Mrs. Wang felt a bit tempted by Tang Wanwan's words and couldn't help but exchange glances with her mother-in-law. However, Granny Zhang remained expressionless; she was the type of person who, once money entered her pocket, would only return it if she willingly chose to. No one could coerce her.
Moreover, how could she be threatened by a worthless girl? If she agreed today, how could she maintain her dignity in the future? What would the people in the clan think of her? With Tang Wei being useless now, the third household was beyond salvaging. But she wouldn't waste manpower either; without the free labor of Tang Wanwan and Lady Chen, who would do all the work at home?
So she smiled, her voice softening a bit, and said: "Waner, you shouldn't speak like an outsider. Besides, your grandfather and I are doing well. If I let you live separately now that your father is gone, wouldn't that invite criticism?"
"Here's what we'll do. I don't want any of your money. We'll live separately, and whether we live or die will have nothing to do with you. Do you agree?" Tang Wanwan acted decisively, disliking procrastination. Granny Zhang surely wouldn't want to give up the silver she had received. What's twenty taels of silver anyway? Tang Wanwan didn't care.
"But let me make myself clear: I don't want any money from you, nor will I take anything. You must not come to us with any issue in the future."
"Alright, that's what you've said. Chen Yuzhen, you've raised quite a daughter." Granny Zhang looked meaningfully at Lady Chen, reminding her not to forget her words.
"Wanwan? Think it over again, we..." Lady Chen watched her daughter, bloodied yet resolutely protecting their family, and felt her heart shatter. Without their protection, with sickness plaguing the family, life would be even harder.
"Mother, don't worry, I have my ways." Tang Wanwan whispered, placing her hand in Lady Chen's and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
Seeing her daughter's determined expression, Lady Chen made a silent resolve, knowing that no matter the hardship, she would protect her children. Ultimately, she nodded heavily, saying, "Alright, even if it kills me, I'll protect you all."
"Very well, we'll write everything down clearly in black and white. I'll invite the clan leader to formally settle the separation agreement so there are no regrets in the future." Granny Zhang said.
"Naturally." Mrs. Wang and Granny Zhang noticed Tang Wanwan's calm demeanor, making them both wonder if the girl had lost her senses, daring to propose separation. What if she came crawling back, begging for food if they starved?
In that situation, things would be different.
"Eldest daughter-in-law, let's go!" As Mrs. Wang began to follow, she hesitated, saying, "Wait, that's not how it's supposed to go."
Granny Zhang was pleased that she could finally let go of this troublesome family, and glanced at her clueless daughter-in-law, saying: "What's wrong? You've embarrassed our branch of the family enough with your loud antics."
"No, mother, this wretched girl hasn't compensated me for my medical expenses, look, she broke my arm." Mrs. Wang said, while showing her injured arm to her mother-in-law.
"Auntie, stop pretending. If we're talking compensation, shouldn't you be rebuilding my courtyard wall that was damaged? I'm so slim and weak, how could I have moved you, with your robust build?"
The other villagers nodded in agreement, seeming to side with Tang Wanwan's words.
"Eldest daughter-in-law, let's go, don't create more trouble."
"You, you... I, I, mother-in-law, I'm telling the truth." Mrs. Wang felt her chest tighten with anger as the crowd doubted her, and she looked at Tang Wanwan's smug expression, wishing to claw out at her. Yet, she felt intimidated by the way Tang Wanwan was looking at her.
This girl did seem different now, some sort of sorcery, how could she be afraid of this girl?
"Alright, stop making a fuss, let Doctor Wang examine your hand again, since he's at our place anyway."
"But mother, I'm not lying."
...
Seeing the loathed figure finally disappear, Tang Wanwan collapsed onto the ground, her back soaked in sweat.
Having held up for so long, she felt dizzy, and then she collapsed.
As she fell, a young man stepped forward swiftly and caught her.
...
"Feeling better?" In the dim room, a voice like golden jade sounded, as Tang Wanwan slowly opened her eyes to see a boy with red lips and white teeth, wringing a hot towel and wiping her face and mouth's wounds.
"Look, your mouth's all swollen. I'll bring some eggs later to help with that." The young man's features were exquisite, and he smiled, revealing his white teeth. His words were warm and comforting.
Tang Wanwan, feeling a bit disoriented, didn't immediately recognize her surroundings. As she took in the room's furnishings, she recalled the truth of her changed circumstances.
"Who are you?" Dazed from the beating, her head was pounding, and Tang Wanwan's mind struggled to catch up.
Lu Yujin looked speechless, his handsome face full of concern. "I'm Lu Yujin, the Young Master of the Lu Family. You haven't really lost your senses, have you?"
"Here, you must be hungry. I saved this meat bun for you."
The fragrant bun wafted its enticing aroma, making Tang Wanwan, who hadn't eaten properly in days, feel her stomach churn. She had to fill her stomach to have the energy to think of anything else.
So she smiled sweetly, took it, and said, "Thank you, Young Master Lu, I was just kidding."
Ugh, calling out those awkward words made Tang Wanwan blush with embarrassment, as someone in her late twenties acting so coy. But Lu Yujin was undeniably handsome, and as she mused, a historical beauty, a high grade indeed.
Lu Yujin had captivating almond-shaped eyes, which seemed to sparkle as they met yours, drawing your attention. He carried an innate air of nobility, uncharacteristic for a village youth. Though he wore simple clothes, upon closer inspection, the material was not something a commoner could wear; this young man's background was no ordinary one.
"Where's my mother, and Xiao Yi and Xiao Rou?" Tang Wanwan looked around and noticed it was just the two of them in the room. With her siblings' names in mind, she called out naturally.
"Didn't you say you wanted to separate? The village chief has taken your mother to the clan leader for verification."
"Ha, they sure are in a hurry!"
"How did the village chief know about this? Did you tell him?" Tang Wanwan mused and then looked at Lu Yujin.
"Yes, I came a bit late though." He nodded and asked, "Are you okay? You really scared me earlier." Lu Yujin remembered entering to find Tang Wanwan with bloodied face, as pale as paper, making his heart ache inexplicably. Seeing her awake and forcing a smile now, acting as if nothing had happened, made him feel even more uneasy.
Beginning at this moment, Lu Yujin made a silent vow to protect her throughout his life.