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Shen Zi’an sat on the edge of the kang, watching Su Zhi sitting on the kang knitting, while Yueyue played with colorful threads nearby. Xiaori, Xinger, along with Little Black and Little White, were playing together. As he observed this heartwarming scene, he thought about the words he wanted to say to her, words he hesitated to speak but eventually did.
“Wife, I think we should go visit your mother today. I wonder how she’s been feeling. Since you married and came here, you haven’t visited your parents’ home. It’s time to go back and check on them.”
Recalling how Su Zhi had come to him with an illness when they got married, Shen Zi’an felt as if they were destined to be together. At that time, Su Zhi was unwell, and the Shen family suggested calling off the marriage. The Zhao family, however, insisted on not taking back their daughter. It was only when Shen Zi’an accepted Su Zhi as his wife that the situation was resolved. However, since then, the Zhao family had not visited, seemingly afraid that the Shen family might return their daughter to them.
And so, without even returning to her parents’ home, the Zhao family later came knocking on their door. Then after that an accident involving Zhao Xiaomei’s sister, Zhao Lianhua, unintentionally injuring Shen Ziju.
To suppress any idea of seeking retribution, Su Zhi used the money meant for New Year’s gift to cover for Shen Ziju’s medical expenses. With this turmoil, they didn’t visit during the New Year, and afterward, Su Zhi was busy caring for the three young children, making her forget about returning to her parents’ home. In truth, Su Zhi felt no emotional attachment to her family, not even a shred of goodwill. She believed that since the Zhao family had irresponsibly handed over Zhao Xiaomei to the Shen family, it indicated they didn’t truly want their daughter. Therefore, with Zhao Xiaomei’s passing, Su Zhi saw no reason to engage with them. Her initial intention of showing filial piety towards Zhao Xiaomei had dwindled significantly; otherwise, she wouldn’t have gone so long without visiting the Zhao family.
The Zhao family had visited Su Zhi a few times recently, and although Su Zhi received them, it was with a sense of detachment. She viewed a married daughter as water thrown out, believing she should only fulfill some filial duties towards Zhao Xiaomei’s parents.
Now, with Shen Zi’an suggesting she return to her parents’ home, Su Zhi thought of Zhao Yangshi falling ill and hesitated to go back. Despite knowing that the real Zhao Xiaomei had passed away, others were unaware, and in terms of her physical presence, she was still a daughter of the Zhao family. Regardless of the past actions of the Zhao family, she was still their daughter. After harboring resentment for so long, it seemed unjustifiable not to return.
Then let’s go and visit after all; after all, she is the mother of this body. It’s not worthwhile to hold resentment on behalf of Zhao Xiaomei due to having such parents. Perhaps Zhao Xiaomei herself wouldn’t mind at all and might even resent Su Zhi for not helping take care of her parents. Since she took on Zhao Xiaomei’s body and has such a good husband, it wouldn’t hurt to look after her parents on her behalf.
Mentally reassuring herself, Su Zhi set aside her work into a small basket and instructed Yueyue, “Yueyue, put the threads in the basket and then place it on the kang cabinet. We’ll change our clothes and go see your grandmother.”
As Yueyue placed the colorful threads in the basket, she asked, “Is it fun at Grandmother’s house?”
Xiaori and Xinger also came over, showing interest in visiting their grandmother’s house. They had heard from other village children about visiting relatives and were curious.
Thinking about that troublesome family, Su Zhi smiled at them and said, “I’m not sure, but I can tell you this: your grandmother is a bit like your Third Aunt.”
“In that case, I don’t want to go,” replied Xiaori.
Yueyue pouted – she didn’t like Third Aunt, children are sensitive and can discern who is kind to them and who isn’t. Especially these three little ones, they could tell even if Sun Shi smiled, she wasn’t kind. Hearing that Grandmother was similar to Sun Shi, they naturally didn’t want to visit.
Shen Zi’an observed Su Zhi, holding her hand, realizing her genuine disappointment towards his family. He understood; Su Zhi had been sent to a convent by her family at a young age and had gone through hardships before returning only to be manipulated into marriage when she fell ill. How could she feel much affection towards such family members?
Seeing the compassion in Shen Zi’an’s eyes, Su Zhi knew what he was thinking. A wave of warmth washed over her; this man was truly caring, even though all the suffering had been Zhao Xiaomei’s; she hadn’t experienced any of it. Yet, now he was showing compassion towards her, making her happy.
“Mom, Dad, why are you both staring at each other like that?”
Curiously, Yueyue observed the affectionate gaze exchanged between Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi, making both feel a bit embarrassed. Xiaori and Xinger led Yueyue aside, explaining that it was because Dad liked Mom, and Mom liked Dad, which was why they looked at each other that way. Yueyue suddenly understood, ran back, and stared at Su Zhi, saying, “Mom, I like you too, and you like me, right? That’s why you look at me like that.” The innocence of the child’s words elicited laughter from Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi. Su Zhi went over, embraced Yueyue, kissed her cheeks, making Yueyue burst into laughter, and the two of them lay down on the kang, filled with joy.
