dognovel Chapter 1617 Feeling Wronged?
Chapter 1617 Feeling Wronged?
Chapter 1617 Feeling Wronged?
Li Xuewu accompanied his parents to Jicheng to attend his younger brother's wedding. With his current abilities, everything went smoothly for him.
Father Li Shun's complaints only lasted one night. A son is still a son, and a disobedient one at that.
In fact, he was only in his forties. If he were in later generations, he would be in the prime of his life, creating a better future.
But in this era, or more precisely, in the era in which Li Shun grew up and lived, forty years old was already considered the beginning of the first decade of a person's twilight years.
In an era when the average lifespan was less than sixty years, people's thinking and ideas had become fixed, and he thought he was old.
When people get old, they have to accept that they're getting old.
If he doesn't have a son, or if his son is too young or not yet able to support the family, then he has to keep going.
But now that his three sons have settled down, started their own families, and had children, it seems like he's suddenly out of the picture.
Even his ambition for his career is gone. In the past, he might have been more ambivalent about taking a long leave of absence to travel thousands of miles away for his nephew's wedding.
But now, he's already on his way.
Li Xuewu would naturally mention his younger brother Li Xuehan's phone number to his father, even though it only elicited a sigh from his father.
"Why doesn't she think about the child?"
Li Shun just sighed and sulked, but Liu Yin was dissatisfied with Hong Min, especially after seeing Li Xuehan.
"These are eighteen or nineteen-year-olds, they have no vitality at all," she complained. "Aren't they their own children? How could they be so heartless?"
"Even if she finds someone else, disregarding our family's reputation and her past relationship with her third uncle and his wife, shouldn't she at least consider the child? Is she really going to cut off all contact with her son from now on? Really—"
Complaining is just complaining; they're thousands of miles apart, and these two sisters-in-law might never see each other again. What's the point?
Li Xuewu, understanding his father's feelings, explained the care and arrangements for Li Xuehan, as well as how to talk to the old lady, since they couldn't prevent Li Xuehan from returning home.
What else can I say? I can only say that Li Xuehan has been transferred to the capital for better opportunities, and we can't mention Uncle San's matter.
Li Shunshang felt he was getting old, so how could he not care about and worry about his sixty-year-old mother?
He himself needed a while to process the news of his brother's death, let alone his own mother, son, and the old lady.
This matter should be kept secret for as long as possible, or even kept secret indefinitely. Li Xuewu had already given instructions to his family.
If things go smoothly with my second uncle, then there won't be any major issues with the old lady's return to Beijing.
Is it really as simple as he thinks?
****
"Grandpa, Grandma, Second Brother."
Li Xueli, dressed in a brand-new youth outfit, greeted the family of three with a smile as they entered the gate.
The residential compound where my second uncle lives is always bustling with people. When there's a happy occasion, everyone from the same workplace comes to join in the fun.
Moreover, today is National Day, and most units are on holiday, especially forestry units, which are busy for half the year and idle for the other half. The decorations in the courtyard are in line with their happy occasion.
Moreover, as soon as Li Xuewu entered the courtyard, he discovered that his younger brother was not the only one getting married in the courtyard today, which seemed to be a wedding-only event.
Actually, when you think about it, it makes sense. In this day and age, there aren't that many holidays. Labor Day and National Day are the most suitable holidays for young people to hold weddings, since it's a time for universal celebration.
"Look at that groom, he's so handsome!"
Second Aunt and Second Uncle also came out to greet them. At this moment, Liu Yin held Second Aunt's hand, looked at her nephew Li Xueli, and then praised with a smile: "Our Xueli has finally grown up."
"Hahaha—" Second Aunt Han Xiumei pulled her hand and led her upstairs, laughing as she said, "Sister-in-law, why are you only arriving today? Didn't we tell you to come a few days earlier?"
"Let's go to the steel city to learn martial arts." Liu Yin smiled and followed him upstairs, explaining, "I've never been there before."
"You're still worried about him?" Han Xiumei smiled and glanced at Li Xuewu, who was chatting and laughing with his second uncle and the others behind him. She said to her sister-in-law, "He's the most capable person in our family, and he's the one we need to worry about the least."
