Bringing Good Luck to your Husband in the 70s - Chapter 35

Chapter 35 Dream

The third daughter-in-law couldn’t think, so she asked Madam Zhao anxiously, “Mother, my eldest brother-in-law’s leg has healed; what should I do?”

Old Lady Zhao remained very calm. “As long as it’s healed, it doesn’t matter whether it’s completely cured or not. Anyway, the money is real. It costs about three hundred yuan a month, and it will take at least several months to cure it. How much money will that cost?”

“Mother, then… the Han family must feel that it’s my fault. What if my husband doesn’t come to pick me up?”

“He wouldn’t dare! Don’t forget that Maomao lives in our house. How could the Han family not want their grandchildren? If he doesn’t come to pick you up now, it must be your mother-in-law’s idea. She just wants to discipline you a little, make you suffer, and then force you to go back on your own. I’ve seen plenty of old women who try to manipulate their daughters-in-law this way.”

After hearing her mother’s words, Han Lao-san’s wife felt a little more at ease. She asked again, “Mother, what should I do next? Should I still want to split the family?”

Madam Zhao said, “Of course you must split the family. Whether your eldest brother’s legs are cured or not, this money still has to be spent. Who knows how much more will be needed to heal him completely? In the end, your mother-in-law’s money will go to your eldest and youngest brothers-in-law. Anyway, it’s impossible for you to see a single cent. The only way to save money is to divide the family. If you don’t separate now, when your brother-in-law gets married, all you’ll have is a shabby house.”

Han’s third daughter-in-law suddenly hesitated.

Seeing her hesitation, Madam Zhao slapped her hard. Glancing around to make sure no one was nearby, she whispered in her ear, “Are you stupid? If you split the family now, you not only get money but can also make your mother-in-law teach you her pastry-making skills. Then you’ll be able to earn money in the future.”

Han’s third daughter-in-law was startled. “Mother, what are you talking about? How could my mother-in-law pass her pastry-making skills on to me? Forget it, it’s impossible.”

“You’re the foolish one. Once the family splits, your eldest brother is a soldier and has no shortage of food or clothing, but your second brother and your husband have no way to earn money. You’ll still have so many children to raise. Your mother-in-law won’t be able to stand by and watch her grandchildren starve. Why wouldn’t she teach you some skills to make a living? At worst, you can avoid competing with her directly and sell your pastries elsewhere.”

Han’s third daughter-in-law had been coveting those pastry-making skills for a long time but never had the chance. Now that her mother mentioned it, she became eager at once. She felt her mother was right. Separating the family really was the most beneficial path.

“But… if my husband doesn’t come to pick me up, why would they listen to me about splitting the family?”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll have your eldest brother talk to your husband.”

The next day, while the Han family was having lunch, Zhao Youzhu, the eldest brother of Han’s third daughter-in-law, arrived at their door.

Naturally, Old Lady Han couldn’t ignore her in-laws. Although she knew very well why he had come, she still greeted him with a smile. “Why has her eldest brother come? Sit down quickly. You probably haven’t eaten yet. Sit and have some food with us.”

Zhao Youzhu waved his hand. “No, no, Aunt, don’t trouble yourself. I’ve already eaten. I just came to talk with my brother-in-law.”

Han Lao-san understood he didn’t want to speak in front of the whole family, so he got up and followed him into the yard.

Zhao Youzhu patted him on the shoulder and said, “You and your wife love each other. How can there be an overnight feud between husband and wife? Couples fight at the bedside, and if the woman gets upset, we men must calm them down. Do you really want to never see your wife and son again for the rest of your life?”

Han Lao-san listened quietly without interrupting. When his brother-in-law finished, he nodded calmly. “Brother, I understand. I’ll pick up Gu Ming and Maomao tomorrow.”

Zhao Youzhu had thought this trip would take much persuasion, but he hadn’t expected such an easy agreement. Relieved and pleased, he returned home satisfied.

When Han Lao-san went back inside, he told Old Lady Han, “Mother, I’ll pick up Gu Ming and Maomao tomorrow.”

