The next morning, relatives arrived one after another at my mother-in-law’s house. She was thrilled with her son’s decision, bustling around to cook a huge feast for everyone.

To save face, she made crayfish, spare ribs, whole fish—enough to cover the entire table. As I picked at my food with chopsticks, I thought: This meal alone must cost over 200 yuan.

My mother-in-law picked up her wine glass, her face wrinkling with a smile. “Thank you all for coming today—especially Brother, who took the day off work to help. We really appreciate it.”

My husband’s uncle worked in an office; he had no strength at all. He’d only come to save face.

After my mother-in-law made her rounds toasting, everyone started moving our things. There were men and women, but most of them weren’t strong enough. As I helped carry boxes, I worriedly warned: “My dressing table is fragile—I’ll move it later myself.”

Immediately, my uncle’s face fell. He glared at me and grabbed the dressing table anyway. I’d only spoken up because they were being careless, but my husband seized the opportunity to scold me. He pulled me aside: “Can’t you give me some face? Are you still mad I didn’t hire movers?”

This wasn’t just any item—it was my dowry, which my mom had spent over 6,000 yuan on. Before I could argue back, a loud “Ouch!” echoed from across the room.

Everyone rushed over. My uncle had slipped while carrying my dressing table and fallen forward, the table in his arms.