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In rural areas, constructing a house remains a significant event. Unless someone is greatly disliked, friends and relatives will lend a hand. Even if not actively assisting, being present and offering a few words of support is crucial. Failure to show up might convey a lack of regard for the family’s important occasion, potentially straining relationships and hindering future interactions.
Shen Zi’an’s house construction drew a large crowd of helpers, with the entire Riverside Village aware of the undertaking. Despite past disagreements, family members from the Shen household felt obligated to participate. It was essential to have a presence, as absence could be interpreted as a lack of respect for family matters, potentially causing further rifts.
Shen Zhang shi, citing feeling unwell, chose not to attend. Her reasoning was justified – after a tumble at Shen Zi’an’s place, resulting from a push by Sun Shi, she returned limping. While she had since recovered and could move around freely, she opted to stay home. Reflecting on the incident, she believed that since she had fallen in Shen Zi’an’s home, he should visit her if she felt unwell. Her intention wasn’t material gain but to assert her role as Shen Zi’an’s mother. If he failed to visit, it might be seen as filial disrespect.
Shen Youfu instructed his three sons to help out first, planning to join them only by noon. Essentially, he intended to preserve his reputation; it would be commendable enough if he showed up while his sons were working. Rushing over immediately after a recent argument would be too embarrassing!
Sun Shi was eager to go, always drawn to excitement. With the construction at Shen Zi’an’s place, she anticipated a grand event. However, before she could set off, Shen Zhang shi stopped her.
“You’re pregnant and prone to complications. Why go there unnecessarily? Wouldn’t that be even more shameful? Stay at home! If you’re free, take these shoes and finish them by noon for me!”
Shen Zhang shi gestured for Shen Zhu to give the unfinished shoes to Sun Shi.
Normally, Sun Shi might feign dizziness or stomach pain, but now, she dared not. Since the incident where she inadvertently caused her mother-in-law to fall, Shen Zhang shi hadn’t been kind to her, and Shen Zhu’s remarks were sharp. If not for her pregnancy, she might have faced even harsher consequences.
Sun Shi, looking dejected, took the shoes back inside.
After a moment of contemplation, Shen Zhu grasped Shen Zhang shi’s arm and asked, “Mother, I’d like to go and see as well. Could I?”
Shen Zhang shi glanced at her daughter, then after a moment thought, she said, “You can go, but accompany your elder sisters-in-law. You’re not young anymore, so be mindful of your behavior there. Remember, as a young lady, you must carry yourself with grace. Also, when you’re there to help, avoid unnecessary gossip. Understood?”
Shen Zhu grinned and replied, “Mother, I understand. You’re worried I might argue with them, right? Don’t worry; I’ve never quarreled with anyone. I’ll just go and observe. I get your point – even if they aren’t pleasant, as long as we can invite the sacred beast, it will bring honor to our Shen family.”
Smiling, Shen Zhang shi patted her daughter’s hand and said, “You’ve matured. Off you go!”
After completing various chores like feeding animals and tidying up, Wang Shi and Li Shi finally finished their tasks at home. They informed Sun Shi and, along with Shen Zhu, headed towards the east side of the river.
While the boys had already gone with their father, the five girls – Chunlan, Chunxiang, Chunyue, Chuncao, and Chunyun – accompanied their respective mothers. As they joyfully left, Chunhua, seeing them off, felt a twinge of envy. Inside, Sun Shi yelled for Chunhua, who promptly responded and hurried back inside.
Meanwhile, Shen Ziju stood by his window, observing the scene outside with a blank expression. Considering it was his fourth brother’s house construction, he felt it was time to take a look. Intrigued by the sacred beast, he contemplated how the house would be built to welcome such a unique entity.
Shen Zifu, Shen Zigui, and Shen Ziping arrived at Shen Zi’an’s home, offering congratulations with smiles. Shen Zifu and Shen Zigui warmly praised Shen Zi’an, while Shen Ziping chuckled along. Their nephews followed behind, joining in with their heartfelt congratulations. The elder two nephews expressed genuine joy, while the children from the third branch looked around distractedly, their words likely incomprehensible to themselves.
“Fourth brother, heard you’ve bought this large piece of land? Planning to become a big landowner, huh? Don’t forget us when you’re living the good life. Remember to invite our parents to enjoy the prosperity.”
Shen Zifu glanced at him and retorted, “Taking care of parents is the eldest son’s duty. Shen Zi’an has us three brothers ahead of him. What nonsense are you talking about? If others hear this, it might invite ridicule.”
Shen Zigui added, “Shen Zi’an was separated out; naturally, our parents will be cared for at the ancestral home. Whoever inherits the old home is responsible for our parents. I bet you’re the one who wants the old home the most, right? Shen Zi’an even left a room empty for you, and you were the first to claim it.”
Feeling criticized by his two brothers, Shen Ziping’s expression soured as he responded, “I have many sons in my household. What good is claiming a room? It’s better than having none at all! Occupying a room is meaningless!”