Old Lady Han had already been considering bringing her back, so she nodded. “After you bring her home, talk things over with your wife. I’m not partial to anyone; I treat all of you the same. I’ve thought about it these days, your fourth brother is still young, still far from starting his own family. I don’t want to delay you. Once your eldest brother’s leg heals and he marries, I’ll stop managing the household. From then on, you’ll each be the masters of your own families.”

Her words shocked the Han brothers. Han Lao-san immediately said, “Mother, don’t be angry. We don’t want to be the masters. Mother, we only hope you’ll take care of us all your life.”

Han Lao-er wasn’t good with words, so he just nodded, agreeing with his brother. He also hoped their mother would continue to look after them forever.

Old Lady Han smiled kindly. “You’re all grown and have children now, while I’m old. How can I take care of you forever? It’s time you managed your own households and let me rest and enjoy some peace. That’s settled, once your eldest brother’s leg heals and he marries, we’ll split the family. You’ll each live your own lives, and from then on, we’ll remain harmonious without quarrels.”

Originally, Old Lady Han had intended to wait until the fourth child married before dividing the family. But lately, she felt weary. The children had grown, and the daughters-in-law all had their own thoughts. Forcing everyone to stay together would only cause more tension. It was better to separate earlier and let each daughter-in-law handle her own affairs, while she enjoyed her later years. As for the fourth child, she would prepare his wedding money in advance.

The brothers were left speechless.

The next day, Han Lao-san didn’t go to work. Instead, he took some snacks and went to Dahe village to pick up his wife and son.

Han’s third daughter-in-law, following her mother’s instructions, pretended to be unhappy even though she was secretly delighted. She only glanced at Han Lao-san and then turned her head away, acting sulky.

Han Lao-san ignored her and instead addressed Madam Zhao and Master Zhao. “Father, Mother, I’ve come to take Gu Ming and Maomao home.”

Master Zhao smoked silently, while Madam Zhao scowled and said, “We know Gu Ming was at fault, but it was all for your family’s good. You’ll have many children in the future, how will you live without money? Your eldest brother has spent all the family’s money on his leg. When the time comes to split, you won’t get a penny. How will you and your children survive then?”

At her words, Han Lao-san’s face darkened. Holding back his anger, he replied, “Mother, Dad, all the money in our family was earned by my eldest brother and my mother. I’ve contributed nothing but expenses. Since it’s theirs, I have no right to decide how it’s spent. If my mother wishes to treat my brother’s leg, it’s only natural, and no one has the right to object.”

Madam Zhao’s face changed. “What are you saying, son-in-law? Your eldest brother served in the army for years, wasn’t it for the sake of your family? And you’ve been home, taking care of your mother and earning work points. You’ve contributed too. As long as the family isn’t divided, the property belongs to all the brothers.”

Han Lao-san knew exactly what the Zhao family was aiming for, so he stopped arguing and said simply, “Then I’ll take Gu Ming and Maomao home.”

Right on cue, Han’s third daughter-in-law shouted, “I won’t leave! No one takes me seriously in your house. Why should I go back? At least here at my parents’ home, my son and I have food to eat.”

Han Lao-san’s veins bulged with anger, but he didn’t want to make a scene in her family’s home. Suppressing his rage, he asked, “Then what do you want? Tell me.”

His wife looked at him and said, “I… I want to split the family and live our own lives.”

Han Lao-san glared at her, his fists clenched tight.

Frightened, she quickly hid behind her mother. Madam Zhao stepped in smoothly. “Don’t be angry, son-in-law. Gu Ming isn’t wrong. You’re grown and have children now. Living together only causes conflict. If you separate, each of you can manage your own home while still being filial to your mother. That’s no worse than now.”

Han Lao-san’s chest burned with fury. He realized they had already plotted this separation. Not knowing how far they wanted to push it, he said deliberately, “Separating isn’t impossible, but I haven’t earned anything before. If we split, all I can take is a room, some farm tools, and food; nothing else. If that works, I’ll ask my mother to divide the family when I return.”

At this, Madam Zhao immediately cried out, “How could that do? The money in your mother’s hands must be divided equally, and her pastry-making skills must be taught to you both so you can make a living.”

Han Lao-san almost laughed in anger. So this was what they were after, not only his mother’s money but also her craft. His wife had even revealed the family secret to them.

