DDR – Chapter 81

Chapter 81: Not giving up

All credit to original author: 独步云霄

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In front of Dan Yuerong, Old Madam Shen was not polite at all and didn’t give her any face. Dan Yuerong had naturally expected this and only lowered her head, saying nothing.

Being jealous was one of the worst sins for a wife and an heir was a big deal for any family. The people in their branch was indeed a little thin and Dan Yuerong was well aware of this. However, she would rather suffer people pointing fingers than let in any concubines. This way, she was at least happy and her children were not threatened!

“Mother, it’s daughter-in-law’s fault. Daughter-in-law will work hard in the future to add more children to the Shen family.” After more than 20 years of marriage, she was the only favorite but only had two children. Dan Yuerong was also a little embarrassed in her heart but she couldn’t do anything about her body.

“What are you trying to say?” Old Madam Shen narrowed her eyes. “Now you are older but Wenhua is still in his prime, which man does not have a half-dozen children at his age? Some may even have grandchildren! You should think about this, think about it for him.” Old Madam Shen had originally been slightly dissatisfied with Dan Yuerong but now that her son didn’t even have a concubine, Old Madam Shen was becoming more and more furious.

“Mother, this daughter-in-law understands.” Dan Yuerong said again, nodding. It was impossible for her to refute her mother-in-law to her face and in any case, she could just find an excuse to block it later.

“It’s best if you understand, don’t try to fool me.” Old Madam Shen warned. “You better not forget about it as soon as you leave this room. This old woman has a good memory, so don’t try it!”

“Yes, mother!”

Old Madam Shen nodded. “Alright. Since you’ve promised, then do it well. As a wife, the most important thing is to be virtuous and generous. You are from a scholarly family, so don’t learn from those petty families outside and be jealous.”

Dan Yuerong bowed her head, “Of course, mother.”

“Alright, I’m tried. You go back and rest!” Shen Jingshu’s guess was correct, now that the Old Madam Shen had expressed her opinion, she let Dan Yuerong off without making too much trouble. She knew in her heart how much Shen Wenhua valued Dan Yuerong. He had just returned and Old Madam Shen was not a fool.

Anyways, now that he had come back, she would have plenty of opportunity to rectify this matter. Was she afraid that those two could still turn the sky over?

Dan Yuerong nodded: “Okay, daughter-in-law will come back to chat with mother later.” She could finally leave!

“Just remember what I said.” Old Madam Shen said, closing her eyes. She looked really tired. Dan Yuerong didn’t say anything else, only saluted and went out quietly.

As soon as Dan Yuerong was gone, Old Madam Shen immediately opened her eyes and looked at the closed door. Who knew what she was thinking but her expression was cold. After a moment, she said: “Where is Nanny Ruan? Tell her to come over!” Although Nanny Ruan had reported that everything was fine over the past few years, Old Madam Shen did not believe it.

In a short while, Nanny Ruan finished her tasks and came over. Seeing her master, she suddenly had complicated feelings: “Old madam!”

Old Madam Shen nodded: “Xianglian, you’re back. How have you been in Jiangnan all these years?” Xianglian was Nanny Ruan’s name, which Old Madam Shen had given to her when she was young. Now that she was old, Old Madam Shen was the only one who still called her this. Nanny Ruan had not seen her master for many years and her face suddenly became a little excited.

“Old Madam is worried for this slave, this slave has been doing very well these years!” The traces of time were not forgiving and neither of them were young anymore.

“When I sent you to Jiangnan back then, I never thought that it would last for ten years. Do you blame me?” Old Madam Shen asked her.

Nanny Ruan shook her head: “This is what this old slave should do. This slave has lived very well these few years, Old Madam doesn’t need to worry about it! It’s just that the matter entrusted by Old Madam was not successful, I hope Old Madam will punish me!” When Nanny Ruan had first arrived in Jiangnan, she had seen some small gains but she had been suppressed by many people and there was no way for her to continue.

“It’s good that you’ve had a good life.” Old Madam Shen nodded. “I know your abilities but I don’t know how you are doing now? Do you have control over the eldest daughter-in-law?”

“Old Madam, this slave has really let you down…” Nanny Ruan knelt on the ground. She had no real power at all and after being suppressed by Shen Wenhua, her freedom was restricted. What could she do?

