Humiliation

The luxurious Xiao family villa was ablaze with lights.

Tonight marked the 70th birthday banquet of the family matriarch, Madam Xiao. Grandchildren and in-laws presented lavish gifts one after another.

"Grandmother, this century-old Pu'er tea brick is worth 500,000 yuan, a humble token for your celebration."

"Grandmother, this Hetian jade Buddha, carved from premium nephrite, is worth 700,000 yuan…"

Madam Xiao laughed heartily at the offerings, the room filled with festive cheer.

Suddenly, the eldest granddaughter's husband, Ye Chen, stepped forward: "Grandmother… may I borrow a million yuan? Auntie Li from the orphanage has kidney failure and needs urgent treatment…"

The room fell silent.

All eyes turned to Ye Chen in disbelief. This live-in son-in-law—who had entered the family penniless three years ago—dared to ask for money at the matriarch's birthday?

Madam Xiao's smile vanished. She slammed her teacup to the floor, shattering it. "You insolent wretch! Is this how you honor my birthday?"

Ye Chen's wife, Xiao Churan, hurried to intervene: "Grandmother, he meant no disrespect…"

But her cousin Xiao Weiwei sneered: "Look at this trash! My fiancé gifted jade, while your husband brings nothing but shame!"

The crowd erupted in scorn:

"Useless parasite!"

"Disgrace to the Xiao name!"

Ye Chen clenched his fists. Three years ago, the late Patriarch Xiao had forced this marriage upon them. Since the old man's death, the family had sought every chance to expel him. Yet he endured—for Auntie Li, who had raised him in the orphanage.

Madam Xiao glared coldly: "I'll give the money… if you divorce him and marry Young Master Zhang!"

As the ultimatum hung in the air, the butler announced: "A gift from Young Master Zhang! A jadeite Buddha plaque, valued at three million!"

The matriarch's anger melted into delight as she admired the flawless emerald carving. No one noticed Ye Chen's silent retreat into the shadows.

Translation Notes

Cultural Context Adaptation:

Terms like "上门女婿" (live-in son-in-law) and家族关系 are explained through context to avoid confusion for Western readers.

Names retain Chinese conventions (e.g., "Xiao Family," "Ye Chen") while titles like "Madam Xiao" clarify familial roles.

Key Plot Elements:

Ye Chen's marginalized status and the Xiao family's contempt are emphasized through dialogue and action (e.g., shattered teacup, scornful remarks).

The conflict between familial duty and personal dignity drives the narrative tension.

Style Choices:

Maintained the original chapter's dramatic tone while smoothing syntax for English readability.

Preserved symbolic items (Pu'er tea, jade Buddha) to reflect Chinese cultural values.

For full context, the original Chinese text can be referenced in 网页3 3. Other versions of the novel (e.g., 网页5's reincarnation plot 5) diverge significantly in premise and characters.