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Shen Youfu and Shen Zhang Shi sat at the forefront, Shen Ziju and Shen Zhu stood on one side, Shen Ziping and Shen Zigui on the other, Shen Zi’an stood nearby, while the Third and fifth grandson, and Chunhua were also present. The children of the main and second branches stood alongside their parents, finding whatever space they could in the crowded room.
Shen Ziping and Sun Shi knelt in the center, with their trembling son between them, his small frame shivering, whether from fear or the cold floor was unclear.
“Sun Shi, we are discussing the theft of silver by the fourth grandson. We can address the private funds matter later,” Shen Zhang Shi stated, casting a glance at Li Shi and her companions who had just arrived. Her gaze lingered on Li Shi and Shen Zigui, revealing her concern about the private funds issue. Balancing the roles of both mother and daughter-in-law, discovering someone accumulating significant private funds when it was forbidden, especially uncovered through unsavory means by her own grandson, felt like a double blow, likely stirring her anger despite her typically good temperament.
Su Zhi observed Shen Zhang Shi’s expression and thought to herself that the elderly woman would likely stir up trouble with this matter.
Shen Zigui and Li Shi, noticing Shen Zhang Shi’s gaze, felt a wave of nervousness. Chunyue, standing beside her parents, instinctively grabbed Li Shi’s clothing, causing Li Shi’s heart to race. However, recalling Wang Shi and Su Zhi’s words of reassurance, she calmed herself. After exchanging a glance with her daughter, she signaled that everything was fine, easing Chunyue’s anxiety.
Upon hearing Shen Zhang Shi’s words, Sun Shi felt a sense of joy. She anticipated that Shen Zhang Shi would bring up the matter involving the second branch later, likely resulting in their misfortune. Ideally, they would be forced to leave empty-handed, leaving behind the silver coins. However, considering Shen Zhang Shi’s unwillingness to overlook the fourth grandson’s actions, Sun Shi shot a disapproving glance at him, pondering on his quick admission to the accusations. She wished he had resisted a bit; if he had, once she entered the room, he could have been hailed as the hero who exposed the second branch’s hidden funds, potentially avoiding punishment and even gaining benefits. At this point, balancing out his deeds might be the best outcome.
Seeing his mother’s disapproving look, the fourth grandson, who had just stopped crying, began to sob once more.
“Shut up!” Shen Youfu’s angry voice silenced the fourth grandson, who stopped crying, tears streaming down his face. His tear-streaked face, filled with mucus and tears, appeared blank, further displeasing Shen Youfu.
Frowning at the fourth grandson, Shen Youfu stated, “I heard about the theft long ago. When people initially accused him, I defended him, suggesting it was mere suspicion without evidence, leading to strained relationships with several families. Now, it’s clear he was guilty all along.”
Sun Shi pushed the fourth grandson from behind and interjected, “Father, the fourth grandson didn’t do those things. You can’t assume he did just because of today’s incident. Fourth grandson, tell your grandfather you didn’t do those things! Say you only took the bag today while searching for food in second Uncle’s room. Speak up!”
The fourth grandson hesitantly replied, “Grandfather, I didn’t do those things. I only took something from second Uncle’s room…”
Wang Shi snorted, “There were items missing from my room. If it wasn’t the fourth grandson, do we have another thief in the house?”
Shen Zhang Shi frowned and warned, “Elder Daughter-in-law, refrain from baseless accusations!”
Feeling displeased, Wang Shi thought to herself that she wasn’t making baseless claims; why couldn’t she speak the truth? She began to envy Su Zhi and Li Shi for being in separate households. She had always harbored envy but had considered sticking together for the leverage Shen Ziju provided. Yet, whenever she felt oppressed in this household, thoughts of separation crossed her mind, especially at times like this when under Shen Zhang Shi’s pressure. Separation would grant her autonomy.
Reflecting on her lack of support during the division with Li Shi, Wang Shi regretted not speaking up.
At this moment, Shen Zhu stood beside Shen Zhang Shi, gently tugging at her clothes, whispering, “Mother, do you remember I mentioned I was missing a handkerchief and a box of rouge?”
As Shen Zhu spoke, her gaze shifted towards Sun Shi, implying that if the fourth graandson took items, they must have been intended for her. It seemed possible that Sun Shi had instructed him to take those items, making Shen Zhu wonder if her sister-in-law had schemed against her.
Upon hearing Shen Zhu’s mention of missing items, Sun Shi immediately protested, “Zhu’er! You cannot make such accusations at this moment! By saying this now, are you insinuating that the things you lost were taken by our son? He is just a child, with a penchant for food. Accusing him of taking money could still be justified as purchasing food, but suggesting he took your handkerchief and rouge—how could you think so lowly of our son? Zhu’er, your sister-in-law has always treated you well. Even if it were him, you shouldn’t bring it up now…”
Sun Shi wiped her eyes forcefully, tears welling up.