"Haven't you finally made it through now?"
Liu Yin jokingly said to her, "Once you've married your daughter-in-law, you'll be an old lady. Just wait for her to give you a big, fat grandson, and then you can enjoy your life."
"Then I'll take your good wishes—haha!"
Li Xuewu didn't go upstairs. His second uncle's house was still the same one. The women and children could squeeze upstairs, but the men could only stand downstairs and wait for the wedding.
Uncle Li Tong formally introduced the father and son to their in-laws and their relatives.
Li Tong had no relatives in the steel city, so being able to come all the way from the capital to attend the wedding was quite an honor.
After introducing his elder brother, he inevitably brought up his nephew's identity, which, as he had expected, surprised and amazed everyone.
They are far too young; such junior-level cadres are extremely rare, almost nonexistent, even in forestry.
Looking at Li Shun, who was introduced earlier, he was just a doctor in the hospital, which makes Li Xuewu stand out even more.
Li Xuewu accepted his second uncle's introduction with neither arrogance nor servility, smiling as he offered cigarettes to everyone, greeting them politely.
He actually dislikes such occasions, perhaps because he hasn't been in such circles or heard such praise for a long time.
The higher you climb, the more different the circles you come into contact with. Whether it's the way you speak or the knowledge you gain, over time you'll find that you can no longer return to the original circle.
Farm children study hard, go to university, and develop their careers in the city. It doesn't take long—a year is enough—before they return to the village and feel out of place.
People will gossip about you behind your back, saying you've made something of yourself, that you went to the city for less than a year and came back unable to speak properly.
They can't understand what you saw, what kind of people you met, what you learned, or how much you changed during that year you were away.
If they could talk about topics that interest you, like the social circles in your city, you might become a chatterbox.
Therefore, Li Xuewu is now trying his best to appear amiable so as not to embarrass his second uncle.
If he really acts on impulse, these people will probably gossip behind his back that Li Tong has an arrogant nephew.
In this era, there was no sense of ceremony like in Western weddings, nor were there any old customs; there was only liveliness and solemnity.
When the auspicious time arrived, the newlyweds gathered at the company cafeteria, surrounded by relatives and friends.
This place is spacious enough that this is the only time we have a reason to use the company's kitchen for a banquet.
The officiant was a leader from both of their workplaces, which is very much in line with the characteristics of this era.
Since marriage requires his approval, and even divorce requires his approval, it is perfectly appropriate for him to be the witness.
Moreover, officiating at a wedding for a couple also witnessed a young couple in the workplace getting married and maturing.
Li Tong and his in-laws are from the same system, and their friends are almost all from the same circle, so the scene was very lively.
Li Shun's family is considered a proper in-law family, and since only three people came, they were seated at the main table.
Even the forestry leaders who came over kept talking to Li Xuewu when they saw him there.
Even the in-laws would feel very proud to see it.
The fathers of the newlyweds both work in the same system, and now it seems the groom's family has a very close relationship with the leaders in the same system.
In this day and age, there is no such thing as workplace reproduction, but everyone who came to the wedding today was certain of one thing: Li Xueli's future was bright.
Under the guidance of the leaders, the newlyweds solemnly swore their oaths facing the portraits hanging on the wall and holding red books, and then they got married.
This ceremony was more secure than the mutual bowing of later generations, since no one would dare to lie in such an occasion.
"This is the old man, and this is the old woman."
Li Xueli, accompanied by his bride and guided by Li Shun, poured and toasted the guests at the main table.
After expressing his gratitude to the leader, Li Xueli introduced his wife to the relatives he was meeting for the first time.
"Hello, sir/madam."
The bride was about the same height as Li Xueli, had a very auspicious appearance with a round face, and spoke very generously.
Liu Yin smiled and agreed, then stuffed the red envelope she had prepared into the bride's hand.
The bride was surprised to receive a red envelope and repeatedly declined, saying that this step was not mentioned before the wedding.
"You must keep the lucky money that the old lady gave you."
As Liu Yin offered this advice, she took out another red envelope and stuffed it into Li Xueli's hand, saying with a smile, "This is to give my nephew a blessing, wishing you both a son soon and a long and happy life together."
"Auntie, what about my share?"
