Chapter 29

Xu Dashan was driven out in embarrassment by Xu Qiang, and shortly after, those two foot fabrics were also thrown out. Xu Dashan, feeling ashamed, hurried back home with his belongings.

When Wang shi saw his state, she was taken aback, "What happened?"

Throwing the fabrics onto the kang bed, Xu Dashan exclaimed angrily, "That Xu Qiang is looking down on people now. Not only did he scold me, he also threw the gifts out!"

"Well..." Wang shi felt uneasy and asked, "What did you say?"

Xu Dashan replied, "Isn't it all because of you, mom? You spent Song Yulan's dowry money. Even if we report this to the officials, we won't win."

"Why report to the officials? What did Xu Qiang say? Oh, tell me quickly!" Wang shi was getting anxious, almost jumping from the kang.

Stammering, Xu Dashan explained everything, "He said that it wasn't him who married her, and it wasn't his money spent. What use is there in involving him? If Song Yulan is truly unfilial, just report it."

Listening to the story, Wang shi lay down on the kang bed and started crying, "What sin have I committed? Do I have to support my daughter-in-law even after marriage?"

With this thought troubling her mind, they did not eat dinner that night, all complaining of headaches.

Unaware of the situation, Xu's elderly lady summoned the young daughter-in-law to inquire. After a brief check-up, the daughter-in-law returned and said, "She doesn't look well, saying she caught a cold, and even arranged to have the doctor come and give her medicine."

Frowning, Xu's elderly lady said, "She was fine this afternoon, and now she suddenly needs medicine? Doesn't medicine cost money? Let her take the medicine, but she has to pay for it herself. By the way, did you ask why her daughter-in-law went back home?"

The daughter-in-law responded, "I asked, but she didn't tell me. As soon as I asked, she started complaining of a headache."

Finally understanding the situation, Xu's elderly lady said, "Then let's not bother about it. When her daughter-in-law returns, her headaches will disappear."

The next day, Wang shi woke up late, had some lumpy soup left on the stove, frowned while counting the silver coins in hand, gathered ten taels, took the fabrics again, and went to Song Xingyi's house with Xu Dashan, all wearing a somber expression.

Song Xingyi had gone to the field with his son and grandsons, while Fang shi was in the courtyard with Zhang shi, wringing out washed bed sheets. Seeing Wang shi, Fang shi sarcastically remarked, "Oh, if it isn't our dear in-law? It's been a while since you last visited. Why suddenly decide to come here today?"

Grinding her teeth, Wang shi forced a smile, "Oh, it's all because of my incompetent son. Dashan, hurry up, pay your respects to your mother-in-law."

Fang shi stood still as Xu Dashan kowtowed thrice, then said, "It's not a festive occasion, why bow as soon as you enter?"

Wang shi sighed, "My son is powerless and yet so arrogant, always trying to please Xu Qiang for some benefits, but he has offended Yulan. There's no such custom of bowing in either Xu's or our house; you're already family. And besides, even if we don't mention anything else, can't you see that Dīngxiāng's matter should not be taken too closely to Xu Qiang?"

Fang shi shrugged, "I see. But it's no wonder he wants to be close to Xu Qiang's family. After all, he has succeeded in the imperial examinations and will become an official. As long as the surname is Xu, everyone is happy. However, my family is not that fortunate; we cannot afford such unexpected good fortune."

Before she could finish, Song Dingxiang came out from the main house, smiling, "Mom, please keep quiet. Xu-in-law, please come inside. It's chilly now, and the draft might give you a headache."

Wang shi sighed repeatedly and took her son into the main house.

Inside the main house, Li shi was teaching the daughters-in-law how to cut the shoe soles accurately. Meanwhile, Song Yulan was embroidering at the table by the window.

Seeing Wang shi, she greeted her with a faint "mother."

Li shi looked up and saw Wang shi, smiling, "Oh, it's been a while. And you're looking so elegant today."

Wang shi was startled, only then realizing that she had worn a silver bracelet and a silver hairpin provided by Song Yulan. Probably Song Yulan had noticed these accessories when she entered and mentioned it to Li shi.

