CHAPTER 476: CHAPTER 244: SECOND UNCLE AND SECOND AUNT ARE MISSING

Sang Yufei would naturally not criticize elders in front of his delicate newlywed bride, but Shi Lian was no fool. With the slightest hint, she could decipher the elegance of the music and quickly realized that her husband’s family must have had longstanding grievances with his second uncle’s family. Considering her eldest brother with his honest and loyal nature, and her husband being a gentleman, in her view, whatever had happened in the past, it must have been the second uncle’s family who were in the wrong.

Sang Yufei found it difficult to broach the subject, yet he didn’t know that the quintessentially problematic relative, Shi Lian, had seen it all before: the uncle-niece pair from the maternal side, and her own eldest sister and brother-in-law were vivid examples. The Sang family had its own difficult scriptures to recite, which, in her view, was nothing out of the ordinary.

Sang Wan smiled and said, "That’s good! The eldest sister-in-law understands all this. Let her intervene so you don’t suffer a loss!" Surprised, she then said, "Your words just now, could it be that you haven’t met them yet?"

That would be impossible! Although the two families had openly severed ties, at such a grand celebration as Sang Yufei’s wedding, it was unimaginable that Sang Pingliang and his wife would not join in on the excitement, and it was also unlikely that Sang Yufei’s brothers, including Mrs. Fang, would shut them out! Could it be that they had truly changed their ways? Or had something happened later that led to a complete and utter breakup of the relationship?

Sang Wan’s heart suddenly jumped, and she immediately recalled the time after Mrs. Li visited her home when she wrote a letter to her eldest brother and sister-in-law. Could it be that the sister-in-law had taken that letter and given them a harsh lesson, to the extent that—

If that were true, then it was her—

"Yes!" Unaware of Sang Wan’s thoughts at this moment, Shi Lian smiled and said, "During our wedding, they were not at home. I heard from the eldest sister-in-law that they left the village more than a month ago, and no one knows where they went! Now, only two of their daughters stay in their house."

Shi Lian couldn’t help but recall Mrs. Fang’s words, "Sister-in-law, you’re lucky. Those two troublemakers from their side weren’t around on your big day! Otherwise, it would have been quite lively!"

And considering those two cousins, Sang Yan was indeed honest and well-behaved, but Sang Rou was a bit too enthusiastic, always trying to nudge her way to her side with or without cause.

"I can’t believe such a thing!" Sang Wan exclaimed in surprise and hastily asked, "Do the eldest brother and sister-in-law know where they went? What could make them leave home like that?"

Mrs. Li was so fond of Sang Yan, and yet she was willing to abandon her and leave with Sang Pingliang—no matter how one heard it, it sounded bizarre.

Shi Lian shook her head, "The sister-in-law hasn’t mentioned it."

Sang Wan simply acknowledged with an "Oh" and did not inquire any further. The affairs of the Sang family would be unclear to Shi Lian anyway; it would be better to ask the second brother if there was a chance later.

After the two chatted for a while, a maid came to announce that the meal was ready, and both hurriedly got up, laughing as they went toward the main courtyard.

Since it was among family, there were no particular formalities. In the hall, two tables were set up, and the men and women sat at separate tables - that was all.

Aside from Shi Yumei, who kept a stern face and ate without paying attention to others, the atmosphere at the dinner table was fairly good, and the meal proceeded amid the lively noise.

According to custom, today’s visit back to her marital home didn’t allow for an overnight stay. Seeing that it was getting late, Mrs. Wang did not insist they stay longer but smiled and urged them to stay for a few more days when they came to the capital, to which Sang Yufei and Shi Lian both agreed.

Mrs. Wang then gave Shi Lian some advice, focusing on the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, being a good wife and mother, and so on. Shi Lian agreed to each of these points.

Unexpectedly, Shi Yumei laughed on the side and said, "Third Sister, don’t just agree with your mouth, remember to take it to heart. Your husband is a government official, so reputation and respectability are of the utmost importance! You should be virtuous and consider finding a few concubines who are skilled in calligraphy and painting and look beautiful, so that when your husband socializes with colleagues, you have some face when bringing them out to attend!"

As Shi Yumei spoke, she giggled, but the people around exchanged glances.

A new bride returns home, and instead of the elder sister blessing her younger sister and brother-in-law for a long and respectful life together, she talked about acquiring beautiful concubines. What kind of sister would do such a thing?

Caught in such a statement, it was inappropriate for Shi Lian to agree or disagree, and her face turned red in a moment.

Shi Yumei, however, wouldn’t let her off and pushed further with a laugh, "Third Sister, have you remembered that? Are you not responding because you disagree with your elder sister, or do you want to be the jealous wife?"

"Yumei!" Mrs. Wang finally could not bear to listen anymore and scolded her, "What nonsense are you spouting! How could your third sister ever be a jealous wife!"

Sang Yufei simply smiled and said, "Mother-in-law speaks the truth; your well-taught daughter naturally could not be a jealous wife. I appreciate elder sister’s good intentions in giving advice, and I accept it here in my heart! However, there are many scholars in this world, and not all are like brother-in-law who enjoys the company of beautiful women and concubines. I am content with my virtuous wife, and I thank my elder sister for her concern!"