Font Size:
Shen Ziju did not expect to receive a New Year gift. When he saw Su Zhi smiling and offering a small cloth bundle, he quickly bowed in thanks and accepted it.
Noticing Shen Zi’an and his wife’s generosity during the New Year celebrations, Shen Youfu’s smile deepened as they presented numerous gifts, including a special gift for their son. Shen Zhang shi’s expression became even more benevolent. While she outwardly remarked on Su Zhi’s perceived extravagance, inwardly, she appreciated the courteous gesture. Back then, they couldn’t even acquire ginseng whiskers from them, but now, seeing their generosity, they appeared to maintain their manners rather than becoming overly possessive of their newfound wealth. Su Zhi’s temperament remained somewhat of a mystery to them.
Sitting nearby, Shen Zhu smiled and urged, “Younger Brother, quickly open it and see what Fourth Brother and his wife have given you.”
Shen Ziju glanced at Shen Zi’an and his wife, seeing their approval, he placed the cloth bundle on the heated brick bed and opened it with a smile.
Upon opening it, Shen Ziju found a flat box inside, beneath which lay a stack of snowy-white paper. Upon further inspection, he discovered three differently sized brushes, an inkstone, and three ink sticks inside the box. The four treasures of the study were complete. Though they might not be the finest quality, they were certainly of upper-middle grade. For a scholar, these items were very much appreciated, deepening the smile on his face.
“Thank you, Fourth Brother and Sister-in-law.”
Shen Ziju bowed again, glancing at Su Zhi. He knew Shen Zi’an wasn’t well-versed in such refined items, so it must have been Su Zhi who selected these gifts.
Aware that Shen Zi’an wasn’t particularly talkative in front of others in the Shen family besides the eldest and second branches, Su Zhi often took the lead in such situations to keep the atmosphere lively. Now, speaking up, she smiled and said, “Younger Brother, you’ll be taking the Imperial Exam in the spring and aiming for the Jinshi examination in the future. Since Fourth Brother and Sister-in-law can’t assist you in your studies, we can only offer you this writing set. May you achieve great success and have your name inscribed on the golden list.”
Su Zhi’s words brought joy to all present Shen family members. Their smiles became genuine, and despite any internal feelings, outwardly, the family appeared harmonious and cheerful.
Watching Shen Ziju smiling as he rewrapped the cloth bundle, Shen Zhu playfully chided, “Oh, being the younger brother, receiving gifts with such grace, you’re truly a treasure. As the younger sister, I’m merely a humble grass.”
Shen Zhu was dressed in a pink blouse with rose-colored borders, a rose-colored skirt, shiny black hair adorned with a silver hairpin, and a pink silk flower. Her face lightly powdered, she resembled a delicate peach blossom, her eyes sparkling with a touch of playfulness, enhancing her beauty.
Su Zhi couldn’t help but notice Shen Zhu’s charm, understanding why she had captured Shen Youfu’s favor despite his traditional demeanor. She pondered on Shen Zhu’s engagement, sensing potential dissatisfaction within the arrangement. Speculating on possible changes ahead, she imagined Shen Zhu seeking higher prospects if circumstances shifted. Su Zhi briefly sympathized with Dashan, the honest young man engaged to Shen Zhu, considering that losing such a wife might not be entirely negative for him, given the challenges of maintaining a wife of Shen Zhu’s caliber in a rural household.
Observing Su Zhi’s unblinking gaze, Shen Zhu felt a sense of satisfaction, assuming jealousy fueled by her own attractiveness. Regardless of any envy, she believed her beauty remained unrivaled. However, feeling a bit uneasy as Su Zhi remained silent after her gift request, she wondered if Su Zhi was pretending not to hear her.
Shen Zhang shi, seeing Shen Zhu’s behavior, playfully remarked, “You, girl, have no manners. Why are you acting as if you are asking for gifts like a sister-in-law? Are you not afraid of being teased?”
Shen Zi’an interjected, “My wife has prepared New Year gifts for everyone in the house, including the younger sister.”
“Oh, there really is something.” Shen Zhu’s face lit up with a smile, happily approaching Su Zhi, linking arms and gently shaking her arm. She said, “Good Sister-in-law, I knew you would remember me. Quickly show me what it is.”
Su Zhi rolled her eyes inwardly, reflecting on her good mood this year. Being the first year after splitting from the main family and establishing their own household in the village after becoming prosperous, she couldn’t afford to give room for gossip. Reluctantly, she had prepared simple gifts for the Shen family members, not anticipating Shen Zhu’s enthusiasm. If she hadn’t prepared anything, Shen Zhu might have cornered her. The situation would have been quite awkward.
Although she harbored some dislike towards Shen Zhu, Su Zhi chose to maintain a facade of peace for now. Every family had its share of troublesome relatives. It was the New Year, so she decided to interact with Shen Zhu with a smile, for the sake of maintaining harmony.
“Of course, there’s something for my younger sister. Let me get it for you.”
Su Zhi retrieved something else from the small basket—a cotton pouch embroidered with simple yet lively flowers and plants.
