"As you can see, Sister-in-law, you are also unwilling. You have been married into the Zhou family for three years and have only had Yun Mo. You haven't expanded the family line for my Zhou family. Should you not give my elder brother's branch a concubine?"
"Zhou Fenli..." Madam Sun was so angry she gnashed her teeth.
Zhou Yu Lin's eyes lit up, but he was immediately intimidated by Madam Sun's declaration that if he dared, she would break his legs. He had the desire but not the courage.
"Sister-in-law, if you are unwilling to do something, I, having been married for only half a year, believe you can understand my feelings," Zhou Shi said slowly.
"Can I compare myself to you? Your husband is a third-rank official in the imperial court, someone who can see the Emperor often, a favorite of the Emperor, and someone countless officials wish to win over. Even without Wan Zhu, there would be others. Sister-in-law is thinking of you. Otherwise, if other women truly enter the picture, and those women are not aligned with you, you will understand my good intentions."
"No need to trouble Sister-in-law. My husband has no intention of taking a concubine."
"Sister, you really don't understand men. Men are never satisfied. Just because he says no now doesn't mean he won't in the future."
"We'll talk about the future later. I can't control that much now. At least my husband doesn't have that idea at present."
Madam Sun sneered, "Sister, you are too naive."
Zhou Shi glanced at Madam Sun, then turned her gaze back to Madam Fan and Zhou Fu Kang. "If there is nothing else, this daughter will take her leave."
"My child, regarding what happened to Wan Zhu, you should give the Sun family an explanation."
Zhou Shi raised her eyes to Madam Fan, her expression turning cold. "An explanation? What explanation?"
"Sister, Wan Zhu attempted suicide because of you and Master Shen. This matter has likely spread. Wan Zhu may not be able to marry anyone else in the future. You will probably have to take responsibility."
Zhou Shi found Madam Sun's words amusing. "Responsibility? What responsibility do I have to take? What does her suicide have to do with me?"
Madam Sun said, "Wan Zhu can probably only marry Master Shen."
Zhou Shi's face darkened. It seemed that if she didn't agree, they intended to force the issue.
"I do not agree," Zhou Shi stated coldly, refusing.
"Presumptuous! This household is not yours to disagree!" Zhou Fu Kang roared in anger.
Zhou Shi looked at Zhou Fu Kang's furious reaction. She walked to a chair, sat down, poured herself a cup of tea, and after taking several sips, spoke slowly, "While I may not be able to control the affairs of the Zhou family, you cannot dictate the matters of my Shen residence."
"Wretch..." Zhou Fu Kang slammed his hand on the table.
"My child, how can you speak to your father like that? Wan Zhu also attempted suicide because of Master Shen. If she doesn't marry Master Shen, who will she marry?"
"Who she marries is none of my business, nor do I wish to concern myself with it. However, it is impossible for her to enter my Shen family." Zhou Shi showed no sign of relenting.
"I am your father, and you must obey me," Zhou Fu Kang declared angrily.
"Is that so? I thought you were Sun Wan Zhu's father, always thinking of her and completely disregarding your own daughter."
"Wretch, what nonsense are you spouting?" Zhou Fu Kang, in a fit of rage, hurled the teacup beside him at Zhou Shi's feet.
Watching the teacup shatter at her feet, her eyes flickered. When she looked up, her gaze was filled with icy coldness. "Father, it seems there is no point in continuing this conversation. This daughter will take her leave."
As Zhou Shi reached the doorway, a figure stood guard at the entrance. Who else but Sun Wan Zhu?
"Sister, please, I beg you to take me in..." Sun Wan Zhu knelt on the ground, pleading.
Seeing her, Zhou Shi realized that in less than a day, she had reduced herself to such a pathetic state, neither human nor ghost.
"Wan Zhu, I apologize, but I cannot agree," Zhou Shi said slowly.
Sun Wan Zhu was stunned. Despair filled her eyes as she looked up. "Sister, if you do not take me in, will you not even give me a chance to live?"
"There are myriad paths, why must Sister insist on only one?"
"The only path I desire, the only path I wish to take, is this one."
"Many paths are possible, but this one is not. Sister, take care!"
With that, Zhou Shi started to walk out. "Don't let her leave," Madam Sun shouted from behind.
Two servants of the Zhou residence blocked Zhou Shi's path. Zhou Shi turned to face Madam Sun. "Sister-in-law, what is the meaning of this?"
Madam Sun said slowly, "If Sister Sun does not agree, she will not be able to leave this place."
Zhou Shi looked at Madam Fan and asked, "Mother, do you also agree?"
Madam Fan turned her head away. "My child, isn't it enough if you agree?"
"And Father?"
Zhou Fu Kang angrily retorted, "You must agree today."
"And Brother?" Zhou Shi looked at Zhou Yu Lin.
Zhou Yu Lin looked somewhat guilty. "Sister, you know my word doesn't count in this household."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Shi couldn't help but laugh. "The most ridiculous thing in this world is my own family forcing me to take a concubine for my husband."
"My child, we are doing this for your own good," Madam Fan said with a hint of indulgence.
"For my own good? I don't think so. It's for you to gain a continuous source of support. Mother, I am very disappointed in you."
Zhou Shi was deeply disappointed. She had always believed her mother's favoritism towards her brother was because he was male. Even with favoritism, there would still be a small portion for her, which would be enough.
Now, it seemed that perhaps she received even less attention from her mother than Wan Zhu did.
"My child, you don't understand now, but you will later."
"I don't wish to know later, but you are forcing me to do something I am unwilling to do now. I was so foolish before, thinking that if I did more for you, you would look at me more, pay more attention to me. I was too naive. If you don't value me, you don't value me. If you don't care, you don't care. There are no excuses."
"My child, as long as you agree..."
"I do not agree," Zhou Shi said coldly.
"If you don't agree, we will lock you up until you do," Zhou Fu Kang declared angrily.
"If you dare to imprison the wife of the Minister of Punishments, I can have you prosecuted according to the law."
A cold voice echoed from outside.
Everyone was startled. Zhou Fu Kang angrily slammed the table. "Who is it? Get out here!"
Only Zhou Shi trembled all over. "My... my Lord..."
As the words fell, a tall figure appeared at the doorway. His official robes clearly displayed his rank: a third-rank official.
Shen Yun Xuan walked in. Seeing that familiar face, exceptionally handsome, Zhou Shi's breath hitched. He extended his hand and said softly, "My dear wife, I've come to take you home."
Tears of emotion streamed down Zhou Shi's face.
"My Lord, you truly came. This concubine..." Zhou Shi wept uncontrollably. She had actually held no hope for Shen Yun Xuan's arrival.
Shen Yun Xuan helped Zhou Shi up. Her footing was unsteady, and she leaned towards him. He supported her, pulling her into his embrace, bearing all her weight.
"My Lord, I am so happy you could come." Zhou Shi was truly overjoyed, her happiness bubbling uncontrollably.