Ch 82: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

The Shen family exploded with anger upon hearing that Shen Yunxuan wasn’t coming home and was instead collecting eggs in the village. Grandma Shen immediately stormed out, cursing, “Shameless troublemaker! Let me teach her a lesson!”

Xing Kai, surprised that even a simple homecoming visit could cause such a fuss, frowned with annoyance. Seeing this, Shen Weiguo panicked, fearing their son-in-law, the company commander, might look down on the Shen family. He immediately said, “Eldest daughter’s behavior is outrageous. I’ll see what nonsense she’s up to.”

Fang Fang chimed in, “We should bring her back and deal with this behind closed doors. Let’s not make a public spectacle.”

In an instant, all the Shen family elders left, leaving Shen Jie and Xing Kai sitting awkwardly in silence. Shen Jie, intimidated by his brother-in-law, stiffened and said, “My older sister is uneducated, and my brother-in-law is a troublemaker. They said something about collecting eggs, but we don’t know what’s going on. Brother-in-law, you’re not going to arrest them, right? It won’t affect our family, will it?”

Xing Kai frowned. “Let’s go see what’s happening.” He had heard about Shen Yunxuan buying 500 eggs. Why were they back to collect more after just one day? Could they really be involved in some kind of illegal profiteering? Considering the potential impact on his reputation, he decided to investigate.

The more he thought about it, the more he regretted marrying Shen Xuewei. She was beginning to feel like a burden.

Shen Xuewei, on the other hand, was eager to see Shen Yunxuan get scolded. With so many villagers watching, it would be quite the scene, and it would give Xing Kai and Xiao Jun a chance to see how unpresentable Shen Yunxuan was.

Pleased with herself, she called out to their neighbor Aunt Ma and invited her family along. She also tried to hold hands with her stepchildren to appear as a loving stepmother in front of the villagers. But neither child paid her any attention, deliberately avoiding her and walking beside Xing Kai instead.

Their cold treatment made her look like an outsider, and the onlookers couldn’t help but notice. Shen Xuewei’s gaze swept over the children coldly, silently vowing to settle the score later. If they embarrassed her on a day like this, she’d make them pay tenfold in the future.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunxuan and Xiao Jun were in the village chief’s courtyard. After announcing their intention to collect eggs, they had gone straight to the chief’s house, asking to use his yard as a collection point for convenience.

The village chief, seeing the benefits this could bring to the villagers, was more than happy to oblige. He even brought out tables and chairs to accommodate them, chatting with Shen Yunxuan about her life in town.

Shen Yunxuan reassured him that life with the Xiao family was good, but she and Xiao Jun had deliberately worn their oldest clothes, which were threadbare and patched. Despite her words, their appearance made it hard for anyone to believe they were doing well, especially compared to the village chief.

The villagers who had gathered to watch began to doubt the rumors about the Xiao family’s supposed wealth. But no one dared to comment openly, especially with Xiao Jun sitting there, exuding an air of fearlessness. Those with eggs to sell quickly brought them over to Shen Yunxuan.

The village chief’s wife, noting the time and Shen Yunxuan’s steady demeanor, couldn’t resist asking, “Yunxuan, isn’t today your homecoming day? Are you planning to go back after collecting eggs?”

She had noticed earlier that the couple hadn’t brought any gifts customary for such visits and seemed puzzled by it.

Shen Yunxuan replied casually, “I’m not going back. I won’t be visiting the Shen family anymore.”

The villagers’ eyes widened in shock, and murmurs of discussion filled the air. Curious, they pressed her for details. It wasn’t long before Grandma Shen and the others arrived in a huff. The crowd parted to make way as Grandma Shen barged in, pointing at Shen Yunxuan and yelling, “What nonsense are you spouting now? Get back home right this instant! Aren’t you embarrassed enough already?”

Shen Yunxuan remained calm. “What’s so embarrassing about using my money to buy eggs? Besides, I belong to the Xiao family now, not yours.”

