Jiang Yuyan immediately thought that since her Second Brother had just come out, this incident would definitely be recorded in his file.
Frowning, she knew that in this era, a clean record was more important than life itself. If the file had any blemish, basic jobs and other good positions would be out of reach.
Li Zhong, puzzled, asked, “All right. Can you tell me your name? If it doesn’t work out later, we’ll just forget I said anything.”
After buying the fabric, the three of them carried their items and walked home together.
Along the way, Jiang Murong couldn’t help but say, “Second Brother, this wasn’t your fault at all. You shouldn’t have to take responsibility—”
Jiang Muxi said nothing, simply walking silently toward home.
Jiang Yuyan kept close behind, but her Second Brother’s strides were so long that for every step he took, she had to take three to keep up.
It seemed to her that he slowed his pace, waiting for her to catch up.
Jiang Murong continued grumbling, indignant. “And, little sister, why didn’t you agree to let that woman report the clerk just now? That woman was outrageous!”
“Third Brother, that woman doesn’t need anyone’s help. She’ll end up with a bad result anyway. You saw how many people were there—how can you be sure there isn’t someone else with backing like Comrade Li who isn’t afraid to report?”
“So you mean, even if we don’t report her, someone else will? Hahaha, well, that makes me happy!”
Jiang Yuyan smiled at her third brother—at least his mindset was good; he didn’t dwell on internal conflict.
Jiang Muxi didn’t even look at the silly brother.
Within half an hour, the three returned to their village, which still carried a stench of waste.
As soon as they entered, a group of curious villagers—mostly older women and men—surrounded them, asking questions.
“Is that really Dog Egg’s Second Son? Wasn’t he arrested for murder? How is he out?”
“You’re behind on news. Dog Egg’s Second Son wasn’t arrested for murder; he was reportedly framed by Old Jiang’s Third Son. That Old Jiang really doesn’t do good things.”
“Good thing Old Jiang’s Third Son was caught by the police, or I wouldn’t dare live near them.”
“Bullshit! You little bitch, I’ll tear your mouth apart! My Third Son isn’t a criminal, isn’t—”
Suddenly, a disheveled old woman, Jiang Laotai, ran out, wielding a thick stick to strike at the gossiping women—but people held her back.
Taking advantage of the chaos, Jiang Yuyan quietly pulled her two brothers away.
Only after they were far enough that they couldn’t see them did she release her hold and exhale deeply.
“These women’s fighting skills are terrifying. Can’t mess with them.”
Jiang Muxi said, “That crazy old woman just now… was she from Old Jiang’s family? The witch?”
Behind the scenes, the three brothers had always referred to the Jiang family’s old matriarch as a witch—a cruel, biased, and evil woman.
He wondered, “Why… did she look so crazy? Did she get hit hard?”
What kind of event could have caused such a vile old woman to act like that?
Jiang Murong chuckled. “Second Brother, I’ll explain everything later. You’ll be happy for days after hearing it.”
Jiang Muxi stared at his silly brother, skeptical. He didn’t trust anything he said.
As he came back to reality, noticing the road becoming more remote, he grabbed Jiang Yuyan, frowning at his brother.
“What route are you taking? We’re going home. Why did you lead us here?”
Jiang Murong protested, “Second Brother, I was following you. How am I leading—”
Jiang Muxi ignored him, holding Jiang Yuyan and turning toward the old Jiang family’s place.
His movement was stopped. Looking back, Jiang Yuyan blinked innocently. “Second Brother, forgot to mention—we’ve severed ties with the Old Jiang family and moved out.”
Jiang Muxi: “….”
He let Jiang Yuyan pull him to the new house at the village edge, staring at the unfamiliar yet familiar building, unable to process it.
Jiang Mother came out at the noise, and seeing him, burst into tears and ran to hug him tightly.
“Boo hoo… Muxi, you’ve suffered. Mother was useless, useless—”
Jiang Muxi, at a loss where to put his hands, felt anxious seeing his mother’s tears.
“Mother, don’t cry. I—I’m back, aren’t I?”
But no matter how he tried to comfort her, she wouldn’t stop crying. He instinctively looked at Jiang Yuyan for help.
Jiang Yuyan couldn’t help but smile. The fearless Second Brother was actually afraid of his mother’s tears!
She stepped forward to soothe her. “Mother, Second Brother just came back. He needs a wash and to shake off the bad luck. Also, he needs to eat and recover. Look, he’s skin and bones. We bought some meat today—let’s have a good meal at home.”
During the meal, only Jiang Muxi and Jiang Yuyan had their bowls filled to the brim. They didn’t need to serve themselves.
Everyone enjoyed the meal without discussing unpleasant matters.
Afterward, Jiang Muxi went to wash and change, then went to check on his eldest brother.
“Big Brother? I’m coming in.”
He saw his eldest brother eating a late meal, unsure how to approach. “Big Brother, I—”
Jiang Muxuan gestured to the bed, signaling him to sit. “What’s wrong? Haven’t seen each other for days—are we strangers now?” He ate while speaking.
“It’s not that… did you eat late because I came back?”
“You’re overthinking. Mother had already portioned the food; I just wanted to know your situation first. What, is that enough to make you cry?”
“What? I didn’t cry! You know I’m no crybaby.”
The brothers chatted, regaining their old ease and comfort.
“By the way, Big Brother, what do you think of Jiang Yuyan? How’s the family situation? That fool Murong is so nice to her again—is he being tricked?”
Jiang Muxi felt exhausted with his silly brother. The more others are nice to him, the more he overcompensates—even after being tricked multiple times, he doesn’t regret it.
Jiang Muxuan stayed silent for a long time, not responding as directly as before.
“Big Brother?”
He snapped out of it. “Hmm… maybe I don’t know what she’s thinking. We’ll see later.”
Jiang Muxi was shocked—even his clever eldest brother couldn’t tell what Jiang Yuyan was thinking?
Previously, he could easily see when Jiang Yue was lying or scheming. Now, with Jiang Yuyan—it was either impossible to tell, or he saw it but chose not to say. Why wouldn’t he say?
“Jiang Dog Egg, get out here! If you don’t give me an explanation today, I’ll hang myself on your doorstep with a cloth!”
A shout rang outside. It was the voice of Jiang Laotai.
Everyone in the Jiang family ran out and opened the door. There sat Jiang Laotai, throwing a tantrum and rolling on the ground at their doorstep.
“Dog Egg, what are you doing?”
“Doing what? Isn’t it because of your family? If your family weren’t utterly heartless and sent your own uncle in, would this happen? Hurry and report to the police, let them release Third Brother!”