Her mouth twitched, and she quickly smiled, "Dashan, why haven't you kowtowed to your grandmother yet?"

When Xu Dashan kowtowed three more times, she continued, "It's all thanks to Yulan's concern for me. How could I dress so well without her? It's said that a daughter-in-law should be considerate, and Yulan is even more considerate than my own daughter. It's a pity that my son, ah, he's just not competent."

Li shi did not respond, simply saying, "Sit on the kang bed. These days, even in broad daylight, we still need to light a fire on the kang bed to keep warm and prevent your grandpa and the kids from feeling cold."

It was already April, and most households had stopped lighting fires on the kang. Only those with many elderly and young members, or those who had accumulated enough firewood, could afford to still use the kang in such a luxurious manner.

Sitting on the warm kang, Wang shi admired the shoe soles being woven on the kang and praised, "Madam, you are so blessed. Whether it's a daughter-in-law or a granddaughter-in-law, they are all so capable. Just look at how neatly these shoe soles are woven."

Li shi casually replied, "In our family, whether coming or going, they are all top-notch. Who can say anything bad about our family? Take Yulan, my eldest granddaughter; she has been skilled in sewing since she was young, diligent, and good at cooking. Initially, many families were pleading to marry her off. Why did she marry into your family, remember?"

Wang shi nodded quickly, "I remember, I remember. My son is relatively good-looking and hardworking. Both are of similar age, and our Xu family is considered a well-off family. It's a match made in heaven."

Li shi continued, "Yes, at the time, Yulan liked him herself, so we followed her wishes and entrusted her to your family. But if one day she no longer likes him, our Song family will have no problem feeding and clothing her."

Wang shi's face darkened slightly, but she forced a smile, "I know."

Li shi inquired, "I heard that during the New Year, your son-in-law wanted to start a seafood business and sent Yulan to borrow money?"

Before Wang shi could deny it, Li shi interrupted, "We thought it was a good idea at the time. When marrying off a daughter, one hopes for the husband to improve. Initially, we asked him for a business plan. Have you thought about it now?"

Xu Dashan remained silent, burying his head.

Exclaiming, "How could he start a business? He doesn't have the brains! Don’t lend him any money; he might lose it all," Wang shi interjected.

Li shi sighed, "Indeed, what will we do then?"

Startled, Wang shi hastily explained, "That's exactly it. I was afraid he would spend money chaotically, so I helped Yulan collect the harvest from her land. Thankfully, in case she felt soft-hearted, she couldn't resist giving the money to him." She then took out a purse from her bosom and poured out a handful of silver coins.

Despite her words, her face showed her distress. She tried to smile, but it looked quite bizarre.

Unable to contain her laughter, Song Dingxiang thought Li shi was amazing. Born in a rural area, such talents are wasted here.

If she had married into a wealthy family, she would probably be an expert in domestic and palace intrigues.

Li shi smiled and said, "Thank you for your efforts. I believe that after this incident, Yulan will no longer waste money. After all, this is her dowry; it's best for her to keep it. It saves the trouble of being gossiped about by unclear people, accusing you of spending your daughter-in-law's dowry. Wouldn't that be unjust?"

Forced to smile, Wang shi's face stiffened, feeling anger towards Li shi.

Song Yulan tucked the money into her purse, and grinned. "Thank you, Mother, for helping me collect the payment."

Wang shi frowned. "Aren't you being too generous?" She then placed her parcels on the heated bed. "I can't come empty-handed. I found two lovely fabrics at home, and it just so happens Jin Qiao'er had twin daughters. The colors are perfect for making clothes for my little granddaughter."

Li shi accepted the rulers without a glance and passed them to Zhao Di. "Here you go," she said simply.

Seeing this, Wang shi took Song Dingxiang's hand and intervened, "I know you've been wronged. With the household being busy, I couldn't come myself to give you a proper gift at your wedding. This... This bracelet may be old in style, but it has weight. Take it, design it the way you like, and consider it a wedding gift from me to you."

Looking at Li shi for confirmation, Song Dingxiang accepted the silver bracelet pulled from Wang shi's arm, her face turning pale.

