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“Husband, give some money to Father and Mother.”
Shen Zi’an had remained silent throughout. Interfering in family matters, especially involving money, wasn’t something he typically did. However, when his wife asked for money, he took out a silver piece from his money pouch, ignoring the eager look from Zhao Yuanbao, and handed it to Old Man Zhao.
Taking the silver piece handed to him by Shen Zi’an, Old Man Zhao glanced at Su Zhi, then lowered his head, murmuring, “It’s not easy for you and your husband to establish your own household. Keep some silver for yourselves.”
Observing Old Man Zhao, Su Zhi wondered if Zhao Xiaomei had indeed been loved by them in the past. However, she couldn’t be certain about the present.
Upon receiving the money, Zhao Yangshi and Lianhua, though feeling a bit uneasy after being forced to speak the truth by Su Zhi, couldn’t help but feel relieved at having the silver in hand.
“Oh, these three children look so lively. Are they the new ones from your sister’s family? Look at their clothes, so well-dressed. You’ve really hit the jackpot. Make sure they behave well from now on.”
Zhang Shi’s voice rang out, and Su Zhi couldn’t help but frown slightly. She didn’t like it when people referred to the children as if they had been picked up, fearing it might upset them. Zhang Shi’s tone carried a condescending air, making Su Zhi even more displeased.
“Xiaori, Xing’er, Yueyue, come in!”
Considering that Zhao Yangshi’s illness was just a headache and back pain, not affecting the children much, Su Zhi decided to call them in, wanting to protect them a bit. As she called, Yueyue was the first to run in, hugging Su Zhi and pouting while looking around. Xiaori and Xing’er didn’t seem happy either. Su Zhi gently patted their heads.
Zhang Shi walked in, her belly visibly swollen. One hand rested on her waist, the other gently placed on her belly—a common gesture for pregnant women, offering comfort and protection. However, Su Zhi sensed that this display, intended to emphasize her belly’s size, might actually be tiring for Zhang Shi.
“Sister-in-law, you’re here. I was napping in the room; I didn’t hear you arrive.”
Assisted by Zhao Yuanbao, Zhang Shi, with a warm smile, greeted Su Zhi. She was quite friendly towards Su Zhi because of the improved circumstances in her household. Her eyes gleamed upon noticing the silver in Old Man Zhao’s hand, pleased that the money had been given.
Su Zhi nodded towards Zhang Shi and remarked, “Sister-in-law, your belly is getting quite large. You should rest well.”
Upon hearing Su Zhi’s words, Zhang Shi immediately caressed her belly lovingly, saying, “My dear sister, you’ve never given birth, so you don’t know that my belly isn’t considered large yet. I’ve heard it’s still small, all because I can’t eat well. It’s truly a pity for my baby, suffering alongside me. Unlike you, raising these three children so well. They are truly tender and lovely. If you could treat your nephew as well, I wouldn’t have any worries.”
Su Zhi sighed inwardly, realizing that money matters were quite transparent. She didn’t want to argue with a pregnant woman. Causing her to go into premature labor would be a sin.
“Sister-in-law, I brought some food this time. Both you and Mother should eat well and strive to deliver a lovely nephew. I’m sure he’ll be as lively as these three children when he arrives.”
Upon hearing that Su Zhi had brought food, Zhang Shi’s eyes brightened. She scanned the room and finally noticed the baskets and baskets inside. Despite her excitement over the provisions, she couldn’t help but feel displeased, thinking about having to ask her in-laws for everything. It irked her that they were unwilling to let go and were always asking for things, which she found bothersome.
Zhao Yuanbao felt Zhang Shi pinching his waist and promptly exclaimed, “Wife, Su Zhi brought quite a lot this time—two smoked rabbits, a basket of eggs, five pounds of flour, five pounds of rice, and even a piece of cloth. Our son will soon be enjoying rabbit meat and rice porridge.”
Upon hearing Zhao Yuanbao’s list of items, Zhang Shi realized what was brought. She was pleased that it was all food, ensuring the old lady wouldn’t monopolize everything. However, she wondered about the cloth. Her child was yet to be born, and if the old lady used it to make clothes, she might not get a say.
Zhao Yangshi advised Zhao Yuanbao, “Help your wife back to rest. With my illness, she shouldn’t be tired. We mustn’t risk tiring the child.”
Seating herself on the edge of the kang, Zhang Shi reassured, “Mother, I’m fine sitting here. I’ll chat with Sister Su and Brother-in-law.”
Seeing that Zhang Shi stayed, Zhao Yangshi couldn’t force her to leave. She suspected Zhang Shi had her eye on that piece of cloth. If Zhang Shi didn’t ask for it, Zhao Yangshi wouldn’t offer it, but if she did, she might give in just to feel some relief. The thought of her daughter being stingy and unwilling to spend money on her angered her.
