TIPS – Chapter 85

After his parents left the house, all the household affairs fell on Shen Junxi’s shoulders. He had to take care of every little chore at home while also attentively looking after his wife, who was about to give birth. Fortunately, these household tasks were second nature to Shen Junxi. Whether it was feeding the chickens and pigs, cooking, or doing laundry, he handled them all with ease.

In the evening, he prepared dinner early so that Song Jingwei could eat while the food was still hot. He then fetched hot water for him to take a warm bath, ensuring he could sleep comfortably.

Only after his wife had fallen asleep did he start tending to himself. After bathing, he washed and hung the laundry, took a walk around the house to check for anything unusual, and only then returned to sleep. The next morning, he got up early to clean, cook, feed the livestock, and let the dog out for a run.

Many times, Song Jingwei would quietly watch him as he busied himself, observing how he efficiently and methodically completed each task.

He discovered that this young man was incredibly patient, no matter what he was doing. He was meticulous, careful, quick-witted, and highly focused. It seemed that apart from being unable to speak, there was nothing he couldn’t do. This made Song Jingwei think of a famous saying:

“When God closes a door, He opens a window.”

He thought, perhaps this young man’s “window” was his many outstanding qualities. The more he understood him, the more he recognized his merits.

Amidst his busyness, Shen Junxi secretly enjoyed the way his wife’s gaze seemed to follow him, subtle yet ever-present. Occasionally, he would smile back at him, though he feared that acknowledging it too openly might break this beautiful moment.

What he wished for most was to be seen by Song Jingwei, to have his presence acknowledged in his eyes.

Just like he had long hoped for—had his wife grown to like him a little more today?

Today, Shen Junxi could confidently answer himself: Yes.

Meanwhile, the Shen couple, who had been traveling all day, finally arrived at Yang Shi’s maternal home after dark. Yang Shi’s younger brother, Yang Shuisheng, had not yet gone to bed. He happened to be stepping out to lock the door when he vaguely made out the figures of his second sister and brother-in-law.

He was so shocked that he could hardly speak. Upon seeing that it was indeed Yang Shi, he stammered in disbelief.

“Ah-Di?” Yang Shi stepped forward and called out, recognizing the familiar figure as her younger brother.

“You… are you Second Sister?” Yang Shuisheng asked in a trembling voice, his face filled with emotion.

“Yes, Ah-Di, it’s me, your Second Sister!” Yang Shi wanted to catch up with her brother, but she was more worried about their mother’s illness, so she quickly asked, “How is Mother’s condition? Let’s go inside and check on her first; we can talk later.”

Yang Shuisheng was confused. “Mother’s condition? What illness?”

Yang Shi grew anxious. “Didn’t you write in your letter that Mother was sick? What exactly is wrong with her?”

Yang Shuisheng was dumbfounded. “Mother isn’t sick, and I never wrote to you.”

He was well aware of his second sister’s situation and of his mother’s attitude. Over the years, he had never dared to write to Yang Shi.

“You didn’t write a letter?” Yang Shi was stunned. “Then who did?”

Shen Dongming took out the letter from his pocket and handed it to Yang Shuisheng. “Take a look. Did you write this?”

Yang Shuisheng had received some education. One glance at the letter was enough to tell that its contents were completely fabricated. Though confused, he quickly understood the situation.

“I didn’t write this letter, but I know who did.”

“Who?” the Shen couple pressed.

Looking embarrassed, Yang Shuisheng replied, “It must have been Mother. She probably asked the old scholar in the village to write it for her.”

Their village had an old scholar in his fifties who often wrote letters for others. Everyone knew his handwriting.

“Is that so?” The couple felt a mix of emotions. There was clearly something fishy about this. And what else could it be? It was obviously Feng’s doing.

Yang Shuisheng had also realized this and looked visibly uncomfortable. He sighed. “Mother… she really went too far. She made you both rush here for nothing. I’m so sorry.”

Yang Shi and Shen Dongming remained silent, unsure of how to react to this revelation.

“Shuisheng, who’s here?”

Feng Shi, who had just gone to bed, heard the village dogs barking and movement in the yard. She got up in the dark and asked.