A collective gasp swept through the crowd. The villagers couldn’t believe their ears. Regardless of any family conflicts, it was unheard of to publicly disown one’s family like this. What if she needed her family’s support in the future?

Shen Weiguo, enraged, shouted, “Say that again, and I’ll beat you!”

Fang Fang, on the verge of tears, slapped her thigh dramatically and cried out, “Yunxuan, have you lost your mind? Profiteering used to get people paraded through the streets with posters on their backs! You’re playing with fire! Don’t you realize you’re putting the whole family at risk?”

Xiao Jun, equally angry, retorted, “How exactly is your family at risk? What does my wife have to do with you? Mind your own business! You’re bringing all this bad energy for nothing!”

Shen Yunxuan couldn’t help but laugh, her eyes curving with amusement. The crowd was stunned. What was going on? A son-in-law publicly berating his in-laws, and the daughter laughing alongside him?

Grandma Shen, furious, screamed, “Shen Yunxuan is my granddaughter! What do you mean, ‘no connection’? And you, you brat! How dare you talk to your elders like that? I’ll teach you a lesson you won’t forget, even if your parents come here themselves!”

Xiao Jun sneered. “Careful, old lady, don’t throw your back out. And who are you to act so high and mighty in front of me?”

Shen Yunxuan’s voice turned cold. “Stop embarrassing yourselves and go home before you make a bigger spectacle. Everyone’s watching. And as for you two,” she looked at Shen Xuewei and Shen Jie, “you’re always boasting about being educated and different from the villagers. Then you should know better than to let your elders make a scene and disrupt my business. I’m here peacefully buying eggs from our neighbors. Your family’s antics reflect poorly on you, and Commander Xing, as a relative, should rein in their behavior. Don’t let it harm your reputation or your chances for promotion.”

Hearing this, the Shen family immediately turned to gauge Xing Kai’s reaction. Shen Weiguo barked, “Shut up! Family arguments won’t affect the commander’s career. Stop spouting nonsense! And you call this business? Have you forgotten what happened to landlords back in the day? Are you trying to ruin the entire family? Pack up this stall, return the eggs, and apologize to everyone.”

Xing Kai ignored the scolding, his gaze fixed on the basket now brimming with eggs. More villagers were still lining up to sell theirs. He frowned and asked, “Why are you collecting so many eggs? If it’s just for a small stall, you don’t need this much. Didn’t you already buy 500 eggs a few days ago?”

Seeing Xing Kai speak up and recalling that Shen Yunxuan had just called them out by name, Shen Xuewei seized the opportunity to feign concern. “Sister, I hate to say it, but if you’re just running a small business, that’s one thing. But buying so many eggs from everyone—how could you possibly sell them all on your own? If what you’re doing isn’t legitimate, you’ll drag everyone here into trouble. We’re all neighbors, and you’re not even offering prices lower than the supply and marketing cooperative. Isn’t this just exploiting them?

“Listen to Dad—return the eggs and apologize. If you’re really in financial trouble, just let us know. The family will help. Didn’t Mom and Dad just give you 100 yuan for your wedding? You couldn’t have spent it all already, could you? Your dowry money shouldn’t be squandered like this.”

As she finished, Shen Xuewei cast a pointed look at Xiao Jun, prompting everyone to recall his reputation for gambling. Could he have taken Shen Yunxuan’s money to gamble it away?

Xiao Jun’s face darkened, ready to retort, but Shen Yunxuan squeezed his hand under the table, stopping him. Surprised, Xiao Jun quickly lowered his head and took a sip of water, his ears turning red. No girl had ever held his hand before, and now he realized just how soft his wife’s hands were.

Shen Yunxuan pulled a folded newspaper from her green canvas bag, her tone mocking. “Have you all lost your minds? I’ve already published a legal notice severing ties with you. From now on, we’re on separate paths. What are you doing here pretending to be my family? Meddling in my business?

