The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure
Chapter 750 - 749 57

Chapter 750: Chapter 749 57

Wang Yongzhu was somewhat puzzled, "If Eldest Brother has been enduring this for over half a year, why did he suddenly flare up today?"

"Silly girl! What status do you hold now?" Old Granny Zhang laughed, pointing at her own foolish daughter.

"You, you have too little experience! Before, your Eldest Brother indulged Lady Lin because he knew that everyone, considering the sake of the family, would tolerate some losses and wouldn’t make a fuss in front of him, so he was happy to turn a blind eye."

"But now, Chongjin is a Scholar, and you are now the Scholar’s Lady! Chongjin is about to take part in the county examination, and if he succeeds, he could become a Graduate! Even if Eldest Brother isn’t the sharpest, he knows he can’t afford to offend such a brother-in-law and sister! Even if he doesn’t make good connections, he can’t offend people over these trifles, can he?"

Wang Yongzhu suddenly realized, "So that’s how it is!"

As Old Granny Zhang spoke, her gaze shifted slightly, "Remember, when the second son, that beast, passed the exam and became a Scholar, how glorious he was! Over those years, how he plundered from our home, always demanding silver or grain when he returned, yet Eldest Brother and his wife never uttered a complaint."

"Now there’s another layer between you, and Eldest Brother is not so foolish as to let Lady Lin continue offending people. Just you watch, tomorrