Chapter 1 Better Off Dead_1

In the scorching heat of June, the oppressive heat was unbearable, and even the breeze was laden with an inescapable warmth.

Especially at noon, when the sun was most vicious, no one ventured outside.

But today, quite a few villagers braved the harsh sun to gather by the river because the foolish bride who had just married into the Tan Family had jumped into the river.

The woman had been rescued and was now lying on a large rock, barely clinging to life.

The onlookers chatted amongst themselves in various tones of lament and pity...

An middle-aged auntie couldn't help saying, "This young bride is pitiable, with her simple mind, and yet her parents sold her for just one or two pieces of silver."

"That Aunt of the Tan Family is the worst of all, disliking even her youngest son, who just after getting married broke his leg. Now this bride will have an even harder life," another young wife said with sympathy.

Her mother-in-law was also a tough one, so she could relate very well.

"Isn't that the truth? But this fool isn't entirely foolish, knowing that on the other side she might suffer less."

...

Qiao Duo'er felt as if her head were splitting open. Who were these people chattering incessantly by her ear?

There seemed to be so many people; it was irritating. Couldn't they be quiet for a moment?

Her head was buzzing so much, it felt like it was about to explode!

Before Qiao Duo'er had time to think further, all her senses were overtaken by her stomach.

Her stomach swelled uncomfortably as if something was about to burst out of her mouth at any moment.

Qiao Duo'er tried to suppress that awful feeling, but often, impulses couldn't be controlled just because one wanted to.

All she felt was her mouth opening, and a jet of water sprayed out.

With each expulsion, she felt a little more relief. Qiao Duo'er stopped holding back; she remembered lying on a soft, large bed, surely she was dreaming now.

If one had to hold back even in a dream, then what was the point of living?

"Look, she's starting to spit out the water. Seems like she won't die," one person remarked.

"Not sure if it's good or bad she didn't die. She's only been in the Tan Family for a few days and she's already not treated like a human, constantly beaten or scolded. I say it might have been better had she died!" another commented.

"What do you know? Better to live a bad life than have a good death. Wait until the bride turns into the mother-in-law, then the good days will come, won't they?"

"Nonsense, she might die before the mother-in-law does!"

The villagers continued their discussions, ultimately concluding that the foolish bride would have been better off dead.

Alas, who knows which busybody went and saved her.

In the meantime, Qiao Duo'er had finally managed to expel all the water from her stomach, and the sensation... was extremely relieving.

The next second, her head lolled to the side as she once again slipped into a deep sleep.

In that fleeting moment before her consciousness faded, she couldn't help but criticize how absurd this dream was!

"Alright, with such hot weather, let's all not crowd here any longer. Da Niu, take her back," the village chief said.

The village chief of Big Willow Village was named Tie Niu, and in rural areas, the village chief's word carried considerable weight. Since the foolish bride was alright now and there was no more spectacle to witness, the villagers dispersed in twos and threes.

As for Da Niu, she was Tie Niu's daughter, inheriting the Tie Family's trait of great strength.

Even though she was a true tomboy, it didn't affect Tie Niu's doting love for her.

Da Niu effortlessly picked up Qiao Duo'er and couldn't help but tease, "Hasn't she eaten in a long time? She's light as a feather!"

Tie Niu shook his head helplessly; this girl's fate was indeed a tough one.

At her parents' home, she never had a single good day, and now at her in-laws', her life was hardly any better.

Tie Niu and Da Niu quickly arrived at the Tan Family's home, which, despite having just welcomed a new bride, didn't even display a big red 'happiness' character, reflecting their contempt for the young bride.