Ever since the confrontation that day, Shen Dong was fired from his workplace.
The next morning, when he saw the news in the newspaper, his vision went dark.
From then on, he holed up in his room, sighing and moaning all day, too afraid to even step outside.
He Lin’s situation was even worse—not only did she lose her job, but she was also formally investigated by the Capital City Public Security Bureau for stealing packages by abusing her position.
The couple, who had once been so smug and boastful, were now drowning in regret and humiliation.
Things weren’t any quieter for the second son’s family either.
During their earlier argument, Xu Fangmin had impulsively brought up divorce in the heat of the moment, not thinking much of it at the time.
But to her surprise, Shen Chao seemed dead serious this time and actually filed the divorce papers.
In these times, military marriages weren’t so easily dissolved.
A thorough review was inevitable.
Though the military district made it clear that the divorce application wouldn’t be approved,
Xu Fangmin was still furious at Shen Chao and her in-laws’ attitude. That same day, she packed up and took the children back to her parents’ home.
Now, upon hearing about the earth-shattering scandal involving the eldest son’s family, Xu Fangmin was shocked—
but at the same time, a secret sense of satisfaction crept into her heart.
Serves them right for playing favorites!
Now they’re getting their just deserts!
Father Xu and Mother Xu, embarrassed by their in-laws’ disgrace, still tried to reason with their daughter.
"Foolish girl, don’t act rashly now. If the Shen family falls, what good will it do you?"
When Xu Fangmin remained silent, Mother Xu snapped, "The children are already so big—do you really want a divorce?"
Xu Fangmin retorted stubbornly, "So what if I do? I’m not afraid of him!"
"Are you out of your mind?" Father Xu said sternly. "The worse things get for them, the more you should go back and show your filial devotion to your in-laws."
"Otherwise, once this blows over, whatever’s left of the Shen family’s assets will be squandered by that eldest son and his wife. You’ll have nothing left to cry over."
"Your father’s right!" Mother Xu pleaded. "All couples argue. If everyone gave up at the first sign of trouble, what would become of marriages?"
"Listen to me—don’t pick this moment to make a stand. It’s not worth it."
Xu Fangmin hadn’t truly been set on divorce; she just wanted to pressure her in-laws and husband.
Now, with her parents’ advice—especially the mention of family assets—her mind began to churn with possibilities.
So after staying at her parents’ for two days, she returned with the children.
She had hoped that by coming back voluntarily during the Shen family’s downfall, she’d earn some goodwill and her in-laws’ respect.
But the very next day, the verdicts for Shen Dong and He Lin were announced.
Shen Dong was sentenced to life imprisonment for stealing someone else’s design work, showing no remorse, and obstinately denying his crimes—acts deemed extremely malicious.
On top of that, he had altered the designs, creating major safety hazards. With multiple charges stacked against him, life imprisonment was the final ruling.
He Lin, for abusing her position to intercept and open others’ registered mail, was also convicted.
Further investigations revealed she had stolen mail over a hundred times during her tenure.
Her actions constituted theft and obstruction of postal communications, earning her a life sentence as well.
Even Shen’s Father wasn’t spared.
Criticized for failing to discipline his son and attempting to pressure the newspaper by phone,
his actions cast the military in a bad light. He was subsequently reprimanded and removed from his core leadership position.
In just a few days, his hair turned mostly white, aging him over a decade.
Shen’s Mother, unable to bear the blow, fell ill that same day.
...
Jiang Si heard bits and pieces about the Shen family’s fate.
In a close-knit community like theirs, gossip always found a way to spread.
But she felt little sympathy.
You reap what you sow.
If Shen Dong and his wife dared to steal credit, they had to face the consequences when the truth came out.
As for the postal and construction department employees caught in the fallout, Jiang Si could do nothing for them.
With the matter resolved, Jiang Si stopped paying attention to the family and instead focused on helping Mother Huo prepare for the New Year.
With more mouths to feed this year, Mother Huo started shopping days in advance, heading to Capital City’s largest grocery market before dawn.
Two plump hens were picked out for nourishing soups to strengthen her daughters-in-law.
Over ten pounds of marbled pork belly were bought—half for dumpling fillings, half for braising.
Knowing Jiang Si loved gelatinous cuts, Mother Huo grabbed several pig’s trotters to stew for her.
Fresh seafood like fish and prawns were also stocked up in bulk.
Beyond meats, dried fruits, candies, and pastries were piled high.
Multiple bags of sunflower seeds and peanuts were hauled home—with so many people chatting, a pound vanished in no time.
Three pounds each of orange candies, shrimp crackers, and chocolates for the kids.
Traditional Capital City treats like Jing Ba Jian, walnut cakes, and honey-glazed pastries were boxed up generously.
While shopping, Mother Huo didn’t forget gifts for her daughters-in-law’s families.
She initially planned to pick them herself, but Father Huo gently suggested,
"Why not give them money and coupons to choose their own?"
After a pause, he added, "I’ve noticed Meng Yuan hardly mentions her family."
Mother Huo realized he was right.
As a Capital City local, Meng Yuan should’ve visited her parents soon after their return.
Yet after two weeks, she hadn’t even brought them up.
Mother Huo, busy until now, hadn’t dwelled on it.
But Father Huo’s observation struck a chord.
"If she doesn’t bring it up, act like you don’t know," he advised.
Mother Huo agreed.
The next day, she gathered her four daughters-in-law and handed each fifty yuan,
plus extra liquor, tobacco, and sugar coupons.
The women were surprised.
"Mom, why are you giving us money all of a sudden?"
"With the New Year approaching, your father and I decided you should handle your families’ gifts this year," Mother Huo said lightly. "Consider it us being lazy—alright?"
Of course it was alright.
They’d been itching to help after seeing Mother Huo exhaust herself shopping.
The money was accepted eagerly.
"Thanks, Mom."
Meng Yuan was last to take hers, but her voice carried noticeably less tension.
"Thank you for your thoughtfulness."
With that settled, Mother Huo felt a weight lift.
At noon, Father Huo returned with more good news: fireworks restrictions had loosened this year.
Delighted, Mother Huo grinned.
Although fireworks were only permitted on New Year's Eve, the policy was far more relaxed compared to previous years.
The very next day, the men in the household eagerly lined up to buy a whole crate of fireworks, along with strings of firecrackers. Jiang Si, with nothing much to do, tagged along.
They also picked up plenty of lanterns and paper window decorations.
Aside from decorating the house, Jiang Si bought each child a handheld red lantern—even little Suisui and Zhaozhao got theirs.
The children were overjoyed.
With fireworks and lanterns in hand, the festive spirit of the New Year felt especially vibrant this time.
