Li Shi saw Su Lian's expression change and hurried forward, saying to Su Shi, "A'Luo, what your eldest brother and sister-in-law did in selling the Jiang family's carriage was indeed excessive, but no matter what, Father and Mother didn't wrong you in this matter, did they? Do you really want to resent them over a carriage? You are such a kind and filial person, are you sure you won't regret it later?"
Su Shi tugged at the corner of her mouth, "My biggest regret is going to the embroidery shop that day and letting you find me."
"All these years, you've always used the word 'filial piety' to control me. I was truly foolish before, always afraid you'd say I was unfilial. But now I've realized, although the Su family gave birth to me, I've never had a moment's rest since I can remember."
"Before I married, every coin I earned from selling embroidery was given to the family. At my wedding, you asked the Jiang family for such a large betrothal gift, and a few days ago, the Jiang family also gave twenty taels of silver. All these things and money combined are more than enough to repay your kindness in raising me."
"If you insist on calling me unfilial, then so be it. I can bear this infamy."
The Su family had never seen such a Su Shi, nor had they ever expected her to say such things.
They dared to cause trouble precisely because they knew Su Shi was weak and easily manipulated, thinking that after they left, they could use Su Shi to pressure the Jiang family into giving them money to settle the matter.
But with Su Shi's attitude, they were at a loss.
Seeing them exchanging glances, Su Shi let out a mocking laugh.
She could understand the meaning behind each of their glances.
Before, she had understood too, and she had always known what schemes the Su family was up to.
It was just that at the time, she craved the Su family's approval and recognition, so she kept compromising and yielding.
But what did it ultimately get her?
Madam Cheng was right; it was better to have no such maternal family. How could she bear to hurt those who truly cared about her for the sake of such a family?
"From today onwards, I sever all ties with the Su family. The Su family's affairs have nothing to do with me anymore."
After speaking, Su Shi turned to her in-laws and said, "Father, Mother, let's go home."
Chen Yuezhi stepped forward to support her, fearing she might be upset.
Su Shi gave her a relaxed smile.
Actually, she didn't feel as sad as she had expected. In fact, she felt a sense of relief and lightness. The shackles that had always bound her had vanished completely.
She realized how light and free she could be after letting go of those emotionally draining ties.
Seeing that Su Shi truly left without looking back, the Su family panicked and started shouting, "Su Luo, come back! You can't leave! What will we do if you leave?"
Su's mother even tried to rush forward to stop her.
But the villagers of the small mountain village wouldn't give them the chance.
Those shrewish women rushed forward to block them, "What? Didn't you hear what the Jiang family's daughter-in-law said? Get going, or don't blame us for getting rough!"
The Su family were a bunch of cowards who bullied the weak and feared the strong. Faced with the villagers of the small mountain village's aggressive stance, they didn't dare to linger and quickly pushed their cart away.
Even Su Qing, who had been lying on the cart feigning serious injury, got up and ran, drawing bursts of laughter from the villagers.
At night, the Jiang family sat around the dinner table eating in silence.
With so many things happening that day, everyone was in no mood to talk. More importantly, they were afraid Su Shi might be feeling down, so the meal was exceptionally quiet.
Su Shi ate quietly. As she was finishing, she suddenly said, "Father, Mother, I want to take some work from the embroidery shop."
Everyone was taken aback.
Chen Yuezhi said, "You're pregnant now, and it's not advisable to overexert yourself. Besides, the baby will be born soon, and you'll be too busy with the child then. Just focus on taking care of yourself; you don't need to worry about the household matters."
Su Shi said softly, "Mother, please let me do something. Otherwise, I won't be able to rest easy."
Her family had given away so much money because of her, and she had to find a way to earn it back, or she would feel like she had failed them.
Chen Yuezhi seemed to guess her thoughts, and since some things were not easy to say directly, she nodded, "Alright then, do whatever you want, but don't overwork yourself. Your health is the most important thing, understand?"
Su Shi tearfully agreed.
The next morning, Jiang Wan got up early to get ready.
Today, they had to send their younger brother to school. After returning, she needed to go up the mountain to graze the horses and absorb energy, and also train her second brother. She was very busy.
San Lang was wearing a new light blue summer shirt, his hair neatly combed, and carrying a woven schoolbag, looking quite like a student.
Chen Yuezhi and Jiang Pan had also changed into new clothes. They had to dress presentably to send their child to school so as not to be looked down upon.
Su Shi and Da Lang were going to the embroidery shop, so the family drove two carriages into the city.
The embroidery shop and the private school were in different directions. After Su Shi and Da Lang said goodbye to Jiang Pan and Chen Yuezhi at the intersection, the two carriages went their separate ways.
The private school wasn't far. After a short carriage ride, they arrived.
Er Lang jumped down from the carriage shaft, "Wan Wan, come, second brother will help you down."
Jiang Wan reached out to let him carry her. After landing, she looked up at the plaque above the main gate.
She didn't recognize any of the four characters.
Although she wasn't highly educated in her previous life, she could at least read newspapers and books. In this life, she had transmigrated here and become illiterate.
Everyone else had gotten off the carriage. Chen Yuezhi carefully tidied San Lang's clothes, while Jiang Pan stepped forward to knock on the door.
The private school's main gate opened, and an old man with upturned eyes peeked out from inside.
"What is it?"
Jiang Pan bowed slightly, cupped his hands, and said, "Elder, we've brought our child to enroll. We came the day before yesterday, do you remember?"
The old man glanced at them and grunted through his nose, "Wait."
Then he slammed the door shut with a bang.
Jiang Wan frowned. The doorman at this private school had a terrible attitude.
But seeing that her parents didn't seem to mind, she didn't say much.
The family waited outside the gate for a while before the door opened again. The old man snorted, "Students and adults may enter. Those who are not relevant are not allowed inside."
Not relevant?
Jiang Wan looked down at herself, then at Er Lang, and shrugged.
Chen Yuezhi looked a bit troubled. San Lang's enrollment was a big event, and she wouldn't be at ease if she didn't accompany him. However, since they weren't allowing too many people in, she was also worried about leaving her younger daughter outside.
Jiang Wan waved her hand, "Mother, you all go in. Second brother and I will wait here."
The doorman old man impatiently urged, "Are you coming in or not? If you're not coming in, I'm closing the door!"
Chen Yuezhi quickly said, "We're coming, we're coming."
"Er Lang, keep an eye on your little sister, don't let her wander off."
After her parents took San Lang into the private school, the main gate slammed shut again.
The more Jiang Wan looked at it, the more uncomfortable she felt. She whispered to Er Lang, "Why do I feel like this private school isn't very good? For a place of education, the doorman is too rude."