Gu Qingyao raised her brows when she saw that the two of them were actually working. However, she was not too surprised, because her father was home.
In this family, the two of them were most afraid of her father.
Sometimes, her father also could not control them. Basically, being too controlling was counter-productive, especially because Zhang Xiaohui and Gu Ruoqing were not very intelligent. Not only were they rather stupid, they were extremists who idolized the peasants. They had always been proud that they were peasants.
In this era, class status was of absolute importance. Those who had been landlords or capitalists used to be the upper crust of society. Ordinary citizens aspired to be like them, but could never attain such a status. Suddenly, these people had their property seized, and were reduced to dust. The attitude of hating the rich caused ordinary citizens to wildly embrace this policy. Zhang Xiaohui and her daughter were classic examples of this.
Her father was afraid that if they were driven into a corner, Zhang Xiaohui would report Grandfather and Grandma. These were unreasonable times. The moment they were reported, Grandfather and Grandma would suffer, even if they had done nothing wrong.
It was now common for a son to report his own father, much less a daughter-in-law.
Gu Qingyao ignored them and greeted Gu Yunshen. “Father, I’ll go and start cooking.”
She was about to bring her things back to her room when Gu Ruoqing rushed over. “What did you buy? Did Mo Beihan buy lots of nice things for you again?”
Her tone was filled with envy.
The Mo family had always been on fairly good terms with the Gu family, and Mo Beihan was especially close to them. Mo Beihan had enjoyed giving Gu Qingyao presents from a young age. When he grew up and made some money, he bought presents for her with even greater frequency. Every time he traveled, he always remembered to send her nice things.
How could Gu Ruoqing not be jealous?
Gu Qingyao rolled her eyes. “What business is it of yours? Auntie Jiang is in poor health, and Brother Beihan needs to leave soon. He bought some cloth and wool and asked me to help them make some winter clothes. Why are you so concerned?”
Gu Ruoqing’s eyes brightened. “Wool? Cloth? I want some too!”
She immediately reached out and tried to snatch the cloth bag from Gu Qingyao’s hand. Gu Qingyao angrily retreated. “What are you doing?”
“Has your Auntie Jiang been ill again recently?” Gu Yunshen suddenly interrupted them. Gu Ruoqing glanced at Gu Yunshen, but did not dare to act recklessly.
Gu Qingyao thought awhile before she said, “I’m not sure, but Brother Beihan said that she’s been in poor health and needs to rest. The busy season has only just ended, and Auntie Jiang has been taking care of the two children by herself at home. She’s exhausted. Also, the grain hasn’t been distributed, and they’re almost out of grain. Fortunately, Brother Beihan came back and bought some food.”
Jiang Yingqiu’s health had been ruined by overwork when she was young. She was just a woman. Her husband had abandoned her, her eldest son had died, and her daughter-in-law had run away. She herself had struggled to bring up the three children. No wonder her health was ruined by overwork.
It was quite an achievement to bring up these children in these hungry times.
Gu Yunshen said, “I have some medicinal herbs here. Bring some to her when you have the time. Your Auntie Jiang always falls ill after the busy season is over.”
Gu Qingyao nodded. “Um!”
Gu Ruoqing who was standing nearby pouted. “He’s just another pauper. Why are you so smug?”
With that, she squatted down and resumed washing the mushrooms. Zhang Xiaohui, who was nearby, also pouted when she heard the exchange, her expression disdainful.
It was true that the two of them looked down on Mo Beihan.
Although Mo Beihan had a good job and drew a high wage, he had many heavy burdens to carry at home.