Over the years, the family supported Zhang Silang in his studies. Although the brothers didn’t dare voice it, they surely harbored resentment in their hearts. They were jealous of Zhang Silang’s ability to read and write, envious of his good food and drink, and jealous that he dressed more decently than they did. Now, the fourth brother has finally repaid the family’s support, and they felt they could enjoy some of the rewards as well!
The three sisters-in-law of the Zhang family waited in the courtyard. Due to the incident of selling their granddaughter, the atmosphere in the Zhang household had grown extremely tense. So, they temporarily sent the children back to their maternal family’s place. Wu’s son and Wang’s son went outside to play and were not home.
Hearing the noise, Liu peeked outside. She was astonished to see the four brothers laughing and carrying a pile of items as they returned; her younger brother-in-law had really been released from prison!
Liu suddenly turned and rushed into the elder couple’s room, exclaiming to Old Lady Zhang, “Mother, the fourth brother has returned!”
Old Lady Zhang had just closed her eyes for a short while when Liu’s shout woke her. About to scold, she paused after hearing the words and stood up to ask, “What did you say?”
Liu replied excitedly, “The fourth brother has come back! The three older brothers went to pick him up!”
Wang looked speechlessly at the room. She marveled at how clever the second sister-in-law was; she had previously stopped the elder sister-in-law and, upon confirming that the younger brother had truly come home, turned and ran to tell the old lady.
Seeing the four brothers had returned, Wu went out to help carry things. Wang followed her outside to welcome them.
Old Lady Zhang felt as if she were dreaming, still staring blankly at Liu. Liu hurriedly walked over to pull her outside.
Zhang Fang entered the courtyard and saw the elderly woman with one blind eye, feeling a sharp pain in his heart that was akin to being cut by broken glass.
“Mother, the unfilial son has returned.” At that moment, Zhang Fang felt his body was no longer under his control, and he directly knelt on the ground.
Seeing her youngest son enter the house, Old Lady Zhang finally felt a sense of reality wash over her. Tears brimming in her eyes, she hurried over and pulled him up.
“My poor Silang! How much suffering have you been through!” Old Lady Zhang felt immense heartache. Her youngest son had once been so proud, but now he appeared so pitiful.
Zhang Dalang and his brothers stood awkwardly aside, watching.
Liu leaned closer to Zhang Erlang and whispered, “What are all these things?”
Zhang Erlang lowered his voice to tell his wife, “Silang has done well. He earned twenty-five taels of silver and bought a lot of things for the family!”
Upon hearing this, Liu’s eyes lit up, gazing at Zhang Fang with a kind expression.
Wang, standing behind them, naturally heard the conversation between the second brother and sister-in-law. She nudged Zhang Sanlang’s elbow, silently asking him if it was true.
Zhang Sanlang nodded, responding without words.
Wang’s gaze towards Zhang Fang changed as well.
In the past few days, their resentment towards Zhang Silang had peaked; they had even considered the worst-case scenario of splitting the family and no longer caring about him. Who would have guessed that Zhang Silang’s fortunes would turn around! If he knew what had happened at home, he would probably distance himself from them.
Only Zhang Dalang thought about preparing hot water for Zhang Fang’s bath. After putting down his things, he silently went to work.
Zhang Dalang’s wife followed him into the kitchen to help. Upon learning he was going to boil water, she took on the task herself, allowing Zhang Dalang to go outside and speak with Zhang Fang.
When Zhang Dalang returned to the courtyard, Old Lady Zhang was already laughing through her tears.
“Mother always knew you were the best! You’ll surely be successful in the future and bring glory to our family!”
Upon learning of Zhang Fang’s achievements and that he had earned so much money, Old Lady Zhang stood tall, feeling a sense of pride. Suddenly, she glanced over at her three sons and daughters-in-law, a cold smile forming on her face as she pointed at them to complain to Zhang Fang, “Those three brothers and sisters-in-law of yours…”
“Mother, I brought back some flour; could you make noodles for me? Make extra so everyone at home can eat!” Zhang Fang gently coaxed Old Lady Zhang.
Old Lady Zhang’s expression suddenly changed. She quickly pointed at her three sons and daughters-in-law, scolding, “Do they even deserve to eat the noodles you brought back? Those ungrateful, stone-hearted wretches only deserve to eat dung!”
“Mother, today is my homecoming. Let’s not curse anyone. Tonight, our family should have a reunion dinner!” Zhang Fang didn’t want to bring up unpleasant topics. No matter what had happened before, it was all in the past.
Old Lady Zhang had no choice but to swallow her hurtful words, glaring at Zhang Dalang and the others and snorting.
Zhang Fang took out the sack of flour and handed it to Old Lady Zhang.
As Old Lady Zhang went to the kitchen to keep busy, Zhang Fang took the opportunity to bring out the things he had bought for the family and divided them among them.
Upon receiving the fabric and shoes, Zhang Erlang’s wife and Zhang Sanlang’s wife were overjoyed. They praised Zhang Fang incessantly.
“I knew the younger brother would achieve great things in the future!”
“Indeed! The younger brother is capable!”
These two women were sharp, having quarreled with Old Lady Zhang about selling their granddaughter. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship was currently tense. They were afraid that Old Lady Zhang would see them with the items and take them away, so they quickly hid the things back in their own rooms.
Liu heard Zhang Fang’s voice and wanted to go out and chat with him, but with such a large group of people from the Zhang family present, she could only hold back and plan to find Zhang Fang for a private chat later.
After distributing the items, Zhang Fang walked into the house. He saw Old Man Zhang lying in bed and reached out to touch his forehead. It wasn’t hot, but Old Man Zhang remained in a deep slumber. It was quite difficult to find a doctor in the village; the consultation fee for home visits was very high. Old Lady Zhang was reluctant to spend money on a doctor and could only feed Old Man Zhang some licorice water every day.
Zhang Fang lifted the quilt and began to help Old Man Zhang change his clothes and shoes. He spoke while changing, “Father, I’m back. I earned money from the books I wrote and bought some things for the family. I got you two new outfits and two pairs of shoes. I plan to throw away your straw sandals.”
Suddenly, while in a deep sleep, Old Man Zhang moved his fingers, and his eyelids twitched.
After Zhang Fang dressed him, he found the two worn-out straw sandals under the bed and prepared to take them out to throw them away.
Old Man Zhang suddenly opened his eyes wide and called out loudly, “Come back!”
“Father, you’re awake!”