Ye Yaodong snatched the washing bat from her hand and tossed it back into the basin. "Really. Why would I lie to you?"
"How did such a windfall suddenly land in our laps out of nowhere?"
"Didn't I tell you? It's thanks to your son. I did you proud!"
Mother Ye beamed with delight. In those days, the Women's Federation held considerable standing.
The leader had said that women held up half the sky!
Mother Ye happily wiped her dripping hands on her clothes. "They're really letting me join the Women's Federation? When do I start work, then? What am I supposed to do? I can't read. What do I do about that?"
"Start tomorrow. As for what you'll do, just follow the Women's Director's assignments. Do whatever she tells you to do. When there's no work, you can even relax at home. You'll get paid either way."
Ye Second Sister-in-Law said happily too, "Look at you, Mother, even getting into the Women's Federation."
"Yes, Mother, the Women's Federation has real clout. One word from the Women's Director..." Ye Eldest Sister-in-Law stopped halfway through, her expression changing instantly. Then she said quietly, "Mother, the Women's Federation hasn't been as glorious these past few years as it used to be."
Mother Ye had been too busy rejoicing. Only after Ye Eldest Sister-in-Law's reminder did she remember how, because of the policies in recent years, the mere mention of the Women's Federation struck fear into people wherever its members went.
"What's there to be afraid of? Mother, just turn a blind eye when you should. As long as you don't do anything wicked, that's fine. Making things easier for others is doing good and earning blessings."
Mother Ye nodded. "That's right. We mustn't do wicked things. We should earn blessings where we