Chapter 40: Sun Shi’s Envy Brings Trouble

The speaker was Sun Shi. Ever since she succeeded to drive away Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi from the Shen family, she harbored a desire to witness their downfall. However, to her dismay, she hadn’t heard any negative news about the couple. Other than the occasional updates brought by Shen family members assisting with house repairs, Sun Shi had lost touch with Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi’s affairs. Claiming to rest due to her pregnancy, she secretly engaged in sewing to earn money. Feeling stifled after a few days, she concocted a pretext to visit a woman for some fabric scraps to make clothes for her unborn child before venturing out.

Upon stepping outside, Sun Shi overheard chatter about a tiger being slain on the eastern side of the village, piquing her interest. Encountering a tiger was a rare occurrence in one’s lifetime, providing ample gossip material. Moreover, it was near the riverbank, making it a perfect excuse for her to witness Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi’s misfortune.

Excited at the prospect, Sun Shi hurried to the eastern side of the village, only to learn that Shen Zi’an was involved in the tiger incident. A pang of jealousy surged within her.

Killing a tiger was a remarkable feat, bringing both fame and fortune. Sun Shi couldn’t help but envy Shen Zi’an’s sudden stroke of luck. She couldn’t shake off the resentment and jealousy, especially considering the potential financial gains from the tigers if the family hadn’t separated. The thought of the missed opportunity left her feeling as though all the silver had slipped through her fingers.

“Hmph! See now, he married a jinx; he encounters a tiger so soon!” Sun Shi muttered in frustration.

Sun Shi pushed her way into the crowd and laid eyes on the two slain tigers, her envy evident. Her bitter words spilled out, and she showed no remorse, believing her sentiments to be justified. She was determined to make Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi feel uncomfortable, regardless of their tiger-slaying feat.

Frowning, Shen Zi’an warned, “Sun Shi, mind your words, or don’t blame me for being unpleasant.”

“Unpleasant? What can you do? Hit me? I’m carrying your nephew in my belly. If you dare, go ahead and strike!” Sun Shi retorted defiantly, momentarily startled by Shen Zi’an’s expression but swiftly regaining her composure, buoyed by the crowd’s presence.

Sun Shi immediately retorted, pushing her slightly rounded belly forward forcefully. The surrounding onlookers instinctively recoiled, wary of getting entangled in the woman’s outburst.

“People have been hunting in these mountains for years, yet no one has encountered a tiger, not even a wolf. You’ve been hunting for years and haven’t even touched a tiger’s fur. Suddenly, after separating from the family, you encounter not one but two tigers! What rotten luck! If it’s not Zhao Xiaomei’s jinxing; how coincidental!,” Sun Shi proclaimed triumphantly, convinced of her argument. She took pleasure in trying to tarnish Zhao Xiaomei’s reputation further.

“Fourth brother, your sister-in-law makes a valid point.”

At this moment, Shen Youfu also stepped forward, having stood silently with a furrowed brow. He felt compelled to solidify Su Zhi’s reputation as a jinx, not because he agreed with Sun Shi’s words, but to uphold the decision to separate Shen Zi’an’s family due to Su Zhi’s reputed jinx. It was done with the family’s best interests in mind, especially considering Shen Ziju’s future. If, in just a few days after the separation, Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi’s fortunes thrived, it would imply a mistake in the family’s decision, casting doubt on Sun Shi’s accusations and making the Shen family a laughingstock.

This situation would bring no benefits to the entire family.

Shen Youfu harbored deeper concerns. If gossip spread suggesting they labeled Su Zhi a jinx to rid themselves of the sickly child, insinuating their involvement in the old Taoist’s prophecy, it could tarnish the family’s reputation significantly, impacting Shen Ziju’s future.

Desiring to uphold the family’s honor and his future as the family patriarch, Shen Youfu was resolute in cementing Su Zhi’s label as a jinx.

