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The Zhao family’s courtyard was not small. It was now filled with numerous people, easily numbering around thirty to forty. Some even stood outside since the courtyard walls were relatively low, allowing people to peek over. Seeing the row of heads peering over the wall shocked Su Zhi, leaving her both amused and bemused, realizing how much the villagers loved a spectacle.
The recent major altercation between the Zhao and Liu families two days ago had become the talk of the village. The subsequent altercation yesterday, involving respected figures in the village, had created quite a stir. Finally calmed down with an agreement to reconvene today for further discussions, the entire village had become aware of the ongoing dispute. Naturally, everyone was eager to witness how much compensation the Liu family would offer to the Zhao family.
Regardless of the circumstances, causing harm to others’ descendants is a major taboo. In this case, the Liu family was at fault, and offering compensation was only fair. However, demanding ten taels of silver from the Zhao family made many view them as unreasonable.
The weather was lovely that day, with the sun shining brightly, creating a warm atmosphere as people gathered at the Zhao family’s courtyard. They watched the commotion, engaging in idle chatter with smiles on their faces. Inside the house, however, tensions were high. The members of the Liu and Zhao families stood on opposite sides, displaying contrasting expressions – the Liu family looking defiant, while the Zhao family appeared indignant. In the middle, the village head and four elders maintained stern expressions.
“Ahem! Members of the Zhao and Liu families, since you’ve invited us here today, let’s refrain from quarreling and resolve this matter quickly. Spring planting is approaching, and we can’t afford to delay work over this issue. Remember, despite the situation, you are still relatives. Whatever the problem, it can be settled amicably. Let’s not turn into enemies,” the village head urged.
Seeing both families remain silent, the village head stepped in and began mediating. He urged them to calm down to prevent further disputes and asked them to consider the consequences of their actions.
The four elders nodded in agreement as the members of the Liu and Zhao families stayed quiet, listening attentively.
“Liu Damu, it’s clear that your family is in the wrong in this matter. Your actions led to Zhao’s daughter-in-law experiencing complications, resulting in the premature birth of her child. Thankfully, no serious harm occurred. Had things taken a turn for the worse, your family would have been in deep trouble. Although Zhang Shi and her child are safe now, they have still suffered. It’s only fair that your family compensates them financially,” the village head continued, expressing a slightly biased stance towards the Zhao family due to their victimized position and the lack of concern shown by the Liu family towards Liu Siniang.
Zhao Damu responded, “The village head is correct. It’s true that my wife and our daughter were at fault in this matter, and since we are relatives with a good relationship, we are willing to compensate. However, the demand for ten taels of silver from the Zhao family is excessive. We can offer at most five hundred coins.”
Yang Shi interjected, “With five hundred coins, you could buy dozens of pounds of pork or hundreds of eggs. Even a mother hen bought for soup could sustain you for months. It’s not a small sum!”
A plump woman nearby added, “Absolutely! When I gave birth to my eldest daughter, we barely had a few egss to eat, let alone chicken. We were lucky to have one egg a day, and that continued only until after the postpartum period. How much money did that cost? Nowadays, my younger siblings and I compare ourselves to that and feel like we are living the life of a lady of the manor! What more could one want? Being ungrateful might even anger the heavens!”
Su Zhi observed the woman, noting her referring to Yang Shi as “sister” and standing beside a young man who resembled Liu Damu – likely Liu Dabao. Was she Liu Dabao’s wife? She thought to herself that the Liu family seemed to lead a comfortable life, rare to see such a plump daughter-in-law in the countryside.
“Dabao’s wife! What are you saying? Implying that even the heavens would disapprove? Are you cursing my daughter-in-law?” Zhao Yangshi glared at Dabao’s wife, displeased by her comment that five hundred coins were sufficient.
Dabao pulled his wife back slightly and gruffly retorted, “Aunt, my wife isn’t wrong. Five hundred coins is indeed a considerable sum. Think it over – accepting this amount would maintain our good relationship as relatives. If you insist on the ten taels of silver, you’ll be pushing us to the brink. This isn’t something that should happen between family members!”
Zhao Yuanbao interjected, “Dabao, don’t exaggerate. Would ten taels of silver truly push you to the brink? Aunt and Wuniang caused my wife to have a premature birth, risking two lives. How should we address this? Now you’re trying to settle it with just five hundred coins. Is that how family should handle things?”
“It’s not like my mother and sister did it on purpose! I heard that Lianhua was the one who started it by insulting my sister. If she hadn’t acted, would your wife have been harmed? It’s not entirely our family’s fault!”
“Your mother intentionally pushed Lianhua, knowing well that my wife was standing there!”
“Why was your wife standing there in the first place? Couldn’t she have moved away?”
