Chapter 95: Chapter 95 Don’t Owe You_1
Chapter 95: Chapter 95 Don’t Owe You_1
“Great-uncle, I know how you feel about Erhu, and naturally, I won’t refuse the silver you’re offering. Getting Erhu treated is the top priority—we’ll pay you back once we’ve earned enough silver. But before that, as his wife, I can’t help feeling aggrieved. You are an elder in the Zhao Family, and your words carry weight. I’d like to ask you to bear witness for me and Erhu.”
“Erhu’s wife, speak your mind; I’m listening.” Great-uncle was extremely astute, having lived a good portion of his life. From Lin Yue’s demeanor, he guessed what this was about. It was just as well. They could settle the matter during this opportunity, so Erhu wouldn’t have to worry about his stepmother and his brothers causing him trouble any longer. Judging by what Erhu’s wife had done these past days, he knew she was strategic and decisive, and she truly cared for Erhu. This time, Erhu indeed married a good wife. This wasn’t the first time Great-uncle had praised her, which showed how satisfied he was with his great-niece-in-law, Lin Yue.
“Zhao Jingen, if you still regard me as an elder, come out right away with your wife.” Since he was to preside over the matter, naturally everyone from the old Zhao household needed to be present. Great-uncle knocking on the door was not to be taken lightly like Lin Yue’s knocking; Zhao Jingen wouldn’t dare to keep Great-uncle waiting. Upon hearing his call, Jingen promptly opened the door and came out with Wei Family and others, only to be met with the accusing gaze of Lin Yue. Mrs. Wei felt utterly unsettled.
“Father-in-law, may I ask, have you truly disowned Erhu as your son? Otherwise, why would you stand by and do nothing while Mother-in-law turned his injured wife away from your door? She claims that since Erhu has split from the Zhao family to live independently, there’s no reason for him to ask you for silver, so much so that she even refuses to lend any. However, whenever there was an issue at the main house, Erhu always contributed, whether with money or goods. Just a few days ago, for the sake of finding a job for the third brother, you came to ask Erhu for silver. How can this be right? Even if favoritism exists among sons, it shouldn’t be this blatant. Please give your daughter-in-law an explanation.”
Zhao Jingen was increasingly displeased with Lin Yue, this second daughter-in-law of the Lin Family. Her public questioning embarrassed him; he also knew his behavior was unfair, yet he found himself at a loss for words and was unable to provide an explanation to Lin Yue, choosing instead to stay silent and look towards Mrs. Wei.
Mrs. Wei, intimidated by Great-uncle’s unkind gaze, felt anxious that Lin Yue might create more trouble. “Erhu’s wife, as a new daughter-in-law, it’s not your place to question what the elders decide. Have you no manners left? Since Great-uncle has given you the silver, hurry back and tend to your husband instead of causing trouble here.”
“Mother-in-law, why can’t I question matters concerning my own household? Should I just quietly endure your bullying? There’s a well-known saying: with a stepmother comes a stepfather. It’s fine if you and your son scheme to take advantage from us on normal days, but now that Erhu has sustained serious injuries and lies bedridden, you refuse to spare even half a copper. Well then, in the future, don’t even think of seeking Erhu’s help for any matters concerning the main house. After all, we are now a separate household, with no involvement in each other’s affairs.”
“You…” Mrs. Wei wanted to say that they were indeed unconnected, but she was reluctant to cut off any potential benefits. She had received plenty from Zhao Erhu in the past and now choked on her words, unable to respond.
“I ask Great-uncle, and the fellow villagers too, to bear witness: it’s not that our family’s Erhu lacks filial piety, rather, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law are being too unfair and have treated Erhu unjustly. The scriptures say, ‘When the father is affectionate, the son is dutiful.’ Only when there is paternal love can there be filial piety. Since Father-in-law doesn’t regard Erhu as his own son, he shouldn’t use filial piety as leverage to extract benefits for his so-called brothers from Erhu any longer. Our Erhu doesn’t owe you anything.”