“You! Asking for a fight, huh?”
Shen Zigui, being composed and not as easygoing as Shen Zifu, had silently contributed in the family over the years. Part of it was his nature, and the other part was due to the fact that he had no sons. In an era where the idea of “raising sons to support you in old age,” “having no heirs is a big issue,” and “favoring sons over daughters” prevailed, lacking a son meant the end of the family line. Women who couldn’t bear sons were looked down upon, and men without sons were often disdained.
By speaking ill of Shen Zigui, Shen Ziping had struck a nerve and humiliated him. Despite Shen Zigui’s usually good temper, he was deeply offended.
“Third brother, I’m building a house today. If you’re here to cause trouble, please leave. I won’t entertain you here anymore,” Shen Zi’an frowned at Shen Ziping.
Shen Zifu pulled Shen Zigui aside, reminding him of their purpose for being there to help their fourth brother. Giving Shen Ziping a stern look, Shen Zigui ignored him from then on.
Shen Ziping, with a smug smile, turned to Shen Zi’an, “Zi’an, heard you’re paying seventy-five wen for a day’s work here. I can help out or run errands for you. You don’t have to pay extra, just a hundred wen for me, how about that?”
At that moment, Su Zhi walked over and overheard Shen Ziping’s request. She promptly responded, “Third brother, our temple is too small to accommodate a Buddha like you. Look over there, that’s the west. Kindly retire and rest there!”
Initially angered and embarrassed by Shen Ziping’s shameless remark, Shen Zigui felt more embarrassed than angry upon hearing Su Zhi’s response. He wondered how he ended up with such a shameless person. After exchanging greetings with Su Zhi, Shen Zifu and Shen Zigui took the elder and second grandsons to work, clearly demonstrating that they were not aligned with Shen Ziping.
Shen Ziping retorted, “Sister-in-law, I was talking to my third brother. A woman like you shouldn’t interrupt. Speaking so acerbically, especially to your husband’s elder brother, shows a lack of manners and reflects poorly on your reputation.”
Su Zhi replied, “Third brother, your statement is inappropriate. Zi’an is occupied with building the house and doesn’t have time to handle money matters. I oversee the financial aspect, so it’s my place to speak on wage matters. Unless you’re here to assist. Oh, I misunderstood. You’re asking for money to purchase items, right? No need to trouble yourself; we’ll leave that to Brother Shitou. He’s more adept at handling such matters.”
The onlookers chuckled, impressed by Su Zhi’s gentle demeanor, yet her words left Shen Ziping speechless. She displayed a sharp intellect.
“Third Shen, are you really asking for wages when your brothers are building a house? That’s quite amusing!” quipped Shen Shugen, a tall, lean man with a dark complexion, who had a good relationship with Li Shi(Shitou) and Shen Zi’an. He was a skilled roofer, invited by Li Shi.
Another muscular man chimed in, “I’ve never heard of brothers asking for pay while constructing a house. Not just in our Riverside Village, but I’ve never heard of such a thing in our whole region.Third Shen, if you continue, you’ll lose respect. Are you trying to distance yourself from the family by not contributing?”
This man was Li Qing, a skilled carpenter.
The third grandson’s eyes roamed as he stated, “Family should settle scores; my Father worked, so he should get paid. What’s wrong with that? Not only should he get paid, but there should also be a feast to thank him!”
The fourth grandson chimed in, “Good food, good food!”
Meanwhile, the fifth grandson stood by, drooling and nibbling on his fingers.
The adults present were momentarily stunned, followed by a mix of laughter and bewilderment. They wondered how the third grandson, who seemed sharp, could act so foolish. Su Zhi couldn’t help but think of a term the illiterate villagers wouldn’t conceive of: oddball! Indeed, the third grandson was truly an oddball.
Shen Zi’an interjected, “Third brother, your back still seems a bit stiff. There’s no work for you here, and no one to watch over these kids. You better take them home. We don’t want any back pain incidents or child mishaps blamed on us. Off you go!”
The onlookers burst into laughter, recalling the comical scene from the previous day when Sun Shi feigned pregnancy complications and was startled by Su Zhi’s “snake” call. Reflecting on how both spouses often feigned back pain and pregnancy issues, it all seemed rather amusing.
Shen Ziping, despite his thick skin, couldn’t bear to stay any longer. Realizing he wouldn’t earn any wages here and unwilling to work for free, he decided it was best to leave. Knowing Shen Zi’an had dismissed him, he understood he wouldn’t have a say. Calling his sons, he departed for home.
“Fourth brother, you truly care for the third brother. Knowing that his back was hurting yesterday, he still insist on coming to help you,” Shen Zhu said with a smile, followed by Wang Shi, Li Shi, and several girls. When they arrived, they encountered Shen Ziping. Shen Zhu was subtly trying to save face for Shen Ziping, given that he resided with them. Rescuing his reputation was also a way of securing her own.
Observing Shen Zhu, Su Zhi could tell from the mischievous glint in the young girl’s eyes that she was quite cunning!