Chapter 42: Zi’an’s wife is lucky

In the Liang Dynasty, the White Wolf was both beloved and feared. Beloved because it was considered a divine beast revered since the founding of the nation, respected by emperors and high-ranking officials, holding a status akin to that of a deity among commoners. Fear stemmed from its inherent nature as a wolf; a bite could spell trouble. However, White Wolves were rare, and reports of them harming people were almost non-existent, tipping the scale towards adoration rather than fear. The inhabitants of Riverside Village had never encountered a White Wolf since the village’s inception, further amplifying their fascination.

Upon hearing Li Shi’s account of encountering a divine beast, and witnessing its peaceful interaction without harm, the villagers were both astonished and delighted. Learning that the divine beast also bestowed gifts only added to their joy.

Indeed, a divine beast was truly a divine beast!

This sentiment resonated with nearly everyone present, accompanied by feelings of envy, jealousy, and regret. Many pondered why they hadn’t encountered the White Wolf, realizing the potential benefits. Even if no rewards were gained, just witnessing such an event was considered a stroke of luck.

The Shen family, in particular, felt regretful, wondering why Shen Zi’an and his family had such good fortune. If the family hadn’t separated, they could have enjoyed these benefits.

In Sun Shi’s mind, thoughts of the two slain tigers and the hundred-year-old ginseng consumed her. The idea that these items hadn’t fallen into her possession caused her heart to ache with envy and regret.

Shen Youfu, on the other hand, was preoccupied with the rarity of encountering a divine beast. If news of this spread, even county officials might come, which could bode well for Shen Ziju’s future. However, the recent commotion surrounding Shen Zi’an’s family division was less than amicable. If this reached the wrong ears, it might impact Shen Ziju.

The village head set aside his usual demeanor, eagerly questioning Li Shi: “Where did you encounter the divine beast? How did Su Zhi save its cubs? And how did she receive a ginseng? This is significant; it’s been years since the Liang Dynasty heard of a divine beast sighting. This is a major event!”

Li Shi explained, “Today, as we ascended the mountain, Su Zhi, formerly known as Zhao Xiaomei, showed improved health. She’s diligent and capable. Despite only receiving a meager portion of cornmeal after the family division, she barely had enough to eat—”

Li Shi glanced at Shen Youfu and Sun Shi deliberately, intending to expose the hardship faced by Shen Zi’an’s household due to the division.

The crowd’s murmurs were audible to Shen’s family, leaving them visibly uncomfortable.

Observing the situation, Shen Zi’an thought of Li Shi’s longstanding kindness. He recalled how Li Shi used to feed him when he was hungry as a child. Despite everything, Li Shi remained supportive upon his return. True brotherhood indeed.

Li Shi, having achieved his objective, continued, “Su Zhi was hoping to find some wild fruits on the mountain to alleviate their hunger. To our surprise, our luck was exceptional. While usually bagging one or two rabbits or wild chickens was a success, this time we captured several rabbits and numerous wild chickens in no time! Isn’t that good fortune?”

A woman from a household next to Li Shi’s residence remarked, “Brother Shi​tou left home close to noon and returned so quickly. He fought a tiger and encountered a divine beast. The time spent hunting rabbits and wild chickens was brief. Truly, their luck was exceptional.”

Nods of agreement rippled through the crowd. While the wilderness of the mountains was abundant with game, the creatures were cunning. Some struggled to catch much in a day, so bagging several rabbits and wild chickens within two hours was indeed remarkable luck.

Considering this, others began to contemplate the astonishing haul Su Zhi brought back from the mountain. Could her luck truly be that extraordinary?

Li Shi paused intentionally, allowing the listeners to mull over this notion. As they began discussing Su Zhi’s remarkable fortune, he continued.

“After a successful hunt, we were planning to descend the mountain when we encountered these two tigers attempting to capture a black and white wolf cub. Shen Zi’an and I dealt with the tigers. Thinking we had already shot one, we lowered our guard, only to realize it hadn’t died and was advancing towards the wolf cubs. Su Zhi picked up the cubs and ran, stumbling into a ravine. There, she encountered the White Wolf. Seeing the wolf cubs unharmed, it led her to the ginseng.”

“I have not deceived you, my fellow villagers. Consider this—has anyone in our community ever found a hundred-year-old ginseng, especially under such circumstances? This ginseng was a gift from the divine beast to Su Zhi!”

The village head nodded in agreement, stroking his beard, “Indeed, Zhao Xiaomei risked her life to save the divine beast’s cubs. Naturally, the divine beast would show gratitude. Only a divine beast could bestow such a gift as a ginseng!”

The villagers nodded in agreement, believing that Shen Zi’an’s wife truly was blessed, receiving gifts even from a divine beast!

Sun Shi’s eyes burned with jealousy, her heart aching as she heard the villagers no longer speaking of Su Zhi as a jinx but instead as someone blessed. Each mention of ginseng, tigers, and divine beasts implied wealth and fortune, yet she felt excluded and resentful. The mocking glances she received only intensified her distress.

“Brother Shi​tou, you keep mentioning the hundred-year-old ginseng. If it exists, show it to us! And as for Zhao Xiaomei—or rather, Su Zhi—the sickly one, you claim she’s well. Let her come out and prove it! Otherwise, you’re lying!”

Shen Zi’an’s mood, which had begun to improve, darkened upon hearing Sun Shi’s words. He thought to himself, “This woman is truly despicable. Much of the trouble in the Shen family was caused by her. Thankfully, we separated; otherwise, who knows how long this conflict would have lasted!”

Li Shi looked at Shen Zi’an and said, “Zi’an, show everyone. What’s there to fear? No one can take it away after seeing it. This is a gift from a divine beast. Anyone greedy enough to try to take it will risk being bitten in two by the divine beast!”

Sun Shi paled, realizing her intentions had been exposed. While she knew it would be difficult to obtain something from Shen Zi’an, she still wanted to cause a scene. However, now she hesitated, fearful of the divine beast. If it could give Su Zhi ginseng, who knew if it would protect the ginseng from being taken?

Li Shi’s words dispelled the thoughts of those coveting the ginseng; life was more precious than money!

The village head also desired to see the ginseng. He suggested to Shen Zi’an, “Zi’an, your wife’s reputation is at stake. This is a chance to clear her name. What do you think about going back home?”

After some consideration, Shen Zi’an agreed. He felt compelled to rectify his wife’s tarnished reputation as a jinx, even though he personally wasn’t concerned. However, the disrespect towards his wife troubled him, and he saw this as an opportunity to set the record straight.

The crowd eagerly anticipated the unfolding events, clamoring to accompany them.

Li Shi left the butcher to handle the tigers and proceeded to Shen Zi’an’s home. He trusted the butcher and knew their bond was strong, confident he wouldn’t hide anything.

Shen Youfu’s expression was conflicted. While optimistic about the potential benefits the divine beast could bring to his child, he also worried about his fourth daughter-in-law shedding the jinx reputation. After all, it was based on her jinx status that they divided the family. If her name was cleared, wouldn’t it imply they were wrong? The implications were unsettling. As he walked, he kept an eye on Sun Shi, casting her a fierce glare, knowing that it was her actions that hastened the family division.

Sun Shi, feeling guilty, diverted her gaze and hurriedly instructed her son to deliver a message to the Shen family’s old residence.

Her son promptly sprinted towards the old estate.

The elder and second grandsons of the Shen family exchanged a glance, realizing the gravity of the situation. One followed Shen Zi’an home, while the other sought out their parents.

*** There was a reason behind mentioning the ginseng; Brother Shi​tou isn’t naive.