Tan Zishi’s attitude towards his son and daughter-in-law improved, but he didn’t know that his concubine, who had distanced herself from him at a crucial moment and even thrown him under the bus, had also come to their door.
The woman, looking pitiful and miserable, knelt on the ground begging Tan Zishi to take her in, claiming she couldn’t survive on her own.
She also said she would no longer compete with Li Yu Niang for Tan Zishi, only asking for a place to stay.
Neither Tan Zishi nor Li Yu Niang were heartless, and unable to resist the pleas, they let her stay.
Who would have thought that this whole family was insidious and cunning?
Li Yu Niang had not been their match in the first half of her life, and naturally, she wouldn’t be their match in her old age.
After a brief period of peace, conflict arose.
After several clashes, the other party framed Li Yu Niang, accusing her of being intolerant of them.
Tan Zishi initially supported Li Yu Niang, but after repeated incidents, he eventually spoke ill of her.
Li Yu Niang had been able to tolerate Tan Zishi’s lack of affection for her in her early years because she felt their bond was shallow to begin with.
However, after enduring hardships and suffering with Tan Zishi for years, she was heartbroken to see him favor his concubine and her son and daughter-in-law now that their lives were slightly better.
The current Li Yu Niang’s disposition had also changed; unwilling to continue mistreating herself, she decided to leave, took the money, and bought a train ticket straight to the capital.
Grandma Su was surprised to hear of Li Yu Niang’s misfortune.
She chided Tan Zishi for being ungrateful while also calling Li Yu Niang a failure.
“You, you, couldn’t you have just driven those people out with a strong hand? And Tan Zishi, since he cares for that family, why not drive him out with a strong hand too!” Grandma Su was disappointed.
Li Yu Niang’s personality was too soft. If it were her, she would have kicked the entire family out.
How could one be bullied in their own home?
Those who were dependent on others dared to be arrogant!
Had they forgotten who the masters of the house were?
Li Yu Niang could only cry.
There is no greater sorrow than a heart that has died. She was truly disheartened. Even if she drove those people out, it would be meaningless if the person in front of her didn’t have her in his heart!
Besides, if she had the ability, why would she have been bullied for so many years?
“Qing Mei Zi, when we were young, it was the parents’ orders and the matchmaker’s words. It was understandable if he had someone else in his heart. But after enduring hardships together for so many years, I thought he would at least remember some of my kindness. Who knew he would still be like this!”
Li Yu Niang wiped the tears from her face.
Grandma Su sighed as she looked at the miserable Li Yu Niang.
This Li Yu Niang was also foolish, throwing her sincere affection away for someone who didn’t deserve it.
“Never mind, my old friend. Since you’re here, you can stay with us! In the capital, as long as you’re willing to work, you can make a living!”
Grandma Su eventually took pity on Li Yu Niang and let her stay.
Li Yu Niang nodded quickly, “Qing Mei Zi, I’ll help out at your place from now on. Just provide food and lodging.”
“That’s not how it works. You’ll get paid like everyone else, and food and lodging will be provided.”
Li Yu Niang tried to decline, but Grandma Su said, “We need to be clear about these things from the start. Even close relatives should keep accounts straight!”
It would be bad if there were disputes later.
Unable to refuse, Li Yu Niang could only agree. With wages, she would contribute more to the Su family.
Su Lao San’s arrival, which should have been a happy occasion, was somewhat dampened due to Li Yu Niang’s situation.
Fortunately, Li Yu Niang’s condition improved, and by evening, she seemed much calmer.
Grandma Su then asked if Tan Zishi knew she had come to the capital.
Li Yu Niang shook her head.
“After we argued, I left without taking anything. By some strange impulse, I went to the train station. It was a coincidence, but I saw Lao San from afar and followed him onto the train. I only bought my ticket on board!”
Grandma Su was speechless. So that’s how it happened.
No wonder she coincidentally ended up on the same train as Lao San.
This meant Li Yu Niang didn’t have any street permits, which might be problematic. If they encountered a check, it would be troublesome.
“In a few days, I’ll call Lao Er’s wife and ask her to help you get a street permit!”
On the train, Li Yu Niang couldn’t produce her permit and was almost kicked off by the attendant. It was only thanks to Su Lao San’s vouching and his many pleas that she was able to reach the capital safely.
“Qing Mei Zi, thank you so much. Without you, I don’t know what I would have done.”
Grandma Su looked at Li Yu Niang, frustrated by her lack of assertiveness but also pitying her misfortune!
“Yu Niang, you can’t be so weak your whole life!”
Li Yu Niang shook her head, “More than half my life is over. Let me be weak.”
After all, there was nothing left in that household for her to miss.
Grandma Su suddenly remembered that before they left the county town, Tan Zishi and Li Yu Niang had sent over many good things. She slapped her thigh.
“Fortunately, you sent over a lot of good things before. With those, you can live comfortably for the rest of your life!”
She had initially thought about not accepting them, but now she was glad she had. It was perfect for Li Yu Niang’s retirement.
Grandma Su was also a little worried that Tan Zishi might remember those good things and want to keep them for his descendants, and then come looking for them.
If it were in the past, Grandma Su would never have considered keeping those items. But now, seeing Li Yu Niang’s plight, Grandma Su felt that even if she threw them into the river, she wouldn’t return them to Tan Zishi!
Li Yu Niang quickly shook her head and waved her hands, saying, “That won’t do. Those were gifts of gratitude to you, and they belong to your family.”
After a pause, Li Yu Niang added, “Don’t worry, I can still help with work, so I won’t starve.”
Seeing Li Yu Niang like this, Grandma Su didn’t know how to persuade her.
Finally, she could only sigh deeply.
Fine, if she wanted to stay, she could stay.
Besides, they were busy processing preserved meats recently and couldn’t manage it all. Li Yu Niang was skilled and hardworking, so she could be relied upon.
Meanwhile, Su Lao San and his wife Liang Xiu were, as expected, enjoying their tender moments.
The next morning, when Su Lao San woke up, he was refreshed. Su Xiao Tian gave him more good news, saying that a transport team was recruiting.
Su Lao San was overjoyed to hear that he could get a driving job in the capital.
In this era, being a driver was truly beneficial. It allowed one to obtain a lot of supplies and also to smuggle goods for profit.
He had originally thought that upon arriving in the capital, he would only work in his own family’s restaurant, but he never expected to find a driving job.
Liang Xiu mentioned that it was Xiao Tian’s contribution, her words filled with pride!
Su Lao San happily praised his daughter’s capabilities and said that when he earned money, he would buy Su Xiao Tian small leather shoes.
Although Su Xiao Tian didn’t lack money or small leather shoes, she cherished the care from her father.
Grandma Su asked Li Yu Niang to rest at home for a day, but Li Yu Niang refused and insisted on helping at the restaurant.
Grandma Su worried that Li Yu Niang might overthink things if she stayed home alone, so she agreed to let her help at the restaurant.