“Uncle, Aunt, you personally paid for the newspaper announcement. It’s only been a few days—don’t tell me you’ve forgotten. And Shen Xuewei, you were the one who convinced them to agree to the severance. Have you forgotten what it means? What’s the point of coming here to stir up trouble now?”

“What? Severed ties?”

“A public notice? Isn’t that something people used to do to disassociate from criminals?”

“Wait, is the Shen family involved in something shady?”

“Or did they know Shen Yunxuan was going to sell eggs and wanted to cut ties first?”

The murmurs of the villagers grew louder. The village chief, shocked, took the newspaper from Shen Yunxuan, reading it twice before turning to Shen Weiguo with a stern expression. “Shen Weiguo! What’s the meaning of this? You severed ties with your eldest daughter? Why didn’t you ever mention it?”

Flustered, Shen Weiguo pointed angrily at Shen Yunxuan. “Ask her! She insisted on it, refusing to marry otherwise. She said she’d stay single and live at home forever if we didn’t agree. What choice did we have?”

Fang Fang added tearfully, “We were left with no options. With two daughters getting married at once, she threw a tantrum and nearly made her grandmother sick. She forced us to cut ties.”

Grandma Shen clutched her chest dramatically, as if overcome. “That ungrateful wretch!”

Shen Jie, unaware of the severance, quickly supported his grandmother and scolded Shen Yunxuan. “Look what you’ve done to Grandma! Apologize now! How could you force Dad and Mom to sever ties? What kind of daughter does that?”

The villagers frowned at the unfolding scene, murmuring disapproval of Shen Yunxuan’s actions.

Xiao Jun clenched his fists, ready to argue, but Shen Yunxuan pressed his hand again and stood up. “Everyone here watched me grow up. For the past 19 years, you’ve seen how the Shen family treated me. Look at Shen Jie—healthy and well-fed. Look at Shen Xuewei—fair and delicate. Now look at me: thin as a stick, dark as coal.

“I was always first in my class, yet the Shen family refused to let me go to high school. Shen Jie and Shen Xuewei were at the bottom of their classes, but they got to continue their education. Every time one of them cried or threw a tantrum, the first thing the Shen family did was scold me.

“Do you understand now? For years, the Shen family treated me as their servant, working me like a maid. Isn’t this just the same behavior we denounce as landlord oppression?”

“Oh my goodness! How did this turn into talk about landlords?”

“Still, the Shen family really has gone too far, treating Shen Yunxuan so differently from the other two kids!”

“It’s true—cooking, cleaning, feeding the pigs, and even working in the fields, it was all Shen Yunxuan. No wonder she’s so dark and thin!”

“Did the Shen family really treat her like a servant? How could they?”

The villagers, whether they believed it or not, instinctively distanced themselves from the Shen family. This shift in the crowd left the Shen family standing out awkwardly, their frustration and embarrassment written on their faces. Grandma Shen, shocked and furious, screamed, “Shut up! What landlord nonsense are you spouting? Are you trying to get us killed? You deserve to die!”

She lunged forward, hand raised to strike Shen Yunxuan, but Xiao Jun immediately pulled Shen Yunxuan behind him. He caught Grandma Shen’s wrist and shoved her back toward Shen Weiguo, his voice icy. “We’re strangers now. If you lay a hand on her, I’ll call the police!” He shifted his gaze to Xing Kai. “Surely Commander Xing wouldn’t stand by and let them commit assault, would he?”

Xing Kai, who had just finished reading the severance notice, frowned deeply. Hearing this, he immediately said, “Enough. If ties are severed, then there’s no reason to make trouble. Go home.”

The Shen family, intimidated by Xing Kai, hesitated. Fang Fang, unwilling to back down, said, “It’s just a piece of paper—it doesn’t mean anything! I gave birth to her, so why can’t I control her? She just doesn’t want us benefiting from her good life in town!”

