Font Size:
Inside the room, the sounds of Sun Shi’s cries and the fourth grandson’s sobbing echoed, creating a somber atmosphere. Even though those present didn’t particularly like Sun Shi, they couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable at that moment. Sun Shi and the fourth grandson’s words struck a chord with everyone, causing a collective sense of unease.
Li Shi looked at her three daughters, feeling a pang of sadness. However, knowing that they would soon be in separate households, where they could have three proper meals, brought her some comfort.
Wang Shi also felt distressed, contemplating whether Shen Ziju’s potential success in becoming an official would justify the hardships endured by the children. Yet, if he didn’t succeed, would it all have been in vain? The thought of the children enduring such hardships made her question whether not advocating for the division of households was the right decision.
In the vicinity of the riverside village, spanning several miles and villages around, families with means often sent their children for education. However, attaining the title of scholar was rare, with only a few achieving the status of a scholar, and even fewer progressing to the rank of Jinshi (imperial examination candidate). In the town, there were only two or three scholars and one Jinshi, who hadn’t advanced to a higher official rank and remained a teacher at the county school. He earned money teaching students throughout the year, garnering respect but unable to provide a luxurious lifestyle for his family, falling short even compared to merchants.
Wang Shi, buoyed by the praise from neighbors and the expectations of the Shen family, held high hopes for Shen Ziju’s intellect, envisioning a bright future where her children would benefit from his success. However, she hadn’t considered the possibility of his failure in the exams. Would her children endure more years of hardship if he didn’t succeed?
The separated second and fourth branches, by supporting Shen Ziju’s examination expenses, were still considered part of Shen Ziju’s family, ensuring some degree of support in the future. Although they might not enjoy the same advantages as the main branch immediately, their early separation allowed their children to lead more comfortable lives.
Contemplating these thoughts, Wang Shi’s heart leaned towards the idea of division once again. While the second branch had technically separated, they hadn’t physically moved out yet. Should she discuss this matter with her husband and children? Should she reconsider the idea of division?
“Dad, let the fourth grandson have his meal. Give him my portion,” Shen Ziju suddenly spoke up, addressing Shen Youfu. Hearing Sun Shi and the fourth grandson’s emotional outbursts insinuating that he had depleted the family’s funds, coupled with the expressions of his elder brothers, he realized he needed to intervene to prevent any discord and blame falling on him.
Shen Zhu added, “Brother, how can you study on an empty stomach? You can have my share.”
Shen Zhang Shi chimed in, “Both of you need to eat to grow. Let the fourth grandson have his meal this time. Let’s remember this and not let it disrupt the New Year reunion dinner. What do you say, Husband?”
Shen Youfu glanced at Sun Shi, knowing that the fourth grandson’s protest and Sun Shi’s tears had stirred discontent among the family members regarding his control over household expenses all these years. Moreover, since his actions were primarily to save money for Shen Ziju, and Sun Shi’s words had indirectly pointed at Shen Ziju, others may start attributing their hardships to him. This could potentially strain their relationship, especially as Shen Ziju was about to take the imperial examination soon. Shen Youfu decided to relent on punishing the fourth grandson, realizing the need to maintain harmony, especially with Shen Ziju’s upcoming examination.
“Remember, no more crying. If you cry again, you won’t eat,” Shen Youfu said sternly, his frustration towards Sun Shi reaching its peak. Observing the tear-streaked face of the fourth grandson, the anxious third grandson beside him, and the timid fifth grandson, he furrowed his brow.
Upon hearing Shen Youfu’s decision to allow him to eat but with a warning, the fourth son immediately stopped crying.
Sun Shi ceased her wails as well, realizing she had pushed things too far. Seeing the displeased expression on her father-in-law’s face, she understood that she had gone too far. Her intention was to remind the youngest son of their family’s kindness, not to incur his resentment. She acknowledged her actions may have crossed a line.
Sun Shi turned to the fourth grandson and said, “Son, quickly thank your fifth uncle. See how caring he is, willing to give you his meal. Grow up quickly, and when your fifth uncle becomes an official, assist him. Loyalty between brothers, father and son in battle—your fifth uncle will surely look out for you. Make sure to work hard for him.”
The fourth grandson sniffled and said, “Fifth uncle, I will help you in the future.”
Shen Ziju chuckled and replied, “Grow up quickly, and your fifth uncle will make sure you have meat every day.”
Upon hearing this, the fourth Grandson immediately smiled. Despite the tears and runny nose, it was hard to believe this was the same child who had been crying moments before.
Chuncao interjected, “No shame at all, just thinking about eating. Crying one moment, laughing the next—so immature!”