“Why are you kneeling? I knew it would not be easy!” Old Madam Shen waved her up. “If you couldn’t do it, I don’t blame you. I can only blame Dan Yuerong for being too cunning. What happened in the last few years, tell me everything you know!”

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“Yes, Old Madam…” Though Nanny Ruan agreed, there were some things that she didn’t dare to say. She was only a slave after all and even with the support of the Old Madam, she couldn’t really do whatever she wanted. Naturally she didn’t dare to offend Shen Wenhua.

After listening, Old Madam Shen frowned at her. “What do you mean by they were kind to you? After all these years, they still don’t let you touch any of the household matters?” She didn’t expect that Nanny Ruan hadn’t even found the bottom of the first branch and was disappointed.

“The first branch has a dignified master and a virtuous madam, the eldest miss is also very clever, so there is no room for this slave to interfere.” Nanny Ruan explained.

“I didn’t expect that the first branch’s children were all so excellent.” Old Madam Shen mused. “It’s a pity…” If only these two children belonged to the second branch, then she wouldn’t have to worry so much in the future.

“Old Madam…” Nanny Ruan was clear about Old Madam Shen’s partiality and didn’t agree with her, but Old Madam Shen was her master and she couldn’t interfere in this.

“The eldest daughter-in-law is accustomed to showing off and being well-behaved, I didn’t expect that she also had deep thoughts. The people I sent, she either sent them to the countryside or suppressed them, like you. What happened to the two that I sent with you?”

Nanny Ruan bowed her head: “Those two were already so old so Madam paired them up. Now they are both married in Jiangnan and there is no way for them to come back.”

Old Madam Shen snorted: “She is really too good. Not even letting off the people I sent! Hmph!”

“Don’t be angry, Old Madam!” Nanny Ruan coaxed, “Those two were indeed too old, it wasn’t good to leave them unmarried.” Nanny Ruan had been in Jiangnan for many years. Though she had gone there with a purpose, she had quickly lost her power. But Dan Yuerong had always been good to her and Nanny Ruan was actually somewhat grateful for her kindness.

It was just a pity that the conflict between this mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was too big and who knew if it could ever be eased.

“You don’t have to say good things for them. I was kind enough to send them before but since they are like this, don’t blame me for being rude in the future!” Old Madam Shen would never leave her son and Dan Yuerong alone. Otherwise, what if Dan Yuerong had too much sway and provoked Shen Wenhua to refused to listen to her?

“Old Madam…” Nanny Ruan wanted to persuade her. She had watched Dan Yuerong for years and knew that she was actually a good person. If Old Madam Shen was willing to get along with her, Dan Yuerong would definitely put down her past grievances and be filial.

The eldest master was a promising one and with Old Madam Shen’s attitude like this, Nanny Ruan was afraid that it would chill his heart.

It was just that she was only a servant, how could she persuade them?

Old Madam Shen waved her hand: “Alright, since you’re back, come back and serve me. I have my own opinions on this matter. You’ve traveled a long way, take a good rest and come back in a few days.”

Although the eldest master was filial, he was not foolish. She had observed him for years and knew that it was not as the Old Madam said. The eldest master’s affection for Dan Yuerong was deep. There had been so many temptations in Jiangnan but he had never been tempted, would he really give in now?

What’s more, the relationship between the eldest master and eldest madam was 20 years old. How could it be so easily destroyed? If the Old Madam continued on this path, she would push the eldest master away!

Nanny Ruan understood this clearly and was anxious in her heart. She wanted to persuade Old Madam Shen but seeing that she was so stubborn, Nanny Ruan didn’t say anything in the end, just bowed and left. However, she thought hard about how to ease the relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Nanny Ruan had lived with Dan Yuerong and the first branch for many years and naturally had some feelings. If she could help, of course she wanted to help. If for no one else, then for herself.

The eldest master was not a man to be provoked. She was very clear on the fate of those who stepped on his tail. She had felt it deeply over the years and could still remember the feeling of fear, how could she forget so easily?