Good. Very good.

Originally, he had planned to be patient, coax his wife back, and avoid conflict. But now he could no longer bear it. If Gu Ming wanted to stay, then she could stay here forever.

With a cold snort, Han Lao-san turned and left. “I can’t meet your demands. It seems our Han family can’t keep you.”

His wife was stunned. She rushed to chase after him, but Han Lao-san shoved her away and disappeared down the road, leaving her crying in place.

—-

Su Yue knew nothing about what was happening at the Han household. During this time, she worked tirelessly, so exhausted during the day that she slept deeply at night. She had no time to visit the Han family to make cakes and naturally didn’t know about Han’s third daughter-in-law’s schemes.

That night, Su Yue went to bed early as usual and soon fell asleep. But it was not an ordinary night. Instead of sleeping straight through, she began to dream.

She dreamed again.

In the dream, Han Aiguo was passing by the river when he saw a woman fall in. She flailed helplessly, crying for help. Without hesitation, Han Aiguo dove in and dragged her out. But when she emerged, her clothes were in disarray, her pants gone, leaving only a pair of shorts.

Some passing villagers saw this. The woman covered her face and wept shamelessly, and only then did everyone recognize her as Wang Yaru, the daughter of the Wang family who had once been engaged to Han Aiguo. Han Aiguo hadn’t expected it to be her, but he would have saved anyone in that situation. He didn’t think much of it.

But soon after, the Wang family came to the Han household, claiming that Han Aiguo had ruined their daughter’s innocence and demanding he take responsibility by marrying her again.

The Han family was furious. Old Lady Han quarreled fiercely with the Wangs, declaring she would never let her son marry a woman who had despised him and broken off their engagement.

Since the Han family refused, the Wangs began causing daily disturbances; crying, making scenes, pretending to hang themselves, spreading rumors everywhere that Han Aiguo had defiled their daughter and refused to take responsibility. They even went to the brigade headquarters to demand justice.

The brigade leaders were troubled. Though Han Aiguo had acted out of kindness, the girl had indeed been seen and embraced by him. Her innocence was considered lost. In the end, they advised Han Aiguo to marry Wang Yaru, after all, they had once been engaged, and she wasn’t bad looking.

But Han Aiguo resolutely refused. No one could force him.

The Wangs were enraged. Quarrels erupted every two or three days, making the Han household restless. Children no longer dared to play outside.

Villagers came daily to gawk and gossip. No one cared about the truth; the scandal was enough. Han Aiguo’s reputation as an irresponsible scoundrel spread, and everywhere he went, people pointed and whispered, plunging the Han family into misery.

The endless turmoil made other members of the Han family resent him, blaming him for his kindness in saving the girl. Han Aiguo, guilty for dragging his family into it, endured their complaints silently and grew increasingly withdrawn.

After half a year of this, the family even began urging him to marry Wang Yaru.

When Su Yue woke from the dream, she was seething with anger.

She patted her chest, trying to calm down. This couldn’t be just a random dream. It was clearly another warning from the system, Han Aiguo was about to face disaster again.

Trouble. Always trouble.

She recalled Wang Yaru. When she first arrived, she had heard Old Lady Han scolding the Wang family for breaking off the engagement after Han Aiguo’s leg injury. They had thought he was useless.

And now, seeing that his leg was healed, she wanted him back?

Shameless!

Falling into the river right when Han Aiguo happened to pass by? As if that were an accident! Even a fool could see it was a deliberate scheme. And of course, Han Aiguo would never let someone drown before his eyes.

A vile trick but an effective one.

The more Su Yue thought, the angrier she grew. No, she couldn’t allow this. Han Aiguo was her man. How dare that woman dream of him?

But a question remained, when exactly would Han Aiguo encounter Wang Yaru at the river? How could Su Yue intervene if she didn’t know the time? She couldn’t stop him from going out, nor could she guard him every day. And if Wang Yaru wanted to cling to him, she would find another chance.

Avoiding it wasn’t enough; the problem had to be solved at its root.

Su Yue sat on the bed, scratching her head in frustration. Just as she was about to go bald from worry, an idea finally came to her.