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The steward was a member of the Zhang family. Initially, Zhang Baozhu had told him that if Niu Xianhua became the Rain Goddess, it would be a great achievement for him. However, when Niu Xianhua ultimately did not become the Rain Goddess, the steward was disappointed. Although he understood that it was a decision made by the main family, and he had to comply, his chance at a significant achievement vanished. Thus, he held some resentment towards Shen Zhu, who had replaced Niu Xianhua. While he didn’t dare offend her openly, he didn’t like her either. Now that she had encountered this issue, he was naturally unwilling to be lenient and preferred the idea of replacing her with someone else. If only Niu Xianhua were here today, he thought, he could have her take the position, possibly regaining his lost opportunity.
“You suggest finding a solution, but what solution can there be? Miss Shen has suddenly fallen ill. If we let her serve as the Rain Goddess, not only is she scratching from the itch, but her face may not even be concealed by makeup. Allowing a sick person to act as the Rain Goddess would be disrespectful to the deities. Do you want us all to face divine retribution along with you?”
As the steward spoke, he felt that his reasoning was sound. Shen Ziju and Qian Liang, both educated men, understood the situation well. But despite their knowledge, the steward felt compelled to act. Not only did he want to vent his frustration, but he also genuinely believed that the Rain Goddess couldn’t be represented by someone covered in red rashes.
The others nodded along, agreeing that not replacing her would show disrespect to the Rain Goddess and might bring divine punishment. In ancient times, they truly believed in such matters.
Some even speculated that Shen Zhu’s sudden rash might have offended the Rain Goddess, prompting her to withdraw her favor. This theory only fueled Shen Zhu’s frustration. She couldn’t even speak, so overwhelmed was she with anger and itching. Desperate, she reached to scratch herself, prompting Shen Zhang shi to try and restrain her. But even Shen Youfu had to step in and swiftly tie her up to prevent her from harming herself further.
“Look at her, how can she serve as the Rain Goddess in this state? I’ll go report this immediately. We have less than half an hour before the ceremony begins. There’s still time to find a replacement,” the steward declared before exiting.
Shen Ziju couldn’t stop him. Seeing Shen Zhu’s condition, he knew she couldn’t fulfill the role. He glanced helplessly at Su Zhi, but before he could react, Shen Youfu rushed forward to grab her. Startled, Shen Ziju quickly pulled Su Zhi away. She nearly stumbled into his arms but was caught by Shen Zi’an before she could fall. Feeling bewildered from being pulled back and forth, Su Zhi looked around and saw Shen Youfu stumble past her. She understood what had happened and gave Shen Ziju a grateful glance.
Seeing Su Zhi’s smile, Shen Ziju realized she was thanking him. In that moment, although he still doubted her ability to save Shen Zhu and refrained from reaching out to help, he felt no anger.
Shen Youfu didn’t manage to grab Su Zhi and nearly stumbled over. This angered him even more. Turning to Su Zhi, he said, “Hurry up and cure Zhu’er. Otherwise, I’ll have Fourth divorce you!”
Su Zhi’s face stiffened. She couldn’t be bothered with this father-in-law of hers anymore. He was undoubtedly the most unreasonable person she had ever encountered. He had just called her a venomous woman, and now he was suggesting that Shen Zi’an divorce her. Why did he believe so strongly that she could cure Shen Zhu? Since he didn’t know, he was simply demanding the impossible. Fortunately, she wasn’t a fragile young daughter-in-law. If she were, she might have been driven to her death by now.
“Father, no father treats his daughter-in-law like this. Aren’t you afraid of being laughed at? My wife will never be divorced. You should know that by now. If you keep this up, consider me as good as gone from your life,” Shen Zi’an declared firmly, feeling infuriated at how aggressively Shen Youfu had tried to grab his wife.
Shen Ziju hurried over and pulled Shen Youfu aside. This time, he also felt that his father’s actions were inappropriate. What father would lay hands on his daughter-in-law? There were people watching nearby—it was too embarrassing.
Shen Zhang shi also felt ashamed of Shen Youfu’s behavior. Nonetheless, she approached and urged Shen Zi’an not to be angry.
“Zi’an, Zi’an’s wife, your father is just too anxious. Please don’t take it to heart. Look at Zhu’er, how pitiful she is. You both dote on those three children so much, you should understand that parents always dote on their own children. Zi’an’s wife, if you don’t treat Zhu’er, we won’t blame you. Just be understanding towards your father and don’t hold a grudge,” she pleaded.
Su Zhi said, “It’s not that I won’t treat her, but that I truly can’t. This is a condition even the renowned doctor in town can’t cure. How could I possibly heal her? You’re overestimating me. Moreover, even if I could find a solution, it wouldn’t be immediate. Look at how long it took for me to recover from my own illness—it lasted for months. If you expect Zhu’er to be cured instantly, unless I’m a deity, I’m powerless. If you continue to pressure me, I’ll have no choice but to leave this world. I hope you can understand and stop holding me accountable.”