Feeling a bit intimidated by Chuncao, the fourth grandson refrained from responding and instead made a silly face at her, which prompted a few barks from Little Black. The fourth grandson was fond of Little Black and, upon hearing the dog’s barks, he cheered up, disregarding his recent scolding from his grandfather. He got up, ran over to Shen Zi’an, and started playing with Little Black.
“Mother, look at this child, so playful. Crying one moment, laughing the next—truly carefree youth.”
Shen Zhu smiled, trying to uplift the mood, despite her underlying disdain for the fourth grandson due to the recent turmoil he caused, which had led many in the household to form negative opinions about her brother. Her aim was to create a cheerful atmosphere and help everyone forget their discontent.
Shen Zhang Shi nodded in agreement, then turned to signal Sun Shi and Shen Ziping to stand up.
Sun Shi and Shen Ziping, who had been kneeling earlier, promptly stood up.
Sun Shi asked, “Mother, Brother, how should we handle the matter of the private funds?”
Shen Zhang Shi thought to herself that Sun Shi seemed unfazed by the chaotic situation. However, since she brought it up, Shen Zhang Shi decided to address the issue. Upon inspecting the money pouch earlier, she estimated there to be around four taels of silver inside. Considering how quickly the second branch had accumulated this much money, Shen Zhang Shi found it hard to believe they had earned it legitimately. If it turned out to be secret funds, she would be angry and impose penalties. If not, she was curious to know where the money came from, given the family’s current financial needs. Any source of income was worth investigating in her eyes.
The members of the second branch glared at Sun Shi. They were already in the process of separating from the main family and being entangled in Sun Shi’s accusations, particularly regarding money matters, only added to their frustration. If they couldn’t explain themselves properly, the issue of hiding private funds could anger the elders in the Shen family, leading to accusations of unfilial behavior—a reputation they wished to avoid even as they were about to establish their own household.
Chuncao spoke up loudly, “It’s not private funds; it’s money my mother earned from work! My sister and I helped too! We earned it together over the past few days!”
“Chuncao, don’t speak out of turn. Let Father and Mother speak,” Chunyue reprimanded her sister. They had indeed started saving private funds before the separation, which was a fact. Their only relief was that the money in the pouch wasn’t their entire savings. If it had been, explaining it would have been much more challenging. Now, they hoped their mother could provide a plausible explanation. Chuncao, being young, inadvertently revealed the truth, and they needed to be cautious about revealing too much.
Chuncao, after being scolded, stepped back and tugged at Su Zhi’s clothes. She looked up at Su Zhi, seeing her as capable of handling anything. Su Zhi had been instrumental in their previous separation, and now, with their recent earnings, she believed Su Zhi could help resolve the situation. In Chuncao’s eyes, as long as Fourth Aunt said everything was fine, there was no need to worry.
Su Zhi patted Chuncao’s head and smiled, instantly putting her at ease.
Shen Youfu was filled with anger. Sun Shi and the fourth son’s recent commotion, implying a lack of money in the household leading to insufficient meals, had already fueled his frustration. Upon hearing about the private funds, it was as if his anger had been amplified, considering the family’s financial struggles and the idea of anyone hiding money felt like a betrayal of filial duty.
“Zigui, Zigui’s wife, how dare you hide private funds? I always thought you were the most honest ones. I even felt we were being unfair by splitting you off, planning to give you more assets and land. And here you are, already hoarding money for yourselves! Is this not all your money?! You’ve truly outdone yourselves! Pretending to be honest and hardworking on the surface, yet secretly amassing wealth. You seem to be more skilled at this than even me! Tell me, how much money have you saved over these years?! If you don’t speak the truth today, don’t even think about leaving this room!” Shen Youfu’s expression was stern as he confronted his son.
Shen Zigui responded firmly, “Father, we haven’t hidden any private funds. This money was earned by my wife after we split from the main family. We truly haven’t saved any private funds over these years. Just because we have this money doesn’t mean we’ve been hiding anything.”
Li Shi breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that she had already warned Shen Zigui extensively about the importance of keeping the matter of the hidden funds confidential to avoid escalating the situation. She was relieved that Shen Zigui remembered her words.
“Father, this money came to us after the separation. Haven’t I been working at Shugen’s and Li’s wife’s places all this time? The earnings are from the work I did there. It truly isn’t secret funds. If you don’t believe us, you can ask Big Sister and Fourth Sister-in-law. We all worked together there,” Li Shi explained.
Su Zhi chimed in, “What Second Sister-in-law said is true. This money was only given to her recently.”
“What kind of work did you do to earn this much money? It’s only been a few days since the separation,” Shen Zhang Shi inquired. She was curious about the type of work that had brought in such earnings, thinking that if they knew about it, perhaps they could engage in the same activities to make extra money.