âThatâs because Big Sister is so likable and adorable!â
Before Wenxiu could speak, Wenkai on the side took over the conversation.
Who would have thought that, upon hearing this, Wenjie sneered, âLikable? If Big Sister was truly likable, how could she have been slapped by our uncle?â
At these words, Wenkai âwhooshedâ to his feet, glaring furiously at Wenjie, âWhat do you mean by that?â
Wenjie was not afraid of Wenkai and snorted coldly, âHow is what I said wrong? Big Sister brought trouble on herself, refused to admit it, and even after getting slapped by our uncle, she still didnât apologize, causing the whole family to be unable to even enjoy the New Yearâ¦â
âBang!â
Before Wenjie could finish his words, Wenkai punched him down to the ground.
âI told you to stop talking nonsense, I told you to stop!â
Seeing Wenjie fall, Wenkai immediately mounted him, raining down punches like a storm, âpitter-patteringâ continuously on his body.
The situation arose so suddenly, and Wenkai acted so swiftly, that Wenjie was beaten into howling before the others could react.
âWenjie!â
The Sun Family matriarch rushed over as she saw her son being beaten.
Just as she was about to throw herself onto Wenkai, Zhiyuan quickly stepped forward, pulled Wenkai off, handed him over to his son Wentao, and then went to help Wenjie up.
Wenjie was helped to his feet, grimacing in pain.
Wenkai was not foolish; aside from the first punch landing on Wenjieâs face, the rest had all hit his body, so on the surface, Wenjie didnât appear badly hurt.
âWenkai, why did you hit your second brother?â the Sun Family matriarch asked furiously.
Wenkai replied, âWho let him badmouth with his filthy mouth, spreading lies about Big Sister?â
Rubbing his face, Wenjie glared resentfully at Wenkai, âWhere did I speak nonsense? Is it not because of Big Sister that our New Year has turned out like this? In previous years when she didnât come, wasnât our home bustling with excitement?â
âLook at how weâre spending it this year, not even new clothes, just ordinary food; is this what New Yearâs is supposed to be? Despite uncle being a county magistrate, I think even a low-level officialâs family celebrates better than us.â
At this statement, everyone in the room was stunned.
Even the Sun Family matriarch and Zhiyuan had not expected their usually astute son to make such a comment at this time.
Sitting on the steps, Old Madam Yan was so angry that her hand trembled as she pointed at Wenjie.
In the midst of the silence, Madam Li lifted the curtain and walked in, her face expressionless as she looked at Wenjie, âIt seems I, the manager of this household, am no longer living up to your expectations, Second Young Master Yan!â
âIn that case, from now on, this familyâs affairs will be managed by your mother. Whatever Second Young Master Yan wishes, so shall it be. How does that sound?â
The moment Madam Li appeared, Wenjie lost his nerve and immediately shrank behind his mother.
He had harbored frustration in his heart upon seeing the simple New Yearâs Eve dinner; when Wenkai lashed out, he spoke without thinking and let out all his vexation.
Little did he expect that his uncleâs wife would hear it.
The Sun Family matriarch immediately stepped forward to apologize, âElder Sister-in-law, what are you talking about, managing household affairs⦠With my limited capabilities, I would not dare make such claims again.â
âItâs my fault Wenjie has not been taught properly. He was out of his mind today, I will certainly punish him severely when we get back.â She did wish to manage the household, but where would she find the silver to support the Yan Familyâs expenses?
Daohua, who came in following Madam Li, entered the room without looking at anyone else and went straight to Old Madam Yan, smiling, âGrandmother.â
Old Madam Yan forced a slight smile, her hand trembling as she pointed at Wenjie, âYour second brother is talking nonsense, donât listen to him.â
Daohua nodded with a smile, her eyes not mirroring the merriment, âI know.â
The Sun Family matriarch nudged Wenjie, âArenât you going to apologize to your Big Sister?â
Wenjie awkwardly stepped forward. It was quite embarrassing to have the person he talked behind be present.
âBig Sister, I was just joking around with Wenkai; I didnât mean to speak ill of you.â
Daohua also nodded with a smile, appearing to forgive Wenjie, but said nothing.
At this time, Zhigao arrived with Yishuang and Wenbin.
Seeing Daohua sitting beside Old Madam Yan, both Zhigao and Yishuang felt uneasy.
The father and daughter duo, one who had slapped Daohua and the other whose lie had caused her to be slapped, certainly didnât feel comfortable facing the person involved.
Daohua glanced impassively at the two, then leaned in to whisper in Old Madam Yanâs ear, âGrandmother, I just saw the second brother kick the fourth brother. Iâm going to take him downstairs to check on him now..â