Chapter 3: Eccentricity

Stop!

Cui was so choked that she could not utter a word

Hehe. Wang Ning'an was completely unconcerned. In the first couple of days after he had just crossed over, his mind had not yet adapted, and his body was immobile, with a will but no strength. Now, he had at least regained half of his combat ability. Back then, in order to write a time-travel story, he had researched a lot of ancient materials, and even the Cui family was beyond his capability, so he simply decided to end it all.

Old Lady Wang nodded and surprisingly agreed to the proposal made by the Cui family

From beginning to end, the old lady did not glance at Wang Luoxiang, even though she was more seriously injured. Wang Ning'an's expression was quite poor; he held his sister in his arms, and the little girl felt her brother's warmth, snuggling in even closer.

Elder? You think you are worthy!" Wang Ning'an was about to retort

"How ridiculous!" Cui retorted, refusing to admit to any wrongdoing, "A little girl like her, tough as nails, isn't she just fine? Besides, even if she were to die, what of it? One less burden! It saves on the dowry!"

Upon hearing the old lady speak, Cui turned her head and began to wail loudly, "Grandmother, as a granddaughter-in-law, I have risen early and gone to bed late for the Wang family, honoring my elders, supporting my husband, and educating the children. Is it not I who have been holding this family together through hard work? I have not neglected anything, yet even a little child does not regard me with any respect. I am wronged as a granddaughter-in-law. If you do not make a decision for me, I will crash my head against the wall!"

Do not say anything! Cui's eyes were red, and she was screaming hysterically, but there was a clear sense of panic in her eyes. Cui was most proud that her husband and son were the only two scholars in the Wang family. If the Wang family wanted to prosper in the future, it would depend on the two of them, and perhaps she could also attain the title of a noble lady, enjoying boundless glory.

Starting tomorrow, let Xiang'er also go to the kitchen. The girl is no longer young; she should learn to do housework, otherwise she won't be able to get married in the future

By the time he shouted, it was already too late. Cui waved her arm; after all, she was an adult. Wang Luoxiang, being small and frail, was immediately thrown out and her head struck the leg of the table

Xiang'er

Great-grandmother! Second uncle's wife steals money with her mouth open and calls others thieves with her mouth closed. Has the Wang family become a den of thieves? Is everyone from top to bottom a thief? Then what is the second uncle?

Wang Ning'an spoke with righteous indignation: "Great-grandmother, the Wang family is a well-respected household with its own rules. If I remember correctly, among the seven grounds for divorce, two are jealousy and excessive talk. The Cui family is excessively jealous and cruel, mistreating the young children of the Dai family, injuring my sister and brother. The Cui family gossips, stirs up trouble, confuses right and wrong, speaks nonsense in front of our elders, and even insults my father, sowing discord between my uncle and his brothers, showing no regard for the dignity of a Wang family daughter-in-law. If this continues, I fear we will lose all face for the Wang family, and everyone will point fingers at us. Great-grandmother, the Wang family cannot become a laughingstock!"

Cui still refused to give up and added: "Grandma, from now on, let him do the chores of fetching water and chopping firewood. If he doesn't temper his temperament, he is sure to cause great trouble in the future"

The old lady shook her head and sighed, deeply pained. Seeing the opportunity, Cui quickly supported the old lady's arm and added with embellishment: "Grandmother, the granddaughter-in-law is wronged, you must help me!"

She was clawing and flailing, and Old Lady Wang simply could not bear to watch; how could someone hit another person right in front of her

Cui did not dare to speak, the old lady bent down, helped Wang Ningze up, and took a closer look. The little fellow was quite sturdy; he had just fallen on his bottom, and there was nothing serious.

You! Go! Die!

Upon hearing this, Cui jumped up in anger, becoming even more relentless, "Listen to this, what kind of words are these? For the Wang family, have I not suffered enough? I have actually raised a white-eyed wolf!"

Struck at her weak point by Wang Ning'an, how could she not be frantic and wail to the heavens

Wang Ning'an was startled when he saw his sister rush out and hurriedly shouted, "Don't fight for it, come back!"

The old lady finally let out a breath, and then glared fiercely at Mrs. Cui.

"You little rabbit, dare you insult me!" Cui was left blushing with embarrassment by Wang Ning'an's words, raising her hand and rushing towards Wang Ning'an to strike.

Wang Ning'an never expected that the old lady would hit herself. His eyes instantly turned blood red, and his mouth twitched a couple of times as he barely suppressed his anger. Unlike the Cui family, Old Lady Wang was his great-grandmother. If he dared to retort even once, he would be branded as unfilial, and his life would be ruined.

Forget it, I will be more careful in the future

After Cui finished speaking, she cried loudly, looking very pitiful; however, in Wang Ning'an's eyes, it was nothing but disgusting

I am not a farmer

Old Lady Wang fell silent for a while and said coldly: "Ning An, it seems you have recovered well. In a couple of days, you will join your uncle and Grandpa Zhong to work in the fields"

The old lady raised her hand, swinging it left and right, landing four slaps in quick succession. Wang Ning'an's face instantly turned red, with finger marks swelling high.

Cui is not only harsh and greedy, but also completely disregards his sister's life. Wang Ning'an gritted his teeth and said: "You really should convey this to your parents, so they can strangle you early and save the Cui family a portion of the dowry"

Wang Ning'an was screaming wildly in his heart, but when it reached his lips, he forced himself to hold it back. What an unreasonable old lady! Can the three words "scholar" be used to disregard right and wrong, to confuse truth and falsehood?

