Chapter 162 - 82: The Frustrated Brother-in-Law
"Rituals must not be discarded, filial piety must be adhered to, the actions of the younger brother’s wife are indeed improper! The eldest brother-in-law should provide guidance!" Ren Zhixian also spoke earnestly. In his heart, deep disappointment in Sang Wan grew, prompting an involuntary sigh: How difficult it is to find a like-minded person in this world!
"It was my fault, I was careless for a moment!" Sang Wan quickly stood up.
"Miss Wan!" Shi Fengju could not help but feel a silent anger, giving Ren Zhixian a cold glance. He had never held much regard for this seemingly virtuous, yet utterly pedantic eldest brother-in-law. If he were a real man, he wouldn’t have squandered the family wealth and consider it normal to sell off his wife’s dowry just to get by. What’s more infuriating is, among the four maids brought by his elder sister as part of her dowry, all but Cui Zhu were taken in as maids and concubines less than a year after the marriage, and when times got tough, he sold those three and only kept Cui Zhu, who now has also started to wear her hair up like a married woman!
It’s one thing for his wife to be admonished by his elder sister, but why should he interject? If he really were well-mannered and understood the concept of propriety, wouldn’t he know to avoid impertinence? Is his eldest brother-in-law’s wife someone he has a right to comment on?
Shi Fengju took Sang Wan’s hand and made her sit down, "We’re all family here, no need for so many formalities! Since when did my sister become so fastidious!" Shi Fengju said with a chuckle, lightly and casually, while secretly squeezing Sang Wan’s hand to comfort her.
"Indeed, Yumei, you’ve misunderstood Miss Wan!" Mrs. Wang said with a smile: "Your sister-in-law knows very well about rules and etiquette! I’ve even felt she’s too courteous at times, which can make family feel distant! Ha ha, it took quite some effort for her to let her guard down in front of me, and now with your words, she might become all uptight again! Miss Wan, it’s just your sister’s casual remark, don’t take it to heart, ha ha, please sit! By the way, how’s dinner coming along?"
"Mrs. Li is keeping an eye on it, it should be ready soon!" Sang Wan hurriedly answered with a smile, offering a grateful smile to her mother-in-law.