Wanting to say more, Wang shi suddenly heard someone outside. Shortly after, Fang shi came in with a smile, waving a letter in her hand, "Second daughter, there's a letter from Zhouzi. Quickly, read what it says."

"Ah? A letter?" Song Dingxiang hurriedly took the letter and opened it cautiously.

With several months passing without any news since New Year, and knowing that they, new recruits, had been training for several months before moving to the outskirts, she expected to wait a long time before receiving a letter.

However, she was surprised to receive one so soon.

The quality of the paper was decent, but the writing with charcoal was crude and clearly done by Zhou Yīnuò. She eagerly read the letter, a smile spreading across her face.

Struggling to read the letter, Wang shi jokingly said, "Oh, I didn't realize Dingxiang knew how to read."

Fang shi responded, "Our children, more or less, know a few words to avoid being fooled when they're out. Even the Eldest daughter knows how to read; she can recite the Three Character Classic and Thousand Character Classic."

Unaware of her daughter-in-law's ability to read, Wang shi felt even more inadequate upon hearing that Song Yulan could read.

After reading the letter, Song Dingxiang said, "Zhuo Ge says everything is fine in the military camp. He hasn't been assigned to the new recruits camp, but is now following a military officer named Wang Qianhu as his aide. He trains with them, but his living conditions are better than the new recruits. Wang Qianhu is teaching him how to read and praised the wolf fur knee pads made by our mother. He also said the old ginger fried sea bream we made is excellent, and they have prepared a lot to take to the outskirts to resist the cold."

"Amituofo, that's really good news." Fang shi finally relaxed and said with a smile, "Zhuo Zi has some skills. While others are in the new recruits camp, he became an aide to a high-ranking officer. In the future, he might even get an official rank!"

Upon hearing this, Wang shi exclaimed, "Congratulations, dear mother-in-law. If your son-in-law becomes an official, won't you enjoy a good life when he comes back?"

Fang shi continued, "Of course! He serves as an aide to Qianhu Officer. Although they are heading to the outskirts, Qianhu has a reputation in town. If anyone dares to bully us, we can go to Qianhu for help and have him send soldiers to take care of it!"

She then glanced at Wang shi.

Wang shi shrank her neck and felt a cold sweat break out on her back.

Song Dingxiang burst into laughter upon seeing Zhou Yinuo's letter. It felt like perfect timing.

As the saying goes, "even the doorman of the Prime Minister holds the same weight as a seventh-rank official." Though her husband was just a follower for a military unit of a thousand troops, for ordinary folks, it was practically becoming an official - someone not to be trifled with.

After successfully scaring Wang shi, Fang shi turned to Dingxiang and asked, "What else did he write?"

Song Dingxiang replied, "He also reassured my parents and grandparents. He said he was very strong, his training wouldn't be too harsh, and the commander would treat him well. He said he'd wait until he's settled outside the border before writing again. He also mentioned that if anything happens back home, they should go to town and seek help from Wang Yuanwai. He's a kind man and will surely assist them."

Fang shi was ecstatic. "That's wonderful! So wonderful!" she exclaimed repeatedly, unable to form a complete sentence.

Her happiness overflowed.

Song Dingxiang then showed the letter to Li shi. After reading it, Li shi passed it around for everyone else to see before returning it back to Dingxiang.

"Zhouzi is a promising young man," Li shi commented. "Hold onto this letter carefully, Dingxiang. It might prove valuable in the future."

"I understand, Grandma," Song Dingxiang smiled, clutching the letter to her chest.

Feeling a chill down her spine, Wang shi regretted her actions. She thought about how fortunate she was to have visited today.

If she hadn't, and offended the Song family at home, Qianhu or that Wang officer might have come over and taught them a lesson. She now looked at Song Yulan with a different light, wishing to invite her back home immediately and treat her with respect.

She didn't want to offend them anymore.

Sitting on the kang uncomfortably for a while, Wang shi asked, "Well, Yulan, where is Dabao?"

Song Yulan replied, "He's napping in the opposite room."

