Chapter 174.2: Chapter 174 Part 2

Translated by gingercat

Edited by gingercat

“A virtuous wife doesn’t bring disaster to her husband. Have you ever considered that with so many things happening to your family, a large part of it had something to do with this woman? That day when benwang was watching from a distance, although your eldest brother is lazy and unproductive, he isn’t evil. He still loves you more or less as a brother. Since you care about this so much, you should find a way to resolve it instead of worrying about it. Worrying alone doesn’t solve any problems.”

Yaoniang looked as if she was struck by lightning. For so long, she had hated and complained about her family members. But to be honest, before Zhu-shi entered their home, although their family was poor, their lives were quite harmonious.

Her father was old-fashioned, but he had always done his best for the family. The money he earned every month wasn’t bad, and he spent every single penny on the family. After so many years, he still wore the same uniform to work. Even if it was torn, he would ask her mother to sew it up then he would wear it again. He did everything he could to ensure the women and children in the family were full.

And her brother had been spoiled by her mother ever since he was a child. He couldn’t bear hardships, couldn’t bear tiredness, couldn’t read well, and was idle all day long. But her brother still protected her and her sister very much. It wasn’t only a few times that he had gotten into fights because of his sisters. Once he grew up, whenever he obtained something delicious or fun, he wouldn’t enjoy it alone but would take it home to share with his two sisters.

Since when did it all change?

It probably started when her brother was unable to marry a wife.

The Su Family’s budget had always been very tight. To marry a wife, they had to give betrothal presents to the woman’s family and organize the wedding banquet. Everything required money. With so many mouths in the family to feed, depending only on her father’s income, there was no extra money left.

In those few years, her father and mother were so worried that they couldn’t sleep. Her mother always washed her face with tears, and her father developed a constant furrow between his brows. Only her brother didn’t mind. He thought it’d be fine even if he married a few years later. It wasn’t until her brother was almost twenty, and Huiniang was old enough to be married, that the family decided to marry their daughter off and get a wife for their son.

Once her sister was betrothed to her brother-in-law, they used the betrothal gifts from the Yao Family and found Zhu-shi for her brother. After Zhu-shi married into the family, her elder sister married into the Yao Family the following year. From then on, Yaoniang’s life began to be difficult.

Zhu-shi’s personality was one of a kind. She had only entered the family for a few days before asking to take over the household authority. Her mother was soft-tempered and she had finally obtained a daughter-in-law with much difficulty, so she relented.

Zhu-shi was lazy, but she was hardworking when it came to ordering others around. Yaoniang was the one she ordered around the most. When her brother saw it, he scolded Zhu-shi at first, but Zhu-shi wasn’t someone who could take a scolding. After kicking up a huge fuss and returning to her maiden home, her brother could only reluctantly go to the Yue Family’s house to pick up his wife. Behind her brother’s back, her mother secretly told Yaoniang to give in to Zhu-shi. After all, she was going to be married off in a few years.

Thinking of the past, Yaoniang couldn’t help but have tears well up in her eyes. She quickly wiped away her tears with a handkerchief.

Jin Wang frowned and wanted to ask her why she was crying, but he already had a feeling it was because Zhu-shi had given her a rough time. Otherwise, she wouldn’t cry like this. Feeling even more annoyed, he stretched out his hand and pulled her over. “If she offends you, then replace her. You don’t need to worry about it. You can leave this matter to benwang.”

Jin Wang had always been decisive with his actions. He already had plans in mind for the Su and the Yao Family. After he communicated his intentions with Yaoniang, he ordered Fucheng to do it the next day.

“The following are His Highness’s intentions. Since Concubine Su rendered meritorious service by giving birth to a child, as her family, you are to share her blessings. Of course, if you misbehave and forget your place, you will immediately be sent back to your hometown.”

During Fucheng’s visit, he warned the Yao and the Su family before explaining Jin Wang’s intentions.

