Chapter 23: An Unexpected Surprise
Zhu Shunyao was unfamiliar with this aspect of things, but that didn’t stop him from heeding Xie Zhong’s advice. “Then I’ll listen to you, Father-in-law. We won’t have her fortune told now; we can wait until before the wedding to do it.” It was a local custom to calculate the auspicious wedding date and match the eight characters of the couple’s birth times before marriage, which essentially amounted to having one’s fortune read.
Xie Zhong nodded. “I have looked at An Ni’s fate. Her destiny has already shifted. Originally, she was destined to be frail and prone to illness in her childhood, followed by marital discord in adulthood. However, perhaps because of this incident where she fell into the water, those future misfortunes were washed away. Her destiny has been altered. I cannot predict exactly how her fate will unfold from here, but I can tell you that An Ni’s future prospects will absolutely surpass anyone present here today. Because her destiny has changed, it signifies that her life is now in her own hands.” He paused for a moment before continuing, “However, you must not spoil her too much because of this. She must still learn what she needs to learn. In a person’s life, one part is determined by heaven, and nine parts are determined by oneself. You cannot lose the greater good for the sake of minor gains.”
Zhu Shunyao had always known that his father-in-law had a certain expertise in the mysterious arts of divination and numerology. Since Xie Zhong said so, it must be true. Yet, he still expressed his concern: “Father-in-law, An Ni is still so young. Could this bring danger to her?”
“Originally, danger was inevitable. Now, with this incident of falling into the water, the great danger has been removed. As for minor dangers, they are more like thresholds of trial, which everyone faces. As the saying goes, where there is danger, there is opportunity. You must have faith in her.” Xie Zhong gave Zhu Shunyao his answer without hesitation.
Zhu Shunyao nodded upon hearing this and accepted the explanation.
Xie Zhong glanced at Zhu Shunyao, then looked at Zhu Yanyi in his arms, and finally spoke: “I have given it some thought. I plan for An Ni to live with us on the first, third, fifth, and sixth days of the week, while you two take her back on the second and fourth days. I need to lay a solid foundation for her.”
Zhu Shunyao knew that Xie Zhong was a renowned scholar in the area, essentially knowing everything. One only had to look at his three brothers-in-law to understand. Although they might not appear to have achieved much in terms of official status, their knowledge and understanding were far superior to that of the average person. Moreover, each of them possessed excellent calligraphy skills. For Zhu Shunyao, who had only completed elementary school, this was something he deeply admired. Therefore, he replied, “I have no objections. Following Father-in-law, she will be able to learn much more.”
Xie Zhong nodded. “Also, I have observed your facial features, and the Palace of Children shows signs of joy. It seems A Lian is pregnant again. The state is beginning to advocate for family planning, and I estimate that it will eventually be enforced strictly. While it is still in the early stages, it is best to have the child now. Whether it is a boy or a girl, it does not matter. An additional child brings additional blessings.”
“Is that so?” Zhu Shunyao’s eyes lit up. It was evident that he was unaware of this news. Hearing Xie Zhong’s words brought him great joy. If Xie Zhong said so, it meant his wife was definitely pregnant. Thinking of this, he glanced at his wife beside him: “A Lian and I had originally planned to have another child. Whether it is a boy or a girl, I am happy. Even if it is a girl, I would be pleased. In the story of Five Daughters Paying Respect, there are five daughters. Even if we have another daughter, I would only have three.”
The reason Xie Zhong held Zhu Shunyao in high regard was precisely because of his open-minded and reasonable nature. Although Zhu Shunyao was known as stubborn and obstinate in public, at home, he was an exceptionally good person. At the very least, he was filial toward his elders and deeply caring toward his children. Zhu Yanyi had seen this clearly in her previous life. However, due to limitations in his education and experience, Zhu Shunyao often failed to keep pace with the changing times. Consequently, some of his actions were viewed as jokes by others. Nevertheless, in the eyes of Zhu Yanyi and her sisters, he was undoubtedly a good father.