A Good Country Wife

"Don’t worry, Village Chief, though I am but a mere woman, I definitely won’t let anyone trample over me," I declared with full gusto. "If anyone doubts that, let them try and see if I am a pushover!" Such firm words were necessary at that moment. Showing any sign of weakness or compliance would have simply invited bullying. Most people will take advantage of the soft and fear the strong.

"Erhu’s wife, don’t be like this," the old villager tried to soothe. "We’re just discussing things. No one’s trying to bully you. Why flare up? Sit down and have some water to cool off. Everyone in the village knows you’re competent. We just want to seek your advice, that’s all."

"Really? Here I am discussing with everyone, but it seems you’re not discussing with me. So, I’ll just head back home now, to avoid being an annoyance," I retorted without giving the old man’s dignity any consideration. My sole purpose for coming here was to discuss a matter with the Village Chief. But seeing him at a loss, clearly unable to make a decision, it was better for me to figure it out myself at home rather than tolerating these elders. I wasn’t someone who’d take a beating and still keep my mouth shut.

"Look at her arrogance! Has her family’s wealth made her too proud to respect her elders? She has no understanding of decorum. It’s infuriating just to look at her!" one of the old villagers complained.

"Enough already," another old villager interjected. "You’re up in years. Why get angry at Erhu’s young wife? Considering how we’re plotting against her, can we really expect her to be amiable? Besides, haven’t you said it yourself? Erhu’s household is not what it once was, and Erhu’s wife has already been more gracious than expected. Dream on if you think she will fawn over you with utmost respect!" It turned out not all the old villagers were so self-righteous; some actually understood their place.

The irked elder felt he had lost face but stubbornly refused to admit it, "So what if Erhu has made some money from his business travels? I’ll see if she dares to show disrespect to her elders!"

"Let’s not talk about this anymore. We should focus on the matter of the displaced people and find a solution quickly," one of them steered the conversation back.

The Village Chief was trying his best, yet he had neither food supplies nor the military power of the Magistrate to suppress unrest. How could he possibly suggest a solution? In the end, the anxious elders had no choice but to leave with heavy hearts.

Once back home, Nurse Xu noticed Lin Yue’s unhappy expression and glanced at Xixi, who had accompanied Lin Yue, questioning her with her eyes.

Having been by Lin Yue’s side all this time, Xixi was well aware of what had happened but had kept quiet earlier, as it wasn’t her place to speak out, especially in the presence of the Village Chief and the village elders. Speaking up would have been seen as impudence, and she didn’t want others criticizing her mistress for her poor management of servants. So, she had held her tongue, though she was truly irate at the old men for targeting her mistress so unfairly, for thinking her mistress was easy to bully and expecting her to bear all burdens.