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After Su Zhi’s refusal, Shen Youfu’s anger flared up. He had a naturally quick temper, especially when dealing with his children. Among them, he harbored the strongest resentment towards Shen Zi’an because he felt Zi’an was indifferent towards him, perhaps even holding a grudge over his mother’s affairs. This perceived animosity led Shen Youfu to become distant with Shen Zi’an.
Now, pleading with Shen Zi’an regarding Shen Zhu’s matter was already a sore point for Shen Youfu. However, as Shen Zi’an and his wife continued to resist, Shen Youfu’s frustration reached its limit. He slammed his hand on the table, though he refrained from throwing anything – a relatively restrained reaction.
“You ungrateful children! Nothing ever works for you! Why is it so difficult for you to do a simple task? You clearly don’t see me as your father! What use are you?”
Shen Youfu cursed angrily, his eyes practically shooting daggers at Shen Zi’an, almost wishing to shatter him into pieces. Every now and then, he glared at Su Zhi, feeling that if it weren’t for this woman, Shen Zi’an’s indifferent attitude towards him would have resulted in more direct consequences. Now, with this division in the family, it seemed like he was being disregarded.
With a cry, Yueyue started sobbing, frightened by Shen Youfu’s outburst.
“Grandpa scolding Daddy and Mommy! Don’t scold Daddy and Mommy, bad grandpa! Yueyue doesn’t like bad grandpa,” Yueyue protested.
Shen Zi’an immediately scooped up Yueyue, reassuring her that everything was fine, though his expression darkened due to Shen Youfu’s tirade. He refrained from retorting immediately, concerned about Yueyue’s well-being.
Xiaori and Xinger also hopped down from the kang, standing beside Su Zhi with serious expressions. Su Zhi comforted Yueyue and then observed the two children. Seeing that they were not too affected by the outburst, she gently touched their heads, feeling displeased with Shen Youfu’s actions. She wondered what the old man was planning to do next. She hadn’t even finished speaking yet!
“Husband, what are you doing? Be careful not to hurt yourself and frighten the children,” Su Zhi interjected, concerned about Shen Youfu’s actions.
Upon witnessing the situation, Shen Zhang Shi felt that Shen Youfu had gone too far. She reprimanded him, then comforted the three children before wiping her eyes with a handkerchief.
“Zi’an, daughter-in-law, don’t be angry with your father. He’s just anxious. He wholeheartedly wants prosperity for the family. If Zhu’er becomes the Rain Goddess, it will be a great joy. Our Shen family will benefit, making it easier for our sons to marry and our daughters to find suitors. Your father only wishes well for the family, which is why he asked for your help. If it troubles you, we can let this matter go,” Shen Zhang Shi explained.
“Father, Mother, don’t worry about me. I believe in my abilities. I refuse to believe I can’t become the Rain Goddess based on my own merits!” Shen Zhu declared confidently.
Shen Zhu walked over to the kang, holding Shen Zhang Shi’s hand, her eyes welling up with tears. She sniffled and expressed her sentiments.
“It doesn’t matter if I don’t become the Rain Goddess. It’s just unfortunate that I can’t bring blessings to the family and share the joy with my nieces and nephews. It’s a pity that only my three nephews from Fourth Brother’s family will bring luck as young participants.”
Su Zhi observed the situation and couldn’t shake the feeling that by refusing, it seemed like they would be depriving the entire extended family of blessings. Especially with the way the last statement was phrased, it sounded as though they were only advocating for their own three children, neglecting to plead on her behalf. It all felt rather awkward and unsettling.
Listening to the hushed voices outside, Su Zhi pondered how many people might be eavesdropping. Whatever was being said inside was likely to spread throughout the household. She found Shen Zhang Shi and Shen Zhu’s words ambiguous, hinting that if they didn’t agree to support Shen Zhu, it would be at the expense of the entire Shen family. Undoubtedly, those listening outside would interpret it in the same way.
If she and her husband disagreed, they risked alienating the entire Shen family. Su Zhi admired Shen Zhang Shi and Shen Zhu’s persuasive abilities.
“Father, Mother, I haven’t finished speaking yet. I disagree. There are valid reasons for my stance. After hearing them, if you still believe I’m wrong, I’ll follow your suggestion and seek Qian Dahu’s favor. But if you see my point, please don’t hold it against Zi’an and me,” Su Zhi clarified.
Su Zhi felt frustrated, but she had no interest in responding aggressively like Shen Youfu or resorting to theatrics like the mother and daughter duo. She simply wanted to present her reasons and see how they would decide.
Observing Su Zhi remaining composed despite the scolding, Shen Ziju admired her even more. Glancing at Shen Zi’an’s calm demeanor, he noted how well-matched they were as a couple.
“Father, Mother, there’s no need to be upset. Let’s hear what Fourth Sister-in-law has to say. I believe she must have her reasons,” Shen Ziju interjected.
With a stern expression, Shen Youfu instructed, “Let her speak!”
