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After Zhao Xiaohua’s family left and the villagers who had come to watch dispersed after chatting warmly with Su Zhi, Shen Youfu escorted Li Zheng and the others out, finally leaving only his family behind.
Su Zhi had intended to bid farewell and leave with Shen Zi’an, but Shen Youfu’s words held her back. She wondered what the old man was about to say.
Inside the main room of the Shen household, Shen Youfu and Shen Zhang shi sat on the heated brick bed. Shen Youfu, with a solemn expression, smoked his pipe, clearly still upset about the recent events. Meanwhile, Shen Zhang shi sat elegantly beside him. Even though the heated brick bed was a new addition, when she sat there, Su Zhi couldn’t help but feel that she was naturally suited to sit there with an air of dignity, exuding the presence of a matriarch.
“Sun Shi, kneel down!”
Shen Youfu took a deep drag from his pipe and glared at Sun Shi, feeling that today’s turmoil was all instigated by her. If she hadn’t eavesdropped outside the door, none of the chaos would have unfolded. He believed that ever since she married into the family, there had been no peace. He used to think Su Zhi was a jinx, but now he saw Sun Shi as the real troublemaker. If he didn’t firmly reprimand this troublemaker today, who knew how the Shen family would end up? Even if Shen Ziju held a high position, he would be ruined by her antics!
Sun Shi, feeling wronged, said, “Father, how can you blame me for today’s events? I was just going to visit and have a chat with Zhu’er. It was Zhao Xiaohua who started it. I’m truly feeling aggrieved.”
“Shut up! Your true nature is well-known in this family. You may play innocent in front of outsiders, but in front of your family, behave yourself! You dare to peep through your sister-in-law’s door crack. Whose door crack won’t you peek through? How did our family end up with such an ill-mannered daughter-in-law like you? If others found out, what would they say about the Shen family? It was only because we had to preserve face in front of others today that you weren’t exposed today, do you still have the face to pretend at home? I’ll have Third son divorce you!”
Shen Youfu slammed his pipe on the table several times, knocking out the ashes. Shen Zhang shi quickly moved aside, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes, albeit faintly. She then shifted her gaze towards Sun Shi. Displaying a look of extreme frustration, she lightly pressed her temples as if infuriated.
Shen Zhu sat on the edge of the heated brick bed next to Shen Zhang shi. Seeing Shen Zhang shi’s distress, she immediately showed a concerned expression, gently holding her mother’s arm and massaging her temples. She advised, “Mom, don’t let anger affect your health. Though today’s events were frustrating and upsetting, they are in the past, right? After all, we managed to avoid getting entangled with the Zhao family. It was a close call but everything turned out fine in the end. Please don’t get upset.”
Sun Shi, having been frightened by Shen Youfu’s demeanor earlier, finally kneeled down, albeit reluctantly. Her posture was rather awkward, sitting on her legs in a somewhat crooked manner, finding the most comfortable kneeling position. Observing Sun Shi, Su Zhi thought she was resilient, even in front of Shen Youfu, the patriarch. Although she appeared to yield on the surface, she still managed to maintain a form of inner strength. Su Zhi wondered if Sun Shi might eventually turn into a difficult woman like Aunt Li in her old age.
Listening to Shen Zhu’s words, Sun Shi chimed in, “Shen Zhu is right. Today was a close call. The Zhao family’s attempt to shift blame onto us failed, exposing their ill intentions. Zhao Xiaohua’s reputation has taken a hit, making it impossible for her to find a good marital match. This incident allowed us to vent our frustrations. Father, Mother, please don’t stay angry with our daughter-in-law. If people hear about it, they might think poorly of our Shen family. That wouldn’t be good.”
Shen Ziping felt Sun Shi tug at his trouser leg and spoke up, “Father, Mother, my wife’s health isn’t great, and the floor is cold. If she falls ill again, it will cost us money. Falling ill during the New Year season is inauspicious. Ziju is about to take the imperial exam in the spring, which will also require expenses. Considering all this, let her get up.”
Su Zhi inwardly noted how the Shen family seemed to prioritize Shen Ziju’s future above all else. Even when someone made a mistake, they found a way to connect it to him to mitigate the consequences. The older couple fell for this approach. Despite their separation from the main family, all their earnings seemed to be at stake.
Shen Zhang shi thought about how Sun Shi’s actions today nearly led to their youngest son being duped into marrying into the Zhao family. She harbored deep dissatisfaction towards Sun Shi, wishing she would kneel even more, regardless of Shen Ziping mentioning financial concerns.
Shen Zhu, also resentful of Sun Shi’s eavesdropping, grabbed a cushion from the heated brick bed, placed it on the floor, and said, “Sister-in-law, the floor is cold. Since you’re kneeling so awkwardly, it’s better to kneel on this cushion for some warmth.”
