"I’ve never seen a sister act !" Cai Yun couldn’t help but gossip behind her back: "She’d be happy only if everyone in the world got married as unhappily as she did! Miss, don’t be sad, the new brother-in-law, no matter how bad, has to be better than the older one! It’s laughable how Mrs. Wang was so picky in choosing for the older sister but ended up with such an unsuitable match!" Shi Lian quickly hushed Cai Yun before she could finish, frowning as she said: "Do you not value your life? How can you say such things? If someone hears, your tongue won’t be spared!" Cai Yun was startled, whispering: "I just can’t stand it! But I would only ever talk about it privately with you, Miss, I wouldn’t dare say it out loud!" "Walls have ears, no more talking, understand?" "Yes, Miss!" Cai Yun resignedly agreed, her eyes suddenly sparkling as she leaned in closer to Shi Lian and said: "Miss, do you think this marriage arrangement was a result of the older sister saying something to Mrs. Wang?" Shi Lian was suddenly taken aback, her complexion turning pale. My sister-in-law certainly has no reason to deceive me, and such a lie could never be kept hidden; if she said so, wouldn’t it be embarrassing for her when the truth comes out? That’s why it’s clear that my mother indeed had given up on this matter before. If her attitude changed so drastically, it’s certain someone must have spoken to her. In this residence, apart from my elder brother, there are only two people capable of influencing her, one is my cousin Gu Fangzi, but she currently lies ill in bed, the other, could only be my older sister... Since the older sister has interfered, it seems there’s no longer any possibility of changing this matter! Shi Lian’s face instantly turned ashen, her eyes staring blankly ahead, spirit lost. When Shi Fengju returned, Sang Wan attended to him as he changed and washed, then she discussed the matter with him. Upon hearing it, Shi Fengju became irritated, "What on earth is Mother thinking? Why suddenly rush to agree? No, I must go speak with her!" "Fengju!" Sang Wan hurriedly pulled him back, "Mother has already agreed, you need to think things through before you go!" Shi Fengju, halted by her, pondered for a moment and then said: "Did someone talk with Mother about it afterward?" This text is hosted at noⅴelfire.net Sang Wan was stunned and shook her head: "I don’t know!" As she spoke, the light flickered in her eyes, hesitantly looking at Shi Fengju. Shi Fengju also looked back at her, their eyes met and both understood what the other was thinking: The older sister! Shi Fengju felt even more uncomfortable and sighed: "If it really is her doing, then my older sister truly is—" Sang Wan did not know about Shi Yumei’s resentment toward Shi Lian, but Shi Fengju did know a thing or two. "Fengju, if it really was the older sister who said something, Mother won’t change her mind that easily!" Sang Wan sighed. She wanted to ask if Shi Fengju would help Shi Lian to the end, but she felt the question was not appropriate to voice. After all, Mrs. Wang was the decision-maker. "I will speak with Mother first, even if the matter is settled, it’s not impossible to change." Shi Fengju gently patted her hand. Sang Wan smiled and nodded. After making small talk for a while, they had dinner together. Shi Fengju then went to see Mrs. Wang on his own. It wasn’t long before Shi Fengju returned, his face full of indignation. Sensing this, Sang Wan felt a heaviness in her heart, knowing that he must have failed to persuade her. Before she could ask, Shi Fengju angrily said: "Mother is really muddled! She actually said that once the third sister is married off, she can support me and our family in the future! What kind of reasoning is that? They’re not an official in-law relationship; the other family would be embarrassed to offer help, let alone us taking the initiative to ask for it!" Shi Fengju didn’t dare to tell Sang Wan his mother’s recital of his older sister’s ingenious deduction, knowing she would be upset all night if she knew, and he wouldn’t be able to comfort her. "If that’s the case for the third sister—Fengju, is there any way to help her? If she truly ends up in the Hong family, her life will be ruined!" Sang Wan became anxious. "The third sister is also my father’s child; I’ve taken charge of this matter, and I won’t give up halfway. Am I that kind of person? Don’t worry about it anymore. Mother asked you to prepare, didn’t she? Just make the preparations as usual. As for the third sister, tell her to be patient and, most importantly, not to cry or make a fuss. If she causes any trouble, there really will be no turning back!" Shi Fengju said. "So, you do have a plan!" Sang Wan’s eyes brightened. "Not at the moment, but there will be one!" Shi Fengju spoke with certainty, smiling: "Do you believe me?" "I do, of course I do! How could I not trust my husband’s abilities!" Sang Wan nodded eagerly, smiling as she threw herself into his arms and cooed: "Husband, you’re so wonderful!" Shi Fengju felt a bittersweet pang in his heart. Even when they were alone, she would always be shy, and hearing a proactive, sweet word of affection from her was like asking for the moon. Yet now, just because he was helping her own sister, she was so delighted, even coquettishly throwing herself at him!