Upon hearing the eldest daughter-in-law claim that Wufu was possessed by a monster, Old Lady Zhou’s heart skipped a beat, and her complexion constantly changed.
Being advanced in years, the old lady especially abhorred any mention of ghosts and deities, not to mention such things as monsters.
Old Lady Zhou, who also practiced worship of the Bodhisattva and the Buddha on normal days, now looked dark and somber upon hearing Madam Lu’s words.
"What nonsense are you spouting, ’what monster?’ Are you in any position to speak such words?" Old Lady Zhou rebuked.
Madam Lu, stubborn in her temperament, retorted, "If she’s not a monster, then what is she? Look at the things she has done recently; does any of this resemble a proper young lady’s behavior?"
Zhou Xueli wanted to argue a few words in defense of Wufu, but Lady Liang gently tugged at his sleeve, forcing him to suppress his words.
Old Lady Zhou responded coldly, "Even a clay figure has a degree of sentience. As her Elder Maternal Aunt and sister-in-law, you keep bullying her; shouldn’t she resist?"
Madam Lu’s eyes widened. What was she hearing? Wasn’t her mother-in-law the one who disliked Ying Mei and her daughter the most? And now she was speaking up for them!
"Mother, it’s not that I am bullying, it’s just..."
"Just stop talking." Zhou Xuennian halted her immediately. Couldn’t this witless woman see that their mother’s complexion was very unpleased? He still wanted to ask for some silver to use as a bribe.
Madam Lu felt extremely wronged and indignant, "I didn’t say anything wrong. Moreover, they say she can carve jade ware; that’s truly absurd! When did Wufu ever carve jade? If she could, would we have lived so poorly all these years? Couldn’t we have known?"
"Are you ever going to stop?" Zhou Xuennian stood up angrily and glowered at her, "Go back to your room."
"Fine, you’re all good people, it’s only me who cares about the well-being of the Old Zhou family, the bad guy. I won’t bother anymore." Madam Lu said, feeling extremely wronged, stamped her foot, and ran out crying.
Zhou Xuennian turned to Old Lady Zhou with an apologetic smile, "Mother, she was probably overexcited. Please don’t hold it against her."
"It seems her nature is getting more and more inappropriate," Old Lady Zhou said indignantly. "She shouldn’t be saying such things. If word gets out, how will others see the Zhou family? How will Dajun and Xiuxiu propose marriage in the future?"
"I will certainly discipline her properly later on," Zhou Xuennian agreed repeatedly, and catching a glimpse of Zhou Xueli and his wife, he continued, "Second brother, you should go back to your room first!"
Zhou Xueli frowned, "Big brother, what about the matter of buying grain?"
"Don’t listen to Ying Mei and the others spouting nonsense. How could there be a disaster? Our family has enough grain," Zhou Xuennian said irritably, waving his hand dismissively.
"Big brother, this..."
"What? I am the head of the Zhou family, can’t I make decisions now?" Zhou Xuennian said with displeasure on his face, even casting a sidelong glance at Lady Liang. It had all started because of her instigation.
Lady Liang felt a tightening in her heart and hurriedly pulled on Zhou Xueli’s sleeve, "Husband, let’s go back to our room."
Zhou Xueli felt stifled, yet didn’t dare contradict his elder brother, leaving with Lady Liang.
Upon leaving the main house, they overheard Zhou Xuennian trying to appease Old Lady Zhou and then overheard him asking for silver to grease some palms, which darkened Xueli’s expression.
"Let’s go back first." The couple exchanged a glance and returned to their room to sit down.
Lady Liang, seeing Zhou Xueli’s troubled expression, said with a guilty face, "It’s all my fault. I’ve caused the family unrest. Husband, mother might blame me."
"How is this your fault? You meant well, but alas..." Zhou Xueli sighed.
Lady Liang looked up at him cautiously, "Big brother is the head of the family, we should listen to him."
Zhou Xueli pressed his lips together and after a long moment said, "I’ve wronged you."
Hearing this, Lady Liang’s heart sank, realizing that today’s effort had been in vain, and that her husband was, more than she imagined, inclined to follow his elder brother’s words.
Lady Liang lowered her head and furrowed her brow, her thoughts unclear.