Zhou eldest deeply sympathized with his wife. She was not very bright and had to deal with two clever sisters-in-law every day. He had seen more than once how his third sister-in-law had tricked Lady Li. Lady Li's spirits were low also because she had been instructed by her mother not to be so naive. Even though she was slow to react at the moment, she could realize it afterwards.
Zhou eldest's heart ached not just for his wife but even more for himself. With their father not at home, he had to take care of his brothers and worry about them every day, especially as Chang Lian came home later and later. He was on tenterhooks waiting for him every day. These days had been mentally exhausting; when their father was home, when had he ever worried like this? Mental fatigue was truly exhausting.
Zhou eldest said wistfully, "Next time Father and Mother leave, we must follow them. If the two of us simpletons stay, we're just going to be bullied."
