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Shen Zhang Shi was taken aback upon hearing Shen Youfu’s words. She hadn’t expected that while she was contemplating how to reunite her sons, the old master had an entirely different idea. However, she wasn’t foolish. With just a quick thought, she understood Shen Youfu’s perspective.
Shen Youfu took a deep drag on his cigarette and said, “You witnessed what happened today. The third branch is becoming more and more unruly. Not only are they wayward, but even their children are following suit. From what I see, their three sons and one daughter aren’t headed for success; they seem more likely to cause trouble. As we grow older, it’s becoming harder to manage them. Having them around is frustrating. It might be better to have them live separately.”
Shen Zhang Shi nodded in agreement. She had long observed the shortcomings of the third branch—none of them seemed capable of achieving greatness; instead, they burdened the family. Despite this, they were still her sons, and she desired to keep them close together for a lively and bustling family atmosphere. She enjoyed the hustle and bustle of a large family under her care.
“Are you worried that the third branch might cause trouble for Ziju in the future? Don’t fret too much. As long as we keep a close eye on them, nothing major should happen. If we separate them and they struggle, with no one to guide them, they might end up causing even more trouble. Wouldn’t that just add to Ziju’s worries?” Shen Zhang Shi reassured Shen Youfu.
Shen Youfu found Shen Zhang Shi’s words reasonable.
Seeing Shen Youfu fall silent, Shen Zhang Shi continued, “Furthermore, the third branch only looks for small advantages. Once Ziju prospers and the family has wealth, they won’t care about those trivial gains. If you overlook the third branch now and consider separating them, what about the main branch? Are we going to live with Zifu’s family and have Ziju separated, or live with Ziju and have Zifu’s family separated? You surely prefer living with Ziju, meaning Zifu’s family would be the one separated. But considering Ziju hasn’t gone to the capital yet, and Zhu hasn’t married, we rely on them. It wouldn’t be convenient if they were separated.”
Shen Zhang Shi’s lengthy explanation completely dispelled Shen Youfu’s thoughts.
“Ah, nothing seems to be worry-free,” Shen Youfu sighed, inhaling his cigarette too strongly and ending up coughing.
Shen Zhang Shi hurried to pat his back, slightly displeased as she remarked, “What? I bore you all these children, and you think it’s too much? Weren’t you the one who wanted sons that’s why you married me? I’ve carried the name of a stepmother all these years, especially in the countryside. If it were in the city, even a legal wife is still a concubine. For you, I endured so much hardship, provided heirs for the Shen family, and yet you still find it worrisome?”
Though Shen Zhang Shi’s words contained complaints, her tone was gentle and devoid of anger, carrying only a hint of sorrow, like the smoke from a pipe—subtle yet slightly choking, yet oddly comforting.
Shen Youfu patted Shen Zhang Shi’s knee, saying, “Nonsense. You’ve given me all these children; you are my wife. Who cares about concubines? It’s the festive season; let’s not dwell on unpleasant matters. I was just venting. Even with the worries, I find joy in it.”
Shen Zhang Shi’s face softened into a smile, then with a touch of melancholy, she said, “Elder Sister never had children back then; that’s why I married you. If I had known she could bear children, I would never have married you. She passed away so early, and I’ve always felt guilty towards her. I’ve always favored Zi’an, but even though he calls me ‘mother,’ he doesn’t truly see me as one. Sometimes I wonder if he resents me for Elder Sister’s passing.”
“That’s just his nature. Isn’t he the same with me? You’ve treated him well enough. I appreciate you for that. As for him, if he dares not respect you as his mother, I will break his legs,” Shen Zhang shi declared, thinking of Shen Zi’an, feeling a twinge of frustration. Her son had distanced himself emotionally from her since childhood, always sporting a cold demeanor, a source of ongoing vexation for her.
“Zi’an is still a good son, just too obedient to his wife. Treat him kindly in the future, so he doesn’t view the family unfavorably and remains close to his wife,” Shen Youfu remarked, contemplating Shen Zi’an’s behavior. Despite his son’s standoffish nature, he still saw some redeeming qualities in him, recognizing the influence of his wife on his actions.
“Hmph, it’s all because of his mother, raising a disobedient son who marries such a wife, making the fourth one even more unruly. This woman makes my life uncomfortable while alive and restless even after her death! If I had known, I should have let her die a few years earlier. Then, the fourth one wouldn’t be so disobedient, nor would we have such a troublemaking daughter-in-law!” Shen Youfu vented his frustrations.
“Enough, enough. Don’t let others hear such words. Besides, Elder Sister is no longer here; you shouldn’t dwell on these matters and risk your health,” Shen Zhang Shi cautioned, trying to calm her husband down.
Shen Zhang Shi then handed Shen Youfu some tobacco, her attentive gesture soothing his troubled mind. Witnessing her care, Shen Youfu felt a sense of contentment, grateful for his understanding wife.