Yang Shuisheng glanced at his sister and brother-in-law. Seeing them nod, he turned back and answered, “Mother, it’s Second Sister and Second Brother-in-law.”

As he spoke, Yang Shi strode inside, directly facing Feng. “Mother, I heard you were sick, so I came to see you.”

She was harboring some anger. She had left her pregnant daughter-in-law behind and traveled tirelessly overnight, only to find out that she had been deceived. How could she not be furious?

“You… You’re Er-Ya?” Feng Shi asked uncertainly. She recognized her second daughter’s voice.

“Yes, it’s me,” Yang said coldly. “I heard that you were sick, that you even spent all the family’s money on medicine. But looking at you now, you seem strong and full of energy. You’ve recovered well, haven’t you?”

Feng Shi never expected Yang to arrive so soon, and at such an inconvenient time. She had been completely unprepared for this. Now, faced with her daughter’s direct questioning, she didn’t know how to respond.

Moreover, she hadn’t even had the chance to talk to Yang Shuisheng about covering up the truth. If he had already told Yang Shi that she wasn’t actually sick, there was no way she could explain herself now.

“Mother, why aren’t you saying anything?” Yang Shi asked again.

“What should I say? If I hadn’t said that, would you have come to see this old bag of bones?” Feng Shi pointed at Yang Shi’s nose and scolded, “Look at yourself! I worked so hard to raise you, feeding and clothing you—was it easy for me? And how did you repay me? You ran off with a man while you were still young and never once thought about your old mother back home in all these years! You are an ungrateful wolf!”

Yang Shi said, “Yes, I am an ungrateful wolf. I deserved to be sold to a wealthy man as a concubine, to serve an old man alongside my own sister. You only cared about money, money, money! When I had nothing, did you ever cherish me or think about me? Now that I have money, suddenly I receive a letter from you. I admit that raising me was hard for you, but just because you’re my mother, does that mean I must obey you in everything? If you told me to jump into a pit of fire, should I just do it?”

Feng Shi raised her chin and said, “How was that being a concubine? Marrying the same man as your sister—was that such an injustice to you? Did you think you were born into some noble family? Having food to eat and clothes to wear was already more than enough for you!”

“Thank you, but now I have food and clothes as well. Otherwise, you wouldn’t even bother looking at me!” Yang Shi’s eyes turned red. This was her own mother, one who only cared about profit.

“That’s just your good luck.” Feng Shi thought of Yang Shi’s current wealth and success, and her arrogance slightly diminished. She was a practical person—money was everything. She said, “Blame me if you want, hate me if you must, but I am still your mother. Now that your life is good, shouldn’t you at least show some filial piety? You know how much hardship I went through back then. It was exactly because life was too bitter that I wanted you to marry a rich man. How was I wrong?”

She had always believed she was right back then, and even now, she did not think she was at fault. In her eyes, Yang Shi’s current success was merely a stroke of luck.

“I know you suffered, which is why I stayed.” That was the only reason she hadn’t turned around and left. No matter how much she resented or hated, she still cared about her mother. It was human nature. With a sour heart, Yang Shi said, “If it weren’t for that, why would I rush here in the middle of the night?” She still cared, after all—because this was her mother.

“As long as you understand.” Hearing her daughter soften her tone, Feng Shi glanced at her son-in-law, Shen Dongming, before saying, “Stop standing around. Come inside and talk. Shuisheng, wake your wife up and have her prepare tea.”

Yang Shuisheng quickly said, “I’ll make the tea myself. Second Sister, Brother-in-law, please come in.”

Feng Shi snorted but, with her daughter and son-in-law present, surprisingly did not say anything else.

Once inside, everyone sat down. Tea was served, and after taking a sip to calm herself, Yang Shi finally asked, “Has Big Sister been back?” Their last meeting had been a long time ago. She didn’t know how Yang Shuangjiao was doing, but judging from the situation, she was likely still alive and well.

Feng Shi said, “She came back, but she didn’t stay long before leaving again.” Her expression darkened at the mention of her eldest daughter. “Don’t bring up that disgraceful thing! I worked so hard to find her a good, well-off match, and not only did she refuse, but she even ran off with some poor widower! It makes me so mad!”

