The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 840 - 839 Chun Tao

Old Granny Zhang glanced at her daughter-in-law, who seemed on the verge of tears, feeling annoyed instantly. She scowled, stood up, and said, "Such a small matter you can’t handle, and you’re crying? Is this not embarrassing? Get back home at once!"

As she spoke, she walked towards the door.

The young woman bit her lip, quickly called the shop assistant to settle the bill, and hurriedly followed her.

Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang were in a private room upstairs. The shop assistant brought up tea and snacks, along with a warm towel to wipe their hands, and sensibly withdrew.

Before leaving, he reminded them, "I’ll be right outside, just call if you need anything."

After the door closed, Wang Yongzhu first poured some tea for Old Granny Zhang. Only when he saw her take a couple of sips, her whole demeanor relaxing, did he let out a small sigh of relief.

He did not rush to ask Old Granny Zhang about Zhang Qiuju, but instead coaxed her to eat a few pieces of snacks first.

They were sitting by the window. Wang Yongzhu was sipping tea when he heard Zhang Qiuju downstairs, still scolding, "What are you red-eyed for? Want to tell the second son, right? Are you trying to say that following me, your mother-in-law, has wronged you?"

Then came the young woman’s voice defending herself, "Mother, that’s not what I mean! I feel bad for you! You’ve been so compromising, why don’t they appreciate it? It’s too..."

"Shut up! What do you know? Is it your place to speak? Good or bad, they are still your elders! Save your cursed looks for later..."

Zhang Qiuju and her daughter-in-law’s voices gradually faded away.

Wang Yongzhu poked his head out and saw Zhang Qiuju and her daughter-in-law’s backs slowly disappearing into the crowd.

Old Granny Zhang also saw this and just snorted coldly.

Only then did Wang Yongzhu lean closer to Old Granny Zhang, hugging her arm, "Mother, who is Zhang Qiuju? Is she really your sister?"

Old Granny Zhang spat, "Pah! I don’t have a sister like that! Don’t be fooled by her now regretting. Back at the Zhang Family, she was the most scheming!"

"Mother, then tell me, what exactly happened back then?" Wang Yongzhu clung to Old Granny Zhang’s hand, shaking it persistently.

How could Old Granny Zhang resist her daughter’s coquettish behavior, her heart nearly melted.

She immediately responded, "You truly are my devil star!"

Though her mouth was scolding, her hands couldn’t help but tidy Wang Yongzhu’s hair, her eyes becoming so soft they almost dripped water.

Speaking of Old Granny Zhang’s family, the Zhang Family, they originally came from Zhang Family Village next to Yang Family Village.

The head of the Zhang Family was named Zhang Dabao. He married a girl from the Zhao Family of the same village. After their marriage, several years passed, and they still had no children.

Zhang Dabao’s parents had died early, leaving him as the only seedling in the family. To marry a wife but not bear children meant the family line would end, wouldn’t it?

But he had feelings for his wife and given the family’s conditions, couldn’t afford to divorce and remarry.

The couple prayed to gods, drank countless bitter medicines, but nothing worked.

Later, someone suggested they adopt a child, preferably a girl, and with luck, they might have a son the following year.

Zhang Dabao and his wife were tempted by the idea. They were too embarrassed to adopt locally, fearing it might not turn out well.

Somehow, the couple managed to adopt a two or three-year-old girl from the town, who became Old Granny Zhang.

At first, they treated this adopted girl like a treasure. Since it was spring peach season when she was brought home, they named her Chun Tao.

And that was how Old Granny Zhang came to be.

For the rare smiles on their faces, Zhang Dabao and his wife practically did not let go of this new daughter, cherishing her dearly.

Maybe Old Granny Zhang brought luck. Within half a year of her arrival, Lady Zhao felt nauseous from smelling fish, consulted a doctor, and found out she was pregnant!

Zhang Dabao and his wife were overjoyed, believing Old Granny Zhang was their lucky star.

However, with Lady Zhao’s severe morning sickness, Zhang Dabao was too busy caring for her to focus as much on their adopted daughter.

Especially since the Zhang Family was never well-off, having nearly exhausted their savings on gods and medicines over the years.

With Lady Zhao carrying the family’s heir, Zhang Dabao treated her like a goddess.

Whatever good food they had, Lady Zhao got the first share.

Besides, with their own child on the way, they started to neglect the adopted daughter.

Ten months later, Lady Zhao gave birth to a healthy baby boy, named Zhang Xiahe.

With this precious son, Zhang Dabao and his wife had eyes for no one else.

Old Granny Zhang’s life took a nosedive. Fortunately, they remembered it was she who had brought Zhang Xiahe to them, so they didn’t throw her out.

But at just three or four years old, she had to sweep, clean, wash dishes and diapers, and care for the baby.

Still a child herself, if she didn’t care for Zhang Xiahe perfectly or if he cried, Zhang Dabao and his wife would whip her without question, blaming her for not taking care of her brother.

As Zhang Xiahe grew, his parents pampered him as the little lord of the family, indulging his every whim.

With both parents working in the fields, household chores and caring for Zhang Xiahe fell entirely to Old Granny Zhang.

Every day, she had to sweep, feed the chickens, wash clothes, care for the child, and cook.

Even a grown woman would be exhausted by these tasks, let alone a child.

Her initially plump face grew thin and gaunt.

Even so, if Zhang Dabao and his wife were displeased or Zhang Xiahe cried, Old Granny Zhang would be beaten regularly.

Some villagers, feeling sympathetic, advised Zhang Dabao and his wife privately, reminding them that this girl had brought Zhang Xiahe into the family, proving her luck. They suggested it would be better to treat her well. She could even marry Zhang Xiahe in the future, saving on the dowry and having worked in the family for years, a bargain!

Even if she wasn’t to marry him, raising her well and marrying her off would still bring in a dowry!

Zhang Dabao and his wife agreed, finding it more economical than future bride prices!

If she was to be the family’s bride, she had to be raised well, or else how would she bear Zhang family’s future heirs?

Their attitude improved somewhat, at least they stopped beating and scolding her for every little thing.

A couple of years later, Lady Zhao became pregnant again, giving birth to a daughter, making Zhang Dabao even more joyful.

From then, Lady Zhao’s womb seemed blessed, bearing a child almost every year, adding two more sons and another daughter before stopping.

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