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As Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi approached Li Shi, they found him lost in thought, seemingly unaware of their presence passing by. This unusual lapse in vigilance puzzled both Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi. Observing Li Shi staring at something in his hands, they too glanced over.
It was a red cloth belt, intricately embroidered with pine and bamboo motifs in green and yellow threads, along with the characters for good fortune, prosperity, and longevity—exquisitely crafted.
“Brother Shitou, it’s your zodiac year this year. Did you buy this belt for yourself, or was it a gift?” Su Zhi inquired with a smile. She knew that during one’s zodiac year, it was customary to wear red attire, with younger individuals donning all red and older ones often opting for red socks, inner garments, and belts. Seeing Li Shi holding this red belt, although she hadn’t inquired about his age, Su Zhi had a good sense of it.
Su Zhi was most curious about what made this red belt so special that it captivated Li Shi’s attention to the point of standing motionless at the doorstep. Could it have been a gift from someone special? Observing the exquisite embroidery, Su Zhi speculated that if a lady had indeed gifted it, she must possess remarkable skills. Imagining the potential pairing of Li Shi with such a capable and considerate woman, Su Zhi thought he would indeed find happiness, as he would have someone adept at sewing and cooking for him in the future.
Suddenly, Li Shi raised his head, as if just noticing their presence, swiftly tucking the red belt into his arms. Realizing his actions seemed peculiar, a hint of embarrassment colored his face as he greeted them, “You’re here. Just returned from the old residence after dinner? Come on in and have a seat for a while.”
Observing Li Shi’s reaction and the slight blush on his darkened face, Su Zhi deduced that indeed a woman had gifted him the belt, and it seemed to be someone he favored. His deep engagement with the belt and the visible blush indicated a fondness that suggested a significant interest from him. For a man of his stature, blushing was a rarity, akin to encountering a tiger, making him feel uneasy.
Shen Zi’an asked, “Brother Shitou, are you going to stay up late with Uncle Li?”
Li Shi shook his head and replied, “I’m not going. They did invite me, but you know there’s no closeness between us, so I declined.”
Su Zhi found Li Shi’s response in line with her and Shen Zi’an’s thoughts. She couldn’t help but notice that Li Shi’s family was not as amiable as the people at the old Shen residence. At least Shen Zi’an had not been sold or treated as a servant when he was young. Moreover, Li Shi’s stepmother epitomized the classic stepmother persona, embodying a sharp and bitter demeanor, unlike the kind and gentle facade of Shen Zhang shi. It was impossible to show respect even superficially, making it easier for Li Shi to avoid having to act around them.
Shen Zi’an suggested, “Brother Shitou, why don’t you celebrate the New Year with us? Let’s stay up late together.”
Li Shi shook his head and responded, “No, this year marks your first New Year as a married couple and the first year after you divide. I don’t want to intrude on your private celebration. It’s better for you two to spend this time together warmly. I’d feel out of place joining you. I’ll be fine on my own; I’m used to it by now.”
In the end, Li Shi didn’t agree, so Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi had to leave, promising to bring him dumplings later.
Watching Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi walk hand in hand, Li Shi felt envious and took out the belt from his arms, pursing his lips and letting out a sigh.
“Zi’an, who do you think gave Brother Shitou the belt? It seems like he really favors that woman. Perhaps we’ll soon be toasting to their happiness,” Su Zhi remarked to Shen Zi’an with a smile. She thought Li Shi was a good person and hoped he would find happiness. The woman he admired must be a good match, offering Su Zhi another person to confide in. However, when thinking about the woman Li Shi might marry, Su Zhi couldn’t shake the thought of Liu Siniang. She believed Liu Siniang would be a suitable match for Li Shi, sensing a different kind of connection between them, with Li Shi showing genuine care for Liu Siniang. Unfortunately, Liu Siniang was already married to someone less than ideal.
In modern times, Su Zhi might have encouraged Liu Siniang to divorce and then find a good man like Li Shi to lead a happier life. However, during ancient times, society had strict expectations for women. Divorced or separated women found it challenging to marry well, especially if they initiated the separation. Typically, it was the man who would initiate a divorce. Although unfair, this was the prevailing norm at that time.
Su Zhi wouldn’t directly advise Liu Siniang to leave Zhao Daliang and remarry. Instead, she subtly hinted to Liu Siniang that she might find a better husband. However, Liu Siniang, a woman of her era, endured significant hardships and never contemplated divorce. Her decision was influenced by her family background and societal norms.
Liu Siniang’s parents had long passed away, and she had no siblings. Her uncle had taken control of the family’s assets, neglecting her over the years. With no family support to rely on, Liu Siniang lacked a strong familial foundation to depend upon.
