CHAPTER 233: CHAPTER 232 MRS. LIN KILLS A CHICKEN (TWENTY-THREE UPDATES)

At night, the Old Mu Family was enveloped in tranquility once again.

After grinding green beans and tidying up the kitchen, Mu Shuangshuang lay down to sleep.

But there was one person who, instead of sleeping, tossed and turned as if on a griddle.

"What’s wrong? Do you have maggots? You keep moving and others can’t sleep?"

Mu Dazhong opened his sleepy eyes and scolded Mrs. Lin.

"Daddy Gou Dan, I feel our mother is too biased. Any tasty food either goes to the first branch or to Gou Dan’s Second Aunt.

That dish of stir-fried pork with chili on the table today was taken away by mother, saying Gou Dan’s Second Aunt can eat tomorrow, and everyone can share. Isn’t it clearly meant for Gou Dan’s Second Aunt for tomorrow?"

"What can be done? My mother runs things; she likes my second sister, so of course, good things go to her."

Mu Dazhong was also annoyed inside, but what could be done?

Mu Zhenzhen was his sister, and as her older brother, he couldn’t exactly chase her away, nor did he have the right!

"You’re all kids; why is mother so biased? You had your blood sucked by leeches and still work for the family but can’t even have a bite of meat.

But Gou Dan’s Second Aunt, she does nothing. We’ve been working while she hasn’t even flipped over in bed, and just thinking about it makes my whole body ache."

"What can you do if you ache? If you have what it takes, make Daddy Gou Dan’s parents like you too, or have a son like the eldest brother!"

Mu Dazhong was truly frustrated inside, so his words carried a hint of resignation.

The eldest brother’s imperial exams hadn’t gotten anywhere, and suddenly, the poorest third branch had food. With endless chores at home piling up, Mu Dazhong felt a chill.

"Daddy Gou Dan, don’t think like that. Parents may be biased, but we can’t just swallow it down. At worst, at worst..."

Mrs. Lin bit her lip, "At worst, I’ll borrow some from my family, and our family can start a business. When we have money, we won’t have to bother with parents."

This thought occurred to Mrs. Lin today. Over the years, she’s been exploited by the old woman, with every bit of silver patched to Mu Dade’s hole, yet not a decent meal.

"Oh, come on, like your brother, who’s lost money in business all his life; do you think he can turn around?"

Mu Dazhong sarcastically mocked Mrs. Lin, then lay down to continue sleeping.

Mrs. Lin trembled with anger, thinking of the dish of stir-fried pork with chili at night, craving it intensely.

She got up and took an embroidery needle, walking towards the chicken coop...

Early the next morning, the Old Mu Family experienced another strange event: one of their chickens had died, with feathers scattered all over the coop.

Old Mrs. Mu nearly fainted upon hearing the news.

Last time, a chicken was stolen, and she mourned for a long time. Now another one was dead.

"Such sin, death to those who steal, oh dear..."

Old Mrs. Mu cursed all morning, as usual, only stopping when Mu Zhenzhen was woken by the noise.

"Mother, why are you yelling; can’t sleep anymore."

Mu Zhenzhen was quite resilient, having recovered almost entirely overnight, speaking without a hint of throat pain.

Seeing the dead chicken on the ground, her eyes lit up.

"Mother, the chicken’s dead; we have to eat it quickly."

Having not eaten all night, Mu Zhenzhen was already hungry, and she’s been coveting the Old Mu Family’s chicken for ages. Now with the opportunity right in front of her, it’d be a waste not to eat.

"Right, Mother, Gou Dan’s Second Aunt is right; we should deal with it quickly, or it’ll spoil soon," Mrs. Lin chimed in, her eyes darting to the chicken on the ground now and then.

Last night, she used an embroidery needle to jab and kill the chicken, all because the old lady never gave her anything tasty.

This chicken is so fat, she should at least get a taste of the broth.

Old Mrs. Mu was angry, but the chicken was already dead, and what could she do?

"Mrs. Lin, process the chicken, Zhenzhen, go back to your room and sleep for a while. I’ll call you later to eat the chicken."

Mu Zhenzhen left happily, and Mrs. Lin angrily picked up the chicken and headed towards the fourth branch, kicking the door open.

"Mrs. Liu, process this chicken; once you’re done, head to the fields. Don’t think about shirking."

Mu Dajiang opened his mouth to speak, but Mrs. Liu pulled on his sleeve.

She looked at her husband with a pleading gaze, hoping he wouldn’t argue with Mrs. Lin.

Once Mrs. Lin left, the silent Mu Dajiang sighed. "Why didn’t you let me speak to her?"

"Let it be, husband. Second sister-in-law is just like that; if you argue with her, she’ll definitely make you work more. Besides, I heard from my mom that Xiaxia and Xiao Chu are coming back in the next few days. If she gets angry, what if she bullies them?"

They say motherly instincts can be strong, but that’s just how some express love.

Mrs. Liu felt that avoiding trouble with Mrs. Lin might make life easier for her children.

...

...

In town, Mu Shuangshuang and Fengzi delivered cold noodles, then went to the market to sell fans, only to encounter the scholar Liu Zian again.

Just like last time, Liu Zian wandered the streets with a book rack on his back, head down, looking lost in thought.

Seeing he was about to bump into Mu Shuangshuang, Fengzi quickly pulled her aside, avoiding the collision.

Liu Zian noticed he’d almost knocked someone over and, upon looking up, saw Mu Shuangshuang’s radiant smile.

Liu Zian was somewhat surprised; from their last meeting, he remembered the person before him was incredibly skinny, wearing a loose, tattered garment as if a child had stolen adult clothing.

But now, her complexion is rosier, and even the flesh under her chin has grown.

And yet, she possesses a breathtaking beauty.

Especially those dark eyes, pure like a serene lake.

Realizing he’d been staring at the young woman too long, Liu Zian’s face flushed red.

"Miss, long time no see!"

Liu Zian spoke abruptly, realizing he didn’t even know her name.

"Long time no see!" Mu Shuangshuang nodded.

This scholar seemed interesting, always with an air of disarray.

Could it be that ancient scholars were all unappreciated talents?

Standing nearby, Fengzi felt a sudden surge of irritation.

This scholar never looked at him, instead staring at Shuangshuang for ages. If he had no intention, Fengzi wouldn’t believe it.

"Shuangshuang, didn’t you say you wanted to look around? Let’s go quickly; it’ll be hot later if we delay back home."

"Yes, let’s go!" Mu Shuangshuang responded to Lu Yuanfeng, and they left without bidding farewell to Liu Zian.