Chapter 16

"For this child's future, you must discipline him properly. He's the eldest grandson of the Stone family!"

Emily Johnson's voice was calm but firm, emphasizing the words "eldest grandson" to make the consequences clear.

John Stone Sr., the brigade leader, was no fool. He understood the underlying message.

It seemed he had underestimated his third son's wife—she had a sharp tongue.

No wonder William's wife had lost to her.

"We'll discipline him properly. I need to get back to work now."

John Stone Sr. left, but Mary Stone stayed behind.

Her heart ached as she examined the wound on David's forehead, then noticed the brand-new clothes and shoes on both grandsons.

Had Emily actually made them new clothes?

She had even bathed them—their skin carried a faint, pleasant scent.

"Grandma, have some candy." Tommy pulled out a piece of White Rabbit Candy from his pocket, holding it up eagerly.

Mary was stunned. White Rabbit Candy was a rare treat these days.

"Grandma doesn’t want it. You eat it, Tommy."

Emily, tidying up the yard, turned and saw the scene.

"Mother..."

Mary looked at her daughter-in-law with mixed emotions. Years ago, when her youngest son—then a troublemaker—had married the prettiest educated youth in the village, she had been overjoyed.

"Mother, my family sent some food. Let me get it for you. Tommy, close the door."

Food? For her?

Tommy happily skipped to shut the door.

"Grandma..."

Mary had only intended to check on her grandsons before heading home. With the busy farming season over, she mostly did household chores now.

Emily brought out two cans of powdered milk and prepared a bowl for each of them.

"I don’t need any. Give David extra."

"It’s already made. Let it cool before drinking."

The rich aroma of milk filled the air.

The two boys stared eagerly at the steaming bowls, swallowing hard.

"Mother, try this new sponge cake."

Mary was surprised. Since when had Emily become so generous?

"Were you sick a few days ago?"

"Yes, I had a fever..."

"Grandma, it’s so good!"

Mary stopped refusing. She sipped the milk and nibbled on the soft sponge cake.

"William’s wife won’t let this go. Be careful," Mary warned.

Of her three sons, she favored the youngest the most—and naturally, she adored the well-behaved David and Tommy.

"I should head back."

Mary planned to bring some eggs later to nourish her grandsons.

Even though Emily had plenty of food, those were her own supplies.

After Mary left, Emily told the boys to rest indoors and not go out to play.

Yet by noon, news of her fight with Margaret Wilson had spread through the entire production brigade.

"Did you hear? Emily Johnson beat up Margaret Wilson!"

"Really? That delicate city girl?"

"Absolutely true! Margaret still had marks on her face!"

The villagers chattered excitedly. No one had expected the usually gentle Emily to take down the notorious troublemaker Margaret.

Like wildfire, the news spread across Stone Village before the day was over.