Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister Chapter 3 Trouble

With Su Yun catering to every need so attentively, Chen Xuan didn't have to lift a finger, basking in a level of service fit for an emperor. Naturally, he found this state of affairs incredibly gratifying. In this realm, the social stature of men reigns supreme; it is no exaggeration to claim that women are expected to function as mere subordinates. Even though the young girl had been somewhat petulant only a short while ago, she transitioned seamlessly into the role of a doting wife while attending to Chen Xuan, showing absolutely no lingering signs of frustration.

"How wonderful!"

Chen Xuan mused to himself, feeling deeply pleased. Such treatment was something he could have never even dreamed of in his previous life. In his homeland, where the common mantra claimed that women held up half the sky, Chen Xuan had always scoffed at the notion; he felt it was more accurate to say that the entire sky struggled to contain their influence.

....

Inside the main hall, Su Wanqiu had already laid out breakfast on the modest square table. The meal was quite Spartan: three bowls of steaming sorghum porridge paired with a single plate of pickled greens. While the fare was simple, it was considered quite a luxury given the current times. In Shuanggang Village, many households had already restricted themselves to only two meager meals a day. Having completed some strenuous labor throughout the night and keeping active since sunrise, Chen Xuan’s stomach was already grumbling with hunger. Treating them as his immediate kin, he didn't stand on ceremony, seating himself and tucking into the meal with gusto.

"Hmm?"

Upon taking only his first mouthful, he noticed something peculiar. "Meat?" There were morsels of meat hidden within the porridge! It had to be from the rabbit he had snared the previous night. He stole a subtle glance at the bowls belonging to Su Yun and Su Wanqiu. Both were methodical in their eating, using their chopsticks with care. After a few more mouthfuls, he confirmed their bowls lacked any such nourishment. The realization hit him instantly: his sister-in-law, Su Wanqiu, had intentionally set aside the meat for him. He decided to test the waters, remarking, "So we’re having meat this morning, sister-in-law?"

"Oh? Meat? Where? I see nothing but porridge in my bowl," Su Yun replied with a puzzled look, even meticulously sifting through her bowl with her chopsticks to verify.

"Stop digging around, yours has none; only Brother Xuan gets the meat!" Su Wanqiu commanded, placing her bowl down and casting a stern glance at Su Yun. She spoke with grave seriousness: "Brother Xuan is the sole male in this household, our pillar of strength. He requires meat to maintain his vitality. As for us, we perform no taxing physical labor, so why would we require such sustenance? And you, you are no longer a mere child; you are now Brother Xuan’s wife. Cease this childish behavior immediately, do you understand?"

Still transitioning from the mentality of a child to a married woman, Su Yun seemed somewhat disoriented by the gravity of the instruction. Regardless, she nodded earnestly. "I understand, sister. Please continue to guide me, and I promise to improve! I shall certainly serve Brother Xuan well."

"It is husband, you silly girl," Su Wanqiu said with a gentle shake of her head and a smile.

"Hehe, I am still adjusting to it," she replied, playfully sticking her tongue out at Chen Xuan.

Watching the two of them, Chen Xuan felt his initial impulse to tell them not to prioritize him so heavily fade away. He realized that vocal protest would accomplish nothing. It seemed he would simply have to hunt more frequently from now on. If the household larder were stocked with more game, the sisters would naturally eat better along with him.

....

Following breakfast, Su Wanqiu directed Su Yun to clear the dishes before she donned a heavy cotton coat and a straw hat. Seeing this, Chen Xuan inquired, "Sister-in-law, are you heading out?"

"Indeed. We are nearly out of sorghum flour, and I must procure more from the village shop."

"Allow me to go instead. The snowdrifts are far too deep, and the trek would be far too difficult for you."

"That is unnecessary," Su Wanqiu insisted, tying her hat firmly and brushing off his concern. "You are a newlywed; stay home and rest for a few days. We are not only running out of flour but our funds are also dwindling. This is the least I can contribute. From this point forward, the entire family’s future rests upon your shoulders." After speaking, she deliberately smeared soot from the cooking pot across her face to create the appearance of heavy freckles. "How do I look?"

"Absolutely dreadful, sister-in-law. Was this really necessary?" Chen Xuan asked, helpless to stop her. In his memories, stretching back a few years, Su Wanqiu had begun intentionally masking her beauty. Furthermore, she seemed to grow more disheveled by the day. Currently, her complexion appeared a sickly, jaundiced black, marred by those fake freckles. If she were seen after dark, she would likely terrorize any child who crossed her path. Yet, hearing his critique, she looked quite satisfied. "You do not understand. A widow invites unwanted scrutiny. Had your brother remained with us, I would not need such measures, but things have changed. Even the smallest rumor can be sharper than a blade when people start wagging their tongues!" With that final word, she stepped out into the cold.

"Sigh!" Chen Xuan watched as his unfortunate sister-in-law departed. She was barely in her early twenties, yet living such a life was a heavy burden indeed.

"Sister is truly to be pitied," Su Yun remarked, having finished the dishes. She caught sight of the retreating figure and looked on with visible distress.

"Do not fret. I promise to provide a good life for you both," Chen Xuan said, pulling her into an embrace to offer some comfort.

"Mm!" Su Yun murmured, her response soft yet laced with unwavering resolve.

.....

The hours passed until noon, yet there was no sign of Su Wanqiu’s return. Inside the hall, Su Yun became visibly agitated, pacing back and forth while whispering to herself. "Why isn't sister back yet? The rice shop is only a few miles away; surely it should not take this long?" Unable to maintain her composure, she kept glancing toward the threshold. At that exact moment, Chen Xuan entered carrying a shovel, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He had been clearing the snow from the entryway all morning. Observing her distress immediately, he asked, "What is the matter?"

"Sister still hasn't returned!" Su Yun cried, her eyes welling with tears of anxiety.

"It is my fault. I was too engrossed in clearing the snow and lost track of time. Do not worry; I will go fetch her right now." Chen Xuan felt a wave of guilt. Su Wanqiu had only intended to buy flour, yet she had been gone the entire morning. It was no wonder the girl was becoming so distraught.

"I am certain she is safe. The path is slippery and the snow is heavy, which is why she is moving slowly. Stay here, I am heading out!" Chen Xuan reassured her as he discarded the shovel. He had only taken a few strides when a familiar figure emerged into view. Su Wanqiu had finally returned.

"Yun’er, sister-in-law is back!" Chen Xuan announced, quickening his pace to help lift the heavy sack from her hands. "Sister-in-law, you have finally returned! Yun’er was terrified." Su Yun rushed forward as well, grabbing her sister’s arm. "Sister, you’re home at last! Why did it take you so long?"

"Let us head inside and talk," Su Wanqiu replied. Sensing a strange tension in her voice and noticing the worry etched into her features, Chen Xuan quickly added, "Yun’er, let us get inside first."

"Very well," Su Yun agreed, noticing the deviation in her sister’s demeanor as well. Once they were safely indoors, Su Yun fetched her a cup of warm water. Su Wanqiu took a slow, contemplative sip before finally speaking. "I ran into that scoundrel, Li Tie!"