Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
"People say that only petty individuals and women are difficult to raise. Brother-in-law, you should be cautious."
Songzi's words were innocent, but they held significant meaning in the ears of the elders. They gasped in surprise and looked apologetically at Shen Muhan. Summer Forest, unable to contain herself, slapped Songzi on the forehead and scolded, "What nonsense are you talking about, little child? Have you read too many books?"
The Xia Muxin couple were the model couple of the village. Moreover, the Xia Family was no longer what it used to be; their status had changed significantly. They hoped for a healthy family, free from illness and disaster, but even more so, they wished for harmony between husband and wife. Songzi's words seemed to create a rift between Muxin and her husband.
Thinking this way made several elders feel uneasy.
Shen Muhan raised an eyebrow, his narrow eyes looking at Xia Muxin with a smile that wasn't quite a smile. However, his hands didn't stop moving. At that moment, Xia Muxin also looked at him, and they exchanged glances without causing any discord. Instead, it made the elders blush as they awkwardly focused on their bowls.
Xia Muxin felt an urge to roll her eyes. It had been quite some time since the family gathered like this. The feudal customs she had gradually forgotten resurfaced today, warming her heart.
Songzi knew her sister wouldn't help her, so she pouted and finished off the bowl of dark fish heads, feeling a bit wronged. This woman really forgot her younger brother once she had a husband.
Xia Muxin looked at Songzi's inky face with a hint of pride at the corner of her mouth. Songzi was growing up, becoming more rebellious earlier than expected. Although she worked hard in her studies and received praise from her master, her temper still needed adjusting. It was said that wealth should not be flaunted, and Songzi was no different; her knowledge should remain discreet. If someone with ulterior motives figured out her character, they might secretly set traps for her.
There weren't many children under their parents—two boys and two girls—but as the saying goes, girls eventually marry out. No matter how successful or renowned one's business is, in the eyes of outsiders, she is just a married daughter whose children do not carry the Xia surname. Over time, this could lead to gossip. Her brother was already married with children; aside from following in business, he had no other options. But Songzi was different; she was still young. If she could achieve academic success and become a County Magistrate or hold an official position, it would bring honor to the Xia Family.
Xia Muxin knew that such thoughts were outdated, but the world was indeed conservative, and she couldn't change reality. So even if it was old-fashioned thinking, she would indulge in it just this once.
But first, she needed to teach Songzi how to navigate life.
Afterward, the young couple didn't blush at Songzi's words; instead, they felt relieved as everyone focused on their meals while occasionally sharing light-hearted banter.
"Uncle and Auntie, you should go check on Grandma; she's about to die! There's not a single coin in the house! You must go see her!"
However, before they could finish their meal, a sorrowful voice slowly drifted in. Xia Muxin frowned and threw her bowl onto the table as she watched Zhou Guilian approach from inside the house with an even tighter frown.
Zhou Guilian wore a flashy thin long shirt embroidered with peonies. Though the fabric was coarse, it was considered decent in Daimiao Village. At that moment, she looked heartbroken with tears in her eyes as she entered the main hall without greeting anyone and stared intently at the meat bowl on the table.
"What nonsense is Sister Zhou saying? Who are your uncle and aunt? Didn't your grandfather pass away long ago? Besides, my grandfather's surname is Xia; where do you get Zhou grandchildren from? My grandmother has long since passed away; are you trying to bring misfortune to my family?"
It is said that a horse is easily ridden by others, and a kind person is easily bullied. Songzi had seen through the Zhou Family, and at this moment, upon seeing Zhou Guilian, he spoke as if his eyes were not eyes and his nose was not a nose.
Xia Muxin lowered her gaze, fully aware of Zhou Guilian's visit today. The chair of Feng Liulang, the County Magistrate, had barely warmed up before trouble struck one after another. With the Zhao Family Brothers also implicated and the only hope, Zhao Qiuyue, missing without a trace, it was clear that Zhao Weiran would no longer help him. He had already been labeled the ugliest in the county, and naturally, someone from above would come to investigate. Moreover, Shen Muhan had hinted to her that Feng Liulang had never participated in the imperial examination; everything was merely instigated by the Zhao Family. If an investigation were to take place, Feng Liulang would likely face severe consequences.
In recent days, she had been in poor condition and had not heard the gossip circulating outside. She was even less aware that the Zhou Family was struggling to maintain their footing in Daimiao Village.
Though Songzi's words were blunt and unkind, they were indeed true. If it hadn't been for Shen Muhan back then, not only would her mother have died in childbirth, but her grandfather would not have survived to this day. And what about her aunt who managed to return?
