C7 Disgusting!

Han Laosan's brow furrowed when he saw his wife visibly upset by Laoliu's Wife's words.

The sixth family was never one to keep the peace. It hadn't been long before they stirred up trouble again, managing to cause a scene even during a meal. His wife's words might have been harsh, but they weren't untrue; every wife worked, except for Laoliu's Wife, who seemed to be the exception!

And to think of Ol' Six's current prospects. He was a Commander now, while they were still toiling in the fields, knee-deep in mud. Ol' Six should be thanking them, not acting as if they were indebted to him.

Even if there had been debts in the past, they should have been settled when Ol' Six became a Commander. Not to mention, the old lady had spent twenty taels of silver to secure a wife for him.

Han Laosan conveniently forgot the promises he made when Han Ze enlisted in the army for the sake of their family. He never dared to contradict his mother, though resentment had been brewing in his heart for some time. This made him particularly intolerant of Ann Yan, especially when she brought up Ol' Six, which only added to his discomfort. "Laoliu's Wife, how can you speak to your sister-in-law like that? She's been working hard in the fields all morning and is understandably upset. Can't you be a little more considerate? Why must you always be so troublesome!"

Knowing his mother's fiery temper, Han Laosan didn't dare bring up Ol' Six in conversation. Instead, he scolded Ann Yan with the authority of an elder brother, hoping to quell her with his stern tone.

Witnessing Liao Xiaofang smugly supported by her husband, while Han Laosan put on an air of righteousness, Ann Yan let out a cold laugh. "What's this? You think you can bully me just because my husband isn't home? Anyone with eyes can see who started this. Han Laosan, you have some nerve, acting like you're doing your brother any favors!"

"Laoliu's Wife, stop harping on about Ol' Six. If he hadn't joined the army, he'd still be here in the mud with us, not a Commander. Don't play the victim when you've already struck it lucky."

"Now I see what this is about—you're jealous of my husband. He earned his rank as Commander through his own merit and bravery, and that's something no one can envy!"

Ann Yan shot Han Laosan a mocking glance. "Some people cower in the background when it's time to fight for their lives, and then they seethe with jealousy when they see others earning accolades," she said with biting sarcasm. "They don't consider that in these parts, countless are conscripted, many never to return, their lives lost on the battlefield. If it were someone else, they might not even leave bones behind."

Seeing Han Laosan's face turn beet red at her words, Ann Yan felt a surge of pleasure. She had no respect for a man like Han Laosan, who, despite appearing honest, was nothing but a scoundrel behind closed doors.

"Don't talk rubbish, Laoliu's Wife," Han Laosan retorted, his neck bulging with indignation. "When have I ever been jealous? You're projecting a woman's suspicions. Don't think you can drive a wedge between the brotherly love we share."

But Ann Yan was unfazed by Han Laosan's bluster, her smile sharpening with irony. "Whether you admit it or not, you know the truth. Don't take us for fools, and don't even think about bullying my son and me. I'm not afraid to lay down my life if I have to!"

Old Madam Han, the matriarch, knew her children better than anyone. She had always thought she understood her sons, especially when Laoliu rose to the rank of Commander. She was aware that some of her sons harbored ambitions, but she never expected her always dutiful Han Laosan to be one of them.

Despite her partiality, favoring her eldest, Laoliu, she had made a tough choice during conscription. Considering their circumstances, only Laoliu had the martial skills and the wit for service; the others would have been lambs to the slaughter. So, with a heavy heart, she had sent Laoliu to serve.

The decision was unfair to Laoliu, but he was a man of honor and accepted without complaint. His brothers knew they owed him a debt of gratitude and swore to never forget his sacrifice. Yet, as the years passed and Laoliu's prowess earned him the title of Commander, their hearts shifted, and their vows of gratitude faded.

With her own thoughts weighing heavily, Old Madam Han knew that her words as an elder would be futile. She set her face in a stern expression and declared, "Enough with the commotion. Let's eat in peace. Act as if I'm not even here, why don't you!"

Han Laosan was increasingly convinced of his own logic. "Mom, I'm not trying to be mean, but Laoliu's Wife is really out of line."

Old Madam Han had initially held her tongue, but Laosan's remarks ignited her ire. "Laosan, you're my flesh and blood, don't think I'm oblivious to your true intentions. Laoliu has earned his place through his own hard work and courage. His success doesn't erase your debts to him. You need to examine your conscience. Have you forgotten the things you said when Laoliu enlisted? I certainly haven't. Now that he's not here, you take it out on his wife? Shame on you. Don't force me to speak my mind!"

"Mom, I'm your son too. Why do you have to play favorites?"

"Is it favoritism, or is your heart just twisted? I'd rather be without a son than have one as spiteful and small-minded as you, who can't even measure up to a woman!" Old Madam Han finished with a cold sneer, observing Laosan's wounded expression.

"What's with this act, Laosan? If you're really so disgruntled and want to switch places with Laoliu, I'll go all out. I'll find his commanding officer and propose a swap. How about that? Let Laoliu come home to farm, and you can go strut around as a Commander!"

Though sarcasm flickered in Old Madam Han's eyes, she spoke with earnest conviction, as if she would follow through if Laosan agreed.

Ann Yan caught the glint in Old Madam Han's gaze. Clearly, Old Madam Han was bluffing to intimidate Laosan. Knowing her son well, she was confident this tactic would work. Old Madam Han, a widow who raised several sons, was no pushover, and she knew exactly how to handle a foolish one.

Old Madam Han was defending Han Ze, and Ann Yan had no intention of undermining her. She contentedly watched the drama unfold from the sidelines.

Sure enough, a mother knows her son best. Laosan was visibly shaken by Old Madam Han's words. "Mom, that... that can't happen! I don't have Laoliu's skills. If I went to battle, it would be the end of me."

Despite his jealousy and the constant nagging from Liao Xiaofang, Han Laosan wasn't without sense. He knew that being a soldier wasn't as straightforward as farming; it wasn't something you could just decide to do on a whim. The battlefield was perilous, and even a moment's carelessness could cost you your life. Laoliu had his share of skills, but over the years, he had sustained many injuries. There was even a time when he nearly lost his life during a severe incident. If Han Laosan were to take his place, he feared he wouldn't stand a chance and would likely lose his life as soon as he stepped onto the battlefield.