Yang Shi didn’t comment on that and instead asked, “What did she say to you?” It certainly wouldn’t have been anything good—she knew her sister too well.

“She didn’t say much, just that your life is going well now.” Feng Shi glanced at her and then added, “I heard from Da Ya that your family has taken in a rather extraordinary daughter-in-law? H’s quite something, managing your household so strictly?”

“Not at all. My daughter-in-law is very good,” Yang Shi and Shen Dongming said in unison.

“Tsk tsk! Look at you two acting so meek. I refuse to believe that there are good daughters-in-law in this world,” Feng Shi sneered. “Do you really think daughters-in-law are anything special? They’re just there to give birth to children. They think too highly of themselves.”

Yang Shi countered, “Mother, don’t forget—you were once someone’s daughter-in-law too.”

Feng Shi was momentarily speechless.

Then she heard Yang Shi lecture her further, “It’s because of people like you that there are so many conflicts and arguments in families. Just because your own life was miserable, you assume that everyone else’s happiness is fake. What kind of mindset is that? Let me tell you—you are jealous and envious. You wish for a good daughter-in-law and a harmonious household but will never get one.”

Yang Shi knew Feng Shi had suffered under a harsh mother-in-law, so she stopped there. As hateful as Feng Shi was, she had also lived a pitiful life.

And it wasn’t just Yang Shi who thought of Feng Shi’s hardships—Feng Shi herself was reminded of them. She had lost her husband in her thirties and had to raise three children alone. If she hadn’t been tough, quick-witted, and forceful, she wouldn’t have even been able to secure food to eat.

“If there was another way, I would also wish for you to have an easier life.” After a long silence, Yang Shi took out a small pouch of silver from her clothes, placed it on the table, and said, “My daughter-in-law specially prepared this, saying that one always needs money in times of need. Take it—buy yourself good food and clothes.”

Feng Shi remained silent.

“In the future, if there really is an illness or pain, I won’t truly ignore it.” Yang Shi said to her younger brother, Yang Shuisheng, “Brother, if anything happens, just write to me…”

Yang Shuisheng nodded silently, feeling guilty toward his sister. In the past, most of Feng Shi’s actions had been for his sake, as he was the only son.

Since there was a daughter-in-law in the house about to give birth, and seeing that Feng Shi was in good health, Yang Shi and Shen Dongming didn’t want to stay longer. The next morning, they prepared to leave for home.

Before leaving, Yang Shi said to Feng Shi, “Mother, my daughter-in-law is pregnant with our eldest grandson, and he’s due very soon, likely within this month. Once the baby is born, you and the family should come and see him.” She glanced at her brother and sister-in-law and added, “A daughter-in-law is not just a tool for having children; she is family. If you treat her well, she will treat you well in return. Why not have one more person in this world who sincerely cares for you?”

No matter what Feng Shi thought, Yang Shi had said and done all she needed to.

Thinking of her son, daughter-in-law, and the unborn grandchild waiting at home, she was eager to return and didn’t want to stay a moment longer.

In the afternoon, Shen Junxi and Song Jingwei had just finished lunch and were sitting idly in the room, drinking tea by the fire in silence. Suddenly, they heard their dog, Xiao Hei, howling in a mix of barking and whining—a sound it only made for familiar people. Who could be at the door?

“Could it be Pei Hongxuan and Wu Xi?” Song Jingwei guessed.

Shen Junxi shook his head, indicating he didn’t know. He gestured to Song Jingwei, “I’ll go take a look. You stay here and rest.” Ever since he had taken sole responsibility for looking after Song Jingwei, he always reminded him before leaving.

“Go ahead,” Song Jingwei said habitually. After being pregnant for over nine months, what was there that he hadn’t gotten used to?

“Mm.” Shen Junxi got up and went to the door. When he opened it, he was stunned—his parents had returned! He smiled and gestured, “Why are you back so soon?”

Shen Dongming chuckled but didn’t say much. Yang Shi, however, wore a troubled expression and said, “Don’t even mention it. Your grandmother wasn’t even sick. We stayed for one night and then came back.” She continued, “How is Jingwei? Has everything been fine at home while we were gone?”

