Chapter 245 - Second Uncle And Second Aunt Are Missing
Chapter 245: Second Uncle And Second Aunt Are Missing
Sang Yufei naturally would not criticize the elders in front of his newly-wed wife, but Shi Lian was not foolish. She knew how to observe and listen to advice, so It was easy for her to understand the Sang family’s situation. Her eldest brother-in-law was honest and considerate, and her husband now held a noble title. In her opinion, no matter what had happened in the past, the fault must have been with their Second Uncle’s family.
Sang Yufei found it hard to speak out, but what he did not know was that Shi Lian had witnessed similar situations herself—Cousin Gu Fangzi and her father, as well as her eldest sister and her husband, were all examples. To her, it was normal for the Sang family to have their own problems.
Sang Wan said with a smile, “That’s good! Big Sister-In-Law knows how to handle them, so let her do it to save you from the trouble!” Then, she added, “From what you said earlier, it means you haven’t met them yet?”
That’s impossible! Although the two families had severed ties, Sang Yufei’s wedding was such a grand and joyous event. Sang Pingliang and his wife would have definitely joined, and the Sang family would not have been able to drive them out! Had their character changed? Or had something happened to them that caused the relationship between the two sides to be completely broken?
Sang Wan’s heart pounded loudly all of a sudden. She suddenly recalled the incident where Li Shi gave a divorce document to her eldest brother and sister-in-law. Had her eldest Sister-in-law returned it back to them and taught them a lesson…
If that was really the case, she…
“Yes!” Not knowing what Sang Wan was thinking about, Shi Lian said with a smile, “They weren’t home when we got married. I heard from Big Sister-in-law that they had left the village more than a month ago and their whereabouts were unknown! Now, only the two cousins are left at home.”
Shi Lian unconsciously recalled what Fang Shi had said. Younger Sister-in-law, you are in luck. The two troublemakers weren’t there when you got married! Otherwise, it would have been troublesome!
As for the two cousins, Sang Yan was well-behaved, but Sang Rou was overzealous and always wanted to use her as a stepping stone.
“There’s such a thing!” Sang Wan was greatly shocked and hurriedly said, “Does Big Brother and Big Sister-in-law know where they went? What made them leave the house?”
Li Shi doted on Sang Yan. It was a surprise that she would leave her at home and follow Sang Pingliang. This seemed somewhat strange.
Shi Lian shook her head. “Big Sister-in-law didn’t tell me about that.”
Sang Wan did not ask further. Even if she asked Shi Lian about the Sang family, Shi Lian would also not be clear. She would have to ask her Second Brother when she got the chance.
After the two of them talked for a while longer, a servant came to inform them that it was time to eat. The two of them got up with a smile and headed to Wang Shi’s courtyard.
Since they were one family, there was no need to pay particular attention to politeness. Two tables were placed in the hall, separating both genders and nothing else.
Besides Shi Yumei, who had a long face and ate without any care for others, the atmosphere at the dining table was good as the meal ended.
As always, the bride must not stay overnight on her first night at her parents’ home. When it was getting late, Wang Shi did not keep her. Instead, she told her with a smile to come stay a few more days before leaving for the capital. Both Sang Yufei and Shi Lian accepted.
Wang Shi reminded Shi Lian again on the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, What Makes a Good Wife, and so on. Shi Lian acknowledged them one after another.
Unexpectedly, Shi Yumei spoke with a smile, “Third Sister, don’t just agree, you have to take it to heart. Your husband is an official, so reputation and dignity are both important! You have to be virtuous and get a few pretty concubines skilled in painting and calligraphy for your husband. That way, when he brings you along to social gatherings, your reputation won’t be lost when you bring them along to serve you!”
Shi Yumei started chuckling, but the people around her looked at each other in dismay.
As an elder sister of a newly-wed bride who returned to her parents’ home for the first time, she didn’t wish her and her husband to live together even after their hair turned white or treat each other with mutual respect. Instead, she talked about getting concubines. How could there be such an elder sister like this in the world?
Regardless whether Shi Lian agreed or disagreed, she would be at fault, so her face flushed red.
Shi Yumei did not let her off and carried on, “Third Sister, you have to bear that in mind. Since you didn’t utter a word, would you rather be a jealous unvirtuous wife?”
“Yumei!” Wang Shi couldn’t hear it anymore and said angrily, “What nonsense are you saying! How could you say that to your Third Sister?”
Sang Yufei smiled faintly and said, “Mother-in-law is right. She has already taught her daughter to be virtuous, so there’s no way my wife would do otherwise! I appreciate your guidance with good intentions! However, there are many scholars in this world, and not all of them like beauties and concubines. I am satisfied with one wife, so thank you for your concern, Big Sister!”
Shi Yumei glared at Sang Yufei. Shi Lian looked at her husband and immediately looked away afterwards. She was filled with ripples of joy. She knew that she did not misjudge him. What she had done right in her entire life was reciprocating his affection and getting married to him!
“It’s getting late now. Mother, we should let Second Brother and his wife go back quickly! Otherwise, it will be dark before they reach home!” Sang Wan suddenly came forward and said with a smile when she sensed the stiff atmosphere.
