Chapter 9: Fiercely rebuking obnoxious relatives
"Even the five dollars were contributed by both of our families. Where on earth would there even be money to give to you," the second daughter-in-law persisted, holding onto her waist and leaning closer to Lin Yue as she spoke, spitting everywhere.
Lin Yue sidestepped and wiped the spit off her face with her sleeve, giving a cold smile. "If you really want to know, I can tell you."
"I not only bought flour today but also a lot of peanuts."
"As for where the money came from, it's the dowry money for our daughter, Xiu Er. What's the matter? Are you jealous, sister-in-law? Your daughter is about eight or nine years old, right? Why don't you marry her off too? Maybe you'll get even more money."
Last night, when the crippled man came to take Xiu Er, Lin Yue returned the betrothal gifts. The crippled man, angry at the time, didn't take them and went to grab Xiu Er instead. Later, Lin Yue blocked the door with a pole and drove the crippled man away. He didn't even have time to take the betrothal gifts.
So, the five kilograms of grain vouchers were indeed in Lin Yue's hands.
Now, with Lin Yue's words, the second daughter-in-law was left speechless.
"What did you say? You've married off Xiu Er?" the second uncle asked in surprise.
"Yes, to that crippled man in the village, Xia. We've even given the bride price. What's the matter? Do you want a share of that money too?" Lin Yue's thoughts were simple; that she wanted to scare away the second uncle and his wife.
She couldn't possibly tell them she had been digging for mice with her child. No one would believe that.
As for the crippled man's marriage, where there's a will, there's a way. Dong Tian had said his father would return. With his father back, negotiating with the crippled man would be easier. In any case, they would have to sort out the marriage arrangements.
This time, the second uncle and his wife were truly dumbfounded. They glanced at each other, and the second daughter-in-law reached into her chest and pulled out a piece of paper.
"We're not interested in Xiu Er's dowry. Marrying off such a young child, that's something you can do, but I couldn't," she continued, "However, this is the promissory note written by her grandmother before she passed away. We borrowed a total of five dollars from both our families to pay your betrothal. Now, it's time for you to repay it."
Lin Yue couldn't believe her ears. "What did you say? I have to repay the betrothal money?"
"Naturally, It's written in black and white. The money is for your maternal family. It's a promissory note written by the child's grandmother, so naturally, you have to repay it." the second daughter-in-law refuted.
Lin Yue chuckled in disbelief. "It seems like you're openly bullying us because there are no men in our family."
"Let me see the promissory note."
The second daughter-in-law handed it over.
Just as Lin Yue was about to reach for it, the second daughter-in-law abruptly pulled it back.
"I'll hold it up for you to see. What if you take it and tear it up?"
Lin Yue was speechless.
This time, the promissory note was held before her eyes with crooked letters on it, stating that, "Xia Guoliang and I borrowed two yuan."
There was no mention about what the purpose of the loan was or how it would be repaid. There was only a signature with the grandmother’s name, alongside her fingerprint.
This promissory note was clearly a trap.
Lin Yue narrowed her eyes. The note only mentioned borrowing money, not the purpose or terms of repayment. Even if she claimed the money was for her betrothal, it wouldn't hold up.
Lin Yue glanced at the two people before her. "Does the eldest brother also have such a promissory note?"
"Of course. Let him come find you later. You should repay our family first." The second daughter-in-law relentlessly pressed on.
Lin Yue sneered loudly, "It's ridiculous. Grandma had no money when she died, so what kind of will could she have left?"
"What will? Grandma had no money to leave any will," the second daughter-in-law retorted, glaring.
T/L: They make me fume
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