7 Chapter 7: You Brought This upon Yourself
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On this point alone, he couldnt go back on his own word and let his daughter-inw be bullied at home, or else, how could he face the inws with any dignity? Besides, everyone in the vige knew that his youngest son had married such a good daughter-inwbeautiful and well-born at that. Bragging to others now came with newfound confidence, and the vigers orded him much more respect than before. With these two factors in mind, he would never allow anyone to bully his fourth daughter-inw. If she were truly driven away, who could restore his current glory?
Old Man Han didnt doubt Su Wenyues intentions at all. The fourth daughter-inw had even brought up divorce, which indicated just how upset she was. Any daughter-inw would have been angry if shed been treated that way during the Tea ceremony. The eldest daughter-inw was always trouble, enjoying causing conflicts, and with the third daughter-inw egging her on, neither were up to any good. The second daughter-inw was less trouble, but simply too honest and couldnt express her thoughts forcefully.
Old Man Han might not involve himself in household matters ordinarily, but he was well aware of what was happening. It was only that his wife couldnt see what kind of person the third daughter-inw was. Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang, seeing their father-inw as spineless and hands-off, hadnt restrained themselves much in front of Old Man Han. But no matter how weak and disengaged he might have been, Old Man Han was, after all, the head of the family. He often indulged Mrs. Yang, avoiding bing involved in these petty family issues, but outside the house, he was never one to be easily pushed around or bullied.
With a grimace, Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang thought, what did they mean by Su Wenyue being the most valued daughter-inw of the Han Family? What did that make them? Werent they also daughters-inw? Could it be just because Su Wenyue had a better family background, she was considered superior? That was too unfair.
However, no matter how resentful they felt inside, they didnt dare to voice any moreints, not when they had heard Su Wenyue mention divorce. If the fourth son and his wife were truly driven to divorce, would their parents-inw let them off? Moreover, while their father-inw usually kept silent, when he did speak, it was something even Mrs. Yang, their mother-inw, dared not contradict. They didnt dare court that kind of trouble.
Han Yus face remained stern throughout. He took to heart how easily Su Wenyue mentioned divorce. Although he had reservations which prevented him from speaking up for Su Wenyue in front of his parents and sister-inw, the fact that she could so readily suggest divorce showed she didnt hold much regard for her husband.
Su Wenyue didnt truly desire a divorce, after all, things hadnt reached that stage yet. Although she was disheartened by Han Yus behavior, how much affection could develop between two strangers who had only spent one night together? Moreover, even if she desired divorce, her father and mother would likely not agree to it.
Having married into the Han Family, in this era, a girl who was divorced or cast aside would struggle to find a reputable husbands family again. Life would be quite difficult. Furthermore, given her poor performance earlier, her father and mother might even misconstrue it as her acting willfully, likely not taking her side in the matter.
Alright, now that everything is clear and the head of the household has spoken, the eldest daughter-inw and third daughter-inw should apologize to the fourth daughter-inw, and lets put this matter to rest. The fourth daughter-inw should also refrain from lightly tossing out words about divorce. Having married into the Han Family, you are now a member of our old Han family. Is there anything we cant discuss amicably?
Knowing she had earlier listened to the third daughter-inw without immediately making her stance clear, Mrs. Yang understood it was natural for the fourth daughter-inw to have some thoughts about it. Yet, the authority of a mother-inw still needed to be upheld. So while she reprimanded Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang, she also gave Su Wenyue a few pointed words. The fact that the fourth daughter-inw could speak as she did suggested that her heart hadnt yet settled down to fully ept herself as part of the Han family.
Yes, daughter-inw understands, Su Wenyue wouldnt openly contradict Mrs. Yang, especially since her objective had been achieved. However
Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang, under the stern gaze of their mother-inw, found it hard to swallow their pride but had no choice but to stand and bow to Su Wenyue to offer an apology: Fourth younger sister-inw, we are sorry, it was us
Wait Su Wenyue quickly stepped aside to avoid the apologies from Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang.
Theres more to this matter and no need for my sister-inws to apologize so hastily. It looks as though Im the one picking on others. I, Su Wenyue, have always been reasonable and dont wish for my sisters-inw to apologize so grudgingly.
Su Wenyue had no intention of letting the matter rest just like that, especially since the usations of Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang hadnt been fully addressed.
The moment Su Wenyue spoke, it wasnt just Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang who looked displeased, but also very angry, as if they were using Su Wenyue of being excessive. We, as your sister-inws, have already apologized to you, what more do you want?
Seeing Su Wenyue acting so unyielding and clinging to the matter, Mrs. Yangs expression grew even darker. She had thought the fourth daughter-inw was sensible, but it turned out she was no less trouble. As her mother-inw, Mrs. Yang had ruled fairly, demanding that the eldest and third daughter-inws apologize to a newly arrived daughter-inwalready a significant acknowledgment of the fourth daughter-inws position. Yet, the fourth daughter-inw was unrelenting. What was she really after?
Su Wenyue, dont overstep your bounds. After all, the eldest sister-inw and third sister-inw are still your sisters-inw. Dont be so unyieldingly righteous! Although our Han Family isnt a Wealthy Family, we still have our rules. Harmony is key among family members. The eldest sister-inw and third sister-inw may have overdone it, but it was a minor spat. They have already apologized to you; what more do you want? Moreover, mother has already spoken. Lets not make a scene anymore! Han Yu said sternly, clearly very dissatisfied with Su Wenyue.
So, husband, you also think the eldest and third sister-inws have overstepped. I thought you didnt think so, which is why you said nothing. Su Wenyue spoke slowly, her face bearing an ambiguous smile. Truly, she felt a chill in her heart. Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Liu made life difficult for a new daughter-inw, yet Han Yu, her husband, failed to stand up for her and now was chiding her in front of so many people, with no care for her dignity.
With Han Yus words, Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang felt a twinge of satisfaction, thinking that Su Wenyue hadnt won the fourth younger brother over. Particrly Mrs. Wang, although she appeared angered on the surface, was actually excited inside. With the words from their father-inw and mother-inw already setting the stage, she couldnt reveal her evidence at this moment as it wouldnt have the desired effect and would make her situation worse. Now with Su Wenyues actions, was she being pushed to bring forth the evidence?
Su Wenyue, this is what you asked for! Mrs. Wang sneered inwardly, wishing she could present the handkerchief in her sleeve at that very moment as evidence. Still, she held back, as it wasnt yet the right time. Just a little longer.