…

The first branch had just returned and there were many things that needed to be cleaned up. Old Madam Shen did not bother them again, just let them eat together for dinner. Because of relationship between Old Madam Shen and the rest of the Shen family, the periods of rest and work had always been regular. The Old Madam had a fixed number of meals and always ate dinner on time. For this meal, because it was rare for the eldest branch to be home, the food was very rich.

“There are no outsiders here, Wenhua.” Old Madam Shen said, “It’s rare for you to be home, you don’t need to eat separately. Let’s eat together, it will be more lively!” The older generation liked to have children and grandchildren around, feeling that it was more enjoyable. The first branch was small but the second branch wasn’t lively enough on their own. Now that they were all together, it was more festive. Although there were some people that Old Madam Shen didn’t like, she was generally very happy.

Although the Shen family had many rules, since the old madam had spoken, the two brothers did not refuse and sat down directly. The first and second branch sat together around a large table that filled the room. Old Madam Shen was delighted. “It’s been too empty for years and now the family can finally be together, this moment is really rare!”

Shen Wenli smiled: “Don’t worry, mother! There will be many opportunities like this in the future. My eldest brother and I will always serve mother and be filial!” Don’t just look at second master’s incompetence, his mouth was very sweet. Otherwise, he would not have been able to maintain his position for so many years. He was very good at coaxing Old Madam Shen and making her more partial to him.

“Mother, this is son’s filial piety.” Shen Wenhua said, lifting his cup. “This son offers you a cup. May mother forgive this son’s absence over the years. In the future, I will definitely serve mother, so she will not be worried.”

Raising the glass, Shen Wenhua knew that her dissatisfaction was because of his wife. Looking at her grey hair, his guilt was even more evident. He was a dutiful son and naturally he was reluctant to make Old Madam Shen sad.

“It’s good that you know.” His mother said. “Now that you’re back, just say in the capital. Why look for a home outside?”

“Yes, mother!” Shen Wenhua nodded. He had no plans to leave for now, the capital was his root. No matter how far they traveled, they would still have to come back.

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“Alright, mother, don’t scold eldest brother anymore! If you keep talking about it, eldest brother will feel more and more guilty. It’s so cold today, it’s not good for the dishes to sit too long. Why don’t we start eating? It’s not good to waste such good food! We prepared the dishes that eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law like!” Shen Wenli’s mouth was sweet and many of the dishes on the table were indeed Shen Wenhua’s favorites. As for Dan Yuerong, though she felt that Old Madam Shen was picking on Shen Wenhua, after Shen Wenli spoke, the whole family felt more at ease.

“Grandmother, I’m hungry!” The five-year-old Qi Ge’er called restlessly, “Can we eat?” He had been restrained by Guo Yuanshuang for so long and was a little unhappy.

Old Madam Shen smiled. “Okay! My good grandson is hungry, let’s start! Everyone eat more.” Today’s dishes were very rich.

Usually, the Shen family rules said that the daughter-in-laws needed to serve their mother-in-law but in order to welcome Shen Wenhua, Old Madam Shen did not make a fuss and let Dan Yuerong off. Dan Yuerong breathed a sigh of relief.

It would be great if it could always be like this but she was worried that it would only get worse in the future.

The meal was very comfortable but Shen Ziqi was a little restless. He wanted to eat this and that and sometime he would even stand up to grab things. Guo Yuanshuang could only pull him back but it was obvious that he was used to being spoiled every day. There used to be no comparison but now there was Shen Zihan. Although he was only three years older, Shen Zihan was very elegant when he ate and at first glance, it was clear that he was from a well-educated family.

Old Madam Shen usually turned a blind eye to Shen Ziqi’s behavior because she had few grandchildren and even fewer people around her, but now that she could see the differences between her grandsons, her expression was not so good.

She didn’t want to lose face in front of her eldest daughter-in-law, so Old Madam Shen had planned to endure it. However, she didn’t expect that when one of Shen Ziqi’s favorite dishes was out of reach, it would end with him throw a tantrum.

When Shen Ziqi stood up and reached out to grab it, Guo Yuanshuang’s face immediately changed: “Qi Ge’er, be careful! My little ancestor, what do you want to eat? Mother will ask the servants to bring it for you, don’t fall!”

