After spending some time working in the space, Lin Xiyue finally emerged. By the time Lu Yanqiu returned, she had already finished tidying up.
After eating, the two of them planned to head back up the mountain to collect firewood. Liu Ruyun poured out the mushrooms Lin Xiyue had picked the previous night, intending to dry and store them for future use.
Although she hadn’t eaten many of these mushrooms before, she trusted Xiaoyue’s judgment that they were safe.
Just as Lin Xiyue and Lu Yanqiu finished preparing, they hadn’t even stepped outside when a woman with a hostile expression blocked their path. Alongside her was a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old girl.
“Lin Xiyue, get out here! Let’s see what kind of little demon dares stir up trouble in our Lu family!”
Lu Jiaojiao, Old Madam Lu’s only daughter—born late in her mother’s life—had a high standing in the family and had grown up spoiled and domineering.
She had returned late from town yesterday and, learning that her mother had been bullied by her sister-in-law and the newly arrived daughter-in-law, came early this morning to confront Lin Xiyue.
“Little aunt, what brings you here?” Lu Yanqiu asked, displeased by this arrogant girl.
“Yanqiu, how can you speak to me like that? I just came to see your newlywed wife,” Lu Jiaojiao replied, feigning courtesy.
Lu Qingqing, accompanying her, echoed her attitude, both speaking in an equally unpleasant manner.
“We’ve split the family. Our affairs don’t concern you,” Lu Yanqiu said, frowning, clearly irritated.
Unaware of her own arrogance, Lu Qingqing struck a pretentious pose toward him.
Jiaojiao didn’t argue with Yanqiu—she turned her critical gaze on Lin Xiyue, scrutinizing her.
“So this is the wife your mother bought for you three sons with just two taels of silver? Ugly, tiny, and can she even manage three sons?”
Having been married before, Jiaojiao spoke without restraint.
Lu Yanqiu, surprised by the immediate insult, was angered and rushed forward to confront her.
“I think Xiaoyue is far better than those malicious people who get divorced and still pester their families. You dare call her ugly? Look in the mirror—you’re the ugly one!” Lu Yanqiu snapped. Outgoing and outspoken, he didn’t hold back.
Lin Xiyue, having known him only two days, was surprised he would defend her so fiercely. She mentally marked this little brother as hers.
“I’m your aunt, and you dare speak to me this way?” Jiaojiao’s chest heaved with anger. Though called an aunt, she was only twenty-three, barely older than Yanqiu, and used to being spoiled—she hadn’t suffered such indignities before.
Yanqiu wanted to say more but was pulled behind Lin Xiyue.
“Bullying your nephew’s wife? You call yourself an aunt? Barking at our door this early—what do you want? Show off your status? Or take advantage of no one being home? You dare insult me with that face? Look at yourself before mocking me! Do you need a mirror to see how you look? Are you really so beautiful that you need to assert your existence here?” Lin Xiyue retorted, sharp and fearless.
“Young lady, how can you speak to an elder this way?” Lu Qingqing began, only to be interrupted by Lin Xiyue.
“You? A sycophant or a white lotus spirit? Following Jiaojiao around and flattering her? You don’t even know how to address your sister-in-law, and you dare lecture me on seniority? At such a young age, you’re already sour and spiteful—aren’t you afraid you won’t marry later?”
“Lin Xiyue, how can you say that?” Qingqing, much younger, was driven to tears and ran off crying.
Jiaojiao, unaccustomed to someone so quick-witted, was equally frustrated.
“You little wretch! Do you really think marrying my brothers gives you power? A cripple, a bookworm, and the useless third son—bought for two taels of silver just to serve! You think you’re the mistress here?”
Jiaojiao aimed to humiliate the three brothers, pointing out their uselessness. In poor families, physical ability mattered—useless men could not support a household.
Lin Xiyue, outraged, immediately struck her.
Smack!
Jiaojiao froze, shocked that Lin Xiyue dared hit her.
“You dare hit me? I’ll fight you!” Jiaojiao shouted, lunging at Lin Xiyue—but she was kicked to the ground.
Liu Ruyun, tidying Lu Jinghuai’s room, rushed out with a broom, furious to see her niece attacking her daughter-in-law. But it was too late—Jiaojiao had already been knocked down.
“Jiaojiao, Xiaoyue is your nephew’s wife. How can you bully her?” Liu Ruyun’s face reddened with anger, her hands trembling around the broom.
“You blind? Didn’t you see this little wretch and your son bullying me?” Jiaojiao groaned, clutching her stomach.
“I clearly saw you trying to hit my daughter-in-law. If Xiaoyue weren’t skilled, you’d have succeeded. Leave now—you’re not welcome here,” Liu Ruyun snapped. She already disliked this troublemaking little aunt, and seeing her bully her daughter-in-law made her even more annoyed.
“Leave, or I’ll keep hitting!” Lin Xiyue stepped forward fiercely. Jiaojiao, realizing she couldn’t win, retreated, vowing revenge.
“Just you wait,” she called out as she left.
Lin Xiyue paid no attention but resolved that her physical training would need to be stepped up—her frail body wouldn’t suffice if danger struck again.
“Xiaoyue, are you okay?” Liu Ruyun asked, her eyes full of concern.
“I’m fine, Mother. After Yanqiu and I go out, if they come causing trouble again, you go find the village chief. Actually, Yanqiu, you stay home today and keep Mother company. I’ll go alone—if they come again, I don’t want Mother handling it alone,” Lin Xiyue replied.