Seeking a Way Out

The news that Zhang Zhuzi had found a new love and kicked out his long-time wife quickly spread throughout the village, becoming the latest gossip over meals.

Many villagers said Zhang Zhuzi was heartless, while others said Mrs. Tang had brought it on herself by offending everyone, so now no one stood up for her, and she could only endure being bullied by her own husband.

Another wave of gossip was about Zhang Zhuzi's new wife, Qin Sanniang.

Qin Sanniang originally came from the building district and knew Liu Ru; everyone gossiped about whose reputation was bigger, Qin Sanniang’s or Liu Ru’s.

Liu Ru, who was about to finish her confinement, was stunned when she heard Qin Sanniang had also married into Haizi Village, then she smiled.

Liu Ru knew Qin Sanniang’s temper well; she thought Zhang Zhuzi’s household was probably doomed to endless trouble!

Grandmother Zhao was only concerned about her grandson’s full-month banquet and discussed it with Liu Ru: “Liu Ru, what do you think about the baby’s full-month banquet?”

Liu Ru sneered: “What can we do? Want to hold one, but do we have the money? That bastard Su Shimao hasn’t been home for days, who knows where he’s been fooling around! The family is this poor, yet he refuses to work and instead runs off to carouse! I really have eyes for nothing, how did I marry a useless man!”

The angrier Liu Ru got, Grandmother Zhao quickly said: “Alas, our poverty is unavoidable. I heard Wu Caiwei and Zhang Mu’s son are having a grand full-month banquet at Su Li’s house! Alas, poor my grandson, why was he born into our poor family, not into a rich one as a young master!”

Liu Ru looked down at her son beside her, feeling some pity welling up inside.

She had already made up her mind to run away; once she finished her confinement and recovered, she would run off with her lover and the money.

Though she tried not to think about her own flesh and blood, he was still her son, and she couldn’t fully let go.

Grandmother Zhao’s words made Liu Ru sigh deeply: a person’s birth really matters. Some are born lucky, cradled with a golden spoon, living a life of wealth and ease, like Zhang Mu’s son; some are born unlucky, into a poor family with nothing, unable to even afford a full-month banquet, like her son.

The more Liu Ru thought, the more unwilling she felt. Why! She, Liu Ru, was once a powerful figure in the building district, so why should her son suffer a lifetime of poverty?

No, before she left, she had to find a wealthy path for her son!

Liu Ru looked down and thought of Wu Caiwei and Zhang Mu’s son’s full-month banquet...

Su Li’s house.

Su Li was in Wu Caiwei’s room, looking at the menu Bai Lu had brought.

"These dishes look a bit simple, add some more. Don’t worry about the money," Su Li said with a smile.

She now had a husband with mountains of gold and silver, plus the rent for the next quarter from Ten Li Slope was about to come in. She wasn’t short on money! Of course, her own son’s full-month banquet had to be as lively as possible!

Wu Caiwei hugged little Chou Chou and said, "Look at you spoiling him."

Su Li smiled and gently kissed little Chou Chou’s cheek: "My son, I spoil him because it makes me happy!"

Su Li handed the menu to Bai Lu. Just as Bai Lu stepped out, Ling Dang came in, looking uneasy: "Master..."

Seeing Ling Dang wanted to say something, Su Li went out with her. Ling Dang led Su Li to a secluded place where Xiao Zetian was waiting.

Xiao Zetian looked grim, holding Su Li’s hand: "Wife, I have something to tell you. Listen carefully, don’t get upset or angry."

Seeing Xiao Zetian’s expression, Su Li’s heart skipped a beat: "Did something bad happen?"