Apologize to her? Who is actually at fault?

Seeing that the Cui family had snatched away the money, the most horrified was Wang Luoxiang. The young girl felt it was her fault; with the money gone, her brother and younger brother would have to go hungry, and it was her father's private savings... Wang Luoxiang was so anxious that she cried. Not knowing where her courage came from, she suddenly ran over, grabbed the money bag, and desperately tried to pull it back, crying out, "This is my father's money, it wasn't stolen, quickly return it to us!"

Grandmother, take a look at this porridge and the steamed buns on the table. They are even better than what the elders eat. If this continues, won't it ruin the Wang family? His father practices martial arts and eats a pound of meat every day, and they are like this! A whole family of gluttons and thieves, life is unbearable!

Cough cough! Second son's wife, I am still alive!

Wang Ning'an sneered and said: "What is wrong with my parents leaving a little pocket money when they go out? If my second aunt thinks this is stealing, I will accept it! I only request that the great-grandmother also go to the second uncle's room and search it thoroughly. If not a single copper coin is found, I will accept it. But if something is found... heh, who the thief is remains to be seen!"

Suddenly, a sound came from outside, causing Cui Shi and Wang Ning'an to stop. They saw an elderly lady with white hair, leaning on a cane, rushing in from outside. It was Wang Ning'an's great-grandmother, the head of the Wang family

Wang Ning'an's eyes were bloodshot, and he disregarded everything. He raised the porridge pot and was about to smash it towards the Cui family.

Great-grandmother, as a younger generation, I have no right to speak, but since the Cui family has insulted my father, this cannot be left unaddressed

What you just did could have cost my sister her life! How cruel-hearted you are!

Wang Ning'an did not respond, and Old Lady Wang stamped her foot, saying: "Your second uncle and cousin are scholars, they are the hope of our family. No matter what, you should not bring them up. If they fail to pass the imperial examination, our Wang family will be doomed, and I will die with my eyes closed!"

... ...

"You filthy little thief, I will kill you first!" Cui struck out with her hand, pushing Wang Ningze back three steps, causing him to fall to the ground. The little fellow, in pain, burst into tears. Cui was relentless, rushing over and swinging her fists to strike.

Wang Ning'an

Grandmother, how dare they steal money from the house? They stole needles when they were young, and now they steal gold. If they are not severely punished, will there be any rules left?

The old lady struck her cane, making a loud thud, "Enough! Do you want to drive me to my grave?"

Wang Ning'an is certainly not a pushover; he insists on reasoning at all times

In a fit of rage, Cui's face turned dark, "What audacity! You dare to retort? Your father is a good-for-nothing, and you are a little thief as well. Watch me tear your mouth apart!"

Old Lady Wang hesitated slightly, her gaze filled with questions as she glanced at Wang Ning'an

Upon hearing the mention of the cheap old man by the Cui family, he understood in his heart that the Cui family was targeting his siblings at every turn. To put it plainly, it was all for the benefit of their second branch. His second uncle, Wang Liangxun, and his cousin, Wang Ninghong, were both studying, which naturally incurred expenses. The Wang family was not faring well, yet the cheap old man was wholeheartedly focused on restoring the family's former glory, diligently practicing martial arts, which consumed a considerable amount of money. The Cui family was displeased and took the opportunity to vent their frustrations on the children.

"Grandma is here!" Cui Shi said with a forced smile, quickly playing the victim, "Er Lang stole money from the house and even dared to lay hands on his elders. If this is not dealt with, it will be a complete rebellion!"

Cui showed a face full of disdain, yet still responded with a reluctant agreement

Old Lady Wang's chest heaved violently as she took a deep breath, "Wang Ning'an, do you know why I hit you?"

This is the grandson of our Wang family, such a grown person, yet still lacks discretion; what will we do if he breaks something?

"What else do you want?" Cui said angrily, "I don't even care for your apology; you must be severely punished, beaten to a pulp!"

Cui was struck at her weak point. When it comes to the skill of hiding private funds, who can compare to her? If one were to search her room, wouldn't it all be exposed

Wang Ning'an exclaimed in shock, hurriedly rushing over and reaching out to touch; there was a swelling the size of an egg on the back of his sister's head, and blood was oozing out. Wang Ning'an completely erupted, transforming into an angry little leopard, glaring fiercely at the Cui family.

Cui was throwing a tantrum, and Old Lady Wang complained with a dark expression: "Wang Ning'an, quickly apologize to your second aunt!"

Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her leg. Looking down, she saw the small Wang Ningze biting her thigh, his sharp little teeth piercing into her flesh, it really hurt

When it comes to verbal sparring, Wang Ning'an is not afraid of her. He coldly laughed and said: "Dare you still say it is for the Wang family? Both my second uncle and cousin are preparing for the imperial examination to become members of the scholarly elite. What do scholars value? It is not knowledge, but virtue!" Wang Ning'an mocked: "If my second aunt treats her younger brother and nephew this way, once it becomes known and reaches the examiners' ears, they will say that my second uncle cannot manage his family, how can he govern the country? His lifelong aspirations will be ruined. With a harsh mother, my cousin's future career will also face troubles... it is not knowledge, but virtue!" Wang Ning'an mocked: "If my second aunt treats her younger brother and nephew this way, once it becomes known and reaches the examiners' ears, they will say that my second uncle cannot manage his family, how can he govern the country? His lifelong aspirations will be ruined. With a harsh mother, my cousin's future career will also face troubles..."