Chapter 22
Getting what they wished for
Everything that just happened had been planned out previously by Jiang Chuan. Whether it was Wang Fen’s scolding or Jiang Gui’s obstruction, it had all been arranged by Jiang Chuan. His purpose was to test what reasons his family would come up with to stop them from separating.
Jiang Xia peeked at her father and then lowered her head, smiling like a sly fox. Jiang Fu had to try a lot harder to argue with her father. Her father acted like he was still the soft and timid son to let their guard down.
After that, he would throw out something everyone was curious about, which allowed him to continue his speech. Everything that needed to be said was out, and the rest didn’t matter.
Obviously, after mentioning Wang Fen’s idea to marry Jiang Xia to Qian Li, the neighbor’s opinions became biased toward Jiang Chuan and his family.
“Jiang Chuan, we were in the wrong for this matter. At that time, I saw the man and thought that his living conditions were not bad, so I gave the girl to him. We didn’t tell you because we didn’t think it through. Your mother didn’t tell you where your daughter got married to because she was afraid you would face danger in the mountains. How about this, when we get home, I’ll take you to see the eldest girl.”
Jiang Fu was indeed the head of the Jiang family. With just a few words, he had managed to deceive the matter of selling Jiang Qing and even restored some of his reputation by apologizing.
Thanks to the era favoritism for men, Jiang Fu could cover up the issue of human trafficking so easily. After all, the one being sold was a girl. In this drought and lack of food, how many families had not planned to sell their daughters for food?
“Also, about Jiang Xia’s marriage, since you are against it, let’s see which family we like. This time, we will let you know.”
Jiang Xia gritted his teeth in anger after hearing Jiang Fu’s words. She had sold her elder sister and was now prepared to sell her. How could she let him go so easily?
“Grandpa, why do you still want to sell me?” Jiang Xia asked, and this made her grandpa really angry.
Jiang Xia continued by saying, “Grandpa, you said you’re not selling me, but I’m only thirteen years old, and you want me to marry out! When big sister got married, grandma did not give them any dowry, but she asked for many betrothal gifts. If this is not selling, what is? Or do you still think I am eating too much food from home? But I haven’t been to the dining table. What exactly am I eating that’s too much?”
Jiang Xia was crying and shouting at the same time. The surrounding was silent, and only the girl’s helpless screams could be heard.
“Grandpa, grandma, why don’t you like our family? Is it because mom only gave birth to three girls? Or do you hate dad? Dad is clearly your child too!”
“Why are you doing this to us? Mom and dad have to work during the day to earn food, and they have to dig for wild vegetables at night. Xiao Gu and I help people sew clothes just to get some food. We do all the chores at home, and grandma will beat or scold us if we forget anything. Why is that?”
The girl’s hoarse cry silenced everyone at the scene. The other villagers around remained silent because they didn’t expect Jiang Chuan’s family to live such a life, while the Jiang family remained silent as they were shocked that Jiang Xia had said everything out loud.
They all thought that Jiang Chuan would not say too much as he still cared about his reputation. After all, they would still live in the same village even if they separated.
The house was silent for a long time before the village chief sighed and said, “Brother Jiang! Let Jiang Chuan family move out!”
Then, he turned to the elders and asked, “What do the clan elders think?”
Hearing the village chief’s question, the few elders nodded silently.
It was useless for Jiang Fu to say anything now. He looked at Jiang Xia with a deep gaze and turned to Jiang Chuan, “Jiang Chuan, it’s already hard enough to live in a group for the past few years, and you still want separate? Forget it! I won’t say anything more. You guys take care. ”
Jiang Xia could not tell if Jiang Fu’s words were a reminder or a warning, but they made her uncomfortable.
“At least I can see my parents when I go to bed at night.” Jiang Xia mumbled to herself. Even though she was talking to herself, her words naturally reached everyone’s ears as the main hall was extremely quiet.