Li Xueli didn't stand on ceremony and jokingly said, "I finally got one today, they all went to Hongying."
"Hahaha--"
This seemingly playful joke drew laughter from the onlookers, who found it quite amusing.
At this moment, Han Xiumei walked over, smiled and gently patted her son on the shoulder, telling him to take care of himself. Then she looked at her daughter-in-law and said with a smile, "This is Xueli's dear uncle and aunt."
After emphasizing this, she then spoke up for her daughter-in-law, saying, "Your aunt gave it to you, so just keep it. Think about how we can go and join in the fun when your brother and sister-in-law have any happy events in the future."
"Hahaha--"
Both sisters-in-law are good at talking, especially in recent years when the two families have looked after each other. After Li Xuewu returned, they visited each other even more frequently, so their relationship naturally became more harmonious.
Sisters-in-law are most prone to bickering, but the two families live thousands of miles apart and only see each other once every few years, so what is there to bicker about?
When people meet, especially when they are not stingy with each other, the scene will only be joyous.
"Our daughter-in-law's name is Yu Hongying."
After introducing her elder brother and sister-in-law with a smile, Han Xiumei then instructed her daughter-in-law, "When you meet them in the future, you must greet them."
"Understood, sir and madam."
Yu Hongying was wearing a red dress, looking festive and lively. Only after being introduced by her mother-in-law did she accept the red envelope.
When Li Xueli poured wine and lit cigarettes for his second brother Li Xuewu, Li Xuewu took the cigarettes and then took out a stack of red envelopes.
"Look how wronged my little brother is—"
He held the cigarette between his fingers, stood up with a smile, and teased, "Let's make this clear first, there's no bride here, this is for my brother to put weight on his back."
The onlookers were taken aback, not expecting such an unexpected turn of events at the start of the wedding.
After all, no one can say for sure what the identity of this young man who has been talking to the leader is, except for those relatives or friends who have been introduced to him.
His outburst caused an awkward silence; after all, it was a joyous occasion, and he was talking about feeling wronged.
Liu Yin and Han Xiumei knew him, but they didn't interrupt or explain. They just glanced at him with amusement, laughing at his antics. Meanwhile, their in-laws were stunned.
"This one is for my eldest brother and sister-in-law, this one is for me and your second sister-in-law, and this one is for your third brother and your third sister-in-law."
Li Xuewu waved the last two copies in his hand and said, "These are for Li Xue and Xuehan. There are five copies in total, so take a good look!"
He explained to Li Xueli for a long time, even raising his hand as if to give it to him. Li Xueli naturally smiled and reached out to take it, but seeing the stack of red envelopes dangle in his hand before being handed to his wife beside him.
This was the first time Yu Hongying had met this second brother. She had only heard Li Xueli mention him before. Hearing him say this just now made her feel a little awkward, but she didn't dare to say anything.
But when she saw a stack of red envelopes being handed to her after the introduction, she was stunned and looked at her second brother holding the red envelopes, not knowing how to react.
"Second brother, isn't this to support my back?"
Li Xueli realized that his second brother was teasing him, so he pretended to be aggrieved and said, "Then give it to me!"
"Hahaha—" Everyone present understood that it was a joke, and the in-laws smiled as well.
"What are you thinking? Once you're married, don't you have any idea who will manage the money at home?"
"Hahahaha—" Seeing that Li Xueli had been tricked, everyone laughed even harder and envied Li's relatives even more.
Putting everything else aside, just look at this generosity, who can compare? Look at the thickness of that red envelope, it doesn't seem like someone is just putting on a show.
They're clearly a family, yet they spent money on several meals. If you don't understand this, you'd just think this family has money to burn.
Only those who understand the etiquette of kinship can understand why Li Xuewu mentioned who gave the money in two separate instances. The first instance was given as a family unit, which is called "lucky money to keep the family in check." The second instance was given by two separate names, which is called "real lucky money."
Li Shun and Liu Yin were representing their elders and were trying to save face for Li Tong and Han Xiumei, while Li Xuewu, as their representative, was acting out of brotherly affection and was trying to save face for Li Xueli and Yu Hongying. These are two different things.
