The ancient war between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in a wealthy family

In the stillness of the night, I rubbed my aching temples and breathed a sigh of relief. The rumor storm had finally passed, but a new challenge loomed—the Zhan family's annual ancestral worship ceremony was approaching, and the preparations fell on my shoulders.

I looked at the thick list of preparations in my hands. The tedious process and the dazzling array of items made my scalp tingle. From the construction of the altar, the procurement of offerings, to the arrangement of the sacrificial ritual, every detail required my personal attention. I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself. This was not just a simple sacrifice, but a test of my status within the Zhan family.

I decided to seek help from the elders of my family first. However, when I carefully knocked on the doors of several aunts with the list in hand, I mostly got perfunctory refusals.

"As for the matters concerning sacrifices, it's normal that you don't understand them as you've just married into the family. It's been us old guys who have been taking care of them all these years. You should just have a good rest and don't worry about these things." The aunt said casually while cracking melon seeds.

Second Aunt was even more direct: "Don't worry about these things, just follow us when the time comes. As young people, you should spend more time on other things."

There was a subtle hint of contempt and rejection in their tone. I understood that they didn't want me, the new daughter-in-law, to interfere in important family affairs, much less give me a chance to establish myself within the Zhan family. I bit my lip, trying to suppress the grievance and resentment in my heart. It seemed that I was destined to walk this path alone.

I returned to the room and found Zhan Yu sitting at the table, flipping through a book. Seeing me return, he asked with concern, "How's it going? Are the preparations going smoothly?"

I forced a smile, shook my head, and told him what had happened. Zhan Yu's brow furrowed slightly, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes. He held my hand and comforted me, "Don't be discouraged. I believe you can do it. If there is anything I can help you with, just let me know."

His words gave me immense encouragement. I took a deep breath and decided to complete this task on my own, no longer relying on anyone else. I began to research the ritual procedures and precautions in my family's ancient books. I checked the items on my list over and over again, carefully considering every detail.

For several days, I barely slept, and I felt much more haggard. Just as I was about to despair, I thought of the highly respected old priest Xu in my family. He might be able to give me some advice.

With a try-it attitude, I found Mr. Xu. Mr. Xu is a kind-looking old man. After listening to my story, he did not give me a perfunctory response like other elders. Instead, he patiently explained some basic sacrificial knowledge to me and pointed out some shortcomings in my list.

"Sacrifice is not just a simple ritual, but also a respect and inheritance for ancestors. Every link and every detail contains profound cultural heritage." Mr. Xu's voice was low and powerful, as if carrying a magical power, which gradually calmed my originally anxious heart.

I listened carefully to Mr. Xu's explanation, and it was as if a sudden enlightenment had occurred to me. I began to understand that the significance of sacrifice lies not only in form, but also in its connotation.

"Purchasing sacrificial supplies is also a crucial step..." Mr. Xu said, pulling out a yellowed piece of paper from a drawer and handing it to me. "This is some of the experience I've accumulated over the years. Perhaps it will be helpful to you."

I took the paper, my heart filled with gratitude. I knew my journey to prepare for the sacrificial offering had just begun... "Boss Lin," I said slowly, looking at this shrewd businessman, "regarding the quality of the sacrificial incense and candles..."

"Boss Lin," I said, looking at the shrewd businessman before me, "regarding the quality of the incense and candles for the offering..." I tried to sound composed, not letting him see the immaturity of my first attempt at preparing a sacrifice. My previous experience in the business world gave me confidence.

Boss Lin rubbed his hands and smiled: "Mrs. Zhan, don't worry. The things in our shop are all top-grade, specially supplied to the wealthy and prestigious families. Look at this incense stick, the color is pure, the fragrance is elegant, and it burns for a long time..." He picked up an incense stick and shook it in front of me. The rich fragrance rushed into my nose, making me feel a little uncomfortable.