Jin Wang planned to let the two families settle in the capital. Their residence would be arranged by the manor, along with their new jobs. Yao Cheng was assigned to be the squad leader of the Shuntian Prefecture Patrol. Although he was downgraded from a constable to a small squad leader, the capital was at the foot of the emperor. A small squad leader was simply incomparable to a constable in Linyun County.

As for the father and son of the Su Family, Jin Wang arranged for someone to find a school for Su Xiucai to teach in, so he was still doing his old job. Su Yucheng was also assigned an official position, serving as an envoy of the Wucheng military forces.

Although he was titled an envoy, he was actually a minor official. The Wucheng military forces were in charge of patrolling and arresting thieves in the five cities outside the capital. They maintained order on streets, filled ditches, and watched for fires and other matters. Together with the Shuntian Prefecture Patrol, they managed various affairs outside the capital. From arsonists to street vendors blocking the road to thieves, they were all under their jurisdiction.

Although Fucheng’s words were ambiguous, the Yao and the Su family couldn’t refuse.

With such a large meat pie falling from the sky, it was a pleasant surprise for the Su Family who had been worried about how to make a living after returning home. Su Xiucai’s new position was one thing. He was a teacher in Linyun County, and he was still a teacher after coming to the capital. However, Su Yucheng’s new position was something else. He had changed from being a commoner to an official, which was a huge step up. It was obvious that Jin Wang was deliberately showing favour.

As for Yao Cheng’s new position, it wasn’t given thoughtlessly and it was a decent position. Although he was only a squad leader now, with Jin Wang as his backer, it was unknown what will happen in the future.

No wonder everyone yearned to climb to higher branches. The ancients didn’t lie. When one person becomes successful, even their dogs and chickens would become immortals. Yao Cheng, who knew insider information sighed in his heart.

The only bad thing was that the two families would need to leave their hometowns. But in the face of so many benefits, this little thing was no big deal.

Just as the two families were pleasantly surprised, Fucheng dumped cold water on them.

“The capital isn’t an ordinary place. You must exercise appropriate caution. Don’t announce your relationship with Jin Wang Manor everywhere you go outside, flaunting your connection in the public and causing trouble. If His Highness’s reputation is affected, it wouldn’t be others dealing with you but His Highness and he certainly won’t be soft-handed. Keep these words in mind so you don’t bring disaster on your family and implicate Concubine Su, who is the reason why you have all this in the first place.”

Yao Cheng and Su Xiucai looked at each other before Yao Cheng stepped forward to speak. “Head Stewart Fu, please rest assured. We will be cautious in our words and deeds, and not cause trouble for His Highness.”

Fucheng nodded and left.

Afterwards, Yaoniang made another appearance to say goodbye to the Yao Family and the Su family.

Wu-shi once again brought up that she wanted to see her two grandchildren. Then Yaoniang immediately burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

Seeing her like this, what else couldn’t they understand?

For the Yao Family and the Su Family to suddenly receive such blessings today was likely a form of compensation to Yaoniang for having her children taken away by the consort who couldn’t give birth.

Even after Wu-shi and the others went out and got into the carriage, Wu-shi was still crying, crying for her pitiful daughter.

She patted Su Yucheng twice, and hissed, “You must perform well! If you don’t perform well, how can you be worthy of your sister!”

Su Yucheng covered his face in despondency, and vowed, “Mother, don’t worry. I’ll definitely perform well and not cause Yaoyao any trouble.”

Seeing this, Zhu-shi sneered, “What are you thinking? Is there a need for that?”

Su Yucheng slapped her across the face, knocking Zhu-shi into a daze.

“Keep your mouth shut for me!”

Even Su Xiucai and Wu-shi glared at her angrily, as if she had committed an act of public outrage.

Zhu-shi immediately didn’t dare to say anything.

Mini-theatre:

In the countryside: Consort Jin who was planting flowers, sneered. “Fuck you. This old lady refuses to carry this pot. What do you mean this old lady can’t give birth? What has it got to do with you? Gossiping so much all day long.”