Shen Yunxuan laughed coldly. “If you want to talk about the wedding, let’s lay it all out.” Before the Shen family could interrupt, she continued quickly. “Shen Xuewei didn’t want to marry into the Xiao family, so when she heard Xing Kai was a commander coming back to visit, she deliberately fell into the river to make him rescue her. I told her repeatedly to stay away from the water, but she insisted on washing her hands at the edge and somehow fell in. At the time, I couldn’t figure it out, but later I realized it was all intentional.”

“You’re lying!” Shen Xuewei’s face turned pale. “How could I have known about Xing Kai’s promotion? And why would I risk my life like that? Don’t slander me!”

Shen Yunxuan ignored her, raising her voice. “As soon as Shen Xuewei woke up, she demanded to marry Xing Kai. The Shen family objected, saying he was just a lowly soldier with two kids and that she shouldn’t become a stepmother.

“So Shen Xuewei told them Xing Kai was a commander and promised he’d get promoted and could help Shen Jie. She even told them to take a smaller dowry to reel him in for the long term, saying a son-in-law like him would bring endless benefits. The Shen family was ecstatic, rushed to finalize the marriage, and then decided I should marry into the Xiao family because they have four salaried workers and could be taken advantage of.

“I said no many times, but they just scolded me. I was terrified. Last year, I overheard them planning to marry me off to a fool from the next village for 200 yuan. If that fool hadn’t gotten into an accident, I’d already be sold into a pit of misery.

This time, they forced me to marry into the Xiao family without taking any dowry because they believed Shen Xuewei’s ‘long-term plan.’ I even overheard them plotting to have my brother-in-law tutor Shen Jie and get him into a top high school. They were using me as a bargaining chip!

Our leaders have said that in this new society, we value human rights and freedom. Even biological parents can’t sell their children. Yet they sold me again and again. Do you think I shouldn’t have cut ties with them?”

The crowd erupted in shock. Shen Yunxuan pressed on. “And these things—some of you must have heard about them, right?”

“Yeah, I heard last year they almost married her off to that fool.”

“I heard too. There was also that widower in his thirties with four kids. The Shen family almost agreed but wanted a bicycle too, and when the man got mad and refused, the deal fell through.”

“They really treated her terribly. That’s no way to treat a daughter.”

The villagers avoided outright accusing the Shen family of selling their daughter, but the disgust was evident. While it wasn’t uncommon for families to prioritize sons, most still sought decent matches for their daughters. The Shen family’s behavior—selling to the highest bidder, even to fools or cripples—crossed a line. The crowd’s disdain grew.

The Shen family’s faces darkened, their shouting drowned out by the murmurs of the villagers.

At that moment, Xing Kai’s two children suddenly burst into tears. “We’re not burdens! We don’t want a stepmother!”

The crowd fell silent, and whispers shifted to the Shen family calling the children burdens behind their backs. Everyone noted how the family initially rejected Xing Kai but eagerly agreed when they learned of his rank. Their blatant opportunism was clear for all to see.

Xing Kai’s anger simmered. It became obvious the Shen family had only valued him for his position. He had faced too many battles and seen too much deceit not to connect the dots. Shen Yunxuan’s words rang true, and no explanation from Shen Xuewei could refute them.

Xing Kai’s icy gaze turned to Shen Xuewei, who paled with fear. She suddenly remembered that Xing Kai was a soldier who had killed on the battlefield. Her legs trembled, and she felt weak. Without another word, Xing Kai took his children and left for the Xing family home. Shen Xuewei, panicked, hurried after him, head low, cursing Shen Yunxuan in her heart for ruining everything.

The Shen family grew anxious upon seeing Xing Kai leave. He was the one they most wanted to latch onto. If he bore a grudge against them, what would they do? Shen Jie glared at Shen Yunxuan furiously, prompting Xiao Jun to roll up his sleeves and say, “Keep glaring, brat, and I’ll show you what happens.”

