bookcurios Chapter 136 Su Nian'an's husband, Lin Jie
Chapter 136 Su Nian'an's husband, Lin Jie
At first, her mother-in-law treated her very well, like a daughter. But as she failed to conceive for a long time, coupled with the gossip in the village, her mother-in-law changed and became the person she is today. She's now harsh on her!
Su Nian'an touched the pills her eldest sister had given her, feeling a surge of strength within her. Her sister had said that if she still couldn't conceive after finishing this bottle of medicine, she should bring her husband to the capital.
She didn't quite understand what those words meant either! But Su Nian'an really listened to Su Yinyin now.
As soon as Su Nian'an stepped into the house, her mother-in-law began to berate her with a dark face, blaming her for leaving without reason the day before. Su Nian'an listened silently, without arguing back. Her father-in-law, as always, remained silent.
On Su Nian'an's side, her husband quietly pulled her aside, handed her a warm sweet potato, and whispered, "Wife, don't take it to heart, that's just how I am."
Su Nian'an felt a warmth in her heart and smiled slightly. She knew that in this small village, although her mother-in-law was difficult, her husband's care was her greatest comfort.
She secretly resolved to get pregnant as soon as possible, so that her mother-in-law would return to her current state.
Su Nian'an's mother-in-law asked sarcastically, "Where did you go? Did you go to meet some random man?"
Hearing her mother-in-law's tone, Su Nian'an felt uncomfortable, but she still explained, "Mother, you misunderstood. I have already informed my husband that I am going to the capital to find relatives."
"Oh, you found it? But your parents don't want you anymore, and they're not good people either."
When her family was mentioned, Su Nian'an was very happy and repeated what Su Yinyin had said to her: "Yes, my wife has found her family. If my mother were alive, she would definitely want me."
She originally wanted to tell the whole story, but then she remembered her older sister's instructions and refrained from explaining her mother's situation.
"Mother, husband, my eldest sister is called Su Yinyin, and my second sister is called Su Yue. My second sister and I are twins, and my current name is Su Nian'an. Our parents have both passed away, and now my eldest and second sisters depend on each other for survival..."
She told her husband's family what Su Yinyin had said. When her husband heard that her family was poor, he was taken aback at first, but then said gently, "Now that you have found your relatives and know your own name, I am happy for you! Regardless of wealth or status, we should all take care of each other."
Su Nian'an was overjoyed, her eyes filled with relief.
But her mother-in-law stopped her husband, saying, "Our family isn't doing well either, how can we take care of her? Besides, your sister is a weak woman raising a child, isn't that bad for her reputation? You and your sister should have less contact."
Upon hearing her mother-in-law's words, Su Nian'an's smile vanished instantly, and she hurriedly retorted, "Mother-in-law, my eldest and second sisters are not like that. They are very good people. They just had a rough life and ended up in this situation."
Her husband quickly chimed in, "Mother, I think Nian'an's sister is dignified and generous; she certainly wouldn't do anything to disgrace the family."
The mother-in-law snorted coldly, "Don't be fooled by appearances. There aren't that many pitiful people in this world."
Su Nian'an felt wronged, tears welling up in her eyes. "If my mother-in-law doesn't allow it, I have no face to stay here any longer." After saying that, she made a move to leave.
Her husband quickly pulled her back and pleaded with his mother-in-law: "Mother, if Nian'an is driven away because of this, I will feel guilty for the rest of my life. I promise that I will take good care of her in the future and there will be no mistakes."
Seeing her son's insistence, the mother-in-law was displeased but also afraid of driving her daughter-in-law away, so she had no choice but to relent: "Alright, alright, I'll agree to your terms for now, but if anything goes wrong in the future, don't blame me for being impolite."
Furthermore, you have been married for many years without conceiving. Although our family is not wealthy, I have decided to arrange for your husband to take a concubine. If you disagree, we will adopt your elder brother's son into your family.
When Su Nian'an heard that her mother-in-law wanted to take a concubine for her husband, she was struck dumb. She looked at her husband and saw that he was hesitant.
Su Nian'an gritted her teeth and said to her mother-in-law, "Mother-in-law, Nian'an knows that the matter of having offspring is important, but Nian'an is still young. I beg you to give Nian'an some more time."
The mother-in-law remained unmoved, saying, "Hmph, this matter is settled then, and you shouldn't say anything more."
Su Nian'an retorted firmly: "Mother-in-law, we are just ordinary people, struggling to make ends meet. We have no spare money to support an idle person. In short, I do not agree. If you dare to take a concubine, I will divorce my husband!"
Upon hearing the word "divorce," the mother-in-law's eyes widened. "You dare mention divorce? If word gets out, how will my son face anyone?"
Su Nian'an took a deep breath. "Mother-in-law, it's not that Nian'an is being unreasonable, it's just that Nian'an cannot accept her husband taking a concubine."
Her husband finally spoke up, "Mother, let's postpone the matter of taking a concubine. I believe Nian Anding will bear me a child."
The mother-in-law angrily pointed at her son and scolded, "You good-for-nothing, you're completely controlled by your wife."
Su Nian'an hurriedly said, "Mother-in-law, Nian'an is willing to sign a pledge that if there is still no child within a year, Nian'an will arrange for her husband to take a concubine without your urging."
The mother-in-law was skeptical. "Is this really true?"
“If it is true, and there is any breach of contract, Nian’an is willing to divorce. Or we can have my elder brother’s son adopted into my name. But if it’s not my problem, but my husband’s problem, then what should we do?” Su Nian’an said firmly.
Upon hearing Su Nian'an's words, both her mother-in-law and husband exclaimed in unison, "How could that be!"
Su Nian'an looked at them and said, "Why is it impossible? When I was in the capital, I had a doctor take my pulse. The doctor said I was a little weak and should go home to rest more and take good care of myself. I'm sure I'll be able to have a baby next year."
Su Nian'an paused for a moment, then said, "Could it be that the doctor in the capital was lying? Seeing that this was a rare opportunity, my wife asked the doctor what would happen if I still couldn't give birth. The doctor said that it was because your husband had a problem!"
Su Nian'an's words struck them like a thunderbolt, leaving them both stunned.
Their faces turned extremely pale. If what the doctor said was true, neither of them could accept that fact. Especially Su Nian'an's husband, Lin Jie.
After Su Nian'an saw that her words had stunned them, she said, "Mother-in-law, husband, the doctor said it's only possible. My husband is so healthy, how could it not be possible? Give your wife some time, and next year she will definitely give birth to a healthy and chubby baby."
After a moment, the mother-in-law said, "Alright, let's set a one-year period. If you still haven't made a move by then, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Looking at Su Nian'an, the mother-in-law inwardly complained, "If it weren't for your generous dowry and your skill in embroidery, I would have divorced you long ago just because you've been infertile for so many years."
Although Su Nian'an was adopted by a midwife, the midwife treated her like her own daughter.
I wanted to give her a good life, so I learned a skill. With a skill, she'll at least have a more comfortable life in her husband's family.
Su Nian'an curtsied slightly, "Thank you for your kindness, Mother-in-law."
After her mother-in-law left, Su Nian'an turned to look at her husband, who looked at her with a face full of guilt. "Nian'an, you've suffered so much."