“You’re right!” Wang Shi nodded and smiled before instructing Shi Fengju and Sang Wan to send them off properly. Before letting Sang Yufei and Shi Lian go, she reminded them again to make a trip over before leaving for the capital. Afterwhich, the two sides bid farewell.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to send them off, Sang Wan quietly glanced at Sang Yufei. She signalled him to go to a quiet corner so that they could speak a few words. Sang Wan then asked about Second Uncle Sang and Second Aunt Sang leaving home.
With a slight frown, Sang Yufei answered, “I also find it a little weird! I heard from Big Sister-in-law that someone came to their door. Then on the next day, Second Uncle and Second Aunt, together with the new concubine, happily followed that person. Someone in the village did ask when he saw them. Second Uncle only said that he was going to make a fortune before he was interrupted as soon as he spoke by the person who went to pick them up. No one really knows where they went.”
Sang Wan thought to herself: Make a fortune? It was no wonder that Second Uncle Sang and Second Aunt Sang were persuaded. Would they be so easily deceived? They followed the stranger so happily, surely there must be a reason for them to believe so. Just who could it be?
“They have nothing to do with us, and they aren’t children anymore. Since they could trust that stranger, they must have their reason to do so. What’s there for us to worry about! Look at how thin you are now. Now that Brother-in-law has returned safe and sound, you have to take care of yourself. Don’t tire yourself too much! If you have any problems, let me know. Don’t treat me like a stranger.” Sang Yufei said as he smiled gently at her.
He couldn’t protect her well before. Now that he had become successful, he would do everything in his power for her without hesitation if she needed him to. In those days without their parents, the two of them had lodged under their Big Brother and sister-in-law’s roof, and they truly commiserate with each other. As their big brother and sister-in-law were relatives, they were not obligated to raise or care for them. With that in mind, he studied his hardest, and she remained humble, so as not to bring any trouble. Speaking of closeness, the two siblings were indeed the closest.
Sang Wan’s heart was moved and she nodded with a smile, “Second Brother, don’t worry. I won’t be polite if I need to trouble you! Still, I only hope that you and your wife will live in harmony!”
Sang Yufei couldn’t help but look at her gently as he spoke, “You and your husband must also be well! When there is news about your tummy, don’t forget to send a letter to tell me and let me be happy for you.”
“Second Brother!” Sang Wan blushed and smiled as she lowered eyes.
Sang Yufei didn’t mention it again when he saw her tender smile. Once the carriage was ready and Shi Lian got on the carriage, the two parties said goodbye to one another.
After the carriage had left her eyes, Sang Wan went on to stare ahead before letting out a soft sigh. She felt at a loss.
A low chuckle could suddenly be heard from beside her. She turned her head to look at the man who was by her side.
“We should go back too! This huge event has finally ended successfully. You’ve been working tirelessly these days, so have a good rest!” When Shi Fengju looked at her little face, he was heartbroken. First, she had to take care of him because of his injury, and then she had to arrange for this huge event immediately after returning. During the past few days, she had often slept late at night. When she went to bed, she fell asleep on her pillow almost immediately and he could not bear to turn over for fear that one slight movement would wake her up.
Sang Wan smiled at him. “You are also exhausted these few days! Since your business is not urgent, let the ones in charge handle it! Mother has constantly reminded me to serve you well!”
Shi Fengju smiled. He went close to her ear and whispered something which caused Sang Wan to laugh, but she refrained from saying more. “Let’s go back!” Sang Wan said with a smile and they then went back together.
The two of them first went to report to Wang Shi before returning to Ning Garden1.
After entering the warm room, Shi Fengju gestured to the servants not to follow them in, and before Sang Wan could respond, he lifted her up.
“What… are you doing!” Shocked, Sang Wan nearly shrieked.
“What else other than carrying you?” Shi Fengju said with a smile: “You are tired, so have a good rest. I will serve you today. You don’t have to worry about anything!” Then, he walked to the side of the bed and placed Sang Wan down. He squatted down and gently removed her shoes before he helped her to lie down. “Take a rest first.” Shi Fengju said.
Upon seeing him in high spirits, Sang Wan didn’t want to spoil his mood. Therefore, she remained lying as was told and pulled the thin blanket over her chest.
After she closed her eyes comfortably, Shi Fengju smiled and nudged her again. “Hey, move inside a little and give me some space. I will lie down with you.”
Sang Wan could only move in, but not without complaining, “Here you told me to have a good rest, yet you’re being so noisy.”
“I’m just accompanying you. How is that being noisy?” Shi Fengju smiled before pulling the blanket over his body. He faced her sideways with his arms stretched around her waist and holding her in his embrace. “Just go to sleep! I told them not to disturb us. If there is anything, Nanny Li will handle it.”
Sang Wan answered vaguely and pushed herself deeper into his embrace. Wrapped within his familiar scent, she soon fell into a deep sleep.
When Sang Wan woke up again, the light in the room had become dimmer.
Shocked, she freed herself and got up as she exclaimed, “Look at the time!”