The Old Zhou family was noisy all day, and finally settled down as night fell.
In the main room, Old Lady Zhou, seated cross-legged on the kang bed, really wanted to call Madam Lu over for a good scolding, for her behavior today had truly enraged her.
But considering it was her youngest son’s wedding day, and though each had their own rooms, they did not have separate courtyards like a wealthy household, so a loud voice would inevitably carry, she decided not to startle her son’s good fortune.
With these thoughts, an exhausted Old Lady Zhou lay down, and as she was falling asleep, she still thought about the long days ahead, certain that one day she would be able to deal with that troublemaker Madam Lu.
Madam Lu, unaware she was on her mother-in-law’s mind, was also complaining to Zhou Xuennian, who reeked of alcohol, incessantly talking about everything from Wufu’s "Monster" to their extravagant spending.
Zhou Xuennian was covered in the smell of alcohol, and even though today was his younger brother’s big day, with their father gone and him being the eldest son, he also had to help entertain the guests, so he drank quite a bit himself.
With the alcohol going to his head, he couldn’t quite understand what Madam Lu was saying, only felt his head buzzing, and waved his hand, saying, "Stop buzzing like a fly, my head is killing me, go get me a bowl of honey water."
Madam Lu, interrupted, replied irritably, "Who asked you to drink so desperately? It’s not your wedding, why go to all that trouble?"
Though she said this, she still got out of bed and walked to the kitchen to prepare a bowl of honey water for Zhou Xuennian. After feeding him, she boiled some hot water for him to wash his face and feet. After much fussing, things finally quieted down.
Feeling frustrated, Madam Lu carried the washbasin out to empty it, planning to return to the room. Noticing that the light in her brother-in-law’s West Chamber was still on, she looked around and tiptoed over.
In the West Chamber, Lady Liang, dressed in a bright red wedding gown, was also serving Zhou Xueli honey water to sober up and wrung out a towel to wipe his face.
Zhou Xueli took her hand and kissed it lightly.
Lady Liang’s face and ears turned red at once, pushed him away, and the coy look on her face made Zhou Xueli’s heart sway, he promptly pulled her into his embrace.
"I, I haven’t washed my face yet," Lady Liang said with a blush.
"No need to wash, you look very beautiful now," Zhou Xueli said with a smile, hooking her chin with one hand and moving closer.
But Lady Liang was about to say the candle hadn’t been blown out when she caught a glimpse of a shadow outside the window, which scared her into pushing him away and standing up.
"What’s wrong?" Zhou Xueli followed her gaze and his face darkened. He opened the door and sure enough, saw his sister-in-law beneath their window.
This was too much, the sister-in-law eavesdropping by the corner of her brother-in-law’s room, she wasn’t afraid of losing face.
"Sister-in-law, what are you doing here?"
Madam Lu was startled and replied awkwardly, "Oh, nothing much, I just came to remind you, don’t blow out the red candle, otherwise it’s unlucky." Then she hurriedly fled back to her room.
Zhou Xueli closed the door speechlessly, turned to see his wife’s face was also disgruntled, and couldn’t help but laugh sheepishly, "The sister-in-law meant well."
Lady Liang sneered inwardly, meant well? A sister-in-law eavesdropping, and that was well-intentioned? If she hadn’t noticed, who knows how long she might’ve listened!
But she didn’t show it on her face, just nodded awkwardly and said with a touch of grievance, "I understand, she’s my sister-in-law, I will be more accommodating in the future."
Feeling somewhat culpable and distressed, Zhou Xueli wrapped his arms around her and said, "Don’t talk about being accommodating; as long as you’re in the right, that’s what matters. A harmonious family leads to prosperity, and I won’t let you be wronged!"
Lady Liang feigned shyness and lowered her head, not taking it seriously in her heart. Today she had seen clearly, this sister-in-law of hers was no easy character to deal with!