Wang shi acknowledged with an 'oh' and then said, "I didn't inform your father that I came out. When the old man can't find me after going back, he'll probably be worried. Let Dashan wait here until Dabao wakes up... Yulan, will you go back home today?"

After getting a nod from Li shi, Song Yulan replied, "I will go back, but I want to sketch these patterns first and then go back. I want to embroider some shoe or handkerchiefs in my spare time."

Wang shi encouraged her, "The patterns are beautiful, and you are still young. You should wear clothes and accessories with flowers. Alright, I won't wait. Madam, dear in-law, I'll leave now. There's still a lot of work at home. If it wasn't for my incompetent son... Well, I left him here. You can scold and punish him as much as you want. I won't be sympathetic."

With that, she hurriedly said a few words to Song Yulan and left.

She needed to rush back and inform her family about what had happened, especially her daughter. She didn't want her daughter to anger her sister-in-law mistakenly.

Once Wang shi left, Xu Dashan became even more uneasy. He mumbled, "I'll go split some firewood for grandmother," before running out.

Looking at Xu Dashan's current pathetic demeanor, Fang shi sighed and said, "He was chosen meticulously, but how did we end up with such a person?"

Li shi frowned and said, "Don't talk nonsense in front of the child. But this tough treatment is good for them. You, Lan'er, must be competent. Although you're not in charge of the main matters, you have to take charge of the household. Keep them in line. Otherwise, they may behave obediently now, but later they might find reasons to rebel."

Song Yulan nodded and said, "Grandma, I understand." She wasn't a fool.

She could see that Wang shi had given up the money willingly, and even took off the silver bracelet. She had to admire that.

Wang shi was known to be guarded, and she hadn't seen much being revealed from Wang shi. This time, it seemed like she had bled.

Opening the package, Zhao Di exclaimed, "Oh, this fabric is really good. I wanted to buy a piece for Jin Qiao'er's child in town, but even the scraps there are expensive. How could the Xu family afford such good fabric?"

Song Yulan took a look and laughed in surprise, "Isn't this the two pieces of fabric I gifted to Xiu Juan? She nagged me in town that there were no good clothes there and begged me to buy these fabrics for future use. I didn't expect...they were returned here?"

"We can't even afford to use them ourselves, yet you are willing to give them away," Fang shi remarked as she examined the quality fabric – thick, soft, and brightly colored.

It seemed to be a high-quality material from the city or some other good place. Rural folks couldn't afford to buy fabric by the bolt, so they could only purchase a few pieces of fabric based on measurements.

But even that was carefully calculated.

Song Yulan shyly stuck out her tongue, "It's not my fault, she was bothering me at the cloth shop door, with so many people watching, I... I felt embarrassed."

Fang shi, feeling frustrated, said, "What kind of family is that? I never thought Xu Xiujuan was such a girl. Who would dare to marry into that family now?"

Li shi advised, "It's fine to talk about it at home, but don't talk nonsense outside and ruin someone else's marriage."

Fang shi laughed, "Mother, when have I ever spoken carelessly? It's your turn to chat, my sister-in-law is still waiting in the yard for me to bring the quilt. "

With that, she turned and went out.

Song Dingxiang looked at Song Yulan's beautiful face and couldn't help but say, "Sister, now our family has someone who can speak up. If the Xu family bullies you again, just come back and tell us directly, don't keep it to yourself, okay?"

Song Yulan smiled awkwardly and said, "I understand. I was mistaken before, thinking that a married girl should obey her in-laws and treat her sisters-in-law well to be treated well in the in-laws' home. But now I see, it's only when your own family is strong that the in-laws won't dare to bully you."

Li shi advised, "As long as you behave properly and have integrity, even if you are commoners, you don't have to fear others. I think that child Xu Dashan is soft-hearted. Once you stand up to him, he won't dare to cause trouble. But his mother... she's a bit too cunning. People like her tend to cause trouble easily. You need to keep an eye on her, especially her tendency to suck up to Xu Qiang."

Song Dingxiang looked at Li shi and thought that she must have perceived something about Wang shi. When Xu Qiang really becomes an official, there might be some trouble stirred up by Song Taohong.

Her heart was never at ease.