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Upon hearing Shen Youfu’s decision, Shen Zhang shi displayed a slightly conflicted expression on her face, though inwardly she was pleased. Finally, the thorn that had been bothering her for years was being removed without attracting gossip, ensuring that Shen Zi’an’s life would be disrupted. She felt as if she had just tasted sweet nectar, reveling in the comfort of the moment.
Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi’s expressions changed as the discussions grew louder.
Shen Zi’an tightly held Su Zhi’s hand, drawing strength from her and giving himself resolve. Long ago, there were rumors about his mother’s death being caused by him, which had settled down over time. But now, after all these years, it was being brought up again, causing him emotional distress.
Su Zhi, on the other hand, didn’t feel as affected. She simply reflected on the power of words, realizing the enduring truth that “words can be more harmful than weapons.” No matter how blameless you are, baseless accusations can still tarnish your reputation.
Sun Shi had been lying on the ground for a while now, forgotten by everyone as they were caught up in the commotion. It was early winter, and the ground was cold. Being pregnant, she was feeling the chill. Initially planning to have Chunhua fetch help to get her back inside, she now saw an opportunity in the situation and chose to stay put, benefiting from the turn of events.
“Father, Mother!” Sun Shi feigned a slow awakening, weakly “sobbing,” “Please, you have to mediate for me. If we continue living with Fourth Brother and his wife, our lives and those of our children will be ruined! We must separate! Today, the villagers are all here. Let everyone judge and see if my request is unreasonable! If you can’t bear to part with Fourth Brother, then he should divorce that Zhao Xiaomei!”
“Third daughter-in-law, what are you saying?!” Shen Zhang shi scolded Sun Shi, then lowered her head with a look of concern, seemingly distressed. Onlookers couldn’t help but admire Shen Zhang shi’s kindness, her care for Shen Zi’an despite him not being her biological son. Over the years, she had treated him as her own, and now, even when their family was affected, she still hesitated to harm him, truly embodying an exemplary stepmother.
Sun Shi began crying, clutching her still discreetly showing belly. She knew that even if the family considered having Shen Zi’an move out, they would maintain a certain decorum. The only one who could disregard propriety and cause a scene was herself. She cared little for appearances; all she desired was to have her way, even if it meant rolling on the ground!
Furrowing his brow, Shen Youfu reprimanded Chunhua and his Third grandson, “What are you standing around for?! Help your mother up and take her back to the house!”
Chunhua hurriedly tried to assist Sun Shi, but being frail and weak, and with Sun Shi’s weight, she struggled to lift her up. Sun Shi shot her several stern glances, until finally, with the help of Wang Shi, Sun Shi managed to stand up.
However, the third grandson declared loudly, “I’m not leaving! The old Taoist said that in order for me to live a good life, we must get rid of this jinx from our home! Grandpa, make this woman leave! Our family doesn’t want an eyesore! No more jinx!”
His Fourth Brother chimed in with loud agreement, echoing his brother’s sentiments.
The villagers observed the actions of Shen Family’s Third Branch, realizing their intention to drive Shen Zi’an out. Some may have harbored a sense of disdain, but deep down, they understood the fear of a jinx and contemplated if they would act similarly.
Shen Youfu glared at his grandsons but, being mindful of their shared sentiments, and having entertained similar thoughts himself, he refrained from scolding them. He had been considering this very idea and now that they had brought it up, he saw it as an opportunity to move forward with their plan.
“Zi’an, how do you feel about this? The Taoist has spoken, and we can’t keep your wife here any longer. She was married to you under false pretenses, and despite our financial and emotional investments over the years, it’s reaching a breaking point. She seems to be bringing misfortune upon our family. Consider your options – will you divorce her, or will both of you move out together?”
Shen Zhu, with a mournful tone, called out to Fourth Brother. Her concern was not for Shen Zi’an personally but rather the practical implications of him moving out. If he were to divorce and continue living here, it would mean more earnings handed over to Shen Zhang shi, potentially allowing for a substantial dowry to be saved before her marriage.
Wang Shi, Sun Shi, and Shen Zhu held divergent views. They hoped for Shen Zi’an to move out. In their perspective, Shen Zi’an’s departure wouldn’t bring significant benefits to him but would free up space in the house, essential for their growing children who needed more rooms.
Su Zhi watched Shen Zi’an, awaiting his response. While he had shown great care towards her, understanding that Shen Zhang shi wasn’t his birth mother, their life together had felt like a separate household. Yet, this was still his home. Would he be willing to leave this home for her sake?
Shen Zi’an tightened his grip on Su Zhi’s hand and declared, “I will not divorce my wife.”
Initially contemplating that if his son were to divorce, he wouldn’t allow him to move out and would arrange for him to remarry in a few years, Shen Youfu’s frustration grew at his son’s stubbornness.
“Then let’s divide the household. But Zi’an, you must understand that we have spent a considerable sum on treating Zhao Shi’s illness. Asking for too much in the division is not feasible,” Shen Youfu stated solemnly.
He thought of Shen Ziju, who would be taking the scholar examination next spring. He was fifteen now, and after missing previous opportunities, this time was crucial. Shen Ziju had to be adequately prepared. Shen Youfu was determined that his son would succeed, become a scholar, and eventually participate in the imperial examination in the capital. All this required finances, which he intended to reserve for Shen Ziju, not for Shen Zi’an, who wanted to split the family just for a very ill woman.
Shen Zi’an nodded. He had anticipated this moment. If not for Su Zhi, the division of the household would have waited until after Shen Zhu’s marriage and Shen Ziju’s examination. Being separated early with these two unmarried siblings around and not being valued meant he would face challenges. However, he was determined to support his wife and himself with his own hands and strength.
Shen Youfu grunted. Despite being the one to initiate Shen Zi’an’s separation, seeing his son readily agree to divide the family left him feeling irritated. He thought his son was turning out to be as disagreeable as his mother, becoming more like a wolf cub. He resolved to give him a smaller share of the household belongings, wanting to see if he could endure a tougher life.
“Master, if we separate this woman from our family, will she no longer bring misfortune upon us?” Shen Youfu inquired, showing his nervous belief in the matter.
The old Taoist, who had been standing there for a while, felt a shiver upon seeing Shen Zi’an’s radiant eyes and Su Zhi’s calm, abyss-like gaze. Their eyes seemed intimidating to him. This sudden fear altered his response. Initially leaning towards painting Su Zhi as a dangerous entity, he changed his words on the spot.
“Of course, while this woman is a reincarnation of a jinx, she has undergone spiritual guidance. Her current jinx is not as strong. As long as there is no excessive closeness, she will not harm others.”
Shen Youfu felt relieved upon hearing the Taoist’s reassurance.
“Excellent, excellent. Thank you, Master. Please join us for tea and stay for a meal,” Shen Youfu offered.
The old Taoist waved his dusting cloth, declining, “It’s unnecessary. I bid you farewell.” Despite his desire for a meal, he thought it best to leave promptly after the task was completed to avoid any potential complications.
Shen Youfu then had Shen Zhang shi hand some money to the Taoist before bidding him goodbye.
Su Zhi, knowing this was superstition and feeling innocent, couldn’t fathom a way to clear her name. The reasons concocted by Sun Shi and her husband seemed convincing, and she struggled to defend herself, knowing that in a society where superstitions held sway, her protestations would likely fall on deaf ears. With the Shen family intent on their departure, Su Zhi realized her words would hold little weight. Deep down, she also contemplated the idea of the division. With Shen Zi’an’s strength, her own skills, and the spiritual spring, she believed they could weather any storm.