Sun Shi felt a surge of triumph upon receiving her father’s support, inwardly mocking him. She believed he feared accusations of orchestrating the jinx label for Zhao Xiaomei and sought to protect his reputation. Unbeknownst to him, it was Sun Shi herself who had orchestrated it.

“You see, even Father supports me. Why do you defend that jinx so fiercely, Fourth Brother? Be cautious in the future. If you even encounter a tiger on the mountain, watch out for water spirits when crossing the river!” Sun Shi taunted, reveling in her father’s backing.

Shen Zi’an maintained a stern expression as he glared at Sun Shi, then turned to Shen Youfu, stating, “Father, my wife is blessed, not a jinx. You are my father and her elder; in the future, please do not heed baseless gossip. Straining family harmony with such unfounded accusations is irreparable.”

Shen Youfu retorted, “You ungrateful brat! How dare you speak to me like this? I only want what’s best for you!”

Turning away, Shen Zi’an retorted icily, “I’m doing well now, better than ever before!”

Sun Shi, stifling a laugh, remarked, “Oh! Fourth Brother, are you implying you didn’t have a good life at home before? Look at you, tall and astute. It doesn’t seem like you’ve had a rough time. One mustn’t lie, or face divine retribution! Fourth Brother, are you blaming Father and Mother? Pity Father for defending you, and Mother for favoring you. Good deeds don’t always receive good returns!”

Enraged, Shen Youfu shouted at Shen Zi’an, “You ungrateful brat! Why weren’t you eaten by that tiger? I regret ever having you! You’re ungrateful and blind! How dare you stand here, complaining about your life! I helped you marry, and now you’ve killed a tiger brought by your wife, and you blame your parents? I’ll teach you a lesson!”

Furious, Shen Youfu grabbed a stick used for carrying the tiger, attempting to strike Shen Zi’an, only to be restrained by Li Shi. Despite his struggles, he couldn’t break free, his breathing heavy with rage.

“Uncle Shen, calm down. Brother Zi’an hasn’t said anything wrong. Don’t let anger cloud your judgment,” Li Shi urged, trying to diffuse the escalating tension.

Li Shi advised Shen Youfu and signaled Shen Zi’an to step aside, emphasizing the importance of filial piety where a father’s reprimand should not be met with resistance from the son. However, standing still and accepting the punishment might not always be the best course of action. Should one simply wait to be struck without attempting to evade the blow?

Shen Zi’an, glaring at Sun Shi, recognized Shen Youfu’s error and Sun Shi’s interference. He pondered Sun Shi’s audacity—did she believe he couldn’t discipline her just because she was a woman?

Sun Shi, intimidated by Shen Zi’an’s gaze, involuntarily took a couple of steps back. Despite her usual confrontational demeanor, she hesitated to cross certain boundaries, even if she knew Shen Zi’an wouldn’t physically harm her. The intensity of his stare was enough to give her pause.

Observing the chaotic situation, Li Shi realized that the discord wasn’t solely due to Shen Zi’an’s displeasure with Shen Youfu but also a result of Sun Shi’s provocation, fueled by Su Zhi’s jinx label. Knowing Su Zhi’s virtues, he couldn’t fathom her being a jinx. To ensure peace for Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi in the future, it was imperative to rid Su Zhi of this harmful reputation. This presented an opportune moment to address the misconception.

“Cough! Uncle Shen, hear me out. You’re looking out for Zi’an’s best interests, but Su Zhi truly doesn’t fit the jinx label. We have evidence!” Li Shi interjected, aiming to steer the situation towards a resolution.

Li Shi’s proclamation caught the attention of the onlookers, prompting the villagers to widen their eyes and perk up their ears. They were intrigued to discover what evidence Li Shi had to prove that Shen Zi’an’s wife wasn’t a jinx. The curiosity among the villagers was palpable.

Shen Zi’an, standing nearby, understood Li Shi’s intentions and felt a sense of relief. Softening his previously stern expression, he welcomed the opportunity to clear his wife’s name.

*** Thanking everyone for their support. It’s time to set the record straight for Su Zhi, ensuring she isn’t unfairly ostracized.