Shen Jie shrank back, hiding behind Shen Weiguo. Shen Weiguo, frustrated, said, “I don’t believe it. A newspaper announcement means we’re not family anymore? I can’t control you?”

The village chief slapped the table hard. “Enough! You think severing ties in a newspaper is a joke? If it wasn’t effective, why weren’t the old folks in the bullpens dragged into exile with their sons and grandsons back then? It’s because they severed ties in writing! Once it’s in the paper, you’re no longer family. That’s the rule across the country. What makes you so special?”

Xiao Jun handed the village chief a cigarette. “You’ve got it right, Chief. They severed ties with my wife, and now we’re strangers. We don’t want anything to do with the Shen family anymore. From now on, we won’t even collect eggs from them. Everyone here can be a witness: we have nothing to do with them. If they try to latch onto my wife again, it won’t fly.”

Grandma Shen sneered, “Latch onto her? She’s engaging in illegal trading. It’s only a matter of time before she’s thrown in jail. She’d better not come crawling back to us then!”

Shen Weiguo, still fuming, pointed at Shen Yunxuan and declared, “Fine! Let’s make it official. Everyone here is a witness: starting today, our Shen family is severing ties with Shen Yunxuan. If she gets arrested or fined, she better not come crying back to us. This is her own doing.”

This was exactly what Shen Yunxuan had been waiting for. Dressing in old clothes and making a big show of collecting eggs in the village was all to force this declaration. Now, with the announcement, the village chief, and the villagers as witnesses, the severance was set in stone. No matter how much money she made in the future, the Shen family couldn’t try to reconnect.

The Shen family, furious, stormed off. Shen Yunxuan and Xiao Jun smiled again and resumed collecting eggs, though fewer villagers were willing to sell to them. Some even awkwardly returned their money and reclaimed their eggs.

Shen Xuewei’s earlier comments had made them cautious. They couldn’t believe Shen Yunxuan was selling 500 eggs through street vending. If it was reselling, it might cross legal lines, and they didn’t want to risk being implicated. Since the price was the same as the supply and marketing cooperative, it seemed safer to sell there as they always had.

Of course, some weren’t concerned. Aunt Ma, for instance, brought all her eggs to sell to Shen Yunxuan. Shen Yunxuan didn’t mind the reduced volume and ended up with a basket and a half of eggs before packing up to leave.

The village chief politely offered, “It’s almost lunchtime. Why don’t you stay and eat before heading out?”

Shen Yunxuan smiled. “No, thank you. Our basket isn’t full yet, so we’re off to the next village. I’m sorry for all the commotion earlier. I had hoped to establish a mutually beneficial arrangement with the villagers, making it convenient to sell eggs locally. If I’d known it would cause such trouble, I’d have gone straight to the next village—it’s closer to town anyway.

“I understand everyone’s concerns. Rest assured, if we get caught, it won’t implicate anyone else. It’s fine—we’ll just collect eggs in the next village instead. Let’s go.”

Villagers who hadn’t sold eggs to them felt a twinge of regret, but Shen Yunxuan didn’t give them a chance to change their minds. She and Xiao Jun left without looking back.

As they walked away, the villagers began to gossip. Xiao Jun’s appearance and demeanor, combined with Shen Xuewei’s reluctance to marry into the Xiao family and Shen Yunxuan being forced to, fueled the rumors. People speculated that Xiao Jun wasn’t a good match—too good-looking, lazy, and unreliable. They wondered if he gambled away his wife’s money since she wore old clothes and resorted to street vending to make ends meet.

They criticized the Xiao family, too. Even with four salaried workers, it seemed they didn’t care about Xiao Jun, leaving him and his new wife to fend for themselves. After all, the Xiao family had provided the “three rounds and a sound” for the wedding; beyond that, they felt no obligation.

The villagers felt they’d pieced together the “truth.” No wonder Shen Xuewei refused to marry into the Xiao family. Yet, she pushed her sister to do so. It seemed she couldn’t bear to see Shen Yunxuan happy. And the Shen family, forcing her into marriage to benefit Shen Jie, was shameless.