Shen Youfu initially considered letting Sun Shi stand up upon Shen Ziping’s suggestion. However, seeing her kneeling in such a crooked manner reignited his anger. He grabbed a broom used for sweeping the heated brick bed and hurled it at Sun Shi.
“You wasteful daughter-in-law! Kneel properly! You dare to deceive me even when I’m still able to move! No one is to plead for her. Let her kneel, and if she falls ill, all expenses for treatment will come out of your own pockets! Don’t even think about using the family’s money!”
The broom hit Sun Shi on the shoulder, causing her to cry out in pain. Fearful of Shen Youfu’s genuine anger this time, she also harbored resentment towards Shen Zhu. She thought to herself that if Shen Zhu hadn’t pointed out her crooked kneeling posture, Shen Youfu wouldn’t have been so furious. Sun Shi blamed Shen Zhu for not conversing properly with Zhao Xiaohua, leading to the incident that caused trouble. She directed all her frustration towards her young sister-in-law.
Shen Zhu understood that Sun Shi was blaming her. She wanted Sun Shi to learn a lesson but didn’t want to incur her lasting resentment. Therefore, she gently suggested to Shen Youfu, “Dad, why not let Second Sister-in-law stand up? If she truly falls ill, won’t it inconvenience Second Brother and the nieces and nephews? After all, it’s almost the New Year.”
Shen Ziju also chimed in, saying, “Dad, we can’t solely blame Third Sister-in-law for today’s events. Let her stand up. After all, the family’s health is the most important.”
Shen Youfu snorted, observing Sun Shi rubbing her shoulder and wiping her tears. He said, “Get up. You won’t be eating dinner tonight. Stay home until the New Year. All the household chores are now your responsibility. You’re not allowed to ask anyone for help, not even Chunhua. If I catch you asking others assist, you’ll be sent back to your parents’ home!”
Sun Shi’s expression changed upon hearing this. She realized that taking on all the household duties would be exhausting, especially since they were usually divided among three people. Despite feeling overwhelmed, she dared not oppose Shen Youfu’s decision, planning to figure things out later.
“Father, does that mean I’ll be responsible for all the household chores during the New Year? My cooking isn’t great. When relatives and guests visit, it might be embarrassing,” Sun Shi questioned, a hint of worry evident in her voice.
“At that time, we’ll see. You’ll do the chores, and if you repeat your mistakes, you’ll continue doing them until you improve. When you stop eavesdropping and peeking through others’ doors, you can go back to how it was before! It’s settled. Keep quiet. Ziping, you need to manage your wife properly. It’s unacceptable. You won’t be eating dinner tonight either. If she errs again, you’ll face the consequences too!” Shen Youfu declared sternly. Shen Ziping immediately nodded in agreement.
Observing his third son’s weary demeanor and the indifferent expressions of his other children, Shen Youfu resolved to take charge of the household. He couldn’t risk his youngest son’s future. With his second and fourth sons already separated, he understood the importance of managing the remaining children well. The decision to send Shen Zian away had already led to gossip about the family’s judgment. Now that Shen Zian was thriving, Shen Youfu couldn’t let the main household decline, potentially becoming a subject of ridicule.
After dealing with Sun Shi, Shen Youfu turned to Shen Zian and Su Zhi.
Shen Youfu’s feelings towards this son and daughters-in-law who had been separated from the main household were quite complex now. Initially considering them as burdens and even omens of bad luck, he had decided to split them off. However, in just half a year, his daughter-in-law not only shed the title of a jinx but was also considered fortunate, building a grand house, having a large courtyard, and even attracting Sacred Beasts. She was clever and resourceful, leading a prosperous life that even made him envious.
Despite his envy, there was little he could do. His son had never been close to him, and his daughter-in-law was bold enough to challenge him, often outwitting him with her sharp tongue. He couldn’t gain any advantage in their interactions, let alone consider bringing them back to the main household.
Reflecting on this, Shen Youfu felt regret for the decisions he had made. Thinking about the troubles caused by his third son’s household, he wished they hadn’t split so soon. If only they had waited until Su Zhi recovered from her illness, things might have turned out differently, and he wouldn’t have pushed for the separation. Now, that large residence belonged to them alone. He blamed the third son’s household for listening to that old superstitious nonsense.
Shen Youfu glared at Shen Ziping and his wife, causing them to shrink back. In his mind, he saw no fault on his part.
“Fourth Daughter-in-law, you did well today.”
Shen Youfu praised Su Zhi, realizing that while he couldn’t change the past, he could still mend relationships in the present. Even though Shen Zian and his family were separated, they were still his son and daughter-in-law, obligated to show filial respect. Offering a smile might encourage them to visit more often. By fostering a good relationship, they would be more willing to help out when needed. If money were ever required, they would have to provide it; otherwise, they could be deemed disrespectful.
Shen Youfu had already planned his approach. He believed that his past rigid attitude had led his son, who was as stubborn as a stone, to lean towards his delicate daughter-in-law. By being more accommodating and praising Su Zhi, he hoped to win back their favor.