Shen Ziping chimed in, “Father, Mother, the fourth grandson was merely looking for something to eat and happened upon the money pouch, thinking he could use it to buy sweets. It was a one-time occurrence. Blaming all missing items on him would be unjust. If he is wrongly accused, it could affect his development, making it challenging for us.”
Shen Zhu added, “I was merely mentioning it. I didn’t say the fourth nephew took them. Brother and Sister-in-law, why make a fuss? Both Sister-in-law and I lost items. It’s not a secret. Previously, when this was brought up, you weren’t this agitated. Why suddenly assume I implicated your son? You are overthinking it.”
Sun Shi and Shen Ziping found themselves at a loss for words, realizing Shen Zhu’s subtle maneuvering. Her apparent denial of implicating their son, despite the implications, left them speechless. Their actions inadvertently made it seem more likely that their son was guilty.
Shen Youfu glared at the three kneeling individuals on the ground and declared, “Whether it was a single theft or multiple, stealing is stealing. Punishment is warranted! Such shameful behavior cannot be tolerated in the Shen family. This misconduct must be corrected. The fourth son is still young; by correcting him now, we can prevent a lifetime of wrongdoing. If left unchecked, he could become a thief, a fate we cannot afford for our family.”
Shen Zhang Shi intervened, “Husband, you are right, but the fourth grandson is young. Don’t punish him too severely. If you need to vent your anger, punish his parents instead. Both Ziping and his wife cannot escape responsibility this time. However, considering their health issues, be cautious with the punishment. Don’t be too harsh.”
Amused by Shen Zhang Shi’s compassionate approach, Su Zhi couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. She found Shen Zhang Shi’s demeanor quite intriguing—punish the grandson but not too severely due to his age, consider punishing the parents instead, but they have health concerns, so be gentle with the punishment. Would this all end up with no punishment at all? Would it lead to another ban on food at the end?
Shen Youfu, upon hearing Shen Zhang Shi’s suggestion, furrowed his brow and looked at the fourth grandson, who was on the verge of tears once again.
“You won’t have lunch today,” Shen Youfu declared, causing the fourth grandson to nearly cry once more.
Su Zhi couldn’t help but chuckle internally, finding the Shen family’s style quite amusing. Punishing with meal restrictions seemed to be a common practice, perhaps explaining why everyone seemed so thin. With only two meals a day and the frequent omission of one as a punishment, anyone not losing weight in such a setting might consider themselves lucky.
“No! I want to eat! I want to eat meat!” The fourth grandson protested vehemently upon being denied food. For him, the festive meals during holidays were the most enjoyable, and the thought of being deprived of a meal was unbearable. Consequently, he burst into tears, defying even his feared grandfather.
“Grandfather, please, just hit me! I want to eat! I’m never full every day, only during the holidays can I eat properly. I don’t want to go hungry; I want a full meal! I want meat! Today, Fourth Aunt is cooking, I want to eat her food! Sob… Grandfather, please hit me instead! I want to eat! I don’t want to be hungry!”
The fourth grandson’s plea abruptly wiped the smile off Su Zhi’s face, leaving her feeling a pang of sadness. She realized how the Shen family had deprived the child to such an extent that he longed for a full meal only during the holidays, willing to endure punishment just for that one satisfying meal. Despite the Shen family being seemingly well-off and even able to support someone’s education, the child’s plea for a decent meal struck a chord within Su Zhi.
As Shen Ziju caught Su Zhi’s eyes on him, his heart skipped a beat. Listening to the fourth grandson’s words, he felt a tinge of embarrassment and anger, pondering whether his sister-in-law believed he had spent all the family’s money, leading to the children going hungry. In that moment, a mix of shame, anger, and determination surged within him. He reassured himself that he would rise to a high position and provide a good life for the family. Glancing at Su Zhi to convey his resolve, he realized she was no longer looking at him.
At that moment, Sun Shi was holding his son, wailing and lamenting, “My poor child, you’ve barely had a full meal in your life. Going hungry led you to take things that weren’t yours. Who can we blame for this? Son, endure this. Your youngest uncle will pass the imperial examination and become an official. When that happens, you’ll have meat and new clothes every day. My son, endure this. Your father and I will endure this. Skipping a meal won’t hurt you; I’ll make sure you drink more water later. Stay strong…”
Sun Shi’s emotional outburst cast a pall over everyone in the room, with the members of the main and second branches feeling particularly uncomfortable, knowing they had endured years of hunger themselves.