In the countryside, people have always been devout believers of gods and Buddha. Especially those rural women who lack insight; when something happens, they turn to prayer, and when disaster strikes, they claim itâs divine punishment. In short, they attribute everything to spiritual forces.
Mother Qi is no different. Now that her family doesnât have a legitimate grandson, and they previously lost one, who knows if the Bodhisattva is holding a grudge?
Like when Cheng Su had a miscarriage; that was just unfortunate, but now with Qi Fengping, she hasnât been married yet, sheâs still a Qi Family Daughter. Now at home, they insist on aborting the child, but what about the feng shui? Will it change and bring misfortune to the familyâs descendants?
One must admit that when people become superstitious, it can be quite terrifying. If Cheng Su knew Mother Qiâs current thinking, she would probably laugh out loud thrice. What kind of logic is this?
But Mother Qi firmly believes sheâs right. To her, daughters are important, but sons are more so.
"No way. Consider her future; if people learn she aborted a child, who would want her?" remarked Mother Qi. "Her belly is already so big; even if itâs done, itâs dangerous, detrimental to her health, and if she becomes infertile because of it, whoâs responsible?"
Cheng Su raised her eyelids but said nothing. She knew at this stage, termination is indeed dangerous, so she wouldnât guarantee anything. If Mother Qiâs fears were realized, could she take responsibility?
No!
Sheâs just a sister-in-law; there are elders in the family. She can provide suggestions and analysis but isnât in a position to decide for Qi Fengping.
Truth be told, if Qi Fengping doesnât keep the child, it would be better for her. After all, life ahead is long, and sheâs young, thereâs no need to carry a child while forging on.
But if she keeps it, itâs not all that extraordinary either. The worst is some personal hardship, a bit tough, but she can certainly raise the child. Of course, this is her own modern female perspective; the current generation may not agree.
She also disagrees with Qi Fenglianâs idea to keep the baby as evidence to sue Zhou Qiang. Even if the lawsuit is successful, what about the child?
"Mom, if she gives birth, whoâs responsible? Will she raise it herself? She doesnât even know how to handle herself, how can she take care of a child?" Qi Taiguo retorted coldly.
"Then let Zhou Qiang marry her!" Mother Qi said without hesitation. "That bastard is just a convict; if our family accepts him, the Zhou family would be lucky!"
"Mom, heâs already married!" Qi Jianguo interjected.
"So what? Your brother is a deputy battalion commander, we have power; making him divorce is no big deal. Anyway, if weâre being honest, Fengping is his rightful wife since they have a child first!" Mother Qi insisted.
Cheng Su was truly amused and actually laughed, sarcastically saying, "Mom, Taiguo is a deputy battalion commander, but youâre using him like a bandit. Fengping having a child with him, so what? Itâs without status, just an illegitimate child. In ancient times, sheâd be drowned in a pig cage for illicit affairs! How can you suggest using Taiguoâs authority to force a divorce?"
Itâs quite bold of this mother-in-law to think this way, treating Qi Taiguo like some sort of person who abuses his power. Isnât this akin to the past with the Loo family, forcing divorce?
Thinking about this, Cheng Su felt a bit disgusted.
Mother Qiâs face darkened after Cheng Suâs rebuttal and said, "If thatâs not possible, then give birth to the child, register it under your names, and raise it. At most, we say itâs adopted, and since you donât have children now, just say itâs a foster child."