I frowned slightly and picked up another one to examine it carefully. The incense was indeed finely crafted, but the fragrance was overpowering, almost pungent. I'd read in ancient texts that the fragrance of incense used in sacrifices should be light, elegant, and subtle, not too strong, so as not to offend the ancestors.

"Boss Lin," I put down the incense and candles, and said calmly, "The fragrance of this incense and candles seems a little too strong."

Boss Lin's smile froze for a moment, then he regained his enthusiasm: "Madam Zhan, you may not know that this is a new fragrance released this year. The fragrance is long-lasting and shows sincerity."

"Really?" I smiled faintly, "But I remember that the incense and candles used by the Zhan family for sacrifices in the past few years all had a light sandalwood scent."

Boss Lin's expression changed slightly, his eyes flickering. He coughed dryly and said, "Of course we have sandalwood ones, but they're more expensive..."

I sneered inwardly. It seemed he was trying to take advantage of my youth and swindle me, raising the price. Luckily, I found Master Xu, the old priest, who patiently explained some basic sacrificial knowledge to me, giving me some clues. I calmly asked, "How much?"

"Well..." Boss Lin held up five fingers, "It's 50% more expensive than this one."

I secretly calculated that according to the price list given to me by Mr. Xu, this 50% price was already far higher than the market price. I decided to test him.

"Fifty percent? Boss Lin, that price seems a bit unreasonable." I said in surprise, "I've looked into it before, and the price of sandalwood isn't that high."

Boss Lin's face turned grim when he saw that I had seen through his trick. He stammered, "Well... the price of sandalwood has gone up recently..."

"It's gone up?" I looked at him with a half-smile. "As far as I know, the price of sandalwood has been very stable and hasn't fluctuated significantly." I paused, my tone becoming firmer. "Boss Lin, please tell me the truth. Don't treat me like a fool who doesn't understand the market."

Boss Lin's face flushed and paled, knowing he could no longer hide the truth. He smiled awkwardly and said, "Mrs. Zhan, you're truly an expert. How about this? I'll give you a special price of 30%."

I shook my head and said, "Boss Lin, I hope you can show your sincerity. I want to purchase a large number of sacrificial supplies this time. If you can give me a reasonable price, you will naturally be given priority in the future business of the Zhan family."

Boss Lin's eyes rolled around, as if he was weighing the pros and cons. He rubbed his hands and said, "Then... 20%. That's the lowest price."

I looked at him and said nothing.

Boss Lin gritted his teeth and said, "Okay, Madam Zhan, you are really amazing! How about the original price as you said?"

I nodded in satisfaction. "Besides incense and candles, I also need..." I pulled out a list and pointed to one item, "This golden nanmu altar..."

"This altar made of golden nanmu wood," I pointed to the picture on the list and carefully examined the sample that Boss Lin brought. "The wood looks good, but the carving..." I shook my head. "It doesn't seem detailed enough."

Boss Lin quickly explained, "Madam Zhan, this is top-quality golden nanmu wood, and the carving was done by a master craftsman. It's absolutely exquisite!"

I gently stroked the carvings on the altar, and my fingertips touched a slightly rough spot. "Boss Lin, look here," I pointed at the flaw. "The carving is a little rough, and the lines aren't smooth enough. The Zhan family's sacrifices require no sloppiness. I want every item to be perfect."

Beads of sweat formed on Boss Lin's forehead. He smiled and said, "Mrs. Zhan, you have a really good eye! How about this? I'll get you another one. I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

I nodded, but sneered inwardly. It seemed like Boss Lin was trying to pass off inferior goods as superior to earn a bigger profit. Luckily, I'd been through a lot in the business world, so this little trick wouldn't fool me.

I spent the next few minutes going through every item on the list, from the incense and candles to the offerings, the robes, and the utensils, paying close attention to every detail. Drawing on my previous experience negotiating in the mall, I deftly saw through Mr. Lin's tactics several times and ultimately convinced him to sell me the supplies at a reasonable price.

