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Shen Ziju stood outside, observing the dimming sky. After the eventful autumn, it seemed like a turbulent winter awaited them. Money always seemed to be at the root of their family’s troubles, as if the clinking of coins had become the catalyst for their misfortunes. Determined to pass the imperial exams and secure an official position, he envisioned a future where wealth and power would shield him from such constant turmoil.
Lost in his thoughts, Shen Ziju heard footsteps approaching. He furrowed his brow, anticipating more commotion after his sister-in-law’s tearful entrance earlier. Zhao Dazhu had yet to arrive, reportedly off fetching Aunt Li, his mother. Shen Ziju braced himself for another round of wailing, finding such behavior uncouth and disrespectful. In his imagined future as an official, he believed no one would dare act so rudely in his presence.
To his surprise, Shen Ziju’s eyes lit up as his elder and second sister-in-law hurried inside. Peering behind them, he spotted a delicate figure wrapped in thick winter clothing, gracefully making her way towards them despite the cold weather.
Su Zhi wore a blue cloak, her hurried pace leaving her hood down, revealing her dark hair with a few strands gently framing her face. In the wind, these strands danced like delicate white pear blossoms against her snow-white complexion. Despite the cloak, its billowing in the wind accentuated her slender figure.
As Su Zhi entered, Shen Ziju felt as though the sky had brightened. He couldn’t help but notice how his sister-in-law seemed increasingly charming. Her beauty wasn’t the striking kind, but rather a gentle grace akin to a continuous stream, like a ray of winter sunlight that drew people towards her.
Was this the same woman who was once sickly and unattractive?
Shen Ziju had seen Su Zhi during her illness, a sight he couldn’t bear to see twice. Her transformation was remarkable; she was now a vision of snow-white beauty, a stark contrast to the previously unwell and uncomely woman. It almost seemed as though the sickly woman had vanished, replaced by an entirely different person.
With the sudden realization that Su Zhi had changed her name, Shen Ziju began to ponder the possibility. If Su Zhi had known of this sudden thought crossing Shen Ziju’s mind, she would have undoubtedly chuckled, acknowledging the accuracy of his speculation. She was indeed no longer the previous Zhao Xiaomei; the transformation had not altered her physical body but rather her soul.
“Fifth brother, how is the situation inside?” Wang shi approached Shen Ziju, showing more concern for the financial aspect rather than Zhao Xiaohua’s well-being. Li shi, too, watched anxiously, hoping to avoid any further complications before leaving the household. At this moment, their primary wish was for Zhao Xiaohua’s safety. Even if it meant spending money, they were willing to do so.
Shen Ziju responded, “Physician Huang didn’t find any major issues. Zhao Xiaohua mentioned feeling dizzy and nauseous, prompting father to summon Fourt Sister. Fourth Sister, your medical skills are excellent; please take good care of Sister Xiaohua.”
Shen Ziju bowed respectfully to Su Zhi, who reciprocated with a gentle bow, stating, “I only know a bit about medicine, but I can certainly take a look.”
In a soft voice, Shen Zhu interjected, “Fourth Sister, Zhao Xiaohua is pretending. Please don’t let her deceive you.”
Shen Ziju tugged at Shen Zhu, shaking his head slightly and whispered, “Let Fourth Sister take a look. We can’t let her deceive herself.”
Pouting, Shen Zhu responded, “So, we just let them cheat us out of our money? Once someone like her gets involved, it’s hard to shake them off! If she goes back claiming dizziness every day, are we supposed to support her for life? Oh dear!”
Suddenly covering her mouth, Shen Zhu’s eyes widened as if she had a realization. She continued, “This Zhao Xiaohua! She rushed out today to bump into Third Sister-in-law, but I think her real aim was to approach you, Little Brother. I can see she’s trying to cling to you. What if she keeps claiming dizziness and can’t find a husband? If she latches onto you, what will we do then?”
Shen Ziju frowned and reprimanded, “Nonsense! That’s not even possible!”
Shen Zhu persisted, “Why wouldn’t it be possible? The Zhao family is known for being stubborn. Zhao Xiaohua has always wanted a good marriage. She’d even be willing to be a concubine for an old landlord, but if a talented young man like you is in the picture, she’d definitely latch onto you. Our family might end up with you unwed, as she clings on stubbornly. Even if you don’t marry her, our family might have to support her for life, or even her future husband and children. It’s a potential disaster. Remember, last time Zhao Dazhu and his wife tried to use ‘Tiedan’ to trap Fourth Brother and Sister-in-law!”
Shen Ziju’s frown deepened as he finally stated, “If anyone’s to support her, it should be Third Brother’s family.”
Su Zhi couldn’t help but feel amused. She realized Shen Ziju always tried to maintain a cultured facade, but deep down, he was quite selfish. From observing Shen Zi’an’s division to Shen Zigui’s division, he always stood by, only stepping in once things settled. Now, upon sensing potential impact on himself, he quickly shifted the burden. If they had to support Zhao Xiaohua, he deflected it onto Third Brother’s family. This statement implied distancing themselves from the issue. It even hinted at, “If she’s to marry anyone, let it be Third Brother,” in between the lines!
To avoid getting entangled, Shen Ziju was almost on the verge of suggesting his elder brother marry Zhao Xiaohua, wasn’t he?
Su Zhi pondered that perhaps she had been too critical of Shen Ziju, but deep down, she held onto that suspicion. She wasn’t sure about his talents, but his cunning and self-centered nature were evident, showing he was the one most adept at scheming, seemingly inheriting Shen Zhang Shi’s craftiness.
Shen Zhu glanced at Su Zhi, determined to persuade her to treat Zhao Xiaohua. Her mind began to scheme.
“Fourth Sister, you mustn’t underestimate my words. Zhao Xiaohua is infatuated! She has high standards and might set her sights on someone. I think it’s more likely to be Fourth Brother. She used to fancy him in the past, but he wasn’t interested. Now that he’s wealthy, she might try to latch onto him. People knew of her feelings for him. With Fourth Brother’s financial status surpassing that of the old landlords, she might be eyeing him. She might see him as a significant upgrade from those old, unattractive landlords. Zhao Xiaohua is likely already smitten.”
Shen Zhu shot a glance at Su Zhi, fueling the flames further.
“If you don’t cure Zhao Xiaohua’s illness, she will definitely cling onto Fourth Brother. Today, she even mentioned how great Fourth Brother is and expressed a desire to have her dream interpreted by Little Brother. I’m sure this dream is related to Fourth Brother! You must treat her to protect yourself as well!”
Shen Ziju cleared his throat only after Shen Zhu finished speaking, giving her a tug.
Upon hearing Shen Zhu’s words, both Wang shi and Li shi found her reasoning sound and turned their attention to Su Zhi.
“Has Zi’an’s wife arrived? Quickly, let her in!”
At that moment, a voice called out from inside the room. Su Zhi glanced at Shen Zhu and Shen Ziju before proceeding inside, thinking that regardless of the truth in Shen Zhu’s words, she would have to “treat” Zhao Xiaohua well, just to be safe!
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