned to Captain Sun: “If you have the ability, produce another daughter and marry her off to Qian Jin. As long as you can ruin this marriage arrangement. Once I have no ties with the Qian family, I won’t interfere in their affairs anymore.”
She then smiled: “Otherwise, regarding your daughter’s marriage, you’ll have to discuss it with me, Ma Wuni.”
Was this even something one should say? Sun Yali had practically been called a female hooligan. The key point was, why should my daughter’s marriage be discussed with you? How utterly domineering.
Captain Sun was made to look even worse. Forget not having another daughter—even if he did, he couldn’t just let someone trample over her like that. How would the daughters of the Sun family ever find husbands in the future?
But the most astonishing thing was that Ma Wuni was the one calling the shots in the Qian family. The marriage between Qian Cheng and Sun Yali would only count if she gave her nod. Qian Laoshi and his wife acknowledged this.
The villagers gasped inwardly. They had to admit, the Ma family girl had some nerve.
Qian Jin was the most displeased. What did they take him for? Was he supposed to accept anyone they threw at him? Unfortunately, at this moment, no one cared about his feelings.
The two Ma sisters, seeing their younger sister stand her ground, were delighted. They stood with hands on hips, facing Captain Sun’s wife: “Let’s see you end up with nothing.”
However, as the two sisters looked at Qian Jin, they thought to themselves: We’d better keep an eye on this kid. Can’t let Captain Sun take advantage again.
Qian Jin felt uneasy under the gaze of the two Ma sisters. What did they mean by that?
The eldest Ma son-in-law pulled his wife aside: “Say less. After all, he’s the brigade leader.”
Ma Wuni looked down on this timid brother-in-law: “We’ve already been bullied to this extent. Are we supposed to offer the other cheek after being slapped on this one?”
Captain Sun’s wife laughed in anger: “Qian, do you think our family’s daughter is easy to bully? In the end, it was your son who took advantage of our girl. We’re giving you face by calling it a marriage between the two kids. If we don’t, we’ll settle this somewhere else.”
Captain Sun remained silent on the side. The couple planned to play good cop, bad cop, still hoping to salvage some dignity.
Ma Jiye, having seen the world, then spoke up: “Brother Qian, since the marriage has been settled, we’ll take our leave now. You should sort out your family matters. We won’t disturb you any further.”
Qian Laoshi and his wife felt uneasy. In the past, Ma Jiye had always been at the forefront of their family’s affairs. Things were truly different now.
Qian Laoshi: “Of course, of course. Later, we’ll have Qian Jin visit your home so the two kids can talk.”
And so, the Ma family withdrew. They didn’t even glance in the direction of the Sun family. But they remembered everything that needed to be remembered.
How the Qian family negotiated with the Sun family was none of the Ma family’s concern. The Qian family had more than one son, and the Ma family would not interfere in the marriage matters of Qian family’s other son.
Outside, the onlookers couldn’t help but praise Ma Jiye’s magnanimity. Of course, some also called him cowardly for accepting such a huge loss without a fight.
If it were someone else, given the Qian family’s attitude, they wouldn’t let the opportunity slip and would surely make things difficult for the Sun family.
Ma Jiye calculated that withdrawing now was just right. Dealing with the Sun family wasn’t a matter of urgency. He also wanted to see what Qian Jin was capable of.
Qian Cheng was too spineless to rely on, and Qian Laoshi and his wife weren’t the type to speak up. This matter was left hanging, and it would ultimately fall to Qian Jin to handle it.
Qian Jin hadn’t given much thought to how to handle the situation. After watching for so long, that damned girl Ma Wuni hadn’t even glanced at him when she left. What kind of engagement was this?
It just didn’t feel quite real. Qian Jin thought he should verify this matter further; otherwise, Ma Wuni might not even acknowledge his existence.
Over there, Captain Sun watched the Ma family leave, his heart feeling exceptionally clear. What did this mean? It meant Ma Jiye was intimidated by him, the brigade leader.
Didn’t you see? He snatched the Ma family’s son-in-law, and Ma Jiye didn’t dare utter a single word of protest.