Wang Shi stood outside the door, listening to Shen Youfu and Shen Zhang Shi’s conversation, her brows furrowed tightly. It wasn’t that she overheard any negative remarks about herself but rather found Shen Youfu’s comments peculiar, especially the notion of someone deserving to die earlier. The unsettling words left her feeling uneasy.
Startled by the unsettling conversation, Wang Shi took a step back, bumping into the corner of a nearby chair, which let out a loud noise.
“Who’s outside?” Shen Zhang Shi’s voice sharpened as she inquired from inside. Su Zhi, realizing she shouldn’t let them know she overheard their conversation, quickly stepped back to the side of the door. This way, when she spoke, those inside would assume she had just reached the doorway, preventing them from suspecting she had heard their words.
“Father, Mother, it’s me. I wanted to ask about the fish at home. Should we prepare it as sour fish or braised fish?” Su Zhi inquired.
“Let’s make it sour fish, and keep some soup. It’ll be warm to drink,” Shen Zhang Shi replied from inside. Wang Shi acknowledged and then turned to leave, her mind still clouded with thoughts from the unsettling conversation she had overheard.
“Fourth Sister-in-law, let’s make the fish sour fish as Mother suggested. She mentioned having more soup for warmth,” Su Zhi relayed the instructions.
After finishing her statement, Wang Shi helped clean the pickled vegetables nearby. As she worked, she mulled over Shen Youfu’s words, particularly the phrase “should have let her die a few years earlier.” She pondered the early death of Fourth broother’s biological mother and whether there was any connection with Old Man Shen. Did his comment about the early death imply any involvement, whether he regretted not acting sooner or if he never acted at all but felt he should have intervened earlier?
“Elder Sister, you’re about to ruin these pickled vegetables,” Sun Shi remarked, watching as Wang Shi absentmindedly chopped the vegetables into unrecognizable pieces. She found it amusing to see Wang Shi lose focus while cooking, something she had not witnessed before.
Realizing her distraction, Wang Shi felt a pang of concern. She couldn’t afford to slip up, especially if Sun Shi caught wind of her eavesdropping and disclosed it to their parents. If their words contained sensitive information, she might become a target of suspicion. It was best to keep what she overheard to herself.
“Do you even understand anything? These pickled vegetables should be chopped like this for the best taste. Go back to your work. If it weren’t for the trouble you caused today, we would have finished cooking by now. And you, trying to make our parents believe I have hidden money today, don’t think I’ve forgotten. We’ll see how this plays out!” Wang Shi threatened Sun Shi. Today, because of Sun Shi, her profitable business was almost jeopardized, and there was nearly an exposure of her hidden money. She now regarded Sun Shi with utter disdain, recognizing the need to handle her more firmly moving forward.
Sun Shi, taken aback, retorted, “I refuse to believe you haven’t hidden any money. The things Fourth Sister-in-law said today might be true. If you’re truthful, we can’t prove otherwise. Do you really think our parents will believe you without question? They are slowly losing trust in you. Be cautious because sooner or later, we’ll uncover your hidden money. Let’s see how you explain that!”
Li Shi interjected firmly, “This isn’t your concern. If anything, you seem to have more hidden money than us, don’t you? If you want to clash with us, we’ll face it head-on, and you’ll suffer along with us! If you doubt it, let’s try it out. I’m ready for the consequences.”
Su Zhi, stirring the food in the pot, intervened, “Enough, sisters-in-law, stop quarreling. It’s the New Year today; let’s not ruin the festive spirit with arguments.”
Sun Shi chimed in, “Exactly, it’s the New Year; let’s not argue. Fourth Sister-in-law, when you have another profitable business deal, remember to involve me too. I have skills to contribute as well.”
Su Zhi simply smiled without responding.
Meanwhile, Chunlan and the others played in the courtyard, with Little Black joyfully running around, while Little White, White Wolf, and Big Black watched over him, creating a joyous atmosphere filled with laughter.
After lunch, Su Zhi helped prepare for the ancestral worship ceremony the next day before bidding farewell alongside Shen Zi’an. Wang Shi watched them leave, choosing not to reveal what she had overheard. Regardless of the truth behind those words, she decided to keep them to herself, mindful of her relationships with her adopted parents and husband, Shen Zi’an, who wasn’t related by blood. She had to consider her family’s well-being.
Unaware of the potential consequences, Wang Shi’s decision to keep the information to herself could lead to unforeseen trouble in the future.
Su Zhi and Shen Zi’an walked hand in hand, observing White Wolf’s family ahead of them. Along the streets, red paper from firecrackers adorned the doorways of every household, and people greeted them with smiles, creating a festive atmosphere. Su Zhi felt truly happy in this moment.
On their way back home, Su Zhi and Shen Zi’an decided to visit Li Shi and invite him to stay up for the New Year’s Eve, knowing that Li Shi wouldn’t be celebrating with his own family. His relationship with his biological father and stepmother was strained compared to the bond Shen Zi’an shared with his family.
As they arrived at Li Shi’s doorstep, they found him standing there, lost in thought, holding a red belt in his hands.