Ch 141: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

Shen Fu and Wang Xinghua returned to Madam Wu’s house to continue repairing it, but this time, their expressions were visibly uneasy when they saw her.

Madam Wu was puzzled. “What’s wrong? Did something happen? Is it serious?”

The two hesitated, unable to find the right words. It was Shen Yunxuan who stepped forward, took Madam Wu’s hand, and said, “Grandma Wu, let’s talk inside. I actually have a favor to ask of you.”

Shen Fu and Wang Xinghua were startled. Did their daughter actually want to marry into the Wu family for the fortune-bringing ceremony? That was out of the question! They hurriedly stepped forward, “Erya, you can’t—”

“Don’t worry,” Shen Yunxuan reassured them with a calm smile. “I have a plan. I’ll explain it to you later. Just trust me. Right now… there’s no better way.”

Shen Fu opened his mouth but ultimately let his hands fall in defeat. He was right—they were useless. They couldn’t protect their daughter, nor could they come up with a solution. Even if they rushed back and fought with Old Master Shen, they had no idea how things would end. They weren’t good with words and couldn’t win in an argument. In the end, they were completely powerless.

Shen Fu crouched down and pounded his fist against his head in frustration, while Wang Xinghua turned her back to suppress her sobs. Seeing this, Madam Wu turned to Shen Yunxuan, bewildered. “What on earth happened?”

Shen Yunxuan sighed, helped Madam Wu inside, and closed the door. Her first words were, “Grandma Wu, Shen Jiayao and my grandparents are plotting to sell me off for a bride price, either marrying me off to a remote mountain village or giving me to your family as a fortune-bringing bride.”

Madam Wu was stunned. She hurriedly waved her hands. “Girl, don’t listen to their nonsense! I never asked for that! My grandson had an accident, and yes, I was looking for a fortune-bringing bride, but I was thinking of finding a girl from a struggling family, someone who can’t even afford to eat, or a girl suffering at home. If she came to me, I’d treat her like my own granddaughter.”

She sighed. “I know fortune-bringing marriages don’t have a good reputation, and I never intended to look for a girl from a good family.”

Shen Yunxuan grasped her hands. “Grandma Wu, am I not a girl who is suffering at home? I’m willing. Choose me!”

“…What?” Madam Wu was dumbfounded, staring at Shen Yunxuan, unable to comprehend.

Shen Yunxuan repeated herself, but Madam Wu shook her head vigorously. “That won’t do! You’re such a good girl, and your parents love you dearly. They’ll definitely find you a good match. But me… My grandson’s fate is uncertain. This isn’t right for you. That old man in your house is out of his mind. I’ll go to the village head and have him talk to your grandfather. How dare he try to sell you off to the mountains! Does Shen Jiayao care about his reputation at all? If we report this, your grandfather wouldn’t dare!”

Shen Yunxuan shook her head. “They’ve already planned everything. They’ll make it look grand, pretend that I’m being married off to one of Shen Jiayao’s classmates from another town. But in reality, they’d sell me to the mountains, and no one would ever know. Those men beat their wives, and once a woman marries into those villages, she can never escape. They even said that since I’m so stubborn and competitive, I’d eventually ruin Shen Jiayao’s reputation. Sending me to the mountains and letting me get beaten would ‘teach me a lesson.’”

“Those beasts!” Madam Wu trembled with anger. Seeing Shen Yunxuan speak so calmly, as if she had long become numb to such mistreatment, Madam Wu’s eyes turned red. She pulled Shen Yunxuan into her arms and held her tightly. “My poor child, you’ve suffered so much. How did you end up in such a wretched family?”

Shen Yunxuan gently patted Madam Wu’s back. Because of Shen Jiayao’s scheming, her past life memories were becoming clearer. In her previous life, after losing her parents, she was in a daze for a long time. Madam Wu had finished renovating her house, but then she received the news of her grandson’s confirmed death. She fell gravely ill and passed away shortly after.

Madam Wu was just as pitiful as she was. The difference was that Shen Yunxuan, young and resilient, had fought her way out of despair. But Madam Wu had lost her husband, son, daughter-in-law, and now even her grandson. With no family left, she lost the will to live. Compared to her, Madam Wu’s fate was even more tragic. At this moment, Shen Yunxuan wanted her help, but in return, she would also help her. She would ensure that Grandma Wu had someone to rely on in her old age.