Shen Junxi gestured, “He’s doing well, and everything at home is fine.”

“That’s good. Here, help me carry these sweet potatoes inside. Your uncle just dug them up, so I brought some back for your wife to try.” Yang Shi dragged a sack of sweet potatoes down from the ox cart.

Shen Junxi quickly stepped forward to help. The sweet potatoes were quite heavy, but they smelled fresh. Seeing how his mother always kept his wife in mind, his expression turned a mix of gratitude and guilt. His mother was one of the people he loved and appreciated most in this life—she was always so considerate and loving toward them.

“Let’s all head inside. I’ll go take care of the ox,” Shen Dongming said, driving off the now-empty cart to feed the animal.

“Junxi, you go inside first. I’ll close the gate,” Yang Shi said. Once Shen Junxi was inside, she shut the main gate, though she didn’t lock it.

They first went to the kitchen to put away the sweet potatoes, washed their hands, then rubbed them together for warmth before stepping into the cozy house.

Seeing Yang Shi, Song Jingwei asked in surprise, “You’re back so soon?”

Yang Shi smiled. “Yes, there was nothing going on at my maternal home, so I came back. I was thinking about you. They can visit whenever, but you’re about to give birth, and I couldn’t feel at ease being away.”

Feeling the warmth of her concern, Song Jingwei said, “Come sit and warm your hands.” He picked up the teapot from the table beside him and poured a cup of hot tea for Yang Shi. “Here, have some tea.”

“Ay, sure, I’ll do it myself. You just sit tight,” Yang Shi said hurriedly. Seeing his pregnant belly, she felt nervous and didn’t dare let him move around.

“It’s fine,” Song Jingwei replied with a smile. These days, he exercised daily and wouldn’t dare sit still all day. He turned to Shen Junxi and asked, “Did your father not come inside?”

Shen Junxi gestured, “He went to feed the ox. He’ll be here soon.”

“Oh,” Song Jingwei replied. Suddenly remembering, he asked Yang Shi, “There’s still some lunch left in the kitchen. Have you two eaten yet?”

Yang Shi said, “We had some dry rations on the way.”

Song Jingwei immediately urged Shen Junxi, “Go, get some food ready for your parents.”

Shen Junxi nodded with a smile. When he had placed the sweet potatoes in the kitchen earlier, he had already lit the fire and was heating up the food.

Yang Shi, knowing this, laughed and said, “No rush. Junxi already started the fire—it’ll be ready soon. I’ll wait for his father to come back before eating.” She then turned to Shen Junxi and said, “Why don’t you grab a few sweet potatoes and roast them for your wife?”

Shen Junxi glanced at his wife, silently asking with his eyes—Do you want roasted sweet potatoes?

Song Jingwei had seen vendors selling roasted sweet potatoes on the roadside before. They smelled delicious, but he had never bought any to try. Hesitating, he asked, “Are they good?”

Shen Junxi smiled and nodded encouragingly.

“Then… roast one for me,” Song Jingwei said.

“Alright. Actually, take a few—let’s roast one for your father, too,” Yang Shi added.

Shen Junxi got up and went to the kitchen, picked out four evenly shaped purple sweet potatoes, and placed them by the stove to roast.

After a while, Shen Dongming came in, rubbing his hands together for warmth. Seeing everyone inside, he grinned and said, “Everyone’s here?” Then, catching a familiar scent in the air, he chuckled with delight, “Roasting sweet potatoes?”

Yang shi smiled and said, “Yes, we just brought them back. Roasting one for the daughter-in-law to have a taste.”

Shen Dongming laughed, “Only for the daughter-in-law?”

Everyone chimed in, “There are four!”

After lunch, while eating the warm roasted sweet potatoes, they somehow drifted back to discussing Yang shi’s maternal family. Shen Dongming muttered, “A whole ten taels of silver, and all we got in return was a bag of sweet potatoes.” And it wasn’t even full—only about thirty jin or so.

“We’re not lacking food. It’s fine to have some sweet potatoes as a treat, but could you eat them every day?” Yang shi said, rolling her eyes.

“Heh…” Shen Dongming was just grumbling; he wasn’t really distressed about the money.

