Jiang Yu's eyes lit up when she heard Niley's words.
This husband didn't make much of a difference whether he was there or not—always crying at home, which even ruined her luck in gambling. She'd just won five taels of silver today but already lost it all, and she still owed a lot to the gambling den.
She had planned to pay off the debt first, but after Zhang Mazi provoked her, not only did she not pay anything back, she ended up owing even more!
She was really afraid the gambling den would one day send someone to break her arms and legs.
But... her eyes darted between Jiang Mier and Niley.
This girl could spend five taels to buy her son today, so she must still have money left. Why not…
Seeing that Jiang Mier and the others were all looking at her, Jiang Yu forced a flattering smile. "We live so close, and it's no big deal if your father stays at our place for a few days. Go ahead, go ahead."
Jiang Yu's sudden friendliness made Jiang Mier and his father a bit uneasy. They all looked at Niley, waiting for her decision.
After all, Jiang Yu's attitude felt suspicious. It wouldn't be good if Niley got dragged into something bad.
Just as Niley raised her eyes to speak, Jiang Mier gently tugged her sleeve and shook his head.
She looked confused but said nothing.
Jiang Mier must have his reasons. She'd wait and see.
"What are you doing?! Since when does a husband stop his wife from speaking? That's so improper!"
Seeing that Niley was about to agree, only to be stopped by her son, Jiang Yu grew impatient and stepped forward to slap Jiang Mier out of habit. But before she got close, Niley blocked her.
"I-I was just helping you discipline him. Otherwise, he'll grow bold and stop listening."
Niley snorted. "He's doing just fine."
Jiang Mier: …
Jiang Yu: …
Gu Chen: …
"But you—what kind of ability is it to beat your husband? Coward! If I hear you hit or scold father again, you better think hard about which part you want broken!"
Niley's sharp gaze swept over Jiang Yu's arms and legs, sending a chill down her spine.
Why did Niley seem scarier than the gambling den thugs?
Jiang Yu rubbed her nose, suddenly feeling very uneasy in her own home.
Niley ignored her and walked to Jiang's father, nodding. "Dad, please eat while it's hot. It won't taste good once it cools."
"I made this chicken stew with potatoes. Please try it and see if it's good."
Seeing the kids so thoughtful, Jiang's father felt the fear from earlier slowly fade. His eyes welled up, and he picked up the food placed nearby.
When he saw the big pieces of chicken in the bowl, he frowned slightly and looked at Niley. "You two should eat the meat. I don't like meat much."
Saying that, he tried to put chicken in Jiang Mier's bowl.
Jiang Yu, shrinking into the corner after Niley ignored her, heard Gu Chen talking and her stomach growled loudly. Then she heard Gu Chen say he didn't like chicken.
Ignoring the risk of being hit, she dashed over to Gu Chen. "Stupid kid doesn't know how to enjoy life. You don't want chicken? Then I'll eat it!"
The moment she finished, she was thrown out of the house.
Hearing her wailing from the courtyard, Jiang Mier and his father looked at each other and smiled quietly.
Usually, they were the ones getting hit by Jiang Yu. Today was rare—they saw her get beaten, and not just once!
"Dad, go ahead and eat."
Seeing Jiang Yu still being disobedient, Niley gave Jiang's father a reminder, then got up and walked outside.
Jiang Yu had been thrown all the way outside. Her whole body ached, and she didn't dare move. When she saw Niley come out, she trembled in fear and remembered Niley's earlier warning.
Looking at her own arms and legs, she realized Niley really meant it.
"D-Don't come any closer!"
"You're Mier's wife. How could you hit his mother? That's unfilial!"
…
"Mier! Jiang Mier, get out here right now! Gu Chen, you stupid brat, come save me! Ah! Ahhhhhh!"
…
No matter how loud Jiang Yu screamed, the two inside didn't respond.
Niley stepped forward. Without letting Jiang Yu choose, she made the decision for her—and dislocated one of her arms.
Despite the freezing weather, Jiang Yu was sweating from the pain, and Niley still looked at her coldly. Terrified, Jiang Yu tried to crawl away.
Who just goes around dislocating arms and legs like that?!
It was horrifying.
"Oh? Your leg's broken now? I didn't even touch your leg!"
Watching Jiang Yu crawl like a mess, Niley sneered.
She had planned to dislocate her leg too, but then thought, that'd just make more work for Jiang's father.
Instead, she re-injured the arm Jiang Yu had hurt earlier—so she wouldn't go back to the gambling den.
Yep, she did another good deed today!
Realizing Niley wasn't chasing her anymore, Jiang Yu quickly crawled to the side, keeping a wary eye on her.
"You already took one arm, you can't take another one, alright~?"
"If you don't learn your lesson, then you'll lose more."
Jiang Yu swallowed hard. "I-I haven't eaten all day. Can I at least eat something?"
"No."
Jiang Yu's eyes widened. How was that too much to ask?
She couldn't even eat the food her own son brought?
But facing Niley's deadly stare, she didn't dare argue. She just hoped her remaining limbs would be spared.
"You're sleeping here tonight."
Niley pointed to the kitchen.
"But it's freezing…"
"At least I have somewhere to sleep. That's nice."
Niley: …
"I'm right next door. If I hear even a word of you scolding again…"
"You'll break my arms and legs! I get it, I get it!"
Seeing that Jiang Yu was finally obedient, Niley nodded and turned to leave.
"Wait, wait! Look at me now. Can you give me a little silver? Not much, and I swear I won't hit or scold anymore."
"Heh~" Niley found it amusing.
She smiled, clearly in a good mood.
But those who knew her would recognize—that look meant trouble.
Jiang Yu thought Niley was pleased with her attitude and gave a hopeful smile.
"What makes you think I'd give you silver? Because you're stupid?"
Before Jiang Yu could reply, Niley went back in, gave a few instructions to Jiang's father, and dragged Jiang Mier outside.
"Mier, talk to your wife for me. I'm not asking for much!"
"Wife." Jiang Mier glanced at the person holding his hand and paused. Then, under the flickering candlelight, he tilted his head toward Niley. "She's too noisy. Should we poison her mute?"