Chapter 399: Chapter 207: Saving the Scene_1
"This little slut, she has no manners or discipline of her own, without a father to raise or a mother to teach her, and she has the nerve to criticize others," Lady Zhou cursed inside the house.
Lian Manman turned her face, and it was no exaggeration to say, Lady Zhou was practically an encyclopedia of rural vulgarities. It was extremely fortunate that, among the Lian Family’s children, only Lian Shouyi resembled Lady Zhou in this regard. As for Lian Shouxin, he was the antithesis; he could hardly utter a single curse.
And there was Lady Zhang, who also did not curse.
Thank goodness, thank goodness, Lian Manman chanted in her heart, accepting that even if Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang were a bit too soft-hearted, it was still better than having parents who spewed filth all day long.
Indeed, contentment brings happiness, Lian Manman mocked herself.
The table of Sister-in-law of Zhao Xiue had already attracted the attention of everyone around the courtyard, and as they ate, they couldn’t help but gossip, discussing all sorts of things.
The tenant farmers were generally simple and frugal by nature, never one to waste their own possessions. Wasting others’ goods, in their view, was very disrespectful and indicative of flawed character. The actions of Sister-in-law of Zhao Xiue, monopolizing a table with her two daughters-in-law and several nephews, were seen by them as disrespectful. It wasn’t that they arrived late; they intentionally lagged behind and asked the host for this particular table.
Sister-in-law of Zhao Xiue ignored Lady Zhou, which could be seen as thick-skinned, but when she cursed at Lady Zhou, that bred more distaste in these people who valued respect for the elderly and filial duty.
"The Old Lian Family’s in-laws this time, don’t seem easy to mess with," a senior woman whispered.
"You’re just a beggar," retorted Si Lang from another table, the children eating unfazed, continuing to devour the food, as he flung back a retort in passing.
Just don’t start a commotion; that would be bad. Lian Manman glanced at Lian Xiuxiu, uncertain if she had told Si Lang and the others. Lian Manman’s intention was for Si Lang and the others to come, snatch up the food, and then leave, avoiding any direct, verbal confrontation with Sister-in-law Zhao Xiue.
This was exactly how Sister-in-law Zhao Xiue countered Lady Zhou.
Sister-in-law Zhao Xiue having a table to herself was unpleasant to witness, yet at such a joyous occasion, people could only turn a blind eye. As Lady Zhou was the grandmother of the groom, if she caused a scene over this, she would certainly be subject to criticism—and complaints from Erlang.
Similarly, if Sister-in-law Zhao Xiue made a fuss over a few teenagers snatching food, it would reflect poorly on her, suggesting that she was narrow-minded and inconsiderate of her younger sister-in-law Zhao Xiue’s dignity. She would be the one criticized and complained about by Zhao Xiue and the rest of the Zhao Family.
This was the perfect example of turning the tables using the opponent’s own tactics.
Lian Manman disagreed with many of Lady Zhou’s practices, but this could not change the fact that Lady Zhou was the family’s highest elder. At home, they might discuss anything, but when outsiders were involved, the Lian Family was united.
If Sister-in-law Zhao Xiue monopolized a table with her party, Lian Manman wouldn’t say anything. If Sister-in-law Zhao Xiue continued to feast despite Lady Zhou’s rebuke, remaining silent, Lian Manman wouldn’t interfere and would even think the woman quite capable.
But Sister-in-law Zhao Xiue should not have cursed at Lady Zhou.
All their daughters and granddaughters were in front of Lady Zhou—if they allowed such insults without retort, wouldn’t that invite contempt?
In the current circumstance, Sister-in-law Zhao Xiue’s standing up and cursing had already put her on the back foot.
What followed was simple; as long as Si Lang and the rest left, the matter would conclude gracefully. No matter how thick-skinned Sister-in-law Zhao Xiue was, she wouldn’t have the audacity to ask for another table.
If she truly did ask, it would show her complete lack of awareness, thoroughly embarrassing herself.
As Lian Manman reflected on this, a new development had already occurred at the dining table.
Sister-in-law Zhao Xiue felt humiliated by Si Lang’s retort and, rolling up her sleeves, she slapped toward Si Lang’s head. Si Lang, preoccupied with eating and not agile enough to dodge, took the blow to his head.
Lian Manman stomped her foot. The reason she had sent for Si Lang was because he was unkempt and gluttonous, which could vex Sister-in-law Zhao Xiue. When she told Lady Zhou, the plan was for Si Lang to snatch the food and then run. But it was gluttony that led to both Si Lang’s success and his downfall—once he began eating, he probably forgot Lian Xiuxiu’s words and missed his chance to leave!
If a fight broke out now, it would really stir up some excitement. Lian Manman placed a hand on her forehead.
After being hit, Si Lang finally stopped eating and stood up. Ducking down low, he charged into Sister-in-law Zhao Xiue’s stomach. Sister-in-law Zhao Xiue stumbled backward two steps, tripping over a stool and was caught by her daughters-in-law, barely avoiding a fall.
