Chapter 163 - 82: The Frustrated Brother-in-Law_2

Words : 1005 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 163: Chapter 82: The Frustrated Brother-in-Law_2 Shi Yumei suddenly felt dejected and no longer had the mood to discuss others’ shortcomings. Forcing a smile, she said, "Yes, yes, the fortune teller mentioned that our Master shouldn’t travel far this year, especially not towards the southeast, which is very ominous! As for the rural examination, it happens every three years and can’t be avoided. If we miss this one, there’s always the next one to strive for; it’s really not a big deal! As long as one has true talent and learning, why worry about not achieving official honors?" "That’s true too! Honors are important, but life is even more so! There’s always next time to take the exam!" Mrs. Wang smiled in agreement. "Ha-ha! Then brother, here’s to wishing my brother-in-law success in topping the exams and achieving rapid success!" Shi Fengju slightly raised his eyebrows, giving Ren Zhixian a salute with his hands. "Ha-ha, thank you dear brother! When the time comes, I’ll definitely invite you over for a good drink!" Ren Zhixian, pushing aside earlier embarrassment, smiled radiantly and returned the gesture to Shi Fengju, acting as if he could easily secure a position as a successful candidate whenever he wanted. Shi Fengju sneered in his heart, thinking if someone like you can pass the exams, then the title itself is hardly of any worth! While they were speaking, Mrs. Li entered and, as was necessary, paid her respects to the elder madam and elder master, reporting that dinner was ready, thus everyone headed to the dining room together. As everyone stood up, Shi Lian hesitated a bit. Although she was an unmarried lady and it was inappropriate for her to dine at the same table as her elder brother-in-law, the Shi family wasn’t strict about these customs and relatives who visited were often allowed to join freely. However, knowing her brother-in-law’s character, Shi Lian was afraid he might say something embarrassing for her, so she forced a smile and said, "Mother, second brother, elder sister, I, I’ve had some stomach discomfort these past few days, so..." Mrs. Wang, who did not have the inclination to maltreat or particularly favor this non-biological daughter—who was also uninteresting and reticent in her presence—casually responded, "Then go back and rest, ask the kitchen to prepare something light for you. If it gets worse, come find your elder sister-in-law to have someone fetch the doctor!" "Yes, thank you for your concern, mother!" Shi Lian hurriedly bowed and fled the scene. As everyone took their seats, Sang Wan remained standing, busying herself with instructing the servants to serve the dishes, personally setting up bowls, chopsticks, and soup spoons for Mrs. Wang, then she stood behind Mrs. Wang, preparing clean chopsticks and plates to help her mother-in-law with the dishes. Since her elder sister-in-law had previously set expectations, she indeed had to respond creatively. Seeing this, Shi Yumei was secretly pleased, thinking to herself, watch me handle you! Ren Zhixian saw the table full of dishes but couldn’t help frowning, because his favorite dishes were missing, and even the fish was braised instead of steamed! Ren Zhixian couldn’t help feeling secretly indignant, thinking that the Shi family was being overly presumptuous! "These dishes are too greasy! Too much meat and fish isn’t good; it should be something lighter for it to be considered healthy living!" Ren Zhixian couldn’t help commenting. His expression was already stern as if someone owed him hundreds of silver, and these rather impolite words only sounded even less courteous to others. This dinner was organized by Sang Wan, and she was at a loss for words in that moment, quickly offering a sheepish smile and saying, "I truly am unaware of the elder brother-in-law’s preferences; it was an oversight on my part, please forgive me! I’ll ask the kitchen to prepare some lighter dishes right away!" "You didn’t know your brother-in-law’s tastes?" Shi Yumei smirked and said jokingly, "If you didn’t know, then you didn’t know, but why, are you trying to curry favor by snooping around? Little sister, you worry too much! Just take care of my second brother, and don’t bother about anyone else!" Sang Wan’s face flushed red, and she stood there unsure of what to do. "Yumei! Watch your words!" Mrs. Wang frowned. Shi Fengju also became annoyed, lightly chuckled and said, "Elder sister, Miss Wan meant well, see how harshly you speak! Mrs. Li, go instruct the kitchen to prepare a dish of lightly sautéed cabbage and another of radish, remember, make it light with less oil and salt! Brother-in-law, does this work for you? I remember when I visited your house, elder brother-in-law was particularly fond of these two dishes, even mentioned how radishes and cabbage are good stuff! I’ve always remembered that elder brother-in-law likes these!" "Fengju has a good memory indeed!" Ren Zhixian momentarily felt sheepish. Previously, when Shi Fengju visited their home, he had deliberately instructed the preparation of these bland dishes, convinced that Shi Fengju, who was used to living in luxury, would struggle with such simple fare, allowing him a chance to impress him with a "brother-in-law’s" earnest lecture on the virtues of frugality and simplicity, ultimately gaining his respect. But he never got the chance to show off as Shi Fengju managed to eat everything smoothly during that visit, and now, he even brought it up himself. The main courtyard had a small kitchen ready with fresh ingredients, and the cook was highly efficient; soon, two plates of lightly sautéed vegetables were served. "Place it in front of the elder master, alright, let’s eat! Otherwise, the dishes will get cold!" Shi Fengju laughed, gesturing for everyone to begin eating. Seeing his elder sister about to say something, he continued smiling, "Xiuli, quickly offer elder madam a chopstick of Shredded Chicken and Dried Scallop. Sister, this is your favorite!" "It’s still you, second brother, who remembers me!" Shi Yumei immediately chimed in with a smile, thoroughly pleased as she began eating.

Chapter 163 - 82: The Frustrated Brother-in-Law_2

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