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The selection for the Rain Goddess and the young participants for the Rain Worship Festival had finally concluded. Despite some setbacks along the way, the process appeared to have gone smoothly on the surface. The respected individuals, invited by the wealthy and Master Zhang, were escorted to the reception hall, while the villagers dispersed to their respective homes.
Shen Zian carried Yueyue, while Su Zhi held Xiaori and Xinger, leading their family of five as they walked. Ahead, Shen Zhu, Shen Ziju, and Wang Shi walked together. Shen Zhu was particularly grateful to Su Zhi this time, realizing that without her intervention, she might have been replaced by Niu Xianhua. The thought of being compared unfavorably to someone vulgar like Niu Xianhua brought a sense of shame, prompting her to feel thankful towards Shen Zian and Su Zhi.
Shen Zian and Su Zhi humbly replied that no thanks were necessary. In truth, their actions were not solely for Shen Zhu but also for the sake of Wang Shi and Li Shi’s beloved daughters. They hoped to bring some good fortune to these lovely and unfortunate nieces, aiming to improve their reputation. In today’s world, besides a dowry and skills, a good reputation and luck were crucial for young girls to secure a favorable marital match.
Reflecting on the fact that their young nieces were already reaching an age where marriage considerations arose, Su Zhi couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotion, thinking about the challenges faced by women in ancient times.
“Wife, what are you looking at?” Shen Zian noticed Su Zhi suddenly stop and turn her head to the side, observing a carriage. Following her gaze, he also sensed that someone inside the carriage seemed to be observing them.
Su Zhi, aware of being watched, glanced towards the carriage, noting that the passengers inside were just looking outward, a common sight. With many people present, it was plausible that they were not the sole focus of attention, so she dismissed the feeling.
Shen Zian, accustomed to hunting, had developed sharp instincts. He noticed that the occupants of the carriage were indeed observing him and Su Zhi. To shield his wife from their gaze, he positioned himself in front of her, preventing the onlookers from staring at her. He also shot a stern glance at the carriage, warning them not to continue their scrutiny.
Jia Yue sat in the carriage, her heart racing after Shen Zian’s stern look. Placing a hand over her chest, she pondered how this farmer could exude such strong presence. Despite feeling frightened, she discreetly peered outside, observing him assisting the woman onto the ox cart, arranging blankets for her and the three children, and finally casting another glance their way, causing her to furrow her brows slightly.
“Young Master, was that farmer driving the ox cart the one who can face tigers? He seemed to be glaring in our direction, scared me!” Jia Yue softly remarked to Zhang Baozhu.
Zhang Baozhu chuckled, “He’s known for his courage in facing tigers. He’s sharp; perhaps he noticed us watching and glanced this way. Besides, he’s accompanied by a young lady. It’s not surprising he’s cautious. If I were in his place, I might also cast a glance in our direction.”
Pouting her rosy lips, Jia Yue commented, “Is that woman beside him his wife? She’s quite attractive. I’m starting to like her a bit. But, dear, do you think I’m prettier or is she?”
Embracing her, Zhang Baozhu replied, “Of course, you are the most beautiful. She’s just a village woman. You possess unmatched charm. In my eyes, you are the moon in the sky, while she is merely a small firefly on the ground. How can she compare to you? Let’s not be jealous, okay?”
Jia Yue smiled and leaned into Zhang Baozhu’s embrace, but her smile faded as thoughts of Su Zhi clouded her mind. She couldn’t shake off the image of Su Zhi’s gentle smile, causing a hint of unease. Anxious, she urged Zhang Baozhu to head back home.
Niu Xianhua felt deeply unsatisfied after failing to meet Qiu Shi, who was restricted from seeing outsiders for six months. Disgruntled, Niu Xianhua and her mother left in a huff. However, the smug expression on Shen Zhu’s face lingered in Niu Xianhua’s mind, fueling her desire to retaliate if given the chance.
Throughout the journey, Shen Zhu remained cheerful, envisioning a bright future ahead as the Rain Goddess. The prospect of a lavish lifestyle and admiration from others filled her with joy, anticipating the envy and admiration she would receive.
However, Shen Zhu’s elation was shattered upon arriving at her doorstep. When the carriage stopped at Shen’s residence, Sun Shi, standing at the entrance, saw Shen Zhu’s smiling face and guessed she had become the Rain Goddess. Overjoyed, she called out to inform Shen Youfu and Shen Zhang shi, urging them to share the good news. Sun Shi then hurried over to assist Shen Zhu out of the carriage, displaying exceptional hospitality.
