Joyful Motherhood in a Rural Family

Chapter 18 - 18: 16: Ugly Daughter-in-law Meets the Parents-in-law

Liu Sisi slept until the sun had risen high into the sky before getting up. She rubbed her still-drowsy eyes and stumbled into the kitchen to wash her face with water, and rinse her mouth with a willow twig. She only learned this mouth-rinsing habit since she came here.

Feeling slightly more awake after drinking a bowl of plain rice porridge, Liu Sisi went to clean the kitchen and left the room. Lifting her gaze, she saw Di Yelei working diligently in the courtyard. Numerous bamboo strips were arranged before him, and she watched his large hands skillfully handle the bamboo strips and knife, producing one smooth bamboo piece after another. What a talented pair of hands!

Liu Sisi took a few quick steps to stand under a nearby shade of a bitter chestnut tree and curiously asked, “What are you making?”

Di Yelei looked up with a smile: “Our bed is rather small, and since summer is approaching, I thought I’d make a large bamboo bed. This way, it’ll be more comfortable and cool in the evenings.”

That was indeed a great idea!

Liu Sisi previously had a larger bed, which allowed her to roll around to her heart’s content.

“That sounds wonderful; a big bed will be much cooler! By the way, is there anything I can help you with?”

After pondering for a moment, Di Yelei shook his head: “No need. If you want to help, you can go freshen up, and once I finish with the bamboo strips, I’ll take you to the old house. You’ve been married for some time now, and people always say the new wife must meet her in-laws. It’s better to go and pay them a visit now to avoid any unnecessary gossip.”

Only then did Liu Sisi recall the discussions she had overheard among the gossiping villagers. Despite having moved out and started their own separate lives, Di Yelei was still a son of the Di family. As his wife, Liu Sisi had yet to go and pay her respects. It was indeed very improper!

“Are you insinuating that I’m ugly?”

The most attractive feature of her former self was undoubtedly her lovely face, even prettier than what she looked like in her previous life!

“No, no, I didn’t mean it like that…”

Di Yelei seemed genuinely taken aback by Liu Sisi’s question as he fumbled over his words, stammering a response.

“Hahaha! I was just joking. Look at how flustered you are.”

Liu Sisi suddenly smiled, her face blooming like a flower and leaving Di Yelei dumbfounded and unable to recover for a moment.

“Alright, then! I’ll go get ready now.”

A sudden thought of the children crossed Liu Sisi’s mind, as she quickly asked, “Hey, where are Xuan’er and YingEr? I don’t see them.”

Di Yelei looked up from his work, pausing momentarily: “YingEr wanted to see her brother Zhang Yun, so I let Xuan’er take her to Zhang Peng’s home. Oh, Zhang Yun is Zhang Peng’s son. We often go hunting together. When the opportunity arises, I’ll introduce you to them.”

When Di Yelei and Liu Sisi arrived at the old house, Elderly Mr. Di was already out, and only his stepmother Ms. Zhao and Second Sister-in-law Ms. Wang were at home.

As soon as they entered, Di Yelei’s face turned solemn, and he said in a deep voice, “Mom, Second Sister-in-law, Yelei has brought Sisi to meet you.”

Liu Sisi hurriedly stepped forward to pay her respects, presenting them with a wild pheasant she had hastily plucked. She didn’t know what arrangements her previous self had made for the wedding, but all she found in her baggage were two old summer dresses and nothing else.

“Oh! It’s been so many days, and we can’t bear such a formal visit. Look at this, a wild pheasant – didn’t you say you were all out of them yesterday?” Ms. Zhao said loudly without any signs of relaxation on her face. These two people even dared to deceive her; it was simply outrageous.

While speaking, she gave Liu Sisi a disdainful glance.

Traditionally, a new wife must present a gift to her parents-in-law during their first encounter, yet Ms. Zhao showed not the slightest sign of acknowledging this custom for Liu Sisi’s first meeting with her in-laws.