Those who understood it secretly admired and envied it, while those who didn't just hummed in disbelief, like Shen Jianbing.
As the eldest sister and brother-in-law, not only were they not allowed to sit at the main table, but they couldn't even get close to the front, and they weren't even allowed to sit at the table with their parents' family. You can imagine what he was thinking.
Seeing the Li family constantly handing out red envelopes, and remembering the humiliation he and his wife had suffered in the capital, he felt even more furious.
He knew that his powerful younger brother looked down on him, and he also knew that his father-in-law's family disliked him. At this moment, he could only hum in response; what else could he do? He dared not say anything.
"Just take it if I give it to you, what are you standing there for?"
Seeing that Yu Hongying was still in a daze, Li Xueli nudged her and deliberately threatened, "If you don't want it, I'll take it!"
"Thank you, Second Brother—" Yu Hongying accepted the gift with both hands, feeling embarrassed, and added, "Please thank my older brother, sister-in-law, and younger brothers and sisters for me."
"Although this is our first meeting, from now on I will call you sister-in-law."
After handing over the red envelope, Li Xuewu said with a smile, "From now on, we're brothers and sisters. I'll represent you and wish you a harmonious and happy marriage."
"Thank you, Second Brother—" Li Xueli thanked Yu Hongying earnestly before following his father's directions to the next table.
It's not that Li Xuewu likes to be high-profile or create trouble; it's that he has no choice but to do so. Does he want to be the center of attention?
There were only three members of the whole family who came, and the old lady arrived first. If we didn't make it lively, it would be a waste of her trip.
After sitting down, the old lady smiled, took his hand, and asked about the situation at home in Beijing.
Li Xuewu teased her with a smile, "What's wrong? Had enough of staying here? Aren't my second uncle and aunt going to feed you?"
“Go away!” The old lady patted his arm with a smile and said, “Your second uncle and aunt are doing well, they just miss home.”
"They've had enough of it, haven't they?"
Li Xuewu tugged at her hand and whispered to her, "You can't say it now. Wait until everything's over, otherwise my second uncle will get angry and think you're not comfortable here."
"He just keeps overthinking things—"
The old lady naturally knew what kind of temper her son had, and she also knew Li Tong's filial piety. He had traveled a long way to bring her to Jicheng just to fulfill his filial duty.
But when people get old, they can't just wander around. What if something happens to them? Wouldn't that cause trouble for their children and grandchildren?
Don't look at how she behaves at home. Her eldest son is taking care of her in her old age, so no matter what she does, it's her duty.
So when the old lady saw her eldest son and second grandson arrive, she spoke.
Li Xuewu understood, of course, but he wasn't going to fool the old lady. If he told his second uncle now, his second uncle would definitely overthink it.
Anyway, I'm not leaving today, so I'll bring it up again after everything's over.
After the newlyweds toasted each other, they drank heartily.
Li Xuewu kept his cigarette unsmoked, and the forestry leaders who came to greet him all knew that he no longer smoked.
However, he still insisted on drinking, accepting all offers without hesitation. In fact, as the older brother, he even took the initiative to entertain the guests on Li Xueli's behalf.
This isn't about the guest overstepping his bounds. To my second uncle, he's one of his own. If he really treated me like a guest and acted like one, that would be truly laughable.
So when Li Xuecai left, Li Xuewu took charge of keeping the atmosphere lively at the table; as long as there was wine, it would be lively.
He started drinking from his maternal family's side, then from these leaders, making sure no one was neglected, and he drank to his heart's content.
Not only in Jicheng, but throughout the entire Northeast, the standard for judging a person's social standing is their drinking capacity.
If you can drink a lot, you'll have more influence at the dinner table, unlike in later generations where money talks.
If Li Xuewu were to use his social skills to his advantage, very few people at this dinner table would be able to leave standing up.
But it is, after all, a wedding banquet, so one shouldn't drink too much. Being helped out of the house is enough.
Their table was the last to finish eating. Uncle Li Tong also came back and drank with them for a round, thus bringing the banquet to a close.
Liu Yin wanted to stay and help clean up, but her second aunt, Han Xiumei, persuaded her to go back. The reason was simple: these days, no family is rich, and what would be left on the dinner table?
