CHAPTER 367: CHAPTER 186: THE FARCE AT SECOND UNCLE’S HOUSE (PART 2)

Mrs. Fang couldn’t help but show a face full of annoyance and hatred when the matter was mentioned. Her mother-in-law passed away early, and after her father-in-law died, the difficulty she and Sang Hong experienced in supporting the family was immense. After many years of shared hardship, they had finally managed to pull through. Sang Wan had finally married off, and her son-in-law treated her and her own family very well. The youngest brother had finally made something of himself too, passing the imperial examination and becoming a scholar who could be assured of a life free from material concerns. If he went on to pass the higher examinations, his future would be limitless! But now, when they should be enjoying the sweet rewards after the hardships, someone was suggesting introducing a concubine into the family. This person, without any effort, would bask in all that had been established and even arrogantly add to her troubles. Only if she were out of her mind would she agree to such a thing!

"Elder Sister-in-law!" Sang Wan was also infuriated when she heard this and quickly grasped Mrs. Fang’s arm, gently saying, "Don’t stoop to her level. She’s just uncomfortable seeing your second uncle take a concubine and wants others to share in her discomfort. Ignore her! How fortunate our Sang family is to have a daughter-in-law like you. Big brother isn’t that kind of person; he would never think of such a thing!"

Mrs. Fang’s expression softened a bit and she laughed sheepishly, "I’m sorry for making a scene. But I just can’t help getting angry every time I think about it, it’s so suffocating! The other day, I was so upset that I even quarreled with your big brother about it, but instead of quarreling back, he comforted me. You’re right, as long as your brother doesn’t have such intentions, what am I getting angry over! And even if he did harbor such thoughts, it wouldn’t be allowed!"

Sang Wan quickly laughed, "I know my brother, he would never do such a thing!" The sisters-in-law shared a laugh over the matter.

After a brief pause, Sang Wan sighed softly, "I should go and visit your second aunt later. Since I’m back, I should really make a trip there."

Mrs. Fang nodded, her tone full of irony as she spoke, "That’s true, they may have cut ties with us, but not with you. It would be improper not to visit. They’d say you’ve climbed up the social ladder and forgotten your roots!" Then she sighed again, "Our family has long been bullied; now that we’re suddenly thriving, there are those who try to curry favor and those who are jealous and talk nonsense. If we carry out the proper courtesies, at least we won’t give others anything bad to say about us!"

Sang Wan nodded in agreement.

"Right," Mrs. Fang touched Sang Wan’s arm lightly and frowned, "How is that cousin of yours from your family doing? She had the gall to marry during her mourning period. I’ve never seen a woman so shameless! Is she behaving now?"

Sang Wan sighed lightly and recounted the events concerning Gu Fangzi’s end of mourning in February, adding, "She’s caused some trouble before, but for now, she seems obedient. Though whether it’s true or false obedience, who knows!"

As for Shi Fengju’s promise to send Gu Fangzi away, Sang Wan did not mention it. The matter was too difficult; first, because Gu Fangzi had already entered the household, second, someone with Gu Fangzi’s personality would definitely not go quietly and was sure to resort to all kinds of tricks, and third, with Mrs. Wang as an obstacle, Shi Fengju would be helpless as long as Mrs. Wang insisted. If this matter caused unrest in the family and Mrs. Wang’s resentment and dislike, Sang Wan’s future days would also undoubtedly be troubled. Regarding the outcome of this matter, she harbored hope but felt more acutely that what she would ultimately receive might be only Shi Fengju’s guilt for being unable to follow through!

"That woman is really crafty!" Mrs. Fang clicked her tongue in wonder and snorted with disdain, "Dreams of spirits and interpretations from Masters, I think these are nothing more than her crafty schemes! Your mother-in-law and son-in-law both believe that?"

Sang Wan hurriedly replied, "The old lady has always believed in these things, and since Gu Fangzi is someone she dotes on and trusts, she wouldn’t doubt it. As for Fengju, he hasn’t said a word!"

Mrs. Fang gave her a knowing look and laughed, "You really know how to defend your son-in-law! But it doesn’t help to defend him — what’s important is what he thinks in his heart!" Mrs. Fang shook her head and said, "I thought, that woman has to observe three years of mourning, which would have been enough time for you to be carrying two babies by now. But now, you haven’t shown any sign of it yet, and she is already planning to end her mourning! How shrewd she is!"

"Don’t worry, Elder Sister-in-law, I have a clear mind and will take good care of myself!" Sang Wan gently said, "Regardless of anything else, now that my second brother has become a scholar and may well become a high-ranking official in the future, the Shi family will treat me well just based on this alone!"

"That’s true," Mrs. Fang smiled, "Now that woman is all by herself without the support of a natal family, there’s even less to worry about! But it’s a double-edged sword; precisely because she’s alone, your mother-in-law and son-in-law might be more affectionate and biased towards her. If she isn’t keen on settling down, it will be a difficult life indeed — Miss Wan, we really can’t help you with that!"

Indeed, matters within a large household are the most headache-inducing!

Sang Wan quickly laughed, "How could big brother and elder sister-in-law have helped me any less? This matter is my own to deal with, and I will handle it myself, so there’s no need for both of you to worry over me!"

Mrs. Fang smiled, "It’s good that you see it that way! You belong to a major household, it’s not the same as our modest family background. Even if not this woman, sooner or later someone else will enter the family; it’s something you ultimately have to face!"

Sang Wan couldn’t help but laugh wryly for a moment. She herself thought the same way, but now, upon hearing Mrs. Fang’s words and thinking of the possibility of Shi Fengju one day bringing another woman into their home and being as affectionate with her as he was with her now, she felt a faint sense of discomfort and oppression.