CHAPTER 547: CHAPTER 280: HOIST WITH ONE’S OWN PETARD (PART 2)

It took a good while for Sang Wan to console her, as she held her hand and forced a smile, saying, "Look at yourself, all grown up and yet crying like this; if someone didn’t know better, they’d think I’ve treated you terribly!"

Zhou Jingyi snickered, suddenly feeling a bit embarrassed, and as she wiped her tears said: "Sorry sister-in-law, I’ve lost my composure!"

Sang Wan shook her head and with a gentle sigh said with a smile: "I understand how you feel, don’t be sad, the Second Young Master will be fine!"

"Yes!" Zhou Jingyi nodded and eagerly said: "Sister-in-law, my husband always listens to my brother’s words. If he, if he really wants to divorce me, can you ask my brother to speak for me, sister-in-law?"

Sang Wan felt somewhat awkward but still nodded, "Don’t worry, as long as you firmly refuse, your uncle and aunt will definitely support you!"

Zhou Jingyi regained her composure and laughed: "Right, I was confused and even forgot that!" With her husband being so ill and his life hanging by a thread, her in-laws would naturally hope she could stay by his side, why would they let him act recklessly? Truly, she had been foolish!

Thinking this, Zhou Jingyi felt much better, and after sitting for a while longer, she headed back to Xiu Garden. As evening approached, she went over to Biluo Pavilion.

Zhou Jingyi personally took charge, diligently preparing the medicine by the stove. After a short while, Xiaocui brought dinner in, saying that the Second Young Master should eat first before taking his medicine, so it wouldn’t spoil his appetite.

Zhou Jingyi then opened the food box and saw inside a bowl of black chicken and bamboo mushroom soup, a bowl of stewed ham, a dish of caviar tofu, a dish of stir-fried shrimp with cowpea, and a bowl of shiny white rice.

"You watch the stove, I’ll take this in!" Zhou Jingyi still covered it up and instructed as she took the food box.

Upon seeing that it was her again, Shi Fengming turned his head away, showing his displeasure.

"Husband, time to eat! Let me help you sit up!" Zhou Jingyi gently placed the food box on the table and softly approached.

"I’m not hungry! Take it out!" Shi Fengming said stubbornly.

Zhou Jingyi didn’t get angry; she still reached out to help him, "At the very least, have a little, it’s almost time to take your medicine! I brought the dishes to show you, if they don’t suit your taste, then I’ll ask the kitchen to make something else!"

"I said I’m not hungry, you’re so annoying!" Shi Fengming snapped angrily.

Zhou Jingyi stiffened, contained her hurt, and still said: "If you don’t eat something, how will your body cope with the medicine? Husband, do you really hate me that much?"

"Yes!" Shi Fengming nodded ruthlessly and said: "I do hate you, I feel uncomfortable just seeing you! Just leave me alone! Go away!"

"You!" Zhou Jingyi couldn’t help but be offended by his unrestrained insults. Her face flushed between red and white, and she stamped her foot and spun around, rushing out. At the door, she almost ran into Shi Fengju, bursting right into his arms.

"Big brother!" Zhou Jingyi was startled and quickly stepped back, hanging her head not daring to let Shi Fengju see the moisture in her eyes.

"Did the second brother upset you again?" Shi Fengju stepped a few paces out, signaling her to come forward.

Zhou Jingyi, guessing that he must have heard their earlier conversation, did not care about feeling embarrassed, she lightly nodded, then quickly shook her head, "Husband is ill and in a bad mood, lashing out might actually be good for his condition. I shouldn’t have taken it personally!"

Shi Fengju smiled, then suddenly became serious and said: "Sister-in-law, to speak fairly, this marriage was our Shi family’s fault from the beginning! Now that the second brother has turned into this, you really shouldn’t waste your life accompanying him! You are still young, you should think about your future. Why persist stubbornly—listen to me before you say anything! If you’re worried that leaving the Shi family now would subject you to criticism for being heartless, rest assured, just give the word and the rest will be handled by our family. Naturally, it would appear that our family can’t bear to hold you back and is forcing you to leave, not that you want to leave. Your dowry and part of the second brother’s wealth will be given to you. With the Zhou family’s wealth, you could certainly find another good match. Why endure this? The second brother is very stubborn, since he dislikes you so much, it’s unlikely he’ll change! Is this worth it?"

"Big brother!" Zhou Jingyi raised her head, her clear and bright eyes looking directly at Shi Fengju, and she bowed gracefully, replying earnestly: "Thank you for considering my well-being! Since brother has spoken, then I might as well speak my heart—I will not leave my husband. Whether his illness improves or not, I won’t leave him! In this life, Zhou Jingyi acknowledges only him as my husband. If he recovers, I will indeed be happy, but if not, I’ll still stand by him for a lifetime. Please, big brother, grant me this!"

Shi Fengju was silent for a moment, then said: "Do you really think this way? Or is it hard to say in front of me? If you’re just embarrassed to say, then there’s no need to speak now. When Master Zhou and Mrs. Zhou arrive, we can talk then, as they might know what’s best for you!"

"Please don’t!" Zhou Jingyi turned pale and hurriedly said: "Big brother, I beg you! Please don’t say that to my parents, they will definitely force me to return home, I won’t go! Big brother, everything I just said was from the heart, I would not dare to deceive even the heavens!" She was distressed and frustrated and could not help bursting into tears: "Why does everyone want to drive me away? Am I really so disagreeable? Since you married me into the family, why can’t you tolerate me here!"

Shi Fengju hadn’t expected her to start crying, and suddenly felt a bit awkward, looking around and quickly said: "Don’t cry! Now that you have made up your mind, then stay, nobody has really said they want to drive you away!"

"Thank you for granting me this, big brother!" Crying in front of her brother-in-law wasn’t a good look, so upon hearing his words, Zhou Jingyi wiped her tears and held back her sobs, giving a respectful bow to Shi Fengju.

"However," Shi Fengju sighed lightly, "the second brother does not have you in his heart, why persist then? Perhaps after he recovers, he may find new love, still leaving you out. Sister-in-law, I shouldn’t be saying this, but this marriage was our Shi family’s mistake from the start, I really can’t bear seeing you suffer like this. Wouldn’t it be better to seize this opportunity to free yourself?"