Moreover, the divorce papers had been issued; the Xia Family and the Zhou Family were two unrelated entities. The life and death of the Wu Family had nothing to do with her own family.
The Summer Old Man set down his bowl, appearing heavy-hearted as he sat at the door with his smoking pipe, puffing away.
The Summer Forest couple felt somewhat moved. However, since Xia Muxin remained silent, they could not make any decisions. After all, this family was built by Muxin herself, who had nearly lost her life in the process. Although they had called her mother for many years, they ultimately shared no blood relation and felt quite estranged. They knew that they had never been regarded as family by her. With this thought in mind, a flicker of comfort emerged in their hearts.
Zhou Guilian did not expect the Xia Family to be so cold-hearted. If it weren't for their grandmother providing them with a vegetable patch back then, they would have starved or frozen to death long ago. Now that they had prospered, they turned their backs on her. Anger welled up inside her as she exploded:
"How can you heartless bastards be so cruel? We lived under the same roof! Are you really going to just watch as my grandmother dies?"
She had completely lost hope in Feng Liulang. As for Zhou Cailian, she had never enjoyed a single day of glory; even that child was gone. Feng Liulang spent his days indulging in pleasures and had no idea how many women he had slept with. She found such a man disgusting. Now he was not only stripped of his position but also detained and awaiting interrogation while Feng San Niang returned with plenty of silver, adorned in gold and jewels, mingling with the Royal Family. She firmly believed that her son was destined for greatness and would soon be released to become an official.
She saw through it all; now that her mother finally arranged a marriage for her, all the money was still in her grandmother's hands. Even her dowry money was withheld from her, which made her anxious. A girl’s dowry must include some valuable items; otherwise, she would be ridiculed and unable to hold her head high in her new home or win over her in-laws or husband’s affection.
Her mother grew desperate and began quarreling with her grandmother until things escalated into violence. In a moment of carelessness, she struck her grandmother on the head with a stick, causing blood to flow profusely and frightening everyone in the house. Her father hurriedly went to fetch a doctor; however, since all the money was with her grandmother—hidden somewhere no one knew—it naturally drew attention toward the Xia Family.
Xia Muxin's supermarket was thriving; there were long lines every day. It was rumored that money was stored in sacks. She initially thought their family had become prosperous enough that anyone with a conscience would remember old ties and show some filial respect to their grandmother. But this family's heart seemed made of stone; they didn’t even acknowledge them when they met.
What kind of people were these? What kind of upbringing did they have?
As she thought about it, Zhou Guilian's expression turned cold as she shot a fierce glare at the Summer Forest couple.
At this moment, Xia Muxin found herself almost laughing out of anger; she had seen foolishness before but never such utter stupidity—did they really think that the Xia Family was an easy target?
It was surprising that Zhou Guilian even dared to come to their house today.
Suddenly, Xia Muxin coldly said,
"Python Brother, your confinement should be over by now. Look at you, it’s been ages since you’ve had fresh meat. This is a treat delivered right to your door. Come out and see for yourself—will you eat the arms first or the legs? I know you; you'll definitely save the head for last, as has always been your habit."
Python Brother had given birth to Little Gold and Little Chi over a month ago, yet it remained lazy and seldom ventured out, instead enjoying a cozy life in its nest with its family. Xia Muxin often watched as it extended its tongue to lick and groom Little Gold and Little Chi, as if cleaning them. Crimson Plague would coil nearby, watching intently, utterly captivated.
Despite being obedient and well-liked by the villagers, Python Brother was still a snake—a creature that could consume humans. It was impossible for everyone not to feel some fear. Thus, she directly called for Python Brother to come out.
As soon as Xia Muxin's words fell, Zhou Guilian began to tremble all over, feeling a chill in her heart. She watched as Python Brother slowly emerged from its nest, its massive body moving with a heaviness that made her feel as if her feet were weighed down with lead. She could only watch helplessly as Python Brother threatenedly flicked its crimson tongue toward her.
Sweat beads rolled down her forehead to her chin, slowly dripping off. Her lips quivered, but she dared not make a sound.
Shen Muhan merely looked at his little wife with a hint of amusement on his face. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly as his calloused hand occasionally brushed through her smooth hair, causing Xia Muxin to glare at him with her eyes while he smiled mischievously.
Suddenly, an unpleasant odor wafted through the air; a puddle had formed beneath Zhou Guilian. Her face turned red and then pale in an instant, her eyes flickering nervously as she dared not make a sound.
Xia Muxin pinched her nose in disgust and met Zhou Guilian's resentful gaze before coldly saying,
"Get lost!"
- End of Chapter -
Comment 0 Comment Count