Chapter 7: You Brought This upon Yourself

On this point alone, he couldn't go back on his own word and let his daughter-in-law be bullied at home, or else, how could he face the in-laws with any dignity? Besides, everyone in the village knew that his youngest son had married such a good daughter-in-law—beautiful and well-born at that. Bragging to others now came with newfound confidence, and the villagers accorded him much more respect than before. With these two factors in mind, he would never allow anyone to bully his fourth daughter-in-law. If she were truly driven away, who could restore his current glory?

Old Man Han didn't doubt Su Wenyue's intentions at all. The fourth daughter-in-law had even brought up divorce, which indicated just how upset she was. Any daughter-in-law would have been angry if she'd been treated that way during the Tea ceremony. The eldest daughter-in-law was always trouble, enjoying causing conflicts, and with the third daughter-in-law egging her on, neither were up to any good. The second daughter-in-law was less trouble, but simply too honest and couldn't express her thoughts forcefully.

Old Man Han might not involve himself in household matters ordinarily, but he was well aware of what was happening. It was only that his wife couldn't see what kind of person the third daughter-in-law was. Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang, seeing their father-in-law as spineless and hands-off, hadn't restrained themselves much in front of Old Man Han. But no matter how weak and disengaged he might have been, Old Man Han was, after all, the head of the family. He often indulged Mrs. Yang, avoiding becoming involved in these petty family issues, but outside the house, he was never one to be easily pushed around or bullied.

With a grimace, Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang thought, what did they mean by Su Wenyue being the most valued daughter-in-law of the Han Family? What did that make them? Weren't they also daughters-in-law? Could it be just because Su Wenyue had a better family background, she was considered superior? That was too unfair.

However, no matter how resentful they felt inside, they didn't dare to voice any more complaints, not when they had heard Su Wenyue mention divorce. If the fourth son and his wife were truly driven to divorce, would their parents-in-law let them off? Moreover, while their father-in-law usually kept silent, when he did speak, it was something even Mrs. Yang, their mother-in-law, dared not contradict. They didn't dare court that kind of trouble.

Han Yu's face remained stern throughout. He took to heart how easily Su Wenyue mentioned divorce. Although he had reservations which prevented him from speaking up for Su Wenyue in front of his parents and sister-in-law, the fact that she could so readily suggest divorce showed she didn't hold much regard for her husband.

Su Wenyue didn't truly desire a divorce, after all, things hadn't reached that stage yet. Although she was disheartened by Han Yu's behavior, how much affection could develop between two strangers who had only spent one night together? Moreover, even if she desired divorce, her father and mother would likely not agree to it.

Having married into the Han Family, in this era, a girl who was divorced or cast aside would struggle to find a reputable husband's family again. Life would be quite difficult. Furthermore, given her poor performance earlier, her father and mother might even misconstrue it as her acting willfully, likely not taking her side in the matter.

"Alright, now that everything is clear and the head of the household has spoken, the eldest daughter-in-law and third daughter-in-law should apologize to the fourth daughter-in-law, and let's put this matter to rest. The fourth daughter-in-law should also refrain from lightly tossing out words about divorce. Having married into the Han Family, you are now a member of our old Han family. Is there anything we can't discuss amicably?"

Knowing she had earlier listened to the third daughter-in-law without immediately making her stance clear, Mrs. Yang understood it was natural for the fourth daughter-in-law to have some thoughts about it. Yet, the authority of a mother-in-law still needed to be upheld. So while she reprimanded Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang, she also gave Su Wenyue a few pointed words. The fact that the fourth daughter-in-law could speak as she did suggested that her heart hadn't yet settled down to fully accept herself as part of the Han family.

"Yes, daughter-in-law understands," Su Wenyue wouldn't openly contradict Mrs. Yang, especially since her objective had been achieved. However...

Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang, under the stern gaze of their mother-in-law, found it hard to swallow their pride but had no choice but to stand and bow to Su Wenyue to offer an apology: "Fourth younger sister-in-law, we are sorry, it was us..."

"Wait..." Su Wenyue quickly stepped aside to avoid the apologies from Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang.

"There's more to this matter and no need for my sister-in-laws to apologize so hastily. It looks as though I'm the one picking on others. I, Su Wenyue, have always been reasonable and don't wish for my sisters-in-law to apologize so grudgingly."

Su Wenyue had no intention of letting the matter rest just like that, especially since the accusations of Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang hadn't been fully addressed.

The moment Su Wenyue spoke, it wasn't just Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang who looked displeased, but also very angry, as if they were accusing Su Wenyue of being excessive. We, as your sister-in-laws, have already apologized to you, what more do you want?

Seeing Su Wenyue acting so unyielding and clinging to the matter, Mrs. Yang's expression grew even darker. She had thought the fourth daughter-in-law was sensible, but it turned out she was no less trouble. As her mother-in-law, Mrs. Yang had ruled fairly, demanding that the eldest and third daughter-in-laws apologize to a newly arrived daughter-in-law—already a significant acknowledgment of the fourth daughter-in-law's position. Yet, the fourth daughter-in-law was unrelenting. What was she really after?

"Su Wenyue, don't overstep your bounds. After all, the eldest sister-in-law and third sister-in-law are still your sisters-in-law. Don't be so unyieldingly righteous! Although our Han Family isn't a Wealthy Family, we still have our rules. Harmony is key among family members. The eldest sister-in-law and third sister-in-law may have overdone it, but it was a minor spat. They have already apologized to you; what more do you want? Moreover, mother has already spoken. Let's not make a scene anymore!" Han Yu said sternly, clearly very dissatisfied with Su Wenyue.

"So, husband, you also think the eldest and third sister-in-laws have overstepped. I thought you didn't think so, which is why you said nothing." Su Wenyue spoke slowly, her face bearing an ambiguous smile. Truly, she felt a chill in her heart. Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Liu made life difficult for a new daughter-in-law, yet Han Yu, her husband, failed to stand up for her and now was chiding her in front of so many people, with no care for her dignity.

With Han Yu's words, Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang felt a twinge of satisfaction, thinking that Su Wenyue hadn't won the fourth younger brother over. Particularly Mrs. Wang, although she appeared angered on the surface, was actually excited inside. With the words from their father-in-law and mother-in-law already setting the stage, she couldn't reveal her evidence at this moment as it wouldn't have the desired effect and would make her situation worse. Now with Su Wenyue's actions, was she being pushed to bring forth the evidence?

"Su Wenyue, this is what you asked for!" Mrs. Wang sneered inwardly, wishing she could present the handkerchief in her sleeve at that very moment as evidence. Still, she held back, as it wasn't yet the right time. Just a little longer.