Lu Laoda and Lu Lao Er had just returned, reeking of manure.
Lu Lao Er leaned against the courtyard gate, grinning roguishly. “Sister-in-law, even if you had the address, could you find it? Do you know how to take the bus? Going out isn’t that easy. What if you got lost? Where would we look for you? How would we explain it to Third Brother?”
He wasn’t entirely talking nonsense. Taking buses in these times wasn’t like in modern days—not only were checks strict, requiring proof for everything, but information was also scarce. Even asking for directions was difficult.
Mother Lu beat her chest in distress. “Jiang Yue, I know you resent me for being biased, but even fingers on the same hand vary in length—it’s impossible to treat everyone equally. Fine! If you’re angry, vent at me, but don’t mention divorce anymore. If that’s not enough, I’ll kneel and apologize to you, alright?”
She even made a move as if to kneel.
Jiang Yue rolled her eyes skyward, checking if there were any signs of thunder.
Lu Da Sao, clearly familiar with her antics, pursed her lips and didn’t budge.
Captain Lu had to quickly step forward and help her up. “Eldest sister-in-law, please don’t add to the chaos. You’re the mother-in-law, the elder—how can you kneel to her? What would people say if this got out?”
Jiang Yue spread her hands. “I was lying to you earlier. Actually, I’ve already sent a telegram. As for when he’ll get home, I don’t know. In any case, brace yourselves—I’m determined to get a divorce. I can’t stand staying with you all even one more day!”
Her words were like a bomb dropped into a well, exploding with a deafening bang.
The Lu family and the onlookers were all equally shaken.
Having said her piece, she returned to her room and shut the door.
Zheng Xiaoliu quietly slipped to the back window. “Third Aunt? Third Aunt?”
Jiang Yue went over and opened the window, handing him a piece of paper and some small bills. “Xiaoliu, run to the commune post office for me and send this telegram.”
Zheng Xiaoliu suddenly understood. “So you were just scaring them earlier. But Third Aunt, are you really going to divorce my Third Uncle?”
“Whether we divorce or not, we need to get him back first.”
Without seeing him in person, any discussion would be pointless.
Captain Lu stood in the yard, pondering for a while. “If we can get Jingzhou back, that would be good. He’s a man of great deeds, clear-headed and knows what to do. But let me be blunt—divorce is absolutely out of the question. As for the rest, handle it as you see fit. I’m leaving now!”
As dusk approached, Lu Er Sao returned with her daughter.
She brought fish soup to Jiang Yue through the back window.
“Drink it while it’s hot. My mother makes the best fish soup—she simmered it over low heat all afternoon. It’ll last you two days. And this—my mother made some ciba. We don’t have much rice at home, so she could only make a few. She mixed in chrysanthemum greens and pan-fried them with sesame oil. They’re delicious.”
“Chrysanthemum green ciba? That’s my favorite! Oh my, using precious rice to make ciba is quite extravagant!”
The ciba was in a large bowl, covered with a cloth. Even before uncovering it, she could smell the fragrance of vegetable oil, crispy crust, and the fresh scent of chrysanthemum greens.
Liu Suqing said with a smile, “My mother dotes on Xiao Cao. Whenever we visit, she practically digs out her most treasured belongings. Eat it while it’s hot. You’re still in your zuo yuezi period—try to avoid cold food. The fish soup too.”
She had brought a whole large earthenware jar of fish soup.
It was heavy and awkward to carry.
Jiang Yue was genuinely touched. “Er Sao, I confronted Mother-in-Law this afternoon. When you return home later, don’t say anything or interfere. Just focus on taking care of Xiao Cao. Also, you both carry a strong odor, so wash up before coming inside.”
Lu Er Sao understood immediately. She took Xiao Cao to wash their faces and hands by the ditch behind the house. After sniffing to ensure no odor remained, she led her daughter home.
The Lu family had already finished dinner. Lu Lao Er was about to head out when he saw them. “Why are you two back so late? Have you eaten?”
“We have.”
“Oh! I’m going out.”
“Where to?”
“None of your business.” His tone was unusually cold and harsh, a stark contrast to his usual cheerful demeanor with outsiders. He didn’t even glance at his daughter before walking away without looking back.
Lu Er Sao knew exactly where he was going.
The village always had restless young men who refused to go to bed as soon as darkness fell, so they sought entertainment.
They would gather in a secluded room, light an oil lamp, and play cards.
Though they had no money to gamble, they bet with belongings.
She had gone looking for him once and heard women’s laughter from inside the room while standing by the wall.
Disappointment had piled up so much that she no longer held any expectations.
Mother Lu saw her and complained for a bit before changing the subject.
Lu Er Sao quickly made an excuse and took her daughter back to their room.
Mother Lu returned to her room fuming. “Old man, when do you think Jiang Yue sent that telegram? Do you think she’s deceiving us? If Jing Zhou really comes back, will they actually divorce? As the old saying goes, we should encourage reconciliation, not separation. I truly hope they can live together harmoniously.”
She naturally didn’t want Third Son to divorce—remarrying would require another bride price. Her earlier words had just been a spur-of-the-moment reaction.
Besides, the old Jiang Yue was so obedient, doing whatever she was told. No matter how she was treated, Jing Zhou never said a word about it upon his return.
Father Lu said, “If she doesn’t want to stay at home, let Jing Zhou take her and the child to join him in the army. He’s been promoted now, and I heard he can bring his family. Out of sight, out of mind—let them sort themselves out.”
“Join him in the army?” Mother Lu’s mind began to stir again. “That wouldn’t be good, would it? She’s just a country girl who knows nothing. Besides, there’s a nursing baby. It wouldn’t be her taking care of Third Son—it would be Third Son being burdened by her. I think we need to temper her character further and make her stay home obediently.”
“But now she’s threatening to divorce. Ultimately, it’s because she can’t get along with you.”
Mother Lu’s expression stiffened. “What kind of talk is that? As her mother-in-law, what’s wrong with me saying a few words to her? If she really can’t take it, then I’ll go join Third Son in the army and let her stay home.”
Old Man Lu’s pipe nearly fell from his mouth as he stared at his wife in disbelief. “You, joining the army? Are you joking? What about this family?”
“There are so many people at home! You have three daughters-in-law—are you worried no one will cook or wash your clothes? Third Son is all alone outside, suffering as a soldier. It’s pitiful. I’ll go take care of him for a while; it’s not like I won’t come back.” Mother Lu spoke earnestly, her voice gentle.
Old Man Lu slammed the table and roared, “Nonsense! Third Son has a child and a wife—what are you meddling for?”
“Why are you shouting so loudly? I said that because Jiang Yue is a useless good-for-nothing. I’m his mother—don’t I care more about Third Son than she does?”
“I can’t be bothered to argue with you. When Third Son returns, you can talk to him yourself!” He was so angry he felt his lungs would burst.
“I need to have a word with Third Son. He’s the most filial and always listens to me.”
She was still counting on Third Son to take her to enjoy a life of leisure!
As for Jiang Yue, she could go wherever she pleased—as long as it was far away.
Over the next two days, Jiang Yue still didn’t leave the house, taking all her meals in her room.
She used a chamber pot for her needs, but she hired Lu Da Sao to empty it.
Initially, Lu Da Sao didn’t want to do it, but after Jiang Yue gave her fifty cents, she happily carried the chamber pot away. She even scrubbed it clean with water and lime ash until it was completely odor-free.