Shen Yunxuan whispered, “Grandma Wu, I heard your maiden name was Shen, is that right?”

Madam Wu wiped her eyes and nodded. “Yes, I’m from the Shen family. The village head is actually my distant cousin. He’s my uncle’s son, so I can talk to him. Don’t be afraid of your grandfather—I’ll go speak to the village head.”

Shen Yunxuan smiled. “Even if they choose a match for me, it’ll just be about who offers the highest price. They won’t care about whether I live well or not. If they think marrying me off to one of Shen Jiayao’s teachers or wealthy contacts would benefit him, they’d jump at the chance. From the outside, it might seem like a great marriage, but in reality, it would just be another trap. And my parents would still be stuck in the Shen household, working themselves to the bone and being mistreated for the rest of their lives.”

Madam Wu frowned. “Then what’s your plan?”

Shen Yunxuan leaned in and whispered, “Grandma Wu, I heard that your maiden family is gone, right? Would you be willing to adopt my father into your family? That way, he would officially become your nephew, and if I married into your family, it would just be a cousin marriage—something completely respectable.”

Madam Wu was stunned once again, but this time, she quickly understood. She slapped her thigh in excitement. “That’s a brilliant idea! Would that really work? My family only had my brother and me. My brother and his entire family perished in an accident, and just like that, my family line was severed. Later, my son and daughter-in-law passed away from illness, leaving only my grandson. I finally managed to raise him, and now…”

She choked up but quickly composed herself. “The Shen and Wu families might only have me left. If your family were to join mine, then… I’d finally have a family again! I could face my ancestors knowing I didn’t let the family line die out…”

Madam Wu had been strong her entire life, never easily showing weakness, but this time, she sobbed uncontrollably. No one knew the fear she had been suppressing all this time. If her grandson was truly gone, how would she continue living? She had no one to confide in, and she didn’t dare to dwell on it. Instead, she had been holding herself together by repairing the house and preparing for a wedding, hoping that making the home neat and festive would somehow bring her grandson back safely.

Now, with Shen Yunxuan’s words, she could no longer hold back. She pulled the girl into an embrace and wept.

It took a long time before Madam Wu finally calmed down. She held onto Shen Yunxuan’s hands, looking at her with growing fondness. “Good girl, have you discussed this with your parents?”

Shen Yunxuan nodded confidently. “I can definitely convince them. But as for the village head and the third elder, we’ll need your help to speak to them. I’m just a junior and shouldn’t be the one to bring this up.”

“Yes, yes, yes, you mustn’t be the one to step forward, and neither should your parents. I’ll handle it. Back then, my brother and my husband sacrificed themselves for this village. The village elders have always felt guilty about it, but I’ve never asked them for anything. If I make this request now, they’ll certainly agree. As for your grandfather, leave him to me. If necessary, I’ll offer him more money. Didn’t you say Shen Jiayao is in need of money? He’ll definitely persuade the old man to agree. Don’t worry.” Madam Wu wiped away her tears, regaining her usual sharp and decisive demeanor. She quickly began making arrangements, eager to set things in motion.

Shen Yunxuan hurriedly took out the five taels of silver she had hidden and stuffed it into Madam Wu’s hands. “Grandma Wu, take this. It might not be enough to secure our family, but I’ll work hard to make up the rest.”

“Silly child, how could I take your money? Take it back, or I’ll get angry!” Madam Wu pushed the silver back firmly. “I have money. I’m lucky to gain such wonderful family members, I’m overjoyed! This money must come from me. It’s also on behalf of my late elder brother—I’ll help him continue the Shen family’s lineage. This is how it should be. Don’t worry about it, keep your money for yourself.”

A girl like Shen Yunxuan, just fourteen years old and already so capable, was someone Madam Wu had never met before. The more she looked at her, the more she liked her. When she left, she was still smiling. She grabbed a basket of food from the kitchen and then headed off to find the village head.

Shen Fu and Wang Xinghua had already heard crying from inside earlier. They had been waiting anxiously, but to their surprise, Madam Wu came out smiling, even looking pleased. The two of them were stunned and immediately turned to Shen Yunxuan for an explanation.

Since no one else was around, Shen Yunxuan took the opportunity to explain everything. Shen Fu shot up from his seat, wanting to object, but then he remembered how his own father had been planning to sell his daughter for money. He found himself pacing back and forth anxiously.