Shen Ziqi scowled: “I want it! My favorite spare ribs, why isn’t it placed in front of me! I want to eat it!” Usually his favorite dishes were all placed in front of him but because there were more people today, it was inevitable that for politeness, some of the dishes would not in front of him. It was no wonder that Shen Ziqi was about to explode.

“Come down first, don’t fall!” Seeing her son’s small body perched unsteadily on the chair, Guo Yuanshuang hurried to help him. She didn’t expect Shen Ziqi to avoid her and drop the bowl he was holding. As a result, the bowl fell to the ground with a loud crash and broke into pieces.

Guo Yuanshuang screamed and grabbed Shen Ziqi, looking fearfully at Old Madam Shen in case she was angry.

“Mother!” Shen Ziqi complained, not taking the broken bowl seriously. It was common for him to be noisy and break things. Anyways, even if Guo Yuanshuang got upset, she never blamed him so he wasn’t worried.

It was just that he had forgotten that he was in front of the first branch and Old Madam Shen. Although Old Madam Shen was partial to the second branch, she had not reached such a level as this!

Old Madam Shen was displeased but still a little indifferent when Shen Ziqi first broke the bowl. However, when she saw that he ignored it and started to eat again, her expression went dark. “Second daughter-in-law, what are you teaching Qi Ge’er? He is already five but so unruly, it’s outrageous!”

Though Shen Zihan was older, Shen Ziqi was the grandson who grew up by her side. Naturally she was closed to this grandson. Although the eldest son of the second branch was not as good as the first branch’s eldest son in her heart, it would be good if this child could be more like his older cousin: cute and the pride of the Shen family!

But though she was partial, it did not mean that she was ignorant. Their Shen family was a scholarly family for many generations and were truly noble. If the next generation became coarse and unsightly, wouldn’t it ruin their future?

She had thought that Shen Ziqi was still young, so she would just teach him slowly but now that she could see how modest and elegant Shen Zihan was despite being so young, of course Old Madam Shen couldn’t let Shen Ziqi continue like this!

“Mother, daughter-in-law knows she is wrong!” Guo Yuanshuang immediately confessed her mistake, “Daughter-in-law will definitely disciple Ge Qi’er in the future! Ge Qi’er, hurry up and apologize to your grandmother!” Guo Yuanshuang had actually been very jealous when she saw how well-behaved Shen Zihan was and was worried that Shen Ziqi would do something, so she had watched him carefully. She hadn’t expected that he would still cause trouble and give her a headache!

The older her son got, the more naughty he was. Sometimes even she couldn’t stop him!

“Mother!” Shen Ziqi whined. He didn’t want to apologize, he had never apologized for anything since he was little. Hearing what his mother said, he was unconvinced. “Isn’t it just a bowl? What’s the big deal? This thing, how valuable can it be?” When he was naughty, he had broken many valuable things so where would he care about a little bowl?”

“Ge Qi’er!” Hearing her son, Guo Yuanshuang hurriedly covered his mouth for fear that he would say something else. Then she really wouldn’t be able to escape punishment. But Shen Ziqi’s mouth was just too arrogant and loud, even if his mother wanted to cover it, she couldn’t hide anything.

Old Madam Shen had been angry but hearing Shen Ziqi’s words just now, she went red with anger! “What kind of family is our Shen family? So this bowl is worthless? Can worthless things just be thrown around? Second daughter-in-law, is this the good son you have raised?” She had thought that her daughter-in-law had just spoiled him a little but why did she now feel that this daughter-in-law was stupid?

They were a noble family! If this spread out, wouldn’t it ruin their reputation?

“Mother, don’t be angry,” Guo Yuanshuang said quickly, “he’s just a child speaking nonsense. Qi Ge’er, quickly confess to your grandmother!” She winked desperately at Shen Wenli. Shen Wenli was also a little annoyed with his son but since Old Madam Shen was now genuinely angry, it was impossible for him to let it go.

He smiled at his mother and said: “Mother, don’t be angry. Qi Ge’er has just been spoiled a little bit and doesn’t understand the rules. He will be well educated when he goes back!”

“You, a father, should really teach him a lesson! If he goes out and acts like this, what will others think of our family? We are a noble family, not like those upstarts that only know how to spend money. Don’t let this happen again!” Old Madam Shen cared the most about her face, so naturally she wouldn’t let something so embarrassing go unresolved.

