"Just because you had a child, you think you have leverage now?" Dai Zhenyong was utterly speechless, "Hasn’t the second sister-in-law had a child? She’s so respectful to Mom, but you can’t see it."

"She’s just a toady..."

"The Jiang family’s social status is much higher than your Zhao family’s." Dai Zhenyong reminded her, hitting Zhao Jingyuan right where it hurt.

"If even the second sister-in-law can do what’s expected, why can’t you? Mom’s temperament is considered good. She’s a recognized elder by the Dai family. What makes you think you can show her attitude?"

"Is it how the Zhao family taught you, or do you think Zhao family’s status is higher than Li Family’s that gives you a sense of superiority?" Dai Zhenyong looked at Zhao Jingyuan’s flickering gaze. After all these years, as husband and wife, how could he not see through her?

"Consider carefully, if you make Dad and Mom unhappy, your backing to act arrogantly will be gone. You weigh it yourself. I don’t have what it takes to give you a sense of superiority. Think it over while making decisions." After finishing, Dai Zhenyong took their two children directly downstairs.

Left alone in the room, Zhao Jingyuan angrily threw a pillow, but ultimately didn’t dare take further action. She lacked confidence, given the Zhao family was merely an average working-class household, compared to the Dai family’s substantial status, especially with Dai Chunsheng rising steadily. When she first married in, he was Deputy Mayor and Head of Public Security Bureau of Dongji City, now a Deputy Governor and Head of Public Security Department.

In the Zhao family, Zhao Jingyuan was highly esteemed. Her parents and brothers had made some advances over the years, mostly due to Dai Chunsheng’s influence, so Zhao Jingyuan was much praised in Zhao family, and often indulged them to maintain face.

If she were to leave the Dai family, she would have no standing at her maternal home or at her workplace, where everyone knows she’s the eldest daughter-in-law of the Deputy Governor. She clenched her palm tightly, having no choice but to endure.

Dai Zhenyong went downstairs, and by then, Li Honghua was already there.

"Little sister, could I trouble you to watch these two?" Dai Zhenyong’s request was promptly agreed upon by Dai Zhenhua.

"Come here, come to Auntie."

In the living room were only Dai Chunsheng, Li Honghua, and Dai Zhenyong.

"Mom, I’m sorry." Dai Zhenyong felt very guilty looking at Li Honghua, "I didn’t see her disposition clearly when I first found a partner."

"Once the house application is approved, we’ll move out. We’ll come by during weekends. If she stays the same, I’ll bring the two children over myself." Dai Zhenyong said earnestly.

"Don’t apologize to me, you haven’t wronged me. On the contrary, your tolerance and acceptance have given this home warmth and coziness." Li Honghua said sincerely. "Don’t quarrel with your wife on my account. You two are living your life, as long as you are happy, I’m glad."

Upon hearing these words, Dai Zhenyong felt even more guilty, "Mom, after years of contact, I have seen clearly how she is. She’s overly proud and selfish. Her favorite is herself. The only consolation I have is that I’ve raised the two kids more, so they haven’t been led astray by her."

"I’ve held on these years for the kids’ sake. She’s mindful of the Dai family’s influence, not daring to be too outrageous out of respect for Dad. Hopefully, once we live apart, she’ll remember the good of this house, otherwise, this life might be hard to continue." When Dai Zhenyong said this, he glanced toward the stairs.

Dai Chunsheng glared at his son, understanding his intentions, and cooperated, "Decide yourselves about your marital matters. I’m only letting it go today because it’s the first I’ve heard, otherwise, dare to bully my wife, I don’t care if she’s yours or not. If you can’t discipline her, I’ll find a way to bring peace to the house."

Upstairs, Zhao Jingyuan, having eavesdropped from start to finish, turned pale with panic. Turning hurriedly, she came face-to-face with Jiang Meiling, further souring her expression.

Attempting to bypass Jiang Meiling to return to her room, Jiang Meiling’s comments made her legs weak.

"Does Dad know about your earlier row with Mom over handing over your wages?"

"Are you going to tattletale?" Zhao Jingyuan’s face shifted through shades of green and white, becoming thoroughly unpleasant.

"I’ll simply speak the truth without embellishments. You can stand right there and listen if it puts you at ease," Jiang Meiling did not think highly of this sister-in-law, finding her mind muddled, selfish, and foolish.

Li Honghua is so favored by Dai Chunsheng; they can’t oppose her mother-in-law’s stance. But Li Honghua is gentle, kind to them, treating the four children equally. Since marrying into Dai family, she feels lucky, yet Zhao Jingyuan’s metamorphosis from meek and ingratiating to current unmasked brazenness is only due to Li Honghua’s amiable nature; otherwise, she wouldn’t have gotten away with so much.

This time, with the eldest brother stepping in to discipline her, helping out is for Dai family’s harmony. Jiang Meiling struck at Zhao Jingyuan relentlessly.

"But since it’s a matter between the eldest brother and sister-in-law, I won’t mention it this time. Next time, if you show disrespect to Mom or gossip about her family, I won’t hold back. You’ve been spoiled enough." Saying this, Jiang Meiling turned around, not forgetting to add as she walked past Zhao Jingyuan.

"The Xu family is highly attentive to the maternal family’s siblings. You might not know, but don’t forget Xu family is Dad’s direct superior. Dad’s current stable position has significantly been boosted by Xu family’s influence. Zhao family’s lower status might miss these insights, but I responsibly convey, if you don’t settle down and continue meddling, you’ll bring trouble to Dai family; I fear Zhao family couldn’t compensate for that."

"If you don’t grasp it, go back to your family and relay these words. You might be foolish, but Zhao family must have someone smart, else why would you willingly move your good things back to your maternal home?" Saying this, Jiang Meiling returned to her room directly.

With a pale face, Zhao Jingyuan returned to her room too.

In her room, Zhao Jingyuan began to reflect on how she was when she first entered the Dai family. She seemed genuinely welcoming to everyone, because she married up; Dai Zhenyong treated her well, allowing her to gradually ease up. Later, having two children, she believed her position was stable, perhaps growing somewhat complacent...

What’s truly frightening to Zhao Jingyuan is what she overheard earlier at the stairway; Dai Zhenyong has never spoken so harshly before. As for father-in-law Dai Chunsheng, while she could devise a way to sway Dai Zhenyong, she dared not challenge Dai Chunsheng. If she were to leave Dai family... No, she cannot leave.

Now, Zhao Jingyuan’s inner thoughts have shifted dramatically from before.

Downstairs, Dai Chunsheng glared at Dai Zhenyong, "Your taste in choosing a wife is poor, but your methods are plenty."

Dai Zhenyong sheepishly scratched his head, "Isn’t this for the sake of harmony in our family? Mom, don’t you agree?"

Li Honghua laughed, "Yes, as long as you are in the right, Mom supports you."

With Li Honghua’s approval, Dai Zhenyong couldn’t be bothered about Dai Chunsheng. Since Li Honghua joined the family, regardless of the situation, as long as he had her support, Dai Chunsheng would always compromise. Li Honghua genuinely treated them brothers well, which he could feel. This is also why he wouldn’t allow Zhao Jingyuan to treat Li Honghua poorly.