Yang shi felt that since the silver was spent, she should at least inform her daughter-in-law. She looked a bit nervous as she said, “Xi’er’s wife, I gave the silver you handed me to my mother.”

Song Jingwei simply responded, “Oh, that’s fine. As long as she’s okay.”

The old lady was indeed in good health, which made Yang shi a little sheepish. But since it was her own mother, she didn’t dwell on it too much. She added, “We didn’t talk much while we were there, but I told them to come visit and see their great-grandchild in the future. Do you think that’s alright?”

Song Jingwei replied, “If you think it’s fine, then it’s fine. Just coming to see the child isn’t a big deal.”

Yang shi nodded. “Yes, just to see the child.” Hearing her daughter-in-law agree, she smiled. However, thinking of the previous incidents with Yang Shuangjiao and Wang Chunxing, she quickly reassured him, “Although my mother can be a bit impatient, she shouldn’t cause any trouble. They’ll just see the child and leave.” In her heart, she resolved to keep an eye on them when they visited to prevent any problems.

“Hmm, it’s alright,” Song Jingwei said. No matter what kind of family Yang shi came from, he would simply act with propriety on his side.

On the morning of the eighth day of the new year, Liu Yue, the wife of Shen family’s second son, came visiting again with gifts. Since Yang shi had been scolded by Shen Dongming last time, she didn’t dare accept them recklessly. She said, “Second sister-in-law, Happy New Year, but please take the gifts back. Our Old Shen already said we can’t accept them.”

Faced with Yang shi’s blunt honesty, Liu Yue had no choice but to say, “On the tenth, Third brother’s son He’er is getting married. Will you and eldest brother come?” He handed over a wedding invitation—it was from Shen Junhe.

Yang shi didn’t accept it and asked curiously, “Second sister-in-law, I don’t understand. Since it’s a happy event for the Third Brother’s family, why don’t they come themselves? Why do they always send you?”

Liu Yue smiled awkwardly. Of course, they weren’t willing to come—they couldn’t swallow their pride. Another reason was that among the Shen family’s main branch, Liu Yue was the only one who had a decent relationship with Shen Dongming’s family; the others did not. He said, “Elder sister-in-law, it’s not that they don’t want to come, they’re just afraid you won’t let them in.”

Yang shi immediately said, “Don’t say such things. When have I ever refused to let someone in? No matter who comes, as long as they come, I will welcome them.”

“Yes, yes, I think so too. They’re just overthinking it,” Liu Yue forced a smile. Nowadays, Yang shi was different from before—even her words were sharp and direct.

“Go back now, and take the invitation with you. We already said last time, anything related to the two elders, we won’t hesitate to help. But for other minor matters, there’s no need to inform us,” Yang shi repeated Shen Dongming’s stance.

“…” Liu Yue had been turned away so many times that it was starting to feel unpleasant. He thought, This is Third Brother’s business, not mine. Why should I be the one playing the go-between every time? Feeling annoyed, he decided to drop the polite act and said, “I understand. I’ll relay your words to them.” Let them realize that the eldest branch of the Shen family was no longer within their grasp. However, he quickly adjusted his tone and smiled again, “Still, even if that’s the case, let’s not grow distant, elder brother and sister-in-law. Our second branch still values our ties with you.”

“…” Yang shi had nothing to say to that and just nodded. Compared to the others, at least Liu Yue wasn’t annoying.

“Oh, and when is my niece-in-law due? Don’t forget to inform me when she gives birth—I’d love to come see my grandnephew,” Liu Yue said warmly.

“Very soon now. I’ll let you know when the time comes,” Yang shi replied, smiling as she thought about her grandchild.

After chatting for a bit longer, Yang shi saw Liu Yue out. Previously, they had briefly mentioned hiring a physician, and now seemed like the right time to proceed. She informed her family before heading to Doctor Hu’s house with some gifts and silver.

Doctor Hu did some calculations and said, “It’s been more than nine months—if not today, then tomorrow. Why are you only looking for me now?”

Yang shi was startled. “So soon? But my daughter-in-law hasn’t shown any signs yet. He’s been eating and sleeping well these past few days, so I thought there was still time…”