Chapter 89: Chapter 88: Dowry for Wanwan
Father Wen always believed that Fanghua didnât want to say goodbye to him in person back then, so she quietly left when he wasnât around.
Regarding this matter, Song Wei felt deeply guilty, "All these years, I havenât told my father-in-law the truth, not because I intentionally hid it, but because I didnât know if I should tell him. I was afraid he would be upset, and also worried that saying it out loud might harm Aunt Lu."
Father Wen sighed, "She had her reasons, this is not your fault."
Song Wei thought about what happened earlier and said, "If father-in-law worries about it, I can take some time to ask someone to check those things. If they can identify the ownerâs identity, we shouldnât pawn them and keep them buried. If they canât..."
Before Song Wei finished speaking, Father Wen waved his hand, "I also thought that exposing these things might reveal her identity. But thinking back, the few items she deliberately chose to take with her before leaving must be the key ones, and the rest are safe."
Song Wei breathed a sigh of relief, "Thatâs good then."
"The jade bracelet sold by Shunzi is likely lost for good," Father Wen looked at Song Wei, "As for the rest, Iâll treat them as Fanghuaâs dowry for Wan Niang. When I return, Iâll personally deliver them to your house, and you should let her take good care of them."
Song Wei was a bit hesitant, "Isnât it inappropriate for father-in-law to do this? After all, those things were left to you by Aunt Lu."
"That was money Fanghua left for raising her daughter. All these years, I didnât dare to touch any of it, and the girl suffered a lot following me through hardships and punishment. I feel quite guilty. Now that everything is out in the open, if the jewelry can be exchanged for money, I have no reason to hold onto these things anymore. What belongs to her should be hers. If she doesnât take them, I wonât be at ease."
Song Wei understood his father-in-lawâs position and didnât try to persuade him anymore.
When returning to the ox cart, he saw Wen Wan still staring at his head. He gently scratched her nose, a loving smile on his face, "Daydreaming again? Letâs go."
Upon saying this, he intended to help her onto the cart.
Wen Wan turned her head to look at her father.
Father Wen said, "Wanwan, you go back with Third Son first, weâll talk later."
Wen Wan nodded and obediently got onto the Song familyâs ox cart with Song Weiâs assistance.
Mrs. Zhou looked bewildered at her husband planning to turn back, unable to hold back, she asked, "Whatâs the meaning of this? Not looking for the bracelet anymore?"
Forced by his parents into marrying her to bear children and continue the family line, Father Wen didnât have any feelings for her but didnât treat her unfairly, merely maintaining the relationship.
"Not looking for it, letâs go back first!" Father Wen flicked the whip, and the ox cart went forward.
Mrs. Zhou noticed her husbandâs bad mood and dared not ask anything else, remaining silent on the way â a rare quietness.
However, upon returning home and seeing Father Wen carrying the box of treasures to the Song family, Mrs. Zhou became frantic, crying and making a scene, "Wen Guangping, what do you mean? We are almost destitute, with these good things, donât you think about us, mother and son, but about that mute who canât even speak? Sheâs been at the Song family for over a year, and youâve seen it, eating well and dressing well. Has Song Sanlang treated her badly? Or does she feel she canât live there anymore? Do you want to take out all the family assets and give them to her? Why donât you dig out your heart and liver and cook them for her!?"
"Get out of the way!"
Father Wen was holding the small box, glaring coldly at Mrs. Zhou.
"I wonât let you!" Mrs. Zhou blocked in front of him, "If you donât make things clear today, this matter isnât over!"
Father Wen took a deep breath, maintaining the calm before the storm, "This is Wan Niangâs biological motherâs dowry, and now it is Wan Niangâs dowry. It has nothing to do with you, nor with this family. If you want money, weâll earn it slowly in the future."
"Dowry? Whereâs the dowry from?" Mrs. Zhou reacted as if hearing the biggest joke, "Donât think I havenât found out how Mrs. Lu, that wench, came to your house, shamelessly seducing before even marrying..."
"Smackâ"
Before Mrs. Zhou could finish speaking, Father Wen had already put down the box and delivered a resounding slap to her.