Still Not Giving Up

Zhang Shi had a fiery temper and was fiercely loyal. Especially after benefiting from Sun Shi, she became even more protective of her eldest sister-in-law. She said to Sun Shi, "If you ever get wronged in your husband's family, don't be afraid to speak up. Just tell your brothers from your maternal family. We may not have much, but we have plenty of men and strong fists!"

Then Zhang Shi sighed, "Ah, I really think that son-in-law is too indulgent, how can he let his family run wild like this?"

Sun Shi felt a warmth in her heart and thought to herself how good it was to have a maternal family. Yet she didn’t forget to defend Su Sanyun: "Third brother is an honest man. He was bullied by his family before, but he’s changed now."

After some small talk, Sun Shi led her maternal family to the fields to gather vegetables. Zhang Shi was indeed meticulous, packing the vegetables neatly and cleanly, wrapped tightly on the outside so they definitely wouldn’t freeze.

"Shirong, stay with your uncle and aunt, work hard!" Sun Shi reminded at the village entrance.

"Got it, mother!" Su Shirong happily waved at Sun Shi.

Sun Shi stood at the village entrance, watching the backs of her son and maternal family until they disappeared from sight. Only then did she turn and head home, tidied up a bit, locked the door, and went to Qingmiao City to help Su Sanyun sell vegetables.

At this moment, at the Su household, Su Daqi sat on the edge of the bed with a dark expression, having Zhao Shi apply medicinal wine to his wounds.

As soon as Su Old Man entered, he asked, "Eldest son, you didn’t tell anyone about our plan to abduct Su Lanxiang, did you?"

Su Shimao, following behind, also asked, "Father, you can’t say anything. If it gets out, we’re done for!"

Su Daqi rolled his eyes irritably, "Am I that stupid? I only said I went to get some quilts and charcoal, and they didn’t suspect a thing... But you guys, when I called you out to testify, why didn’t you come? You left me alone and ran off, which is why I got beaten like this."

Su Old Man grunted a few times but said nothing. It was probably because he was afraid of getting implicated.

Su Shimao scratched his nose and said, "Ah, father, I’m just a scholar with a small heart. I was scared out of my wits and only knew to run. You’re back safe now, so why worry so much?"

"Useless thing!" Su Daqi couldn’t scold his father, so he took it out on Su Shimao. Su Shimao, knowing he was in the wrong, lowered his head and took the scolding.

After Su Daqi finished scolding, his anger subsided a bit. Su Shimao then said, "Grandfather, father, we can’t just let this go. That wretched Su Lanxiang must be sold off."

Su Daqi said, "Right, sell that wretched woman! Her uncle and aunt beat me so badly, I’m furious!"

Su Old Man stroked his beard and nodded, "Exactly, we’ll wait for the next opportunity and make sure to abduct Su Lanxiang."

Meanwhile, Su Lanxiang was lying at the bedside drinking the porridge specially made for her, completely unaware that she had narrowly escaped a disaster last night, while another misfortune targeting her was brewing, ready to strike at any moment.

"Sister Ali, this porridge smells really good." Su Lanxiang put down the bowl and licked the corners of her mouth with satisfaction.

Su Li smiled with eyes curved into crescents and patted Su Lanxiang’s head, "Of course, Sister Ali’s cooking skills are naturally excellent."

After all, being a top chef, making porridge was a piece of cake!

Outside the door, Bai Lu came in and said, "Madam, according to your plan, the vegetarian restaurant will open right after the Dragon Raising Its Head festival on the second day of the second lunar month. But your current health... and the head chef is working so hard..."

"No worries, I’ll only cook one banquet table a day. The rest of the dishes will be handled by the other chefs. After I take on an apprentice and slowly pass on my skills, once I’ve trained a few pillars of support, I won’t have to be the head chef myself anymore." Su Li waved her hand, having already planned it out—she wanted to make money but also take care of her health.