Chapter 39: Chapter 38: Ruthless When Pushed
Song Fang had been watching from the side and noticed that the third sister-in-law deliberately threw balls into the oil pot, causing oil to injure the second sister-in-law. She was a bit frightened and didnât know what to say for a moment, so she just looked at Granny Song and called out, "Mom."
Granny Song was angry but still clear-headed. She turned around, picked up a big bowl, scooped a spoonful of braised pork, a spoonful of rabbit meat, a few pieces of fried tofu, and some fried balls, and handed it to Song Fang. "Take this to your nieces to satisfy their cravings, and tell your second sister-in-law not to make a fool of herself. On such a joyous day, Iâm not even fussing about them coming with three kids to sponge on us. And yet, sheâs trying to use my position as her mother-in-law to throw her weight around. Who gave her that face?"
Seeing that Granny Song was genuinely angry, Song Fang didnât dare to say much. She took the bowl and went directly next door.
Second Langâs wife had placed a washbasin on the stone outside. She was bent over, applying medicine with water, groaning in pain and continuously cursing Wen Wan in very unpleasant terms.
Song Fang happened to hear as she came in, frowned, looked at Second Langâs wife, and advised, "Second sister-in-law, you really should be more mindful in the future. Youâre a mother of three, so you ought to know what to say and what not to say. You just keep blabbering without considering the consequences. You know what momâs temper is like. Who else would she scold if not you?"
Hearing the voice, Second Langâs wife turned her head, trying to fake a smile, but it pulled on the oil burn on her face, making her wince in pain.
"Is that Fangniang?"
Second Langâs wife looked at the big bowl in Song Fangâs hand.
Song Fang explained, "Mom asked me to bring food for the three little girls and said that since youâre hurt, thereâs no need for you to come over to help. Just stay home and rest."
Second Langâs wife evidently didnât grasp the admonishment and good intention in Song Fangâs words, feeling dissatisfied, "Mom just sent you with this to brush me off? Dad returning safely is a big family celebration. So many people are having dinner next door. If I donât show up, what does that look like? Isnât mom afraid of people gossiping?"
Song Fang was initially well-intentioned, but never expected the second sister-in-law to be so ungrateful. It irked her, even though she wasnât usually prone to losing her temper. She heavy-handedly placed the bowl on the stone, "That night when the third brother was going to Da Huan Mountain to find dad, I suggested he take the second brother with him, but he didnât go. That was your idea, wasnât it?"
Second Langâs wifeâs eyes flickered as she made an excuse, "It had been raining incessantly, and our Sanyang was sick. We couldnât leave."
Song Fang found it laughable, "When you stopped the second brother from rescuing dad, you werenât concerned about people talking. Now dadâs back safe, and suddenly youâre eager to join whatever gives you face. Honestly, second brother and his wife have been independent for a long time. Whether you show up or not, nobody caresânot unless you count yourself."
Having been married into the Song family for many years, it was the first time Second Langâs wife encountered her sister-in-law speaking so directly. She was infuriated.
Without giving Second Langâs wife a chance to retort, Song Fang continued, "Todayâs banquet is all thanks to the third brother and sister-in-law. If you want to eat, go ask them. Thereâs no use talking to me."
Second Langâs wife remembered the fierce determination when Wen Wan threw the meatballs into the pot earlier, making her face burn even more.
That mute who supposedly couldnât speak a word turned out to be ruthless when pushed!
Her face wouldnât heal for at least ten days to half a month.