Although a bowl was not a big deal, the youngest grandson’s arrogant, nouveau rich attitude could not be seen by others, otherwise wouldn’t they say the Shen family was uneducated?

Shen Wenli nodded solemnly: “What mother says is correct, this son will teach him well. Qi Ge’er, hurry up and admit your mistake to your grandmother and pick up the bowl on the ground.”

As his father, Shen Wenli was very dignified and scary in Shen Ziqi’s heart. The father and son did not normally have much contact, so though Shen Ziqi was a little stubborn, he was also too scared to refuse. Although he was reluctant, he said: “Yes, father.” Obediently, he went and picked up the bowl.

Seeing her son like this, Guo Yuanshuang’s face was full of distress for fear that her son would be cut by the broken porcelain. Inwardly, she complained about Shen Wenli’s cruelty but didn’t dare to say anything, only watching from the side.

“Second brother, teach the child well. Qi Ge’er has been spoiled and must be taught carefully now, otherwise it will be troublesome in the future.” Shen Wenhua had silently watched the farce just now and only now opened his mouth.

Hearing his elder brother speak, Wenli suddenly felt his face turn a little hot and his heart was unhappy: “Big brother, I understand. I will teach him well in the future. If there is anything wrong, I hope big brother can give some pointers.”

It was that woman, always embarrassing him! If he knew, he would have never married such a low-class woman. What else could he expect from her except to be ignorant and small-minded?

Shen Wenhua nodded. “The child is still young, he can change. You just have to be careful and patient, it will get better in time.” Of course he couldn’t sit back and ignore his nephew being spoiled. As the eldest son, he was responsible for the entire family. He couldn’t let his younger brother go astray.

“I understand, big brother!” Shen Wenli had lived under Shen Wenhua’s light for his entire life and his heart had long become dissatisfied. Now that Shen Wenhua had instructed him on this matter, Shen Wenli added a few more complaints about Guo Yuanshuang in his heart. It was especially aggravating because he could see how well-behaved and sensible Shen Jingshu and Shen Zihan were.

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Weren’t they all the Shen family? Why was it that he had been inferior to his brother since he was a child? Now he is grown up but his children are still worse than his eldest brother’s! He was so dissatisfied. In the future, he must surpass his eldest brother and no longer let others just laugh at him. Who could expect him to live under his brother forever in this life!

The scene of brotherly affection is just what Old Madam Shen liked to see the most and she was happy to see it now. But if she knew what Shen Wenli was thinking, that even now her second son was planning to frame his eldest brother, who knew how angry she would be!

“Okay, let’s all sit down and eat.” Old Madam Shen said happily. “Second daughter-in-law, take Qi Ge’er to wash his hands. If will be bad if he gets an upset stomach from dirty hands.” Old Madam Shen was willing to let this matter go. She didn’t want the second branch to lose too much face in front of the first branch.

“Yes, mother.”

Shen Ziqi had calmed down a lot. Although he was still so arrogant at such a young age, he was also old enough to read people’s faces. Of course he didn’t dare to mess around at this moment and ate dutifully. When Old Madam Shen saw his obedient look, she was satisfied.

…

After the meal, Old Madam Shen asked everyone to sit together and talk. Seeing how harmoniously the family got along, she was very pleased. However, the second branch’s concubines, Shen Qing and Shen Yue, were also present. When Old Madam Shen looked at the full second branch and the empty first branch, she couldn’t help but bring up that old matter again.

“The second branch is very likely, Wenhua, but your yard is empty. It’s better to have more children at home! Look at the second branch, there are many children.”

Shen Wenhua smiled faintly. “Shu’er and Han’er are very good, I’m already very satisfied with them.” Although there were more children in the second branch, he had nothing to envy.

Neither of the concubines in the second branch were fuel-efficient lamps and his sister-in-law was not a fool. Second Brother had two concubines but only two shu children who were still very young. Obviously neither of these children were a threat but who knew if this was a coincidence or deliberate.

“You, having more children obviously has the advantage of having more grandchildren. Now you are not young but your temper is still so stubborn. This is the capital, not Jiangnan. Look, what master here is like you? Wouldn’t this make people laugh at you? In a few days, I will send Ye Yu to you so your wife won’t have to serve you alone!”