Those things aren't worth cleaning up. She had already given instructions that anyone who wanted to take them should clean them up themselves. Someone was already watching, and they would clean them up even more thoroughly than the waiters.
Judging from their carefree attitude and magnanimity, it's clear that my second uncle and aunt have a lot of influence at work.
"You're learning martial arts, haven't you had too much to drink?"
After seeing all the guests off, Han Xiumei saw him and his second uncle come out and greeted them with a smile.
Li Xuewu just smiled and didn't say anything, but his second uncle patted his arm and said, "Him? He can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk."
"Go away—" Han Xiumei scolded him, and then advised Li Xuewu, "You should drink less alcohol, too much will harm your health."
"I understand, Second Aunt." Li Xuewu smiled and said, "I haven't congratulated you yet, you've finally achieved your goal."
"Hey, it's still early—"
Han Xiumei understood the meaning behind his words perfectly. She waved her hand and sighed, "They'll always remember whoever's biological child they are."
She walked on the other side of Li Xuewu, heading towards home, saying as she went, "Your second uncle and I are like this, your father and mother are like this to you, and the old lady is just as kind to us."
"And you're still talking about it." Li Xuewu reached out and gently patted his second uncle's back, saying, "My grandma is homesick, but she doesn't dare tell you, for fear that you'll overthink and get anxious."
"What's wrong?" Before her second uncle could speak, her second aunt asked, "Weren't you staying here just fine?"
“You said it yourself.” Li Xuewu put his arm around his second uncle’s shoulder, looked at his second aunt and said with a smile, “I think she misses those naughty kids at home.”
“No wonder—” Han Xiumei nodded and said, “I’ve been so busy these past few days that I haven’t been able to take care of your grandma. She seems a bit listless and not very talkative.”
“That’s how old people are.” Li Xuewu shook his second uncle’s shoulder and looked at him, saying, “When you get old, you’ll probably be thinking about your grandchildren so much that you can’t sleep.”
"Hehehe—" Second Uncle chuckled and nodded, saying, "Then let's go back. I'll go back to see her again during the New Year."
The reason why the second uncle wanted to keep the old lady in Jicheng was not to compete with the eldest brother Li Shun, but because he was afraid that the old lady would find out about the third brother's affairs.
Now that Li Xuewu had spoken his mind, he could understand his mother's feelings.
After all, that's not a grandson, but a great-grandson.
If it were him, and he had a bunch of mischievous kids like that, he wouldn't be able to take his eyes off them either; that's just how it is when you get old.
“Then I will tell the old lady that you and my second aunt have agreed, so she can go back to Beijing with my parents.”
Li Xuewu hadn't planned to tell anyone today, but his second aunt gave him the opportunity, so he brought it up.
My second uncle sighed and asked, "Have your school assignments been arranged?"
The three of them went to Guangzhou together. Even if his second uncle didn't go, he still had to inform his second uncle if something happened to Xuehan.
Therefore, Second Uncle knew very well about Li Xuehan's situation.
If Hong Min treats Li Xuehan well, then no one in the Li family, including Li Shun, would actively interfere with Li Xuehan's growth, unless Li Xuehan actively seeks help like this now.
why?
It can't be explained by reason; you can only say that they are mother and son, and they are uncles, cousins, or other relatives.
Now that this has happened, Li Shun and Li Tong naturally have to change their roles and become Li Xuehan's elders and supporters as his uncles and paternal uncles. They have to plan for the future of the son left behind by their younger brother, which is a right granted by family blood.
They should arrange work for him, arrange his marriage and blind dates, and even take on the responsibility of buying a house for Li Xuehan if they are capable of doing so.
This is the difference between having a mother and not having one.
Of course, the reason why this matter cannot be explained by reason is that not all family relationships are like this. Whether one can calmly shoulder this responsibility and how much one should shoulder depends on the actual situation and whether the person involved is willing to do so.
Li Tong was quite sensible. Before he got home, he told his nephew Li Xuewu that if he needed money, he should take it, and if he needed anything from Li Xuewu, he should just say so.
He understood, of course, that Li Xuewu would arrange everything for Li Xuehan's trip to Beijing, and that his elder brother Li Shun wouldn't even need to be involved.