Meanwhile, Zhao Yuanbao took Shen Zi’an outside for a chat, suggesting the women have their own conversation. Shen Zi’an, impressed with how his wife handled the Zhao family earlier, felt at ease and joined Zhao Yuanbao in the main hall. Old Man Zhao handed the silver to Zhao Yangshi and accompanied his son-in-law outside.
With Zhang Shi’s lively storytelling, the room was filled with chatter ranging from one household’s affairs to another, including gossip about various families. Su Zhi found herself captivated by Zhang Shi’s narrative skills, almost treating her like a storyteller, finding the tales far from boring. Lianhua added to the conversation, and even Zhao Yangshi listened without muttering, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere among the family.
Soon, visitors arrived at the door, drawn by the news of the eldest daughter of the Zhao family returning home.
Shen Zi’an engaged in casual conversation outside with the men, while the women headed straight into the house, pulling Su Zhi and the three children into lively discussions about everyday life, all showing warmth.
Upon entering the house, the guests noticed the baskets and containers, naturally inquiring about them. The Zhao family openly shared details about the food and fabric inside, eliciting a wave of envy from the visitors. This inflated Zhao Yangshi’s vanity, making her feel remarkably better, almost as if her illness had improved significantly since her earlier outburst.
The last group of visitors were from the Liu family, including Liu Damu, his wife Yangshi, and their daughter Liu Wuniang.
“Oh my, Xiaomei you’ve grown so much that your aunt doesn’t even recognize you! You look so lovely, and your attire is exquisite. You’re truly living the good life.”
Su Zhi wondered why this person referred to herself as an aunt; perhaps it was a term used from Yangshi’s perspective. Nonetheless, she didn’t question it. Reflecting on how Liu Siniang suffered in the Zhao household with no support from her own family, she couldn’t muster any positive feelings towards them.
“Xiaomei, do you remember Liu Wuniang? She was just a child when you left.”
Liu Wuniang approached Su Zhi with a smile, her gaze fixated on Su Zhi’s flawless complexion, feeling envious of her skin and wondering how Su Zhi maintained such good skin. It was so fine and fair, unlike the women she knew from the countryside. Su Zhi’s skin appeared even fairer and more delicate than those who didn’t do any fieldwork.
“Sister, your skin is truly beautiful, so fair and delicate. Do you not have to work in the fields? Do you have someone to take care of you now that your family is wealthy?”
Liu Wuniang asked, thinking how enviable it would be if that were true.
Su Zhi smiled and replied, “We can’t afford a maid at home, so I have to work too. My fair complexion is natural; I’ve always been this way.”
Su Zhi thought Liu Wuniang was quite straightforward, asking whatever came to her mind, which was bold but less irritating than Lianhua. Of course, it would be even better if Liu Wuniang didn’t blush in front of Shen Zi’an.
Feeling even more envious after Su Zhi’s response, Liu Wuniang thought how unfair life could be. Despite her efforts to avoid the sun to maintain fairness, she still remained dark. Seeing someone as fair as Su Zhi only heightened her jealousy.
Lianhua couldn’t help but chuckle, though she too envied her sister’s skin, she was still fairer than Liu Wuniang.
Seeing Lianhua’s laughter, Liu Wuniang glared at her, suspecting she was mocking her complexion. With this thought, she retorted, “Lianhua, you and your sister have the same mother, yet she’s so fair while you can’t compare. It seems like you didn’t accumulate enough good karma in your past life, that’s why you’re not as radiant as your sister.”
This comment annoyed Lianhua, who responded, “Who are you to talk about karma? You’re the one lacking good deeds, looking as dark as charcoal! Always dreaming of marrying Li Caizhu’s son – keep dreaming!”
Liu Wuniang countered, “And what about you? Yes, I might be dark, but I have a good figure. Better than your stick-like body! No chest, no hips, just flat all around. You look like a man; even Old Blacksmith at the village entrance wouldn’t want you!”
Liu Wuniang, feeling provoked by Lianhua bringing up her marriage aspirations in front of everyone, became furious and retaliated by mocking Lianhua’s most sensitive topic – her figure.
Su Zhi sighed, wondering how things escalated so quickly. She pondered if this was just immaturity during the teenage years. However, the content of their argument left Su Zhi speechless. Weren’t young girls supposed to be more reserved nowadays? How did the conversation shift from skin to body shapes so explicitly?
Hearing the commotion inside, Shen Zi’an, worried about his wife, entered the room. Upon seeing Shen Zi’an, both Liu Wuniang and Lianhua blushed intensely. Lianhua, especially embarrassed after being belittled by Liu Wuniang, felt she had lost face in front of Shen Zi’an and the others, prompting her to lunge towards Liu Wuniang.