The City’s Strongest Son-in-law Chapter 1 - 1 1 Tang Family's Worthless Son-in-law
1: Chapter 1: Tang Family’s Worthless Son-in-law 1: Chapter 1: Tang Family’s Worthless Son-in-law Hai City Fengye Street.
A young man walked with his head lowered, his demeanor indifferent as he threaded through the thronging masses, a subtle hint of impatience flashing across his brows.
Hot on his heels, a group of men clad in black huffed and puffed, clinging to him like stubborn molasses, utterly impossible to dislodge.
“Young Master, a moment, please…
Kindly return with us!
At this very instant, you are the sole individual capable of taking the reins of the Su Family!
“Precisely, Young Master, the Old Madam herself commanded that we must escort you home.
Currently, the Master lies gravely ill, the eldest young master is incarcerated, and the household is in utter disarray!”
“Regardless of anything, Young Master, your blood flows with the Su Family’s lineage too.
We implore you to reconsider…”
“Have you concluded your discourse?”
Su Changfeng abruptly halted, casting a frigid gaze upon the ceaseless talkers, a sardonic twist gracing the corners of his lips: “Su Family’s blood, you say.
Were it not for my brother’s imprisonment, I suspect they would never have so much as acknowledged my existence, would they?
“Ever since our childhood, Grandmother showered my brother with affection, indulging his every whim, simply because he was the Su Family’s firstborn grandson, the rightful heir. And what of me?
The extraneous one, the inconvenient sight, the villain destined to clash with her prized grandson over resources?
“Since my marriage into the Tang Family, I have endured three years of humiliation. Has the Su Family ever uttered a single word?
They instructed me to depart, and so I did. Now, with mere casual words, they desire my return?
Convey this to the Su Family: since they cast me aside, I, Su Changfeng, am irrevocably severed from the Su Family.
Their tangled affairs are beyond my capacity to manage, and as a man of no consequence, I possess no interest in them.”
With that declaration, Su Changfeng pivoted and strode away, vanishing into the dense crowd without a backward glance.
The men in black exchanged bewildered glances, uncertain whether to pursue him further.
The Tang Family, though not among Hai City’s most prominent lineages, still commanded respect as a well-established and honorable clan.
Three years prior, when Su Changfeng found himself utterly destitute, at the nadir of his fortunes, Old Master Tang perceived something in him and personally officiated his union with his granddaughter, Tang Qiulu.
This event had been the talk of the city, and even after three years, it occasionally resurfaced in casual conversation.
Yet, whenever Su Changfeng’s name arose, it was invariably met with sighs and derisive chuckles.
None could fathom why Old Master Tang would bestow his eldest granddaughter upon such an inconspicuous and seemingly incapable son-in-law.
As for Su Changfeng’s past, save for Old Master Tang, no other soul possessed this knowledge.
Tragically, the old master succumbed to illness not long after the wedding ceremony. From that point onward, Su Changfeng’s existence became one of perpetual ostracism and public ridicule, utterly devoid of standing within the Tang Family.
As time wore on, Su Changfeng grew desensitized.
Initially spurned by the Su Family, and now enduring hardship within the Tang Family, he had long since witnessed the stark unpleasantness of human character.
He checked the time and increased his pace.
Today marked a significant occasion for the Tang Family, as their annual family banquet was imminent.
In his quest to procure a suitable gift, Su Changfeng had risen early, patiently waited in line to acquire the most delectable pastries available in all of Hai City.
While their monetary value was modest, and certainly paled in comparison to the offerings presented by other Tang Family members, it nonetheless represented a gesture of his sincerity.
Considering Su Changfeng’s financial circumstances, it was the utmost he could provide.
Tang Family Mansion.
A woman graced with cascades of dark hair, striking beauty, and a curvaceous physique paced restlessly outside the gates, her gaze periodically drifting towards the distant road, seemingly in anticipation of someone’s arrival.
This was none other than the former darling of Hai City’s elite circles, Old Master Tang’s most treasured granddaughter, the Tang Family’s esteemed Miss, Tang Qiulu.
By all accounts, given Tang Qiulu’s considerable assets, what remarkable suitor could she not attract?
She found it eternally perplexing why Old Master Tang had insisted on marrying her to an obscure individual like Su Changfeng, and even at his deathbed, he had clasped her hand, imparting numerous admonitions, urging her to cherish her life with Su Changfeng and to refrain from despising him.
Heaven alone comprehends the sheer fortitude Tang Qiulu mustered to endure three years of sharing quarters with Su Changfeng.
Were it not for the imperative of familial reputation and the final wishes of the late patriarch, she would have initiated divorce proceedings against Su Changfeng long ago.