“Congratulations, Zhu’er, on becoming the Rain Goddess! It’s a joyous occasion, bringing prosperity to both your maternal and marital families. Brother Dashan’s household has faced misfortune in recent years, but when you marry into their family, things will surely turn around. You’ll be the hero of the Song family, living a life of luxury without any heavy chores. It’s truly envy-inducing,” remarked Dazhu’s wife and Zhao Xiaohua as they alighted from another carriage, witnessing the jubilation in the Shen family. Their words immediately wiped the smile off Shen Zhu’s face.
Shen Zhu detested discussions about her marriage, considering it a burden she longed to shed. Becoming the Rain Goddess had fueled her dreams of marrying into wealth, envisioning numerous wealthy suitors proposing after the Rain Worship Festival. However, Dazhu’s wife’s remarks reminded her of her existing engagement, dispersing her illusions and leaving her feeling frustrated.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaohua observed silently, her mere presence provoking fluctuations of color on Shen Zhu’s face. Enjoying the discomfort she caused, Zhao Xiaohua relished the thought that Shen Zhu, despite her new title, might end up marrying a foolish and poor suitor in the future. It was a satisfying notion to her—why should Shen Zhu be so proud?
Shen Zhu turned to Dazhu’s wife and remarked, “Dazhu’s wife, instead of congratulating me here, why don’t you go find a match for your Xiaohua? She’s not young anymore! Stop shooing away the matchmakers. Like the ones who didn’t get chosen as the Rain Goddess, she’s destined not to marry into wealth. Quit dreaming about it and find her a suitable match soon. Even if it means working hard every day, it’s better than being gossiped about for trying to climb the social ladder!”
Sun Shi chuckled from the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Wang Shi guided Shen Zhu towards the courtyard, believing that as the newly selected Rain Goddess, she shouldn’t be seen arguing with others outside to avoid tarnishing her reputation.
Zhao Xiaohua, her face alternating between red and white, was about to retort but was pulled into their home by Dazhu’s wife.
Su Zhi, slightly surprised, questioned Dazhu’s wife’s sudden change in demeanor. She pondered whether the earlier mention of Shen Zhu’s marriage had been genuine or intended to provoke. Nonetheless, Su Zhi decided to overlook it. Shen Ziju invited them inside for lunch, but Shen Zian declined, mentioning the need to return home to tend to the sacred beast.
Shen Ziju didn’t insist on their stay, and Sun Shi, still holding Xiaori and the other children, continued to lavish them with praise, likening them to precious children, much to Su Zhi’s discomfort.
“Sister-in-law, we are leaving now. Please let go,” Su Zhi firmly pulled Xiaori’s hand from Sun Shi’s grip, casting a cold glance at her. She had developed a strong aversion towards Sun Shi, who alternated between welcoming smiles and spiteful remarks. Despite Su Zhi’s cold demeanor, Sun Shi always found a way to approach, seemingly the type who wouldn’t leave without a confrontation. Su Zhi wished the third branch would commit an unforgivable act to sever ties definitively, but they never did anything significant beyond causing annoyance.
Sun Shi exclaimed, “Oh my! Fourth sister, what are you doing? I was just congratulating your children on becoming the Young participants. I haven’t harmed them. Why are you so harsh with me? We may be from different branches now, but we are still family. Just because you have money, you won’t let the kids even talk to me. Your eyes aren’t on top of your head!”
Su Zhi, observing the well-wishers approaching due to Shen Zhu becoming the Rain Goddess, felt an urge to kick Sun Shi for her nonsensical behavior. She lightly tapped Xiaori’s palm with two fingers, their pre-agreed signal: one finger meant silence, two fingers signaled crying aloud, and three fingers indicated feigning faintness. These were tactics Su Zhi used to handle troublesome individuals. In a community where people believed what they heard and saw, regardless of reason, Su Zhi found herself resorting to these measures, feeling somewhat amused by the situation.
As Xiaori began to cry loudly, Yueyue joined in, and Xiaori, displaying a distressed expression, started rubbing his little arms.
Su Zhi, hiding her amusement behind a mask of anger, couldn’t help but marvel at her cleverness in managing the situation. She thought to herself, “I’ve practically adopted three little foxes,” impressed by their quick thinking.