Font Size:
Su Zhi observed Shen Youfu’s attempt to put on a gentle expression, wondering if he suddenly found the Fourth Branch useful so he desired reconciliation.
As soon as this thought crossed her mind, Su Zhi heightened her vigilance, unfortunately that Shen Youfu’s attempt to warm her heart with a few words was futile. As the saying goes, “Mountains may change, but one’s nature does not.” She understood that a biased person like him wouldn’t change his mind over a single matter. Therefore, she immediately discerned Shen Youfu’s true intentions.
“Father, anyone with the ability would help others in need. I may not possess special skills, but offering basic medical care to the villagers is a small effort that I’m willing to make. It’s just a simple gesture,” Su Zhi calmly stated. Her demeanor remained composed, showing no excessive excitement despite Shen Youfu’s praise. This response left Shen Youfu somewhat disappointed. He had hoped his daughter-in-law would express how naturally she would help for the sake of her family. Such sentiments would have allowed him to add a few more words, fostering a harmonious family atmosphere. Unfortunately, Su Zhi, much like his fourth son, was as stubborn as a rock in a pit—unyielding and unmovable!
Shen Youfu eased his tone, trying not to appear too stern, and continued, “It’s because of you that our family managed to avoid being taken advantage of by the Zhao family. You have experienced firsthand their tendency to exploit others, understanding the consequences if we were entangled with them. Your actions this time were commendable.”
Observing the stark contrast in Shen Youfu’s praise for Su Zhi compared to his usual demeanor, Shen Zhang shi grasped his intentions. She believed his plan was appropriate. Having been a devoted mother to her children for many years, she was willing to continue nurturing them. With a smile, she turned towards Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi.
“Your father is right. Su Zhi has achieved a great feat this time. Let’s have dinner here tonight. Eldest daughter-in-law, second daughter-in-law, you will all dine here. Don’t let the third daughter-in-law cook and eat. Prepare more dishes and go catch a chicken for us. Let’s have a joyful family meal together. Hurry now!” Shen Zhang shi cheerfully instructed her two daughters-in-law, aiming to mend ties with the Fourth Branch by sacrificing a chiken for a meal, believing it would help ease tensions within the family.
Wang Shi and Li Shi agreed and were about to leave as they were standing at the door. Su Zhi promptly stopped them and said to Shen Zhang shi, “Mother, there’s no need for that. It’s just a small matter, no need to slaughter a chicken. Why be so formal with us? Our arrangements at home aren’t sorted out properly. The Sacred Beast is still at home and they’ve become accustomed to the food I prepare. I wouldn’t feel comfortable if they went hungry.”
Shen Zhu added, “Finish your meal early and head back. It won’t be too late for them. Fourth Brother, Fourth Sister-in-law, you both should accompany Father and Mother for a meal. After all, they are the priority.”
Shen Zhu had realized that improving relations with her fourth brother’s family would benefit her. Although she envied Su Zhi’s current lifestyle, she believed that her own future might surpass Su Zhi’s. Before that happened, she needed to rely on the Fourth Branch for support. Despite any personal discontent, she understood the importance of maintaining a good relationship with them and actively assisted in persuading them to stay.
Shen Zifu and Shen Zigui already had a good relationship with the Fourth Branch. They naturally wanted a harmonious atmosphere and sought to retain them. However, the Third Branch remained silent as they were being punished and not allowed to eat. The thought of missing out on the sumptuous feast left them feeling uncomfortable, wishing that the Fourth Branch would leave quickly.
Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi didn’t want to stay. They understood that the elderly couple was trying to reconcile with them. When relations were strained, they could remain firm in handling situations. However, once relations eased, it became challenging to refuse anything. It felt like a simple meal could resolve past conflicts, much like how a glass of wine could wash away grievances. Even the toughest of relationships could be mended by sharing a joyful meal together, letting bygones be bygones.
“Zi’an, it’s just a meal. Do you really have to make me, your father, beg you? Stay if I ask you to. I’m not asking for your money!” Shen Youfu expressed a hint of displeasure, his face growing stern once again.
Shen Zhang shi tugged at him, wearing a slightly saddened expression, and said to Su Zhi, “Daughter-in-law, please persuade Zi’an to stay. Your father-in-law truly cares for Zi’an, but he doesn’t show it openly. It has led to a lack of communication between father and son. Since you’ve been separated and he doesn’t want to drift further apart, he has been wanting to invite you both over for a meal for some time now. Today is the perfect opportunity for our family to come together joyfully. Please stay. Consider it a request from me as your mother-in-law.”
As Shen Zhang shi spoke, her eyes welled up, turning her face slightly to the side in an attempt to hide her imminent tears, yet everyone could sense her emotions were about to overflow.