By the end of the day, everyone in the village knew Shen Yunxuan had severed ties with her family. They also knew why: years of mistreatment, near-forced marriages to unsuitable matches, and being coerced into a transactional marriage. The blame lay squarely with the Shen family.

In this era, cutting ties wasn’t considered unfilial in cases of injustice. Instead, it was seen as a courageous stand against outdated feudal practices and parental oppression. Shen Yunxuan’s actions were even commendable—a fight for her own dignity and rights.

Although this perspective would only last for a few years, for Shen Yunxuan, it was enough. On this day, meant for her return visit to her family after marriage, she successfully severed all ties with them.

She and Xiao Jun truly went to the neighboring village to collect eggs. This time, with two large baskets and a backpack, they gathered over 800 eggs in total. On the way back, Shen Yunxuan noticed Xiao Jun seemed unusually quiet. Curious, she asked, “What’s wrong? Are you tired?”

Xiao Jun shook his head but hesitated for a long while before mumbling softly, “Did you really not want to marry me? Was it because they pushed you to a dead end that you agreed?”

Shen Yunxuan hadn’t expected him to be dwelling on this and found it amusing. “That was because I didn’t know you back then. If I had known what a good person you and your family are, I would’ve agreed long ago.”

Xiao Jun was taken aback and looked at her seriously. “You think I’m a good person? Really? But everyone thinks I’m a good-for-nothing and calls me a loafer behind my back.”

Shen Yunxuan turned to him. “Are you?”

Xiao Jun quickly shook his head. Shen Yunxuan continued, “You protect me, stand up for me, take the initiative to handle chores, and diligently help me collect and sell eggs. You’re kind, loyal, respectful to your parents, and considerate to your siblings. You have so many good qualities. Everyone is different, and each person should live their own unique life. Not everyone has to fit the same mold. I think you’re great.”

Xiao Jun broke into a broad smile, his heart feeling sweeter than honey. He couldn’t understand how someone as wonderful as Shen Yunxuan could have been so unloved by her own family. They must have been blind! Well, now she belonged to the Xiao family. If the Shen family didn’t like her, the Xiao family certainly would.

Feeling elated, Xiao Jun said, “Let’s go buy some good food. You need to eat more and gain some weight.” The Shen family had mistreated her to the point where she was as skinny as a stick. He was determined to fatten her up and show everyone how well she would live in their family.

Shen Yunxuan didn’t quite understand why he suddenly wanted to focus on food but appreciated the thoughtfulness. It was the first time someone cared about her being too thin. Smiling, she agreed and happily went with Xiao Jun to buy some treats.

At the supply and marketing cooperative, Xiao Jun’s sister-in-law saw them sweating profusely and bought them each an ice pop, urging them to head home and rest.

Feeling the care from the Xiao family, Shen Yunxuan couldn’t help but think of her past life when she had first married into the Xing family. Back then, no one knew Xing Kai had become a battalion commander. The Shen family had made exorbitant demands for the bride price, leaving the Xing family bitter and forced into the marriage. They hastily organized a simple wedding, treating her with coldness and disdain. By the second day, she was tasked with cooking, cleaning, and other chores.

Xing Kai’s two children were openly hostile toward their stepmother, constantly causing trouble and falsely accusing her of mistreatment. Xing Kai blindly believed his children and refused to listen to her side of the story, even going as far as separating their living arrangements. On the day of her return visit to her family, he didn’t accompany her but instead returned directly to the barracks.

At the time, she was young and naive, clueless about the world. Sold off by her family for the bride price, scorned by her in-laws, and framed by her stepchildren, she lived in a constant state of anxiety and fear. But now, all of that had been taken by Shen Xuewei. She wondered how Shen Xuewei was doing after the fallout from today’s chaos. Whatever the case, it was no longer her problem.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