Old Madam Shen had not been idle all these years. The purpose of taking in these young girls to cultivate was naturally to win over the eldest son and prevent him from being too close to his wife.

“Mother, it’s enough to have Rong’er for my children!” Shen Wenhua was really a little distressed. He hadn’t expected that Old Madam Shen was still determined to stuff people around him!

His mother waved a hand: “Okay, you don’t need to say anything. It’s settled! You are a big man, how can you do without a few people around you? You rest for a few days. When everything is ready, I will send Ye Yu over to serve you. Don’t let people make fun of you!”

Seeing the final decision had been made and Old Madam Shen would not budge, Shen Wenhua knew that it was useless to say more. He couldn’t help but have a headache but remained silent.

Shen Wenli was not shy: “Mother really loves eldest brother! As soon as eldest brother came make, she gave him the best maid by her side. I don’t have the fortune of eldest brother.” Shen Wenli also had his eye on Ye Yu and had begged Old Madam Shen for her several times. However, his mother had always refused. Naturally, he was a little unwilling when he saw her now hand Ye Yu over to Shen Wenhua.

“There are enough people in your house.” His mother said, “I don’t need to pass any to you. If there are too many by your side, how knows how much they’ll fight. Don’t argue with me.” Knowing that her younger son was displeased, Old Madam Shen didn’t say much. She had already made the decision, so of course she wouldn’t change it so easily.

The eldest son had been taught by her husband since he was a child and she was not close to him. He was very capable and did not listen to her very much. She needed to take action so he did not fall out of her control.

“Mother, of course I won’t fight with my eldest brother! Although my eldest brother has sister-in-law, it is good for him to have a few more people to care for him.” He smiled. Although he wanted Ye Yu and wanted her for a concubine, he didn’t have room to argue.

Anyways, there were plenty of beautiful women outside in the future, he just needed to find them.

“This matter is settled. I will teach that girl, Ye Yu, and send her over. You can take care of your own affairs with peace of mind.”

“Yes, mother.” The mouth agreed but Shen Wenhua was already thinking about how to solve this matter. Anyways, he had already vowed to not take a concubine and he would not forget his promise. What’s more, he was now in his thirties and was less interested in these sorts of things.

“If you can understand, then it is best. What man doesn’t have a few people around?” His mother repeated coaxingly. “Now that you are back in the capital, your status is naturally unusual. You can’t be seen as shabby!” Seeing that Shen Wenhua had no objection, Old Madam Shen sighed a breath of relief and treated the first branch a little more kindly.

The people of the first branch all forced a smile until Old Madam Shen was tired and sent them away. As soon as they were alone, all four of them suddenly looked anxious.

“Wenhua, why don’t you just keep a few people in the yard, so not to worry mother?” Dan Yuerong said, irritated at her mother-in-law’s stubbornness.

Shen Wenhua looked unhappy. “What are you talking about? Even if I receive people, people will complain when I don’t touch them. Isn’t it the same?”

“But…”

He took his wife’s hand. “Don’t worry about it, I will take care of it. Isn’t there still a few days? When the time comes, I will find a way to marry off that Ye Yu or at least get out of it.”

Dan Yuerong sighed: “But mother…”

“Don’t worry, I have my own arrangements.” He assured her. “You don’t need to deal with this matter. Don’t worry about it!” Dan Yuerong’s involvement would only make Old Madam Shen even more furious. Shen Wenhua was very clear about this, so he could only handle it himself.

“Alright, alright. Just be careful!” Dan Yuerong told him. “Don’t anger your mother. She is too old to withstand the emotional upheaval!” In fact, Dan Yuerong had often thought about just accepting a few people to keep others from being nosy. But if she accepted them, no matter if Shen Wenhua touched them or not, she was afraid she would still have a lump in her heart.

Maybe she really was a jealous woman!

“Don’t worry, I will resolve it.”

The two adults reached a decision immediately and Shen Wenhua had already formed a plan. But the two children were still worried, especially Shen Zihan. When they walked out, their expressions were complicated. “Sister, is dad going to take a concubine?” He asked Shen Jingshu.