Dabao’s wife interjected once more, feeling bitter about having only a daughter after a few years of marriage, contrasting with Zhang Shi having a son. The thought of parting with five hundred coins made her stingy, and she harbored resentment, wishing the Zhao family’s dream of ten taels of silver would crumble during a fight, ideally resulting in the loss of the five hundred coins.
“The room is so small, where could she have hidden? You lazy woman, when you were pregnant with a girl, you blamed ** for being slow. Now, you want my daughter-in-law to run, and you’re not afraid of a fight!” scolded Zhao Yangshi towards Dabao’s wife.
Yang Shi chimed in, “How can people be compared? Yuanbao’s wife was pregnant and still managed to go to her sister-in-law’s house to enjoy extravagantly. Our daughter-in-law can’t compare!”
This sparked a retort from Zhao Yangshi, “That was a different time! Her belly wasn’t even showing then. But just two days ago, she had a massive belly! Do you expect everyone’s daughter-in-law to be as lazy as your daughter, who starts complaining ** after just two months? My daughter-in-law is hardworking! Furthermore, they have a good relationship as sisters-in-law. When my daughter’s family built a house, it’s only natural for her sister-in-law to visit. Unlike your daughter-in-law, who goes back to her parents’ home constantly? The entire village knows this. Isn’t half of the Liu family’s possessions brought back by your daughter-in-law from her parents’ house during harvest? Or is it because of your sharp-tongued nature that you can accommodate such a lazy, fat daughter-in-law? Hmm, you’ve said this to me before!”
Dabao’s wife, upon hearing this, glared at Yang Shi and then pinched Dabao harshly. She wasn’t good-looking and was overweight, but it was due to a large dowry that she was able to marry into the family. She lived comfortably in the Liu household, aware of these facts but still unwilling to hear others speak ill of her.
Feeling the pinch, Dabao let out a grunt. Unable to get angry at his wife, he glared fiercely at Zhao Yangshi.
Seeing Dabao’s glare, Zhao Yangshi felt a twinge of fear. She knew her nephew was a tough one to handle, quite unreasonable. Her son would not be a match for him. Quickly, she grabbed hold of Shen Zi’an.
“Son-in-law! Look at this brat glaring at me. He seems ready to attack his aunt. Hurry, stop him! You can handle a tiger, so stop him now!” she urged Shen Zi’an.
Initially standing by, Shen Zi’an thought his task for the day was merely observing. If things got physical, he would step in to protect the Zhao family. With Zhao Yangshi pulling at him, he didn’t sense any imminent threat from Dabao. Yet, prompted by his mother-in-law’s plea, he looked towards Dabao.
“Mother-in-law, rest assured. As long as I’m here, no one will dare lay a hand on us. If anyone does, just inform me, I won’t let them get away with it,” Shen Zi’an assured.
Dabao had visited his wife’s family a couple of days ago and hadn’t seen Shen Zi’an. However, he had heard about Shen Zi’an’s reputation as an impressive figure and a capable fighter, which left him feeling somewhat indignant. Today, upon meeting Shen Zi’an, although he didn’t appear like the type who could knock out a tiger with one punch, just a glance from him sent a chill down Dabao’s spine. He couldn’t help but be reminded of a powerful general from a play, feeling a genuine fear towards Shen Zi’an.
“Brother-in-law, please don’t listen to Aunt’s nonsense. I had no intention of hitting her. We came here today to settle this matter, but ten taels of silver is absolutely impossible. You seem like an understanding person, so please don’t be swayed by Aunt’s words,” Dabao spoke politely, considering Shen Zi’an’s position as the Zhao family’s son-in-law and the history of his wife’s marriage into the Zhao family.
Shen Zi’an met his gaze and replied, “If you seek understanding, maintain a better attitude. Remember, my mother-in-law is your aunt. It’s best not to glare at her.”
Dabao chose not to argue and simply responded in agreement.
Shen Zi’an gently removed Zhao Yangshi’s hand from his arm, reassuring her, “Mother-in-law, please continue. He won’t lay a hand on you.”
Upon seeing Dabao’s respectful demeanor towards Shen Zi’an and hearing about Shen Zi’an’s past feat of defeating a tiger, Zhao Yangshi was inclined to continue holding onto Shen Zi’an. However, Su Zhi intervened, pulling Shen Zi’an aside and giving Zhao Yangshi a meaningful look, prompting her to release Shen Zi’an. Although she refrained from physically holding onto Shen Zi’an, she wasn’t about to miss the chance to capitalize on his reputation. Calling her daughter and son-in-law back, she intended to leverage their prestige to bolster her own status. Therefore, she immediately began praising Shen Zi’an, his siblings, and his relatives extensively, aiming to showcase the weight his words carried. She hoped that if Shen Zi’an suggested that ten taels wasn’t excessive, others would likely agree.