“Han Xue!”
At this juncture, Su Changfeng, drawing nearer, caught sight of Tang Qiulu’s form and swiftly approached her, a smile gracing his features: “Were you awaiting my arrival?”
“Did you secure the items?”
A flicker of disdain crossed Tang Qiulu’s eyes as she cast a cursory glance at the gift box held in his hand.
“Yes, I procured lotus pastries from the city’s northern district. After a considerable wait in line, they are still pleasantly warm,” Su Changfeng stated.
“Enter with me,” Tang Qiulu instructed, turning towards the house. “You can eat then. Don’t utter pointless remarks, understood?” She added quietly, “The entire Tang Family will be present today. No matter what they say to you, just try to bear with it.”
“Rest assured,” Su Changfeng replied with a faint smile, clearly comprehending the situation. He understood that during such gatherings, he was bound to face mockery and ridicule from the Tang Family members. Tang Qiulu, understandably, wished to avoid being embarrassed alongside him.
Having been with Tang Qiulu for many years, Su Changfeng had never held her accountable for her dismissive attitude. After all, anyone thrust into a marriage without genuine affection, particularly to someone perceived as timid and lacking a background, would naturally feel constrained. This union was, in essence, quite unfair to Tang Qiulu.
Yet, Su Changfeng’s completely detached demeanor only served to further infuriate Tang Qiulu. Since their marriage, he had limited himself to domestic duties—washing clothes and preparing meals—acting as a veritable househusband. He displayed no ambition and, in her eyes, possessed no masculine dignity whatsoever!
Choosing not to engage further with Su Changfeng, Tang Qiulu proceeded directly indoors. Upon entering the living room, they found the Tang Family relatives had already assembled, engaged in small group conversations and reminiscing, filling the hall with a lively atmosphere.
“Oh, isn’t this Han Xue? Why are you arriving so late?”
“On such a significant day, your arrival is rather delayed. You must have dedicated considerable effort to preparing your gifts, haven’t you?”
“Go and greet Grandma; she was just mentioning you~”
Upon seeing Tang Qiulu’s arrival, the relatives eagerly converged, and her cousins, adorned in glittering jewelry, greeted her with cheerful effervescence. However, not a single person acknowledged Su Changfeng; he was treated as if he were invisible.
Su Changfeng found solace in this quiet observation, quite content to avoid the inevitable ridicule. Still, even he, who preferred to remain unnoticed, could not escape the deliberate provocations of certain individuals, such as Tang Qiulu’s cousin, Tang Xiangdong. It seemed his particular brand of satisfaction was only achieved after he had thoroughly humiliated Su Changfeng.
Indeed, the widespread moniker of “worthless son-in-law” that Su Changfeng bore in Hai City originated from Tang Xiangdong himself. “Yo, Su Changfeng, what are you carrying there? Is that the grand ‘gift’ for the family banquet?” Tang Xiangdong inquired, arms crossed, a smug grin directed at Su Changfeng. He gestured towards the paper bag Su Changfeng held. “Such cheap packaging, from which disreputable stall did you acquire it?”
“I purchased it from the esteemed, time-honored lotus pastry shop on Fengye Street,” Su Changfeng responded, shaking his head and meeting Tang Xiangdong’s gaze directly, his tone placid.
“Pfft—” A wave of laughter erupted from the surrounding relatives as his words settled. Tang Qiulu’s expression tightened, and she averted her gaze, grinding her teeth in vexation. She had just cautioned Su Changfeng against causing trouble, yet within minutes, he had managed to embarrass her. Under normal circumstances, Tang Qiulu would not have intervened to defend Su Changfeng. Deep down, she had never considered him truly part of her world. If Su Changfeng embarrassed himself, it was his own problem, provided he didn’t drag her down with him!
“Hahaha, you must be here purely for our amusement, right? Do you even know what day it is today? You’ve brought such a meager offering for Grandma, and you have the audacity to show your face?” Tang Xiangdong proclaimed loftily, sauntering over to the coffee table laden with gifts. He pointed to an exquisite brocade box, nearly as tall as a man, nestled amongst the high-end gift parcels. “Come, allow this young master to enlighten your unenlightened eyes and demonstrate what truly constitutes a worthy gift!”
“Very well,” Su Changfeng agreed. He glanced briefly at Tang Qiulu, remembering her plea for him to remain silent. He was deliberately economical with his words. Observing the onlookers gathering to witness the unfolding spectacle, Tang Xiangdong, eager to see Su Changfeng utterly disgraced, dramatically lifted the lid off the gift box. As the contents were revealed, the relatives couldn’t help but gasp, their eyes widening in astonishment!