In a very short time, Li-Li found that she couldn’t get along with her mother-in-law at all. Li-Li was angered by many of her mother-in-law’s habits.She criticised Li-Li constantly.

What made the situation worse was that, according to Chinese tradition, Li-Li had to obey her every wish. All this anger was causing the poor husband great distress.

Finally, Li-Li could not stand it longer. She went to see her father’s good friend, Mr Huang, who sold herbs. She asked him if he would give her some poison so that she could solve the problem once and for all. Mr Huang thought for a while, and finally said, “Li-Li, I will help you, but you must obey what I tell you.”

Li-Li agreed. M Huang gave her a package of herbs.

He said, “You can’t use a quick-acting poison to get rid of your mother-in-law, because that would cause suspicion. Therefore, I have given you a number of herbs that will slowly build up poison in her body. Every other day prepare some delicious meal and put a little of these herbs in her serving. Now, in order to make sure that nobody suspects you, act very friendly towards her. Don’t argue and obey her every wish, and treat her like a queen.”

Months went by, and every other day, Li-Li served the specially treated food to her mother-in-law. She controlled her temper, obeyed her mother-in-law, and treated her like her own mother. After six months, the whole household had changed.

Li-Li had practiced controlling her temper so much that she hadn’t had an argument in six months with her mother-in-law, who now seemed much kinder and easier to get along with.

The mother-in-law’s attitude toward Li-Li changed, and she began to love Li-Li like her own daughter. She kept telling friends and relatives that Li-Li was the best daughter-in-law. Li-Li and her mother-in-law were now treating each other like a real mother and daughter. Li-Li’s husband was very happy to see what was happening.

One day, Li-Li came to see Mr Huang and asked for his help again. She said, “Mr Huang, please help me to stop the poison from killing my mother-in-law! She’s changed into such a nice woman, and I love her like my own mother. I do not want her to die because of the poison I gave her.”

Mr Huang smiled,“Li-Li,the herbs I gave you were vitamins to improve her health. The only poison was in your mind and your attitude toward her, but that has been all washed away by the love which you gave to her.”