Old Madam Chen's expression softened slightly upon seeing Ding's understanding demeanor. "Since that's the case, you know the family's current situation. Your household is the only one with all daughters. I imagine they have taken up the spot for my grandsons. That's why the Goddess of Bestowing Sons hasn't sent a son to your family. I've decided to sell one of the two girls. It will at least fetch some grain. You are their mother; you decide who to sell and who to keep."
As soon as Old Madam Chen finished speaking, everyone present, except for the Fourth Son's wife, Madam Sun—who was Old Madam Chen's niece from her maiden family—trembled in fear.
Su Cuiling and her sister felt as if their hearts were pounding like drums, filled with uncertainty about their mother's choice.
Upon hearing this, Ding felt both fear and sorrow. Despite her timid and weak nature, being beaten a few times was entirely different from being sold to strangers.
However, her husband remained silent, his posture conveying agreement with his mother, leaving Ding lost and helpless. She knew she couldn't protect her two daughters, but this time, she still knelt and pleaded.
"Mother, they are both so grown now. How can we just sell them? We haven't reached the point of not having enough to eat yet. Why not keep them? Even if we raise them like cats or dogs, they can still help the family with chores, can't they?" Ding said, kowtowing to Old Madam Chen, hoping she would change her mind.
Seeing Ding dare to contradict her, Old Madam Chen glared at her maliciously. "Not sell them? Fine! If you can't bear to part with them, then let's sell all three of you! You're a bit old to be a courtesan, but you could certainly work as a low-class servant in any household; I'm sure someone would want you."
Seeing Ding so terrified she couldn't speak, Old Madam Chen feigned reaching out an arm. Fourth Son's wife, Madam Sun, quickly stepped forward to support her. "Ding, I'll give you one last chance. Will you sell one of your daughters, or all three of you? You must understand that whether my family eats or not is the livelihood I, this old woman, have earned. It has little to do with you mothers and daughters. You've eaten and lived here for free for so many years but haven't contributed anything to the family. I don't see much use in keeping you. If you still don't understand, it's better to sell you off quickly. Once we settle in Suining Prefecture, I'll find a virgin girl for Mingfu to marry and have more sons."
Hearing Old Madam Chen's words, Ding shook her head in terror and looked at Su Mingfu, hoping he would say something.
However, Su Mingfu was beaming with excitement, immersed in fantasies of settling down and marrying a new wife. He paid no mind to his wife and two daughters. "Mother, are you serious? Will you really find me a virgin girl after we settle down?"
Old Madam Chen shot Su Mingfu a glare and then looked back at Ding.
Ding quickly said, "No, no, no, I'll choose, I'll choose. Mother-in-law, please don't sell me." She then looked at her two daughters with tears in her eyes.
Ding was, by nature, someone who couldn't handle affairs and lacked foresight. Old Madam Chen's scolding would always fluster her. Su Mingfu was also heartless, so how could she not be afraid?
She was nearly forty now. If she were truly sold... she dared not imagine. If she were lucky enough to find employment with a wealthy family as a servant, that would be a great blessing. What if she encountered ruffians or bandits? Then she would have no chance of survival.
But her two daughters were different. They were still young, girls in their teens, at their freshest. If they were lucky and found good families, it would not only provide them with a good future but also prevent her from being driven away. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?
Su Cuiling, seeing her mother so easily intimidated, cursed inwardly. What an idiot! Doesn't she use her brain at all?
Seeing that the old witch was not joking, she couldn't help but worry. What if they were really going to be sold? She pondered for a moment and steeled herself. There was no other way. It was better than being sold to unknown people.
Thus, Su Cuiling put on a hesitant expression. "Grandmother, I don't want to leave you. I can do many things for the family. Grandmother, please don't sell me, okay? If you must sell someone, sell my sister! She can't do anything right and always makes you angry. Sell her! I will obediently listen to you from now on."
Old Madam Chen faked patting Su Cuiling's hand and then glared warningly at Ding. "Alright, alright. Grandmother knows you are a good girl."
Ding, receiving the threatening gaze, timidly looked at her thin and frail second daughter, Su Cuixia.
Upon seeing the scene before her, Su Cuixia's previous fear and anxiety vanished in an instant. At this moment, she felt an immense peace, devoid of any of the recent panic and unease.
Looking at the people around her, who were called relatives, she didn't know why, but their appearances suddenly changed.
They transformed into the performers dressed in extravagant costumes she had seen from afar once when the landlord of Ping'an Town held a grand birthday celebration.
She had only seen one person with a face painted whiter than a corpse, with only two eyeballs visible apart from a mouth painted a bloody red.
"Hahahaha... Hahahaha..." Su Cuixia suddenly burst into uncontrolled laughter, as if possessed.
Old Madam Chen saw this and thought, "This won't do! With such a mad appearance, how could anyone be willing to pay money to buy her?" She then signaled to Su Mingfu.
Su Mingfu, receiving his mother's hint, looked around, then turned, grabbed a handful of dry grass, rolled it into a ball, and forcefully stuffed it into Su Cuixia's mouth.
One must say, this Su Mingfu was truly exceptional. This was his own flesh and blood daughter, yet he treated her as if she were a wild dog about to be slaughtered for meat, showing no sign of compassion.
However, Su Cuixia's hands were still free. She struggled desperately, scratching Su Mingfu's face with her hands, drawing bloody lines. She even managed to bite his finger.
"Ouch! It hurts so much! You disobedient, unfilial dead girl. You have a temper when I say a few words to you. What use is there in keeping you like this?" Su Mingfu yelled, while pinching Su Cuixia's cheek, trying to make her let go.
But Su Cuixia was ferocious. Enduring the gagging sensation in her throat, she bit down hard on Su Mingfu's hand, refusing to release him. Her eyes were bloodshot, scanning every member of the Su family present.
Ding and the others were terrified by Su Cuixia's frenzied state. Su Cuiling was also somewhat frightened. Su Cuixia's appearance was like the vengeful female ghosts described by the elders.
Seeing Su Mingfu's face turn pale from the pain, Old Madam Chen quickly called for others to help. Seeing Ding and Su Cuiling each holding one of Su Cuixia's arms, she even prepared to step forward and reprimand her.
Su Cuixia glared hatefully at the approaching Old Madam Chen. As Old Madam Chen reached to pull her hair, she kicked her in the chest and abdomen, sending her to the ground.
Do not underestimate someone pushed to their limit. Look at Old Madam Chen. Who would have thought she would be kicked head over heels by a teenage girl?
"Rebellion, rebellion! This disobedient, unfilial beast dares to hit her own grandmother! Hurry and drag her away to be sold! Hurry!" Old Madam Chen pointed at Su Cuixia and roared.