Shen Zi’an, seeing his wife so joyful, thought it was good that she no longer worried about her family.
Su Zhi changed the children into simple home clothes, not wanting them to wear fancy clothes to avoid causing envy among others.
The couple placed the children on the ox cart, brought gifts, left the White Wolf family in charge, and set off.
Su Zhi’s parents’ home was in Liushu Village, less than ten miles from Riverside Village, to the north. The road was relatively easy to traverse. It was early spring, and the wheat fields were lush green, with patches of wild grass and vegetables sprouting. The willow trees had begun to bud, and in the distance, the pink blossoms of peach and apricot trees painted a beautiful scene. They passed by two small streams and a lake, lifting Su Zhi’s spirits. She had only traveled between Riverside Village, the town, and the county since arriving in this world, so the journey brought her much joy, with the three children happily laughing and chatting along the way.
With laughter and chatter filling the air, time flew by, and before they knew it, they had arrived at Liushu Village.
Liushu Village was a village of similar size to Riverside Village, with numerous old willow trees planted at the village entrance, some of which had been there for decades, explaining the origin of the village’s name.
It was midday, with the sun shining brightly and no fieldwork in progress, allowing many villagers to sit outside, basking in the sun and chatting. Most congregated under the large willow tree at the village entrance.
As Shen Zi’an drove the ox cart into the village, all eyes turned towards them.
Initially, the villagers admired the sleek and shiny yellow ox, followed by the ox cart, sparking envy. Every rural household hoped for an ox and a cart, useful for farming, transporting goods, and even earning extra money by offering rides. Unfortunately, not everyone could afford such luxuries. Seeing the unfamiliar visitors with such a fine ox and cart suggested wealth. Observing Shen Zi’an’s youthfulness, tall stature, and the woman with glossy dark hair and fair skin, accompanied by three tender-looking children, only heightened their admiration.
It was evident that this was a prosperous and flourishing family.
The onlookers were envious but unfamiliar with the visitors. They speculated on their familial ties, asking each other, yet no one knew. At that moment, a man in his forties or fifties stood up, taking a few steps forward.
“Are you from the Shen family in Riverside Village?”
Shen Zi’an, upon being approached and questioned, stopped the cart, alighted, and courteously replied, “I am from the Shen family. Please forgive my ignorance, may I ask who you are, sir?”
Upon Shen Zi’an’s acknowledgment, the man smiled and introduced himself, “I’m from this village. My surname is Liu, known as Liu Damu. You’re the fourth son of the Shen family, right? Shen Zi…Zi’an, isn’t it? You married the girl from the Zhao family in our village last year, correct? She used to call me uncle when she was young! My niece married into the Zhao family in Riverside Village, Zhao Daliang. You should know each other, given your similar ages, right? My niece used to play with your wife when they were young!”
Su Zhi, listening in the background, furrowed her brows slightly upon realizing that this man was Liu Siniang’s relative. She had heard that Liu Siniang had lost both parents, and her belongings had been taken over by her uncles, yet they had allowed her to suffer in her in-laws’ home without intervening, implying they were not good people.
Shen Zi’an understood the situation upon hearing this but remained silent, merely listening.
At that moment, a woman approached and tugged at Liu Damu, her gaze shifting towards Su Zhi and the three children in the cart. Liu Damu finally noticed the woman in the cart, feeling a sense of astonishment. He was aware of the marriage between the Zhao family’s ailing daughter and the Shen family. Despite hearing that Zhao Xiaomei had recovered from her illness and the couple had prospered, having built a large house, Liu Damu remained skeptical as they hadn’t seen any tangible proof. Now, seeing Su Zhi and the wealth they had acquired, he wondered if this woman was indeed Zhao Xiaomei!
Su Zhi alighted from the cart, respectfully bowing to the group under the willow tree, saying, “Respected uncles, aunts, elder brothers, and sisters, I have been unwell for some time. It’s been a while. How are you all?”
Initially seated and observing, the group realized that it was the daughter from the Zhao family returning to her parents’ home, leaving them surprised. They were well aware of the circumstances surrounding the Zhao family’s marriage, so seeing the daughter return with her husband left them somewhat dumbfounded. Su Zhi’s courteous gesture prompted them all to involuntarily rise to their feet, including the elders. Once they stood up, they realized she was of a younger generation and didn’t need to stand. They accepted her gesture respectfully.
Several women approached Su Zhi, inquiring about her health and well-being. While curiosity outweighed genuine concern in their questions, Su Zhi responded with a smile, engaging with them warmly.
Some children excitedly ran off to deliver the news to the Zhao family, exclaiming about the daughter returning home. Their energetic shouts and bustling movements stirred up dust and commotion, which even made Yueyue laugh along, bringing a sense of joy to Su Zhi’s heart.