Chapter 20: Smiling in Person, Knives Behind Backs

Due to Shen Zi’an’s indifference towards Shen Youfu’s decisions, despite the apparent hastiness and perceived unfairness of the Shen family’s division, the process went smoothly. Within a short hour, everything was settled. The division paperwork was completed, with both parties pressing their fingerprints, marking the official separation of the household.

The village head bid farewell, followed by the two Shen relatives.

While the two Shen relatives wanted to express something to Shen Zi’an, they refrained, not wanting to burden Shen Youfu. Additionally, due to Su Zhi’s presence, they felt a sense of unease, considering the superstitions surrounding her. In these times, being cautious about such matters was not uncommon. Therefore, they left without saying much to Shen Zi’an, simply sighing as they departed.

After everyone left, Shen Zi’an stood in the courtyard with his family members. Over the years, despite these people being his closest kin, his emotional connection to them had gradually faded. Shen Zhang shi was not his birth mother, and her intentions were always veiled. Each sibling had their own agenda, making him feel increasingly distant from them. From childhood to adulthood, he sensed a growing distance, feeling like an outsider among his own family. Now, their relationship seemed more distant than ever.

“Dad, I won’t be by your side to show filial piety in the future. Please take care of yourself,” Shen Zi’an gazed at Shen Youfu’s white hair, acknowledging his father’s shortcomings but still offering words of care before turning to Shen Zhang shi, “Mother, take care of yourself too.”

Shen Zhang shi sighed, wiped her eyes, then instructed, “Zifu, Zigui, help your fourth brother pack up. Don’t let him tire himself out.”

Shen Zifu and Shen Zigui nodded in agreement, eager to assist even without their mother’s prompt. Over the years, their relationship with Shen Zi’an had been good. Watching him part ways was difficult for them, especially for Shen Zigui, as he shared the closest bond with Shen Zi’an among all his siblings.

Shen Ziju chimed in, “I’ll help too. Third Brother has back pain, and I’m good with my hands and feet.”

Shen Youfu glanced at him and advised, “You need to focus on your studies and not strain yourself. Moving is laborious, and you don’t need to be involved. Besides, those are belongings tainted by bad luck. Don’t let it affect you.”

Frowning, Shen Zi’an responded, “Dad, I can’t stop others from talking, but you’re my father, and my wife is your daughter-in-law. You shouldn’t speak of her that way. It only validates others’ words. If such rumors spread widely and won’t benefit Ziju either. Please think about it more!”

“Do I need your lecture?!” Shen Youfu glared, though he acknowledged the validity of Shen Zi’an’s words, he was still irritated. With a wave of his arm, he continued, “It’s still early now. You all should move today! Avoid delays if the weather turns bad tomorrow. The house is in chaos, so a few quiet days will do us good!”

Shen Zi’an glanced at Shen Youfu, his numbness towards his father’s actions evident as he nodded and headed towards the back.

Shen Zhu, with her rosy lips, intervened, “Dad, please don’t be angry. If you’re upset, none of us will be happy. Fifth Brother can’t even focus on his studies. Even if Fourth Brother has left, he’s still your son. He’ll be fine. One day they’ll realize we’ve been the best to him. By then, it won’t be too late for you to acknowledge him. Dad, you’ll surely live a long and healthy life!”

Shen Zhang shi smiled and added, “Look at this girl and her words, so articulate. Husband, Zhu is right. Although Zi’an is currently challenging you, he’s still your son. When he comes around, he’ll show you respect again. Don’t be upset. If something were to happen to you, how would our family cope?”

Listening to his wife and daughter’s words, Shen Youfu felt comforted, appreciating their care. He thought about how Shen Zi’an, the rebellious son, could provoke his anger. He already had a headache and insisted on keeping Su Zhi, who he believed brought bad luck. Driving him away was the right decision, as he concluded.

“Don’t speak well of him. He’s a rebellious son, he’s the one who’s been affected… I won’t feel sorry if he’s struck down. Zifu, Zigui, help him with the belongings and return. Don’t visit him often to avoid bad luck. Ziju, you stay put, focus on your studies, understood?” Shen Youfu instructed.

Shen Ziju nodded in agreement.

The group dispersed, each carrying their own concerns. Some were happy, some were sorrowful, unable to express their emotions openly. Although it was just Shen Zi’an being divided away, it stirred emotions within the Shen family. They pondered how their own divisions might unfold in the future.

Observing the tightly closed doors on both sides, Shen Zhu sneered lightly. She entered Fifth Brother’s room, where she found him engrossed in a book. Placing a cup of sweet water in front of him, she mockingly said, “Fifth Brother, drink this sweet water. Mother says it’s good for the brain.”

“Thank you, sister. Have you had some?” Shen Ziju set aside his book, smiling at her with a caring elder sibling demeanor, a refined smile that didn’t match his rural origins.

Seeing her brother’s demeanor, Shen Zhu felt proud. He was the brother she had grown up with, just as exceptional as herself. His care for her made her immensely happy.

“Mom saved some for me. Brother, don’t worry about me. Drink up before it gets cold,” Shen Zhu watched as Shen Ziju drank the sweet water and asked, “Brother, why are you helping Fourth Brother move today? Be careful not to attract bad luck and roughen your hands. You have a future in officialdom; you need to maintain your status. Dad doesn’t want  you to do manual work, so don’t strain yourself for Fourth Brother. He wouldn’t even buy me a bathtub; he’s so stingy.”

Shen Ziju smiled faintly at his sister and replied, “Zhu, do you think Dad would agree if I mentioned helping him?”

“Of course not, he’s against it, right?” Shen Zhu responded. Then, widening her eyes, she exclaimed, “You said that on purpose, didn’t you?”

Shen Ziju nodded, saying, “Zhu, do you recall why Dad didn’t immediately send Fourth Sister-in-law back home and kept treating her illness?”

Shen Zhu wasn’t naive and quickly grasped the situation. The delay in sending back Fourth Sister-in-law was to preserve the family’s reputation, and the ongoing treatment was also to maintain appearances. Despite discussing ending the marriage privately, it never materialized, except for cutting off the funds for her treatment. It was all about reputation, as the Shen family valued their name. Her marriage required a good reputation, and Fifth Brother’s future success depended on it. Everything he did was to uphold their reputation.

Shen Zhang shi entered from outside and told Shen Zhu, “Learn a thing or two from your brother.”

Shen Zhu nodded with a smile. With her sharp mind, she believed there was nothing she couldn’t learn. Wasn’t it just about being friendly with others while secretly wielding a knife behind their backs? She could do that too!