Scolded by Mother-in-law for Transferring $5,000 to Mom

I thought that would be the end of it.

But late at night, while I was in the study dealing with client messages, Penny sent me a message.

"Hey sis-in-law, I'm not saying this to be mean, but you really overdid it! Rallying friends and family to repost your Instagram, aren't you embarrassed? I felt ashamed for you. You're so capable, why don't you just fly to the sky?"

"You give money to your mom, but what about my mom? Don't you think you should show some respect to your mother-in-law? My mom worked so hard to raise me and my brother, not to be treated like this by you!"

"Let me tell you, even if you gave my mom ten thousand dollars, it wouldn't make up for your mistakes. You should bow three times and kneel nine times in apology. Nothing less will do."

"And this is me being lenient. In ancient times, not being filial to in-laws was one of the seven reasons to be divorced, and you could be drowned in a pig cage."

"Some women are blindly devoted to their brothers, but not you. You don't have a brother, but you have a leech of a sister. Just wait until you're abandoned by everyone, and let your sister take care of you in old age."

Penny's messages kept coming, one after another, making me more and more furious.

The more I read, the more angry I became.

I could overlook her criticizing me, but bringing my sister into it was too much.

Yes, my sister was only a college junior, but I never had to worry about her tuition or living expenses.

Even when I tried to give my sister money, she sent it back.

She said, "Even in poverty, one mustn't lose their lofty ambitions. Being a bit poorer makes me even more motivated! Even Mencius said before. When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it first frustrates their will and exerts their muscles. So stop treating me like a child."

On the other hand, Penny.

During my dating period with Jeremy, I wasn't unkind to Penny.

I bought her all sorts of bags, clothes, and jewelry, one after another, just to ensure she had nothing negative to say about me.

As an extra for her dowry, Jeremy and I gave an additional fifty thousand dollars.

When she had children, I even gave each of them a gold necklace and provided red envelopes during every holiday.

And this was the thanks I got?

Called me a sister-supporter?

In ancient times, I'd be drowned in a pig cage for this?

Immediately, I bundled up all the receipts for the jewelry and bags I bought her and sent them over.

[Sorry, I'm actually supporting my sister-in-law.]

For a long time, there was no reply from her.

I shook Jeremy awake and showed him the messages Penny sent me.

His first words after reading them were, "Honey, Little Sis is still young. Don't take it to heart."

Alright, stop.

I gestured for him to keep quiet.

Seeing his reaction, I figured he wouldn't say anything sensible.

She was already a mother of two, and she was still considered young?

I lost it. "Either you call your sister and have her come over to apologize to me, or she can return all the gifts I gave her, converted to cash!"

"Otherwise, I'll take this to court!"

My husband was left speechless by my outburst.

He awkwardly replied, "We're all family. Why make things so extreme?"

"Does she consider me family?"

With no other option, he jokingly said, "Fine, I'll call. But you're really showing a ruthless side. You know Penny's struggling right now; where would she find the money to pay you back?"

I gave him a smack. "Why didn't she think about the consequences before speaking? Does she think you and your mom can protect her forever? Speaking recklessly will lead to big trouble sooner or later."

Reluctantly, Jeremy called his sister.

He went out to the balcony, and I followed.

Jeremy's tone was a mix of coaxing, reassurance, and a blend of firmness and gentleness.

My heart skipped a beat.

I suddenly realized this was exactly how Jeremy always spoke to me.

With a strong attitude, changing emotions to comfort me, saying things that were good for me, and finally forcing me to back down.

I forced myself to push down my discomfort, unwilling to dwell on it further.

For now, I needed to resolve the situation with Penny and my mother-in-law.

After more than half an hour, my husband came back.

He gave an OK gesture and fawningly said, "Don't worry, honey. Penny will come over to apologize to you tomorrow."

To be honest, I didn't know how Penny turned out this way.

She used to at least be civil on the surface, but now every encounter is filled with sarcasm.

If I wear a new outfit, she immediately looks me up and down, clicking her tongue, "Another new outfit, must have cost quite a bit, huh?"

Jeremy often tries to console me, "Penny didn't marry well; you should be more understanding."