Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Shao Erlang’s determination to protect Ms. Zhang and ensure her safety was unwavering. He refused to drive her away, understanding that it would only lead to her demise. Desperate, he knelt down before his parents, Ms. Niu and Second Uncle, pleading for their forgiveness and begging them to allow Ms. Zhang to stay. He promised to take responsibility for her, vowing to guide her and prevent her from making any further mistakes. However, he made it clear that his compassion was contingent on their acceptance of Ms. Zhang.
Initially, both Second Uncle and Ms. Niu were infuriated by Shao Erlangs pleas. They hurled curses at him, deeming him foolish for his persistence.
Reluctantly, they reluctantly agreed to let Ms. Zhang stay, primarily for the sake of the children. Shao Erlangs relentless persuasion had worn them down, though their resentment toward Ms. Zhang was apparent.
Ms. Zhang overheard their conversation and a sense of bitterness welled up within her. She had been treated as a slave within her own family, and the moment she had access to decent food and clothing, she forgot about her past misery.
Now, she harbored a deep hatred towards Ms. Niu and Second Uncle, blaming them for the circumstances she found herself in. In her mind, if they had shown her even a modicum of kindness, she would not have fallen into such a desperate situation. She held them responsible for her misfortune.
Despite Ms. Zhangs troubled presence, her husband, Shao Erlang, remained the only redeeming figure within the Shao Family. The rest of the family members were seen as lacking in goodness and virtue.
Nis. Zhang soon caused trouble once again, and this time it seemed that her fate was sealed. Tearful apologies and kowtows ensued, forcing Ms. Niu to reluctantly tolerate Ms. Zhangs presence once more. The situation infuriated Ms. Yan, who vented her frustrations to Shao Silang behind closed doors. In an attempt to placate his wife, Shao Silang resorted to flattery and consolation. Only then did Ms. Yan find some solace.
With Ms. Zhang back in the household, it became imperative to retrieve the divorce papers. Ms. Niu enlisted the help of Shao Erlang and several villagers from the same village to retrieve the documents from the Zhang Village. It was necessary to rectify the situation, as having Ms. Zhang remain under their roof without the proper legal documentation would tarnish the family’s reputation.
However, to their surprise, the Zhang Family, including Mrs. Zhang, proved to be peculiar individuals. They insisted that since Ms. Zhang had divorced and remarried, the Shao Family must compensate them with wedding gifts before they would release the divorce papers.
Since Ms.Zhang was not divorced for too long, The Zhang Family called for just 30 liang as the wedding gifts. Otherwise there would be no divorce paper.
Ms. Niu was utterly shocked by Mrs. Zhangs shameless behavior. She vehemently refused to offer any monetary compensation, condemning Mrs. Zhang as greedy and outrageous. In her view, thirty liang was far too exorbitant. With that amount, they could easily find a new, young girl to marry Shao Erlang. According to Ms. Niu, Ms. Zhang was not worth thirty liang at all. She decided not to pursue the divorce papers any further. Instead, she planned to bring Ms. Zhang back to their own family and seek out a matchmaker to find a pretty and beautiful young girl for Shao Erlang’s marriage.
Mrs. Zhang seethed with anger, accusing the Shao Family of bullying. Ms. Niu sharply retorted, telling Shao Erlang to accompany her home. She declared that she did not need such despicable relatives.
Shao Erlang was equally taken aback by the situation. He had not anticipated this turn of events. The Zhang Family’s demands were excessive, and their behavior bordered on harassment. Shao Erlang chose to remain silent, recognizing that further involvement would likely invite even more trouble.
Eventually, someone informed the Land Officer about the situation. The Land Officer deemed the matter too humiliating for the village and intervened to restore peace. He compelled Mrs. Zhang to provide the divorce papers.
The Land Officer regarded Ms. Zhang as fortunate that the Shao Family was willing to accept her. Mrs. Zhangs demand for thirty liang as a wedding gift was considered nonsensical.
She appeared to be driven solely by a desire for maximum profit, charging exorbitant amounts without any sense of reason or fairness..