Wang Xinghua had come to this village as a refugee and had no family to rely on. For years, she had been working hard, and because she only gave birth to a daughter, she never had any status in the family. She had always endured, never daring to fight back. But when she heard about the adoption, all the grievances she had buried deep inside suddenly surfaced. Tears welled up in her eyes as she pleaded, “Husband, just agree to it. If we get adopted into Grandma Wu’s family, no one will ever be able to bully Erya again!

“If we become part of the Wu family, we won’t have any elders above us controlling us. We’ll be able to protect Erya properly. Grandma Wu is kind and already likes Erya. We’ll live together as a family and take good care of her. This way, we can always protect our daughter.”

Shen Fu frowned. “But we can’t let Erya be a fortune-bringing bride. That boy from the Wu family has been missing for years! He’s probably… already gone. Wouldn’t that make Erya a widow as soon as she marries in? Her reputation will be ruined, and without a husband or children, what kind of future would she have?”

Shen Yunxuan quickly interjected, “Reputation is something we build ourselves. As long as we live well as a family, our reputation will naturally improve. Isn’t that still better than being sold to the mountains and beaten every day? Even if we force Grandpa not to sell me, do you really think he’ll find me a good husband? If my future in-laws see that my own family never valued me, would they treat me well? I’d still end up working like a servant, endlessly toiling away.

And even if I have children, would that change anything? Wouldn’t my life still be miserable? Mother, you have a husband and a daughter—has that made your life any easier?”

Shen Fu lowered his head. “It’s because I’m useless.”

“Father, I don’t mean to blame you. I just want you to understand that marrying into what others see as a ‘good family’ doesn’t necessarily mean a good life. But look at Grandma Wu’s situation—she’s all alone. If we move in, all we have to do is be good to her. She’s kind, she already cares for us, and we’ll have a peaceful, happy life.

“Besides,” Shen Yunxuan lowered her voice, “Grandma Wu has the village head and the third elder supporting her. That means no one in the village will dare to look down on us. Grandpa and Shen Jiayao won’t dare to cause trouble for us either. Only then will we truly have a peaceful life with a future to look forward to. Otherwise, if every day is just endless suffering and exhaustion, what’s the point of living like that?”

Shen Fu was deeply shaken. Yes, what kind of future did they have now? It was a life where nothing ever changed, where they could see their entire future laid out in front of them with no hope. Old Master Shen always said that the Shen family’s future rested on Shen Jiayao’s shoulders—if he passed the imperial exams and became an official, the entire family would prosper.

But would that really happen?

He only had one daughter. When the time came, would Shen Jiayao use her as a bargaining chip to curry favor with someone powerful?

Right now, he couldn’t even resist his own father’s decisions. If Shen Jiayao really gained status and power in the future, how could he possibly fight back? If Shen Jiayao became an official, wouldn’t that mean their family would have no choice but to obey him completely? They would be at his mercy.

And then, the only hope would be to trust in the character of those in power.

But… could they really trust them?

Hearing firsthand how Shen Jiayao, Old Master Shen, and Old Madam Shen were conspiring to sell Shen Yunxuan, Shen Fu felt a chill spread through his entire body. He could no longer see them as his close family. Thinking about the Wu family, Shen Fu turned to examine the Wu family’s house and courtyard. He had built it with his own hands, so he knew that the materials were far superior to those of the Shen family. The house and yard were much more spacious, the kitchen was clean, and the rice jar and containers of salt and sugar were all full. It was a well-off household.

Most importantly, Madam Wu was known in the village for her good character. If she became their elder instead, just the thought of it made life seem so much easier. They would certainly treat Madam Wu with respect and filial piety, and the family would live in harmony. Perhaps they could even have a home filled with laughter and joy.

Shen Fu was dazed. Was thinking this way a betrayal of his parents? Was he being unfilial?

Wang Xinghua was meek by nature, but she wasn’t foolish. Given the choice, who would insist on living a miserable life instead of a good one? She understood Shen Fu better than anyone. Just one look at his expression told her what he was struggling with. She grabbed his hand and cried, “Your parents still have your eldest and second brothers. They’ve never thought highly of us anyway. Losing our branch of the family means nothing to them—just two fewer people to work.

