Jiang Zao said, “Stop pretending to be some kind of saint. If you want to go against me, just do it openly. You can’t even pick stronger allies—two cowards sneaking around together, playing dirty tricks. It’s disgusting.”
A flame ignited in Jiang Shan’s eyes. “Jiang Zao! I say one thing and you shoot back ten. That’s just bullying!”
Wang Meili couldn’t match Jiang Shan’s thick skin. Under everyone’s burning gazes and Jiang Zao’s relentless pressure, she bit her lip, tears falling one after another.
Zhang Jisheng, who had been outside, heard the exchange. Usually smooth and steady, he actually applauded from outside.
“Well said!”
The workers made way for him as he hurried in, his hair slightly disheveled. “They say a woman’s reputation is important—but what, middle-aged men like us don’t need wives and children?”
“I welcomed you warmly, and yet you slander me out of thin air. Wang Meili, don’t think being a young girl excuses you. Today, you must apologize to me, to Master Sun, and especially to Jiang Zao, who you slandered the most!”
Sun Ligen had been too busy feeling delighted at finding a good apprentice to be truly angry, but for Jiang Zao’s reputation and her intentions, he put on a stern face and urged, “What are you dawdling for? Hurry up and apologize. If even speaking is this hard for you, I bet working is worse. Forget learning white-dough skills—go home and tend the boiler for your father.”
His sharp words pierced straight into Wang Meili’s heart.
Clutching her chest in anger, her shoulders trembling, Wang Meili said, “I’m sorry!”
“Section Chief Zhang, I’m sorry. Master Sun, I’m sorry… Jiang Zao, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have made baseless guesses and spoken carelessly about you. Please forgive me.”
There was a line in textbooks: when Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on someone, it first tests their resolve.
This humiliation—surely it was Heaven testing her.
She would endure it today, remember every bit of humiliation, and repay it a hundredfold in the future.
Hearing the apology, Zhang Jisheng felt immensely satisfied.
“Alright, alright. There’s still work to be done this morning. Team leaders, take your workers back.”
Zhang Jisheng and the others left. Wang Meili ran out crying, and Qin Xuehua tossed out, “Everyone, get back to work,” before hurrying after her.
With them gone, Jiang Shan stood there, unsure what to do.
She had just been told to check the fermentation room—how was she supposed to do that?
Chang Sanxi said sternly, “Jiang Shan, what are you standing there for?”
Jiang Shan looked at her blankly. “Deputy leader, I don’t know how to check the fermentation room.”
Chang Sanxi replied, “If you don’t know, then learn. You’re all temporary workers—if you don’t perform well, you won’t be made permanent. Don’t think that just because you replaced someone you’re set for life. If you can’t do the job, you’ll be out.”
As deputy leader, her words carried weight.
After being scolded, Jiang Shan shrank her shoulders in fear. “Got it, I’ll go now.”
What was this? They all came together—why was she so biased toward Jiang Zao and so harsh to her?
What a bad woman.
Chang Sanxi turned to Jiang Zao with a smile. “Jiang Zao, study well under Master Sun. If you lack anything at work or run into trouble, or if anyone bullies you, come tell me.”
Jiang Zao nodded obediently. “Thank you, Deputy Leader.”
No matter where you are, having a reliable colleague is a good thing. For someone like Chang Sanxi, a deputy leader who could remain fair, it was an even greater blessing.
Sun Ligen cleared his throat. “Jiang Zao, come here. Start by learning how to knead dough.”
Kneading dough was heavy labor—far more tiring than checking the fermentation room.
Jiang Zao didn’t ask any questions. She wanted to learn a skill, and hardship didn’t matter.
After washing her hands, she stepped up to the workbench, scooped flour, and began kneading.
Sun Ligen said nothing. He dragged over a chair, sat nearby, and held an enamel mug identical to Zhang Jisheng’s.
Though Jiang Zao looked thin, she was strong. At home, she did all kinds of chores—chopping firewood, tending the heated bed, cleaning ashes, washing over twenty pieces of clothing at a time. Her hands had strength.
Without guidance, she followed her usual method—adding water, mixing the flour into a shaggy mass, and kneading with the base of her palm.
When it came to cooking, Jiang Zao relied on instinct—and it usually turned out well.
In truth, she learned quickly. Back in school, she had been excellent at math. Her teacher even encouraged her to compete in another province to bring honor to the school.
But when Liu Chunhua heard that travel and food would cost money, her face darkened immediately.
“Go where? A young girl shouldn’t be showing herself around.”
Jiang Zao had only laughed at that.
If the competition cost nothing—even if it meant bringing back just a needle—Liu Chunhua would have sent her without hesitation.
Jiang Zao kneaded dough all morning, and all afternoon as well.
After work, she was the last to stop. She cleaned up the workbench before taking her things and leaving.
While Jiang Zao worked, Liu Chunhua cooked, washed clothes, and cleaned ashes at home, exhausting herself until her back and legs ached. By evening, she couldn’t even cook, leaving the stove cold while waiting for Jiang Zao.
Jiang Zao returned later than everyone else. As she entered, the whole family stared at her with resentment.
As if saying: Look at you—because of you, we haven’t eaten.
Jiang Zao placed the net bag in her hand on the table. “I stayed a bit longer after work. The factory gave out benefits—brown sugar, white sugar, mung beans, and millet. Mom, put them away and see how to cook them.”
“Oh, and didn’t you say you’ve been feeling dizzy lately? Drink more brown sugar water—it helps. My teacher said dizziness might be low blood sugar. Brown sugar water works best.”
Only by giving out small benefits could she secure her future dowry.
Even though Liu Chunhua was a woman, her intelligence and fighting ability far surpassed Jiang Dashan’s. For a peaceful future, the key was to keep Liu Chunhua firmly on her side.
With her, she could manage both internal and external matters.
Brown sugar!
That was something only women who had given birth to sons got to drink for a few days.
This third daughter, after getting good things, hadn’t mentioned anyone else in the family—she only thought of her. Truly her daughter, the child she had raised.
Liu Chunhua looked at the factory benefits, grinning from ear to ear. She stood up and smacked Jiang Xing on the arm. “What are you standing there for? Zao’er found a job. You’re not working or studying—why aren’t you cooking? Go make dinner.”
Jiang Xing rubbed her stinging arm. “Why should I? You won’t give me the sewing machine for my marriage or the bride price money—why should I do housework?”
“Just because Jiang Zao brought back some food from the factory, you let her rest? That’s not fair at all!”
Liu Chunhua’s face hardened. “What’s unfair? All four of you are my children—I treat you equally.”
“I’m not asking you to work because Zao’er brought things back. Look at her hands—red from working. Can’t you feel a little sympathy for your sister?”