Chapter 56: Idle Gossip and Lessons in Marriage

Aunt Huang nodded, her heart heavy with worry. She glanced at her grandson, who was completely engrossed, then beckoned Ming Dai, the young educated youth, to come closer.

Ming Dai leaned in, and Aunt Huang spoke in a low voice, “Girl, even though he’s crazy, he’s still a man. You must be careful—never let him take advantage of you. You’re young now and don’t understand, but idle gossip can kill. If anything happens, it’ll be too late. If you have any problems, come to me. Even if I have to fight the madman, I’ll make sure you’re safe. Do you understand?”

Her words were firm, but her voice trembled when she mentioned fighting.

Ming Dai was touched. “Don’t worry, Auntie. I’m careful. Besides, I’m treating him—trying to see if I can cure him.”

Aunt Huang was surprised. It seemed her medical skills were more impressive than she had let on.

The commune had already invited doctors from the city to see Zhou Sinian, but all of them said there was nothing to be done.

But Ming Dai wasn’t one to make things up. If she said she could treat him, she must have a way.

Aunt Huang’s eyes shone brighter as she looked at Ming Dai. What a treasure she was!

Such a pity she had only given birth to a toad!

“If you can cure him, the whole commune will beat drums and thank you!”

Ming Dai laughed. “I’ll do my best!”

After their laughter, Aunt Huang began to fill Ming Dai in on the village gossip: how Er Gouzi’s wife loved to take advantage, always yanking a scallion from passersby’s baskets; how the wife of the man from the east end always shortchanged people when asked to bring things back from town, her skin thick as leather; how Widow Zhang’s chickens liked to wander, always losing eggs, and she accused the neighbor’s stammerer of stealing them, stood at his door cursing all day till she extorted an egg.

Then there was Luo Cheng’s mother, Widow Luo.

“She’s a strong woman, raised five children, and one son even became a company commander—quite accomplished for these parts. But alas, her heart is crooked. She favors the eldest and youngest sons, and dislikes her most successful second son.

Luo Cheng is blindly filial, sends all his wages and stipends to his mother, who then gives them to the eldest and youngest, leaving him with nothing. Last year they built new houses: the eldest got a room, the youngest got a room, but the second son got none.

She doesn’t even consider how old her second son is. Refusing to arrange a marriage for him, she’s hoping he’ll keep supporting the family for a few more years, holding him back for no reason.”

Ming Dai looked at her with admiration. Aunt Huang was like a modern internet commentator, her analysis spot-on.

Seeing the awe in Ming Dai’s eyes, Aunt Huang boasted, “Humph, Widow Luo’s way is the most foolish. When you have many sons, the worst thing is favoritism. She thinks she’s helping the eldest and youngest, but she’s only driving the brothers apart. Unless the second son never marries, there’ll be trouble for Widow Luo!”

Ming Dai eagerly poured her another bowl of malted milk, listening with wide eyes.

Aunt Huang took a sip, smacking her lips, and solemnly instructed Ming Dai. “For men like Luo Cheng, best not to marry them. They seem impressive, but there’s nothing behind it. He listens to his mother for everything. Sounds like a dutiful son, but whoever marries him will end up steeped in bitterness, with nowhere to vent grievances, and he’ll turn around and call you unfilial!”

Ming Dai nodded vigorously. So true! He was the textbook mama’s boy!

She wanted to applaud Aunt Huang like a seal.

Aunt Huang, attentive as ever, taught her a few practical tips—ways to tell if a family would make a good in-law.

Never choose a family that values sons over daughters, like her second daughter-in-law’s family. You can marry into them, but never send a daughter there; even bearing a child can be torment.

Don’t just look at the man, but also his parents. If his father or elders beat their wives, think twice—he might do the same.

Don’t marry a smooth-talker; they’re fickle and prone to mischief. But don’t choose someone so taciturn that you can’t get a word out of him; when honest men explode, it’s terrifying. Find a man who’s responsible and willing to sacrifice for you.

…

Ming Dai found every point invaluable and quickly jotted them down.

Aunt Huang felt like she was enjoying the feeling of having a daughter, very satisfied.

“I’ll keep teaching you. If you have any questions, we’ll figure them out together—just don’t get confused.”

Ming Dai agreed wholeheartedly, nodding solemnly.

Aunt Huang was pleased and shifted to matters in the front yard.

“This time, at your educated youth center, there’s actually someone who won’t go work on the reservoir—the young lady who came with you.”

Ming Dai understood. “Fang Rou?”

Aunt Huang nodded. “Yes, her—whatever her name is, Fang Rou or something. Your uncle said she’s got connections; the city gave direct orders for her to teach at the commune elementary school. Honestly, it’s just trouble for nothing. If she finds rural life too hard, why did she volunteer to come? Now your uncle got scolded for supposedly mistreating her.”

Ming Dai figured the Fang family still had some influence since they hadn’t fallen from grace yet, which allowed Fang Rou to get special arrangements.

“In any case, keep your distance from them. That place is full of trouble; best to avoid entanglements.”

Ming Dai nodded obediently.

The two chatted some more, both thoroughly enjoying the conversation. Iron Boy and Dog Boy ate happily and watched with delight.

Aunt Huang glanced at the sky, realizing it was time to make dinner, and called her grandsons home.

Dog Boy hadn’t finished reading and was reluctant, whining softly. Aunt Huang raised her hand to smack him.

Ming Dai hurried to stop her, grabbed a small basket, packed up the leftover fruit, and put Dog Boy’s book inside, along with the clam oil she’d used on them.

She handed Aunt Huang the towel she’d used to wipe the boys’ faces. “Auntie, let the boys use this towel. I have plenty at home, all traded from the city.”

Aunt Huang thought of her dirty grandsons, always with runny noses, and nodded. Hearing it was from the city, she was tempted.

“Little Ming, are these things easy to trade for in the city?”

Ming Dai nodded. “Very easy. The city lacks food, but these are in abundance. Every holiday, every household gets them. The towel factory gives out towels, the glove factory gives out gloves, all very cheap.”

Aunt Huang’s eyes sparkled. “If I ask you to trade for me, could you?”

Ming Dai had been waiting for this. “Of course. I need to send things to my father’s boss in the city anyway, so I can trade them together.”

Aunt Huang was delighted. “Wonderful! I’ll think about it and ask around if anyone else wants to trade anything. Then I’ll let you know. But let’s be clear, you only help us trade; we pay for everything, including postage.”

Ming Dai smiled and nodded. “Naturally!”