Shen Zhang shi was rendered speechless by Su Zhi’s words. She had hoped that by implying Su Zhi could cure the illness but was unwilling to do so, the bystanders might pressure her into action. However, Su Zhi saw through her intentions and countered immediately. Listening to her, Shen Zhang shi realized Su Zhi’s reasoning was sound. She had been too hasty in placing all her hopes on Su Zhi, forgetting that she only possessed a few remedies and couldn’t cure every ailment.
Upon witnessing the family’s behavior and conversation, the onlookers felt immense sympathy for Su Zhi. They thought to themselves, how could a young woman be pushed to the brink of despair by her in-laws? It was unreasonable to expect her to cure such a peculiar illness in such a short time—it was truly an impossible task. The way the father-in-law had just attempted to grab his daughter-in-law was utterly outrageous. How could a girl from such a family be fit to serve as the Rain Goddess?
Reflecting on their initial choice of Shen Zhu as the Rain Goddess, they realized it might have been a mistake. It was no wonder she suddenly broke out in rashes all over her body—it seemed like divine intervention, disapproving of such a girl serving as the Rain Goddess.
With this in mind, they all agreed and headed outside, intending to discuss the matter with the authorities. It was evident that a new Rain Goddess needed to be selected promptly.
Seeing everyone leave, Shen Zhu knew she could never become the Rain Goddess. She cried silently, her mouth covered with a cloth, her voice barely audible, her hands bound, and her body itching terribly. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Su Zhi, who was being held in Shen Zi’an’s arms. In her heart, she harbored resentment toward Su Zhi, blaming her for being useless. If only Su Zhi had been capable enough to cure her, none of this would have happened. Though her thoughts were irrational, Shen Zhu couldn’t help but direct her anger towards Su Zhi.
Unaware that she had become the target of Shen Zhu’s frustration, Su Zhi remained in Shen Zi’an’s embrace. Even if she had known, she would have considered it normal because, in her mind, Shen Zhu was someone unreasonable, albeit outwardly sweet and charming—a facade that others couldn’t see through.
Zhang Dafu and Qian Dahou rushed over when they heard about the trouble with the girl who was acting as the Rain Goddess. They were also anxious because this was a major issue.
Upon arrival, Qian Guang informed them that a new Rain Goddess had already been chosen.
The new Rain Goddess was none other than Zhao Xiaohua.
Zhao Xiaohua had come with the physician and had been standing in the courtyard the whole time. She had noticed Shen Zi’an and the others early on and boldly approached them, even offering a bow to Qian Guang.
During the Lantern Festival, Zhao Xiaohua was abducted by bandits. When Qian Guang led a rescue mission for the abducted women, Zhao Xiaohua fell in love with him at first sight. She believed that Qian Guang was the ideal match for her and saw it as fate arranged by the heavens. From then on, she was determined to marry Qian Guang, rejecting several matchmakers in the process. This made the matchmakers look down on her, accusing her of being obsessed with marrying a wealthy man. Despite the family’s efforts to find suitors for her, Zhao Xiaohua continued to decline them, refusing to be a concubine or a second wife. She wanted to be a legitimate wife. The gossip spread, tarnishing Zhao Xiaohua’s reputation, and no suitors came knocking on her door for a long time.
However, Zhao Xiaohua didn’t care about the rumors. She firmly believed that the men she had pursued before were not right for her and that she hadn’t found a good man because she hadn’t met Qian Guang yet. Now that she had encountered him, she couldn’t afford to miss the opportunity.
Seeing Qian Guang now, Zhao Xiaohua naturally approached him.
Qian Guang didn’t have much of an impression of Zhao Xiaohua at first, but when she mentioned the debt of gratitude from the Lantern Festival, it jogged his memory. He recalled that she had come to thank him before, but he had been preoccupied and hurried away, forgetting about her. He hadn’t expected her to come and thank him again. Seeing her demeanor, Qian Guang understood her intentions. He merely nodded in acknowledgment and then ignored her.
Zhao Xiaohua didn’t persist in engaging further. She believed there was plenty of time ahead, and besides, there was a refined lady by Qian Guang’s side. She didn’t want to provoke her or compete with her, considering that her attire and accessories couldn’t compare. This only strengthened Zhao Xiaohua’s resolve to marry Qian Guang. She envisioned herself adorned in gold and jade, just like the lady beside him, and even more beautiful.
When she heard someone announce the need to select a new Rain Goddess, Zhao Xiaohua felt excited. She saw this as her chance. If she became the Rain Goddess, it would benefit her marriage prospects, giving her a better chance to marry Qian Guang. With determination, Zhao Xiaohua boldly offered herself to be the Rain Goddess.
Seeing Zhao Xiaohua, everyone felt she was suitable for the role. She had an above-average appearance and a graceful figure. Hearing that she had been previously selected as a candidate for the Rain Goddess and understanding the rituals involved, people believed she was more suitable. It’s one thing to find a girl, but finding one who understands the duties of the Rain Goddess from start to finish is another challenge. Not all girls can handle the responsibility, especially standing on the chariot in front of so many people.
Zhao Xiaohua claimed she dared to take on the role, having been a candidate for the Rain Goddess before, she was mentally prepared for it.
Therefore, Zhao Xiaohua was finally chosen to be the Rain Goddess.