Chapter 983 - 981 Fully Explained

Words : 1126 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

Chapter 983: Chapter 981 Fully Explained Even the most persuasive words of Shopkeeper Tian were powerless now. The evidence was overwhelming, leaving no room for denial. Looking at his own wife, his own child, who were supposed to be his flesh and blood. Why had he worked so hard, fought tooth and nail? Wasn’t it, besides for himself, also for posterity? Who could have imagined that his heartfelt plans for their future would result in betrayal by both mother and son? Shopkeeper Tian, filled with despair, found himself powerless and chose to confess everything. Originally, he had a good relationship with the Huang Family, which gave him the opportunity to witness the Rouge and Powder Shop crafted by Miss Huang. Astounded, he persuaded the Huang Family to venture into the rouge and powder business with him. With Miss Huang’s formula, combined with the Huang Family’s tradition of flower cultivation, they had fresh blossoms year-round, leading to the creation of fragrant and beautiful products widely welcomed. Their fame spread not only throughout Jing County, but even to nearby counties and the Provincial Capital. Profits were truly rolling in. Originally mutual benefits bound Shopkeeper Tian and the Huang Family, and barring accidents, such cooperation promised rewards for both sides. But when Shopkeeper Tian visited the Capital City, he discovered a popular Palace Powder product there, which covered imperfections and whitened the skin, selling exceptionally well. He brought some boxes back, asking Miss Huang for her insights. Miss Huang, captivated by rouge and powder making, initially tried this Palace Powder, noticing its initial effect of whitening and brightening complexion. Yet, she soon realized something was off with this Palace Powder. Due to her sensitive skin, she detected the dependency after long-term use; while applied, the skin appeared white and soft. However, once washed off, the skin became yellow and problematic. When Shopkeeper Tian probed to see if she could produce and sell this Palace Powder, Miss Huang promptly refused. She simply stated that the Huang Family would never manufacture such harmful and disfiguring products. Shopkeeper Tian departed the Huang Family angrily. Considering that his shop depended solely on the Huang Family’s supplies, Shopkeeper Tian had no choice but to endure. Unexpectedly, this lead-based powder became popular in the Provincial Capital and stirred much demand. Those selling this lead powder were making a fortune, contrastingly taking away business from Tian and Huang Family’s Rouge and Powder Shop. Shopkeeper Tian, driven by wealth, was restless. Seeing others profiting, while he too could have earned such riches, only to see vast Silver slip by, how could he not be anxious? He stealthily stocked the item and sold it in his own shop. He unfortunately got caught by Miss Huang, sparking a fierce argument, and Miss Huang warned that if Shopkeeper Tian continued selling Palace Powder, she would no longer supply Huang Family’s rouge and powder. Even though greed clouded his judgment, Shopkeeper Tian realized that his shop depended on Huang Family’s products for a standing. Thus, swallowing his pride, he personally apologized, making several promises, barely smoothing things over. Ultimately, Shopkeeper Tian harbored resentment, and while drinking one day, he crossed paths with Loo Zhiyi, who was also drinking alone. The two sat together, growing steadily chummier through their shared grievances. Under the influence, their inhibitions loosened, revealing their mutual disdain towards Huang Family, Loo Zhiyi confiding his grievances. Shopkeeper Tian resented Huang Family blocking his fortunes, while Loo Zhiyi felt slighted by the entire Huang Family, especially Miss Huang. Despite being husband and wife, their relationship was rather cold. With a son, Miss Huang further distanced herself, engrossed in flower and powder studies, avoiding conversations even with Loo Zhiyi who, despite being provided for in the Huang Family, felt isolated without anyone to converse with. Though married for years in the Huang Family, he felt alienated, his child raised by his mother-in-law, his wife indulging her passion for rouge and powder. In the Huang Family, he lacked identity, perceived merely as Miss Huang’s husband. Even externally, people called him Eldest Son-in-law of the Huang Family, not Scholar Loo. His own kin, while affinally bound to the Huang Family, were inferior in Huang Family’s presence. Watching his wife and Second Miss Huang casually spend Silver on trivialities, without batting an eye. Meanwhile, his own sister lacked a decent dress. When his sister was to marry, unable to afford a proper dowry, he swallowed his pride seeking his wife’s aid, asking if they could fund a prestigious dowry for his sister’s wedding. Only to face immediate rejection, his wife stated as a sister-in-law she could supplement a bit, but providing dowry was beyond for Huang Family to manage, which would disparage Loo Family’s dignity. Further, she remarked his sister’s matrimony concerned only a common family, suffice it similarly, a substantial dowry might not be beneficial. Supporting his sister would better be done by attaining Graduate status, granting esteem even without dowry. Upon hearing this, Loo Zhiyi felt humiliated and furious, his younger sister expecting him to secure a respectable dowry, which he had agreed to whole-heartedly, and upon failing, his face felt disgraceful. From then onward, Loo Zhiyi found animosity towards the Huang Family, especially Miss Huang. Shopkeeper Tian hearing Loo Zhiyi, understood well. He too harbored resentment towards Miss Huang, and slyly spoke seemingly conciliatory yet truly provocative words. Further stirring Loo Zhiyi’s discontent. Their acquaintance deepened, frequently venting grievances against the Huang Family while drinking. After passing the Graduate exam, Loo Zhiyi returned with arrogance, viewing others with disdain, anticipating reverence from the Huang Family. Contrary to his expectations, upon his return, the Huang Family remained unchanged, no sign of awe, treating him as before. Only when slightly arrogant, did the servants mutter behind his back, speaking of his newfound arrogance, of neglecting people, and how poverty-stricken circumstances before marrying into Huang Family, barely able to afford food, had improved solely through marriage, enabling examination aspirations. Yet post-success, he revealed such a Little Ren demeanor, criticized extensively. Hearing these, Loo Zhiyi felt urgency and anger but possessed wisdom realizing the power of public opinion. Those servants’ remarks actually warned him. Thus, he restrained his arrogance, publicly expressing gratitude continuously towards Huang Family, asserting their profound favor. Humbling himself in every aspect endeared him and renewed respect. Within days, the community praised Loo Zhiyi’s gratitude and humility, acknowledging his achievements without forgetting in-law’s graciousness. Privately though, he conspired with Shopkeeper Tian, mentioning that Administrator Guo from the Provincial Capital favored him, intending to marry his daughter, only hindered by his marital status. Otherwise, marrying the administrator’s daughter promised a scribe position instantly secured. He perversely hinted that if he attained this position, his protection promised unparalleled growth for Tian Family’s business.

Chapter 983 - 981 Fully Explained

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