Shen Zhu promptly intervened, saying, “Fourth Brother, Fourth Sister-in-law, it’s just a meal. Please stay and eat. Let’s not make Father and Mother upset.”
Shen Ziju chimed in, “Fourth Brother, Fourth Sister-in-law, please stay. Today, we owe a lot to you. Let’s not complicate things over a family meal.”
Su Zhi realized that not staying would be seen as disrespectful. Even if they skipped this meal, they would eventually have to interact in the future, perhaps even gathering for meals during festivals. Why not enjoy this one together? Reflecting on their past frugality during the separation, she comforted herself by thinking about future interactions. If they didn’t treat them with kindness now, they would regret it later.
“Alright then, Zi’an, let’s stay for the meal. We’ll head back early so as not to inconvenience the Sacred Beasts,” Su Zhi finally agreed.
Upon Su Zhi’s agreement, Shen Zi’an nodded in approval. Shen Youfu and Shen Zhangshi smiled warmly. Shen Youfu gestured for the third branch to leave, then invited Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi to sit on the kang. Shen Ziju and Shen Zhu joined them while Shen Zifu and Shen Zigui sat on chairs. Shen Zhang shi brought out a wooden plate from the kang, filled with melon seeds, and placed it in front of Su Zhi for her to enjoy.
Su Zhi sat confidently on the edge of the kang, not climbing onto it. As she savored the melon seeds graciously offered by Shen Zhang shi, she ate each one delicately, removing the shell with a slight, almost imperceptible bite, and neatly placing the shells in her other hand without littering, displaying impeccable manners.
Watching Su Zhi’s graceful actions, Shen Zhang shi’s eyes sparkled. She maintained a cheerful demeanor, engaging Su Zhi in nostalgic conversations about her childhood and experiences in the convent. Shen Zhu also joined in, asking about her encounters with the Sacred Beasts and the origins of her culinary skills. Both women chatted and inquired amiably, trying to uncover more about Su Zhi. However, Su Zhi, far from naive, understood the probing nature of their questions. She responded with a smile, skillfully evading any revealing answers, tactfully concealing any valuable information.
Shen Zhang shi and Shen Zhu were no fools; after futile attempts at questioning, they realized that Su Zhi’s responses revealed nothing of substance. Observing Su Zhi’s confident and cheerful demeanor, they pondered whether she was genuinely answering or simply toying with them. If her answers were indeed premeditated, they marveled at Su Zhi’s sharp wit, effortlessly providing the most fitting responses without hesitation.
While conversing with Shen Zi’an, Shen Ziju had a clear view of Su Zhi. Watching her crack melon seeds with a smile and respond adeptly, he found her demeanor strikingly different. Su Zhi didn’t exhibit the stiffness or crudeness of a typical village woman, nor did she display the haughty reserve of wealthy young ladies he had encountered. She exuded a natural charm, creating a comforting aura that soothed those around her, much like a gentle spring breeze.
“Fifth Brother, don’t you think so?” Shen Zifu suddenly asked Shen Ziju, noticing everyone’s attention on him. Startled, Shen Ziju realized he had been lost in Su Zhi’s conversation, prompting him to apologize and ask Shen Zifu to repeat his question.
Shen Ziju apologetically made a slight bow, displaying his respectful and courteous demeanor towards everyone in the household and the villagers. His reputation was stellar, renowned for his talents, politeness, and promising future due to his ability to forge good relationships and make friends with ease.
Shen Zi’an had noticed Shen Ziju’s subtle glances towards the women earlier but chose not to dwell on it. Instead, he emphasized the importance of diligence and adequate rest, stating, “Hard work combined with rest is crucial for achieving great things.”
“Combining work and rest? That makes sense. Fourth Brother, I didn’t expect you to speak so eloquently,” Shen Ziju remarked, intrigued by the proverb. He felt that insightful words always seemed to emanate from his brother and sister-in-law, especially those that prompted deep reflection. Shen Ziju realized it was unlikely his brother, who hadn’t been particularly studious in his youth, would use such phrases, indicating that Shen Zi’an must have learned them from Shen Zhi.
Shen Zi’an remarked, “I learned that from my wife. She picked it up from the convent.”
“Fourth Sister-in-law, I never knew you were not only literate but also highly educated. The convent must have some remarkable individuals. What have you studied there? Surely, there must be books. What are their titles? If you share them, it will greatly benefit my brother’s studies, and you’ll earn significant credit for it,” Shen Zhu inquired, expressing admiration for Su Zhi’s knowledge and educational pursuits.
Even though Shen Zhu felt a twinge of jealousy knowing that the praise Shen Ziju offered was inspired by Su Zhi’s words, she was still keen on extracting valuable information from Su Zhi for the sake of her younger brother.