The child's body was covered in all sorts of jumbled patterns, much like the markings on the protective talismans from temples.
The eldest daughter-in-law immediately turned to Old Madam Qiu and asked:
"Mother, what happened to Daya's body?"
Old Madam Qiu said nothing.
Hearing the commotion, Qiu Daniu hurried over as well. He spotted the talismanic markings on Daya's body at once and leaned closer to examine them. They had all been drawn with cinnabar.
The eldest daughter-in-law immediately brought over a basin of water and began hurriedly washing the child.
The child's entire body was covered in these grotesque scrawls. She could not even put her clothes on until they had been washed off.
Since Old Madam Qiu refused to speak, a soldier beside her explained, telling everyone everything she had done.
An uproar broke out.
Everyone looked at Old Madam Qiu with contempt. Had this woman gone mad?
Daya was her own granddaughter. How could she bring herself to do such a thing?
Fortunately, the government troops had arrived in time to save Daya!
Qiu Daniu stared at his mother in disbelief and demanded:
"Mother, is what he said true?"
Knowing her deeds had been exposed, Old Madam Qiu threw caution to the wind and said:
"It's all because you're useless! I gave birth to five sons, and you're all good-for-nothing! Only you and the third have managed to have children, and both were girls. The other daughters-in-law haven't shown the slightest sign of pregnancy!
"How could I not be anxious?
"If you could give me a grandson, I wouldn't have had to resort to this!
"When all is said and done, it's because you're useless!
"What's wrong with wanting a plump little grandson to hold?"
His eyes red, Qiu Daniu said:
"Mother, there's nothing wrong with wanting