In such ancient times, women heavily relied on their natal families. Women without family support, who faced mistreatment in their marital homes, had no choice but to endure silently. Divorce or separation left these women with nowhere to turn, particularly if they lacked a natal home. This was precisely why Liu Siniang had endured in silence all these years.
Su Zhi empathized with Liu Siniang, but she wouldn’t meddle in someone else’s marriage. While Liu Siniang suffered in the Zhao household, Su Zhi quietly assisted her in saving money but refrained from advising her to seek a divorce. Su Zhi couldn’t take on the responsibilities of a divorced woman in ancient times; that wasn’t her burden to bear. Of course, if Liu Siniang ever found herself with no other options and decided to divorce, Su Zhi would support her decision, but only if it were Liu Siniang’s choice.
Su Zhi genuinely hoped that Liu Siniang could take that step on her own, ideally finding happiness with someone like Li Shi.
“Zi’an, do you think that belt could have been a gift from Liu Siniang?”
Su Zhi had been thinking about Liu Siniang and suddenly considered the exquisite embroidery on the belt, comparable to Liu Siniang’s skills. She recalled a recent visit to the fabric shop where she overheard a conversation about a woman purchasing a small amount of red fabric, causing some trouble. Moreover, just before entering the shop, she thought she caught a glimpse of someone who looked like Liu Siniang leaving.
Reflecting on this, Su Zhi thought that it was highly likely that Liu Siniang had crafted the belt.
Shen Ziju remarked, “It’s very possible.”
“Zi’an, have you also noticed that something seems off between Liu Siniang and Brother Shitou?” Su Zhi asked Shen Zi’an, “I think they are quite compatible.”
Shen Zi’an, looking indulgently at Su Zhi, replied, “In the future, only say these things to me. It’s not good for them if others hear about it. If it spreads, it could lead to trouble.”
“I understand. It’s a pity that Siniang is already married. Her current husband isn’t a good match for her at all. I believe Brother Shitou and she would be a natural fit,” Su Zhi expressed.
“Indeed, things are as they are now. Wife, I’m so glad I could marry you. If you were someone else’s wife, I’d be truly heartbroken,” Shen Zi’an expressed.
Listening to Shen Zi’an suddenly speak so affectionately, Su Zhi found his words, though not extravagantly romantic, to be the sweetest endearments. She held onto his arm and replied, “I am your wife; it’s destiny that I am yours and not someone else’s. But let me ask you this: if I hadn’t been the Zhao Xiaomei you were betrothed to initially, would you have chosen not to marry her and marry me instead?”
Shen Zi’an gazed into his wife’s clear eyes, sensing the significance of her question. Although finding the query somewhat odd, he answered without hesitation, “Of course, I would have married you. However, that would have been if I hadn’t married her first. Once committed, I wouldn’t have chosen you.”
Shen Zi’an paused briefly before softly adding, “I won’t let you suffer any injustices.”
Su Zhi’s heart felt warm and bittersweet. Her man was responsible; even if he loved another woman, he wouldn’t betray her. He wouldn’t allow her to remain with him as a second wife because in his heart, she deserved to be loved wholeheartedly, not to share her husband with another. At that moment, Su Zhi felt grateful that fate had led her to be Zhao Xiaomei, to marry this man. Otherwise, she would have missed out on this precious love in her life.
Su Zhi tightly held onto Shen Zi’an’s arm, saying, “You are my man, my husband, for this lifetime. You have never let me suffer any injustices.”
Shen Zi’an was gently kissed by Su Zhi and couldn’t help but smile.
With the White wolf family walking ahead, Su Zhi and Shen Zi’an followed behind, slowly making their way home. That night, after eating dumplings, they sat together to welcome the New Year. As they stayed up, eventually, they ended up together in bed.
Another night of spring intimacy passed.
After paying respects to their ancestors on the first day of the Lunar New Year and performing the necessary rituals, Su Zhi didn’t return to her maternal home on the second day. She had no intention of visiting them for now, not permanently, but recent troubles caused by her maternal family had left a sour taste. Su Zhi had settled the medical expenses for Shen Ziju with the New Year’s gift, showing that she wasn’t someone to be taken advantage of easily. It was her way of making them think twice before causing any more trouble in the future.
On the third day, Shen Yu brought her husband and children to visit relatives. Su Zhi welcomed them, maintaining a good relationship with her elder sister-in-law. Over the following days, visitors from both the Shen and Zhao families arrived. Su Zhi and Shen Zi’an handled the meals, while anyone causing trouble was dealt with sternly. Those unwilling to leave were scared off by Sacred Beast leaving with Su Zhi and Shen Zi’an.
Finally, after the commotion settled down, as the Lantern Festival approached, Su Zhi gathered a few women, including Li Qing’s wife, along with their husbands, to discuss attending the lantern festival to have fun and earn some money on the side.