Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“What do you say we go inside and discuss this in private? After all, we’re here to congratulate and discuss the family affairs of Ms. Zhang and Shao Erlang, and it’s unfortunate that a family has been broken up. The children are still so young, and Ms. Zhang isn’t a criminal, right?”
Eldest Uncle had a kind heart and was mindful of his reputation, so he couldn’t bear to see The Zhang Family begging for forgiveness at the door. The Land Officer’s words only added to his discomfort.
He was about to ask the guests to come into the door.
“Yes, yes we can talk in the room, because I feel it is not easy to talk it through clearly within a short while…”
“Oh yeah that is great!”
“The Zhang Family are not welcome inside,” Ms. Fang retorted sharply to Eldest Uncle. Her expression turned even darker as she continued, “Yunduan is now a Provincial Champion and our family has a good reputation. We cannot allow these types of people to ruin it. Not just The Zhang Family. but anyone like them should never be allowed into our home.”
Shao Yunduan added, “l agree with my mother. Land Officer Zhang and Elderly Men, that’s what I meant.”
The others hesitated and turned to Eldest Uncle for his decision.
Feeling annoyed that his wife and son were publicly humiliating him, Eldest Uncle responded, “Yunduan may have achieved success, but we cannot turn away villagers. While we are not related, we can still treat them as guests and offer them hospitality.”
“You old man, how dare you accept such a despicable family! Are you happy to see Yunduan’s reputation tarnished?” Ms.Fang exclaimed, her anger boiling over. She stomped hard on the floor in frustration.
“Why do you call us despicable? It is your whole family that is despicable! Your family divorced our daughter and now your son has become a Recommended Man. You think you are of a higher class and we are beneath you!” Mrs. Zhang continued, her voice rising with each word.
“If you didn’t like us, your family should never have married our daughter! She has given birth to children for the Shao Family and worked for you for so many years. And now, you are just driving her away? How can she be summoned and dismissed so easily?”
“Our daughter was a complete woman before she married into this family, and she would never have done such a thing if not for you! She is a sister, and it is her duty to help her brother. What is wrong with that? How could you force her to make that mistake? You made her do it!” Mrs. Zhangs voice was raised, her anger palpable.
“l spared no efforts to raise a daughter and gave her to your family. She was just trying to help her brother. What is wrong with that?” she continued.
“We are not finished with this! We will not be bullied!”
Yang Xiaoni’s eyes widened as she listened to the argument. She spoke up quietly, “But that’s not right! Second Sister-in-law, or rather, Ms. Zhang, you were the daughter-in-law of the second branch of the family, not ours. Why are you complaining here? And I have never seen a mother treat her son . How can such a mistake be seen as something positive? Your family is really scary!’
Qiao Xuan snorted, “My husband being a Provincial Champion has nothing to do with you. The announcement was made by the county, not us! And Ms.. Zhangs mistake and subsequent removal from the family has nothing to do with my husband’s success either!”