Shen Zhu took the pouch, initially assuming it was just that, but upon closer inspection, she realized there was something inside. Pouring out its contents, she discovered a pair of gilded earrings shaped like orchids, exceptionally beautiful.
“Fourth Brother, Sister-in-law, thank you so much.”
Delighted, Shen Zhu carefully placed the earrings back into the pouch, her gaze softened towards Su Zhi.
Su Zhi excused herself to check on the kitchen, finding a reason to step out of the room. She wasn’t fond of chatting with these individuals, feeling it was like putting on a performance. She couldn’t predict when disagreements might arise, leading to confrontations. Despite the current festive atmosphere and the need to maintain courtesy as younger relatives dining with the elders, she found these interactions uncomfortable, feeling they were merely putting on a show for the sake of appearances.
Upon seeing his wife bid farewell, Shen Zi’an also excused himself, mentioning that he would check on his older and younger brothers and nephews before leaving with his wife.
As Su Zhi stepped outside, she encountered Chunlan, who sweetly greeted her as “Fourth Aunt,” exchanging auspicious words. Hearing the commotion, Chunxiang peeked out from inside the house and cheerfully called out “Fourth Uncle and Aunt.”
Shen Zifu invited them inside, and the young couple followed.
Seeing Shen Zi’an, Shen Zifu, and Shen Zigui present, Su Zhi gestured for Chunlan to bring the three daughters from the second branch. She also requested the children from the third branch to be called over. Despite her lack of fondness for Sun Shi and her husband, Su Zhi understood the importance of unity during the New Year and thus insisted on inviting everyone to join the celebrations.
The six girls stood in a row before Su Zhi, ranging from tall to short, all looking lively but rather thin. Dressed in new clothes for the New Year, they appeared vibrant, and it was easy to imagine that in a few years, suitors would be lining up at the Shen family’s door.
The five boys stood behind them, all looking decent, though the temperament of the children from the third branch seemed less refined compared to the well-liked demeanor of the eldest and second grandsons. The third grandson tilted his neck, his eyes wandering, while the fourth grandson stared intently at the small basket in Su Zhi’s hands. The fifth grandson seemed on the verge of letting his runny nose reach his mouth, nibbling on his fingers, a sight that made Su Zhi feel sympathetic discomfort.
Su Zhi handed each child a red envelope, each containing ten coins. The children expressed their thanks before Chunlan and the others gathered around Su Zhi for a chat. While Chunhua looked on admiringly, upon seeing the third, fourth, and fifth sons leave with the third son leading the way, she didn’t dare linger, lowering her head as she departed.
Shen Ziping lingered in the room chatting away, but Su Zhi, not wanting to engage, excused herself to the kitchen.
Upon seeing Su Zhi approach, Sun Shi immediately said, “Younger Sister Four, you’re here. Your cooking is delicious. How about you cook today? After all, you’re a daughter-in-law, but you’ve never cooked a meal or served your in-laws since coming to this old house. It doesn’t sound good. Now’s your chance to show filial piety to your in-laws. Don’t you agree with my thoughtful suggestion?”
Sun Shi had been burdened with household chores these days and was exhausted. Even though it was the New Year, with Wang Shi and Li Shi helping, the bulk of the work still fell on her. She couldn’t vent her frustrations on them or order them around. Seeing Su Zhi arrive provided her with a reason, giving her some satisfaction even if she couldn’t lighten her own workload.
Wang Shi remained silent, her expression stern, but she didn’t object. Sun Shi’s words held merit. If she opposed, wouldn’t that imply Su Zhi neglecting her duties to her in-laws? Li Shi shared a similar sentiment, feeling unable to assist Su Zhi, offering apologetic looks instead.
Su Zhi glanced at Sun Shi but chose not to respond, quickly surveying the kitchen. It didn’t match up to her own kitchen at home, though it wasn’t dirty, it just lacked the familiar touch. Yet, it wasn’t her place to judge, so she paid it no mind. Seeing the ingredients already prepared on the counter, memories of the last meal she had here crossed her mind. While the food had a homely taste, it didn’t quite compare to what she could cook herself.
“Elder Sister-in-law, Second Sister-in-law, it’s the New Year today. Let me handle the cooking. You can take a break, and Third Sister-in-law can assist me,” Su Zhi proposed.
Su Zhi remarked that it was just a meal, nothing to fuss over; after all, it would end up in her own stomach. Moreover, if she didn’t cook, she wondered how Wang Shi would react. Although Wang Shi treated her well now, there had been past considerations. Originally, Wang Shi had ideas about arranging a match with Shen Zi’an, which had fallen through. Additionally, if Sun Shi found an opportunity to badmouth her to Shen Youfu’s elderly couple using this excuse, the New Year might turn out less pleasant.
Su Zhi was the kind of person who preferred smooth sailing in life; she had no inclination for conflict unless necessary.
Upon being asked to assist in cooking and letting the others rest, Sun Shi felt displeased. Just as she was about to speak, she heard crying from outside. She grumbled about the bad luck of someone crying on such a festive day.
Wang Shi coldly remarked, “It’s your son causing trouble again. Such bad luck!”
Upon recognizing the voice of her crying son, Sun Shi rushed outside in a flurry.