“But Erya and I only have you! If you don’t protect us, we’ll be forced to live in suffering for the rest of our lives. Please, just this once, think about us and put us first.”

Shen Yunxuan was surprised as she looked at her mother. She hadn’t expected her to think so quickly. Her father already felt guilty toward them, but he had always been powerless to protect them. Now that there was finally a way out, her mother had played the emotional card at just the right moment—her father was bound to be swayed!

Sure enough, Shen Fu looked at his tearful wife and his pale-faced daughter, clenched his teeth, and finally made his decision. “We’ll do as Erya says!”

Shen Yunxuan’s lips curled slightly. Though Shen Jiayao’s attempt to set her up had been unexpected, it had actually helped awaken her parents. It also gave her an alternative path she hadn’t thought of before. In a way, she was even grateful to him. She sincerely wished him luck in gaining the favor of Young Master Li and staying by his side.

Then she thought of Young Master Li’s unpredictable moods and silently burned some incense for Shen Jiayao.

This wasn’t going to be an easy matter, so Shen Yunxuan had to stir up even more trouble. The next time she cooked, she killed two more chickens for stew. She also used up all the white flour in the house, making a huge pot of steamed white buns.

Old Madam Shen smelled the aroma and hurried over. As soon as she saw that two more chickens were missing, she burst into tears. “Erya, are you trying to kill me?! We only had six chickens, and you’ve already killed four!”

Then, her eyes caught sight of the broken eggshells on the kitchen floor, and she wailed even louder. “You wasted more than ten eggs! Are you trying to drive me to my grave?!”

This was the first time Old Madam Shen had openly scolded a junior. She had always cherished the chickens, eggs, rice, and flour in the house, considering them family assets. Since she had no access to money, these items were the only things that gave her a sense of security, making her feel like their household was well-off. Now, with everything wasted, she was utterly devastated.

The commotion brought the rest of the family running. Shen Daya couldn’t help but say, “Erya, why are you always making trouble? You’re old enough to know better. Look at how upset you’ve made Grandma!”

Shen Yunxuan poked her head out and said matter-of-factly, “Cousin Jiayao is leaving tomorrow. I’m making this to nourish him.” Then, her eyes lit up as she looked at Shen Jiayao. “Cousin, I specially saved whole chicken legs for you this time! Later, I’ll give you all four. Eat well and make sure you gain Young Master Li’s favor when you get there.”

She handed him a bowl of egg custard and smiled apologetically. “Cousin, when you settle in at the Li family, find a way to get me in too. I can work! I’m good at cooking! I could be a maid by the young master’s side, and we could take care of each other. Wouldn’t that be great? Maybe one day, I could even earn some favor, and then we could both help bring prosperity to the family!”

The egg custard was drizzled with sesame oil, its rich fragrance making Shen Jiayao’s mouth water. But at this moment, he felt more annoyed than anything. A maid? Living a good life? Was she suddenly trying to become Young Master Li’s concubine?

So that was how it happened in his past life! He had always wondered how Shen Yunxuan, a kitchen maid, had caught the young master’s attention. Now he realized—she must have schemed her way up! He had completely underestimated this cousin of his!

Shen Jiayao’s expression darkened. His voice was harsh as he snapped, “What nonsense are you thinking?! I am a scholar! How could I allow my family to become servants? What would people think of me?!”

Shen Yunxuan swiftly snatched back the bowl of egg custard. “If you don’t want to help your family, just say so. Stop making excuses! When Grandpa wanted to send me to be a maid, you were all for it. It was only when you realized there was a better opportunity that you jumped in and took it for yourself. Now you’re saying our family members can’t be maids? Looks like even if you become successful, you won’t bother helping us.”

She turned around and walked away, eating the egg custard as she went.

“Shen Yunxuan, stop right there!” Shen Jiayao bellowed behind her.

But Shen Yunxuan didn’t even slow her steps. She entered the kitchen and slammed the door shut.

Furious, Shen Jiayao immediately turned to Old Master Shen. “Grandfather, look at her! If she stays in this house, she’s going to cause endless trouble. Something bad is bound to happen. We need to marry her off as soon as possible—”

“Marry off who?” A voice suddenly interrupted from the doorway.

Everyone turned to look. At the entrance stood the village head, the third elder, Madam Wu, Shen Fu, and Wang Xinghua. Their expressions were anything but pleasant.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