Su Zhi smiled at Shen Ziju and continued, “Both Ziju and Zhu have visited Qian Dahu’s house, and Fifthe brother has a good relationship with Qian’s son. Qian Dahu holds Ziju in high regard, viewing him as a bright and studious individual. Bringing up this matter might affect Ziju’s image in his eyes. However, if we refrain from discussing it, Qian Dahu might naturally take an interest in Zhu due to Ziju’s and our family’s influence.”
Upon hearing Su Zhi’s reasoning, Shen Ziju found it quite sensible. While he wished for his sister to become the Rain Goddess for the family’s honor, he also felt unease at the thought of tarnishing his own reputation. Su Zhi’s proposal allowed him to voice his concerns, which he appreciated.
Shen Youfu and Shen Zhang Shi also found Su Zhi’s points logical. While Shen Zhu becoming the Rain Goddess was important, they realized that Shen Ziju’s reputation held greater significance in the eyes of others.
Shen Zhang Shi patted her daughter’s hand and then addressed Shen Youfu, “Old man, I think daughter-in-law Su Zhi has a point. Perhaps we should reconsider not involving them in discussing this with Qian Dahu.”
Although Shen Youfu acknowledged the validity of Su Zhi’s argument, his earlier frustration resurfaced as he regretted not clarifying the situation earlier. Reluctant to agree now, he simply grunted in response, choosing to remain silent.
Shen Zhu felt disappointed inwardly but managed to smile, saying, “Father, Mother, let’s leave it to fate.”
Shen Zhang Shi turned to Shen Zi’an and said, “Zi’an, tomorrow, you don’t need to say much. Just accompany Zhu’er and have Xiaori’s group with you.”
Su Zhi realized that Shen Zhang Shi intended for Qian Dahu to see Xiaori’s group, likely to discuss the incident involving the kidnappers from the other day. This way, when Xiaori’s group, including Shen Zhu, was seen assisting in catching the kidnappers and caring for the abducted children, it would leave a positive impression. Shen Zhang Shi’s plan was astute.
Shen Zi’an agreed with a nod.
As they left the main room, they didn’t spot anyone outside, but the sound of footsteps moments ago indicated that the eavesdroppers had likely hurried back inside.
Shen Ziju returned to his studies, bidding farewell to Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi. Su Zhi expressed concern for Shen Ziju, advising him not to overexert himself. Shen Ziju smiled in acknowledgment and headed back inside.
Yueyue had already run off to play with Chunyun and Chuncao in the second household’s room. The girls were close in age and enjoyed each other’s company. Shen Zi’an called Xiaori and Xinger over, engaging in conversation.
“Fourth Uncle, Fourth Aunt,” they greeted warmly.
The eldest and second Grandsons called out to the two, and Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi responded. The eldest and second Grandsons asked Shen Zi’an to join them in their room, mentioning that the second uncle and their father were present and wished to speak with him. Meanwhile, Chunlan invited Su Zhi into the room. After exchanging a glance, the couple followed their respective summoners.
Upon entering the room, Su Zhi found Wang Shi and Li Shi seated inside, with all the girls from both families gathered around. Wang Shi was mending shoe soles, Li Shi and Chunyue were weaving Knots, and Chunlan and Chunxiang were learning embroidery.
Su Zhi chuckled inwardly, noting that Li Shi was now able to manage finances independently, focusing on earning money by weaving Knots, while Wang Shi and her daughters were limited to making items for their own use. Even if they sold the weaving Knots, the earnings would have to be surrendered. Su Zhi admired Li Shi’s newfound autonomy but felt sorry for the constraints faced by Wang Shi’s family. However, she understood that this was a choice made by the main family, seeking to bask in the glory of Shen Ziju.
“Fourth Sister-in-law, come sit here,” Li Shi beckoned Su Zhi to sit beside her.
Chunlan and the others quickly stood up, offering the edge of the kang for Su Zhi to sit on.
“No need, I’ll just sit here,” Su Zhi declined politely.
Su Zhi sat on a long bench, feeling that the weather was not as cold as in winter, so she didn’t feel too chilly.
Yueyue suggested to Su Zhi, “Mom, come sit here with me. It’s warm here.”
Su Zhi smiled and replied, “Mom’s not cold. You keep playing.”
Yueyue and the others were sitting on the kang, playing with flower ropes, huddled together and thoroughly enjoying such a simple pastime.
“Fourth Sister-in-law, you could assist Zhu in becoming the Rain Goddess,” Li Shi spoke up. “You might think that as long as Zhu is the best candidate, she can become the Rain Goddess. However, it’s not that simple.”
This time, Li Shi took the initiative because she had three daughters of her own and saw potential benefits for them if Shen Zhu became the Rain Goddess. This motivated her to advocate for Shen Zhu.
Su Zhi wasn’t offended by Li Shi’s words and asked, “Second Sister-in-law, what do you mean? Are you suggesting that some people can use personal connections and wealth to secure the position of Rain Goddess?”
Wang Shi chimed in, “Exactly, that’s the case. It’s something my younger brother and I heard together. We overheard the florist talking about it. There’s a girl named Xianhua in Dashan Village, and their family has connections with Master Zhang’s family.”