There's no need to worry about work, and even less about money.
The silly girl in the family didn't know her brother's economic situation, but how could he, who was doing business for his nephew in Jicheng, not know?
Li Xuewu is neither short of money nor relatives. He treats those who are good to him well and keeps his distance from those who are not.
***
"Hey, my brother-in-law is here."
When Li Xuewu entered the house, he saw Shen Jianbing sitting inside, while his older sister, Li Juan, was playing with the child in the inner room.
He wasn't joking; the "oh" was very soft, just a hint of surprise, or perhaps just an interjection.
To everyone's surprise, Shen Jianbing, as if he had seized an opportunity, replied with a cold laugh, "You only just noticed us?"
"That's true, we're not exactly part of that hierarchy."
He sat with his legs crossed in the chair, looking Li Xuewu up and down without any politeness, and said, "You, Director Li, can see us? Now, if you call me brother-in-law, I wouldn't dare to respond."
"If you don't dare to answer, then don't answer. Just go do what you're supposed to do."
Second Uncle Li Tong's face turned cold, and he waved his hand, saying, "You've eaten and drunk your fill, go home now."
Li Xuewu didn't intend to say anything or lower himself to his level. It was his second uncle who saw that there were still guests in the house and wouldn't allow him to run wild.
However, as soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room immediately turned cold, and then noises could be heard from the inner room.
What are you doing?!
It was the voice of my second aunt, Han Xiumei, which seemed to carry a hint of resentment.
The eldest sister wiped away her tears, picked up her child, and tried to leave, even though her second aunt tried to stop her.
"You look down on us, and now you won't let us leave?"
She shook off her mother's arm and yelled at Shen Jianbing, "What are you still sitting here for? Haven't you had enough of that look on your face? Go home if you dare!"
Now that she had his support, Shen Jianbing, emboldened by his drunken antics, stood up and said with a sneer, "You want me to stay? I'm not. We don't have any relatives here. Fine, I'll leave—"
Second Uncle's face grew even more ashen, his eyes glaring as if he wanted to devour someone, but Li Xuewu grabbed him and pulled him to the other side.
Li Xueli got angry and rushed over to hit him, but was stopped by others. Li Juan shouted at her brother, "Go ahead and hit him! Go ahead and hit him! I think you've really grown up. You even dare to hit your own brother-in-law. You're something else, Li Xueli. You're something else!"
"Haha—" Shen Jianbing added fuel to the fire, shouting, "We're poor relatives, you didn't even prepare a red envelope, how can they treat you like a real sister or brother-in-law? Give me a break—"
"Get out of here right now—" Li Tong suppressed his anger and pointed at the door, cursing, "Get the hell out of here!"
"Fine, let's go!" Li Juan shook the child, ignoring the child's crying, and pulled Shen Jianbing out the door.
The couple argued and left, slamming the door shut and leaving a mess behind. Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.
"I shouldn't have said that, it's my fault for being so talkative."
Li Xuewu coaxed his second uncle, saying, "I didn't notice that my brother-in-law was upset. If I had known, I wouldn't have said anything."
"I don't blame you—" Han Xiumei wiped away her tears and said in a hoarse voice, "It's all my fault."
"Xueli, take your grandma and your grandpa and grandma to the guesthouse to rest. I've already arranged it with your Uncle Liu."
Li Tong, not wanting the matter to escalate further, waved his hand, signaling his son Li Xueli to take care of the family matters first.
Actually, by this point, it wasn't appropriate for anyone to stay any longer, but no one wanted to leave first.
Now, Li Tong instructed his son to send off the relatives at home, and they all said goodbye, leaving Li Tong and Han Xiumei exhausted.
Li Xuewu didn't leave. If he had, his second uncle and aunt would have been furious.
Especially since it's a newcomer coming into the family, and yet this kind of thing happens, even if you're considering your own brother, you shouldn't act like this.
"I've been holding my breath for a long time."
After seeing the guests off, Auntie sat on the sofa, sighed, and said, "Your second uncle and I are complaining."
"Alright, sister-in-law, sit down and rest for a while." Li Xuewu waved his hand, indicating that Yu Hongying had made him tea, and told her not to be so polite.