As I left the shop, I breathed a sigh of relief. Preparing for the sacrifice was even more complicated than I'd imagined. I couldn't help but recall the confusion and helplessness I felt when I first married into the Zhan family. Back then, everything about wealthy family life was unfamiliar and terrifying to me. Faced with the complex mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships and family affairs, I often felt overwhelmed.

Although I've gradually adapted to life in the Zhan family, new challenges continue to arise. The family sacrifice is a major annual event for the Zhan family, and it's my first time independently organizing it. I know the success of this sacrifice will directly impact my standing and reputation within the Zhan family. I tell myself, no matter what challenges I face, I must do my best.

Back at the Zhan family, I counted the sacrificial supplies I had purchased and began to arrange the next work. Zhan Yu came over and gently put his arm around my shoulders, "Thank you for your hard work."

I raised my head and smiled at him, "Fortunately, everything is going according to plan."

Zhan Yu's eyes were filled with tenderness and love, "I know you can do it."

I leaned in his arms, feeling his warmth and support, knowing that no matter what troubles I faced, I had him by my side.

As night fell, the Zhan family mansion was shrouded in silence. I stood by the window, gazing at the flickering lights in the distance, but a faint sense of unease welled up in my heart. I felt as if a pair of eyes were staring at me from behind... "Who is it?" I whispered softly.

Night enveloped the Zhan family mansion, deep and profound like an ancient well. Standing by the window, I could see the dazzling lights of the distant city, yet I felt isolated and enveloped in darkness. The tedious tasks of preparing for the sacrificial offerings had exhausted me, both physically and mentally. But even more unsettling than the exhaustion was the lingering feeling of being watched, like a thin needle pricking my nerve endings.

"Who is it?" I whispered to myself again, a chill shiver emanating from the cold wind blowing in from the window. This didn't feel like a threat from without, but more like it was coming from within, lurking in the shadows of the Zhan family mansion. Could someone truly be trying to sabotage this ritual? I tried to recall the people I'd met during this time: Boss Lin's glint, the servants' occasional whispers, and... my mother-in-law's profound smile.

Zhan Yu hugged me from behind, his warmth reassuring me. "Still thinking about the sacrifice?" His voice was low and gentle, like a soothing potion.

I nodded, resting my head gently on his chest. "Something feels off." I didn't tell him all my concerns, firstly because I didn't want to worry him, and secondly because I didn't have any solid evidence.

"Don't think too much, I'll take care of everything." Zhan Yu gently stroked my hair, "You've done a good job, leave the rest to me."

His words comforted me, but also made me more alert. Zhan Yu's involvement might alert the enemy, so I had to be more cautious and secretly find the mastermind behind this.

The next day, I began to arrange the venue for the ceremony, following the instructions of Master Xu. The Zhan family's ancestral hall, located deep within the mansion, was an ancient and solemn structure. I meticulously examined every detail, ensuring that nothing was amiss.

"Young Madam, look at this incense burner..." A young servant pointed at a bronze incense burner, looking a little panicked, "It seems...it seems like there's one missing."

I walked over to take a closer look. Sure enough, the incense burners that were supposed to be placed in pairs were now just one. My heart sank. This wasn't just an oversight; it looked like someone had done it on purpose. Could my premonition last night have been true?

I suppressed my uneasiness and asked calmly, "When did you find out?"

"Just now, when I was about to move the incense burner to the ancestral hall..." The servant lowered his head, his voice trembling, "I clearly remember there were still two when I counted them yesterday..."

I looked around. I was the only one in the ancestral hall with a few servants, and everyone seemed a little nervous. I took a deep breath and tried to stay calm. "I understand. You can go down first."

After the servants left, I stood alone in the empty ancestral hall, my unease growing stronger. The missing incense burner was like an ominous omen, foreshadowing the coming storm. I walked to the altar, reaching out to touch the sacrificial vessels, when suddenly, my fingers touched something cold and hard... a piece of paper.

I carefully unfolded the note. It contained only a few words: "Watch your back."

I turned back suddenly...