Chapter 70: Entangled in Battle

"You come in chattering and picking faults, and because you're my grandson's maternal grandmother, I'm letting it go—but you think this is your own house? You've become far too presumptuous."
Old Mrs. Li snapped, "If you can keep quiet, stay. If not, get out!"

Face?
Even if the emperor himself showed up, she'd still refuse to save face for someone who insulted her.
If it weren't for the presence of the honored lady, if it weren't for the twin grandsons' full-month celebration, Old Mrs. Li would have already chased her out with a broom.

"What?" Mrs. Wang, who had been basking in her own pride, was stunned by Old Mrs. Li's bluntness and retorted angrily, "Mother-in-law, that's heartless! My daughter gave your Li family two healthy sons—if not merit, at least hardship should count for something!"

"I came all this way and you won't even show me a pleasant face, not even a bowl of sweet soup. Now, a stranger talks about your grandson—my grandson—and not only do you fail to scold her, you lecture me instead? You're getting more unreasonable with age."
Mrs. Wang stood with hands on her hips, her voice loud and indignant, "A little baby, not talking yet? Clearly the parents don't teach. I've lived long enough to give a word of advice—why are you so upset?"

As she spoke, she glared at Bai Xi, puzzled by the appearance of this pale, chubby child who had caused her to lose face before Old Mrs. Li and the others.
After giving birth to three sons herself, who would dare treat her so poorly?

"Shut your mouth!"

Mrs. Wang's words struck a hornet's nest. The women of Niuluo Village instantly grew furious, rolling up sleeves and tugging at clothing, ready for a brawl.
Someone had already slipped outside to gather reinforcements.
After all, Mrs. Wang had brought her three daughters-in-law along; without backup, they'd be at a disadvantage.

"You didn't just forget to brush your teeth—you must have eaten dung before you came in!"

The room erupted in chaos.

"What are you saying? So ill-mannered! My mother-in-law is at least an elder..." Mrs. Wang's eldest daughter-in-law protested; if she didn't stand up for her mother-in-law now, she'd surely regret it at home.

"Elder? Nonsense! Her? Who does she think she is?" scoffed one of the Niuluo villagers.

"Hey, how can you talk like that..."

"We talk just like that. If you don't like it, leave!"

Even Li Jia's second sister-in-law began to shout, "Are you Niuluo people trying to bully the few with the many?"

"Yes, and what of it? Serves you right for running your mouths!"

"Exactly, we ought to tear your lips off—so quick to eat, but can't speak decently!"

"Is this how Niuluo Village treats guests? If word gets out, don't you care about your reputation?"

Old Mrs. Li spat, "Bah! Who cares about your visit? People like you, my family doesn't need!"

Li Jia silently agreed from the sidelines. With such a maternal family, she was lucky her husband's family was kind; otherwise, she couldn't imagine how she'd get by.

No one could say who struck first, but suddenly a teacup flew and smashed against Mrs. Wang's head. The tea wasn't hot, but sun-dried leaves mixed with water splattered across her face, soaking the special outfit she'd chosen for the day.

Mrs. Wang was momentarily stunned, then burst into rage, charging at the person who'd thrown the cup: "You dare throw at me? I'll tear you apart, you wretch—"

Before she could reach her target, she only managed two steps before being tripped, and then both sides erupted into a wild brawl.

The one who'd gone to call for help was Old Mrs. Li's cousin. She brought three village women who'd been cooking in the kitchen, and before they even entered, they heard the commotion and rushed inside at once.

Upon entering, they found the fight in full swing and, without a word, joined the fray.

In just three to five minutes, the quarrel had escalated into a brawl, and Bai Xi witnessed the entire scene unfold.

The Niuluo villagers weren't ones for single combat—or rather, their idea of single combat was three or four against one.

So, in the cramped room, only the cries of pain from Mrs. Wang and her daughters-in-law and the furious shouts of the Niuluo women could be heard.

Bai Xi, protected behind Li Jia, was still bewildered.

Wasn't this just an argument? How had it turned into a fight?

Li Jia's third sister-in-law was kicked toward the bed, having taken several blows already, and now, after colliding painfully with the edge, she grimaced in pain. Catching sight of Bai Xi and Li Jia nearby, she, furious, lunged for Bai Xi.

"You little brat—"

It was all the little girl’s fault; if not for her, she wouldn't have gotten beaten.
Although it was the mother-in-law who was struck first, as daughters-in-law they couldn't stand by and watch—but before they could intervene, they were dragged into the fight.

Now, seeing Bai Xi, she naturally wanted to vent her anger.

But as soon as Li Jia's third sister-in-law reached out, Li Jia delivered a swift, forceful kick from the side.

Never expecting her timid, sickly sister-in-law to strike, she was caught off guard, sent tumbling back into the melee, only to be snatched up by Old Mrs. Li's sharp-eyed cousin and dragged back into the fight.

"So, you want to attack our honored lady—"

Curses flew during the scuffle, but the phrase "honored lady" triggered an instant, instinctive reaction from the Niuluo villagers.

The moment they heard it, their anger grew, and seeing Old Mrs. Li's cousin yanking Mrs. Wang's third daughter-in-law by the hair, they rushed to assist.

"Courting death!"

"I'll beat you!"

"How dare you lay hands on our honored lady!"

"Touch our honored lady and I'll fight you to the end!"

Bai Xi opened her mouth, intending to call for a stop, but seeing that her villagers weren't at a disadvantage, she held her tongue, calmly entertaining the twins.

Normally, in such chaos, the twins would surely cry, but with Bai Xi there, the two month-old infants simply blew bubbles, waved their little hands, each grasping one of Bai Xi's fingers and grinning happily.

Li Jia, just a month after giving birth to twins, was still weak; that kick had left her sweating with anxiety.

She had wanted to join in, but Bai Xi saw through her intent and pulled her back, so Li Jia stayed put.

Right or wrong didn't matter much to Bai Xi; she was fiercely protective, and besides, Mrs. Wang had started it all.

Everyone in the Heavenly Realm knew Bai Xi held grudges—this was merely the villagers acting, Bai Xi herself hadn't even begun.

As she watched, Bai Xi caught a glimpse of someone sneaking out the door—a seven or eight-year-old boy who had earlier been nestled in Mrs. Wang's arms.

The boy crept out, wiping his mouth as he went.

Bai Xi glanced at the teacup Old Mrs. Li had set aside earlier—sure enough, nothing remained inside.

Then, watching as the boy stepped over the threshold, he turned and slid the teacup into the midst of the brawl, covering his mouth and snickering mischievously at his successful prank.