Turning to her second uncle and aunt, she advised, "My eldest sister is stubborn. Don't take it personally. She'll get better as she gets older. It's better to get married and settle down when you're young. Being alone and helpless will always make you feel uneasy."
“You don’t need to explain for her.” Li Tong squeezed his hand, then let out a long breath and said, “They’re just blaming me, blaming us for being nosy and for meddling in their affairs.”
"That's why it's all a sin."
Second Aunt Han Xiumei lowered her head and silently shed tears, saying, "Trouble has been made in trying to control them. What is the point of raising children anyway?"
Yu Hongying was a little uncomfortable to encounter such a thing as soon as she entered the room. She didn't dare to say anything and just sat to the side.
“Perhaps I didn’t handle this matter well.” Li Xuewu rubbed his chin and said, “I should have made things clear when my elder sister and brother-in-law came to the capital.”
"What good would it do to explain it clearly?"
Li Tong sighed and said, "They're obsessed with money and won't listen to reason. The clearer you explain, the less they'll believe you."
Even if they truly believe it, they'll still cling to you. People are never satisfied, and things will only get more awkward later.
"Forget it, let's just leave it at that—"
He waved his hand and said, "Just pretend I never raised this daughter. Let them do whatever they want."
"Hongying, I'm so sorry."
Han Xiumei wiped away her tears and looked apologetically at her daughter-in-law sitting beside her, saying, "Your sister is just being immature, don't take it to heart."
"Mom, it's okay." Yu Hongying was sensible; she knew her sister-in-law was special when she was dating Li Xueli.
I just didn't expect the other party to make a scene today, but even if I'm dissatisfied, I won't tell my mother-in-law now.
No matter what, she's a newly joined daughter-in-law, not as good as someone's biological daughter.
As for her second brother sitting opposite her, she couldn't say anything; she could tell he had nothing to do with her.
This place is so small, everyone can hear what anyone says, so what does what the second brother said really matter?
Li Xuewu looked at her and smiled, saying, "No matter what your in-laws say, to me they are still the eldest sister and brother-in-law. Blood is thicker than water, we are all family."
That's all he could say here, especially in front of his second uncle and aunt. Could he possibly complain about his eldest sister, Li Juan?
Like I said, how many times a year can we actually meet?
His parents were in the house at the time, as was his grandmother. His older sister was being so inconsiderate, and everyone in the family was watching.
Now he can only try to maintain the relationship and prevent any estrangement from developing between them, otherwise, it would be impossible to maintain a proper relationship with these relatives.
To be honest, apart from the eldest sister Li Juan and her husband, the second uncle's family treated their family very well, without saying a word against them.
So his principles haven't changed: if things can be done, they will; if not, he won't complain or grumble, and he'll be considerate behind people's backs.
“I know, Second Brother.” Yu Hongying nodded. She wasn’t a stupid child; she could tell there was something more to her Second Brother’s words.
“She only became like this after she got married,” Li Xuewu explained with a smile. “Before she got married, she would always call me ‘brother, brother’ whenever she saw me. She was so affectionate.”
"So she's not a bad person. Don't look at her differently, and don't be angry with her."
Li Xuewu advised her, "Over time you'll realize that there will be conflicts between brothers and sisters, but there will always be a day when they can be resolved. After all, they are blood relatives, right?"
Hearing him say that, Auntie Er could no longer hold back. She covered her face and cried silently. After her daughter made such a scene, the most embarrassed people should be the couple, especially in front of their daughter-in-law who had just entered the family. Where could she, the old woman, put herself in front of her?
If this gets back to her family, she'll lose even more face.
There were some things she couldn't say aloud, but with Li Xuewu explaining things clearly, she felt relieved.
Second Uncle Li Tong patted his arm and said, "If she were even slightly sensible, she wouldn't have done such a thing."
"Everyone says she's their own daughter, so what am I supposed to say?"
He was also in tears. He had been drinking at noon, and at that moment he felt both joy at his son's marriage and heartache at his daughter's lack of ambition and understanding. He poured out his bitterness to Li Xuewu through tears.
Li Xuewu offered soft words of comfort; what else could he say?
Yu Hongying glanced at her second brother. Those few words, neither too soft nor too hard, were meant for her, and she understood.
Of course she wasn't stupid. Now that she was married into the family, her parents' home was her home, and her husband's home was also her home. If she brought every embarrassing thing home, she would also share in the shame.
If word gets back to her relatives, they'll all say she married the wrong person, or that her husband is bad, or that her in-laws are bad, which won't do her any good.
After all, the bride's family and the groom's family are not enemies or adversaries, so why make trouble for yourself?
However, she was quite surprised that her second brother would so bluntly "warn" her, or rather, advise her, and in just a few words she understood the ins and outs.
Li Xueli had introduced her to this second brother's identity, but she wasn't very clear about it, nor did she understand what kind of person he was, whether in Beijing or in Gangcheng.
Today, she had a clear impression that the leader who officiated at her wedding didn't even have a chance to get close to her second brother.
This second brother was always being pulled along by the big boss of his workplace to talk and drink, while he couldn't get close to the person in his own workplace.
The fact that someone can chat and laugh with a high-ranking leader, yet isn't a local cadre from Jicheng, speaks volumes about their influence.
Another thing, after she came back, Li Xueli secretly teased her, asking her to see how much money her second brother had given her in red envelopes.
She really did check them all; every single one was there, and they were even more than the money her relatives from her own family had given her.
There was another one that was particularly large. Li Xueli told him that this must have been given by his second brother and sister-in-law, no need to guess.
She asked why her second brother gave her so much.
Li Xueli answered casually, saying that it was because his second brother didn't care, and that his second brother had always taken good care of the family.
Before marriage, Li Xueli never spoke much, let alone told the truth. But after marriage, he started to talk.
In Jicheng Forestry, her father's words carried little weight, but her second brother's words always did.
No matter what it is, no matter how difficult it is, as long as this second brother wants to take care of it, he will definitely be able to.
Every year, the forestry sector sends out so much timber, all of which falls outside the planned quotas. In recent years, they haven't even needed to look for projects themselves; it's all been bought up by distribution companies.
That's how it is. To the top leader, my second brother is a living god of wealth, and also a god of wealth for people in the forestry industry.
Honggang Group established a branch in Jicheng, and its scale has grown larger and larger in the past two years. It even merged with a traditional Chinese medicine pharmaceutical factory and transformed it into a more advanced and modern pharmaceutical factory.
Over the next few years, more projects will come in. If their family wasn't considered influential in this area before, everything changed after the second brother came.
It was her family. When they were dating, her family agreed to date him because they felt that the Li family had become more powerful in the past two years. It wasn't because they thought he was a promising young man, but because they saw that his father's words in the forestry industry were becoming more and more influential.
Think about it, after serving as the office director for the leader for several years, he's now being demoted to manage business operations, and will eventually have the待遇 (treatment/benefits) of a deputy position, with the possibility of even better career advancement in the future.
Now, who dares to look down on Li Tong? Just look at the guests who came today; none of them can ignore Li Tong's status.
Even the top leaders came; who would dare not come?
Of all the banquets in the courtyard today, theirs is the most lively, as they're using the company's small canteen.
With Li Xueli's explanation, Yu Hongying gradually understood why her family approved of her dating Li Xueli.
The more powerful her mother-in-law's family is, the better it is for her, so why would she be dissatisfied?
The more she thought about it, the more she understood and the more she could comprehend her second brother's reminder.
Think about it, no matter how much the eldest sister makes a fuss, she is still her mother-in-law and father-in-law's daughter. But no matter how immature she is, she is still a married daughter. How much can it affect her?
If you think about it carefully, if she were sensible, her in-laws would treat her even better and would neglect the older woman.
Otherwise, they won't be able to let go in the end. Even if they chase the other person away today, they might reconcile in the future.
Just like her second brother said, they are family after all, and even she shouldn't speak ill of her eldest sister and brother-in-law.
Because she's not qualified yet, and even if she were, she couldn't say it, because that would be foolish.
You need to coax them, persuade them, and be sensible.
Actually, she wasn't wronged. No matter how much her older sister made a fuss, it wasn't directed at her, much less at her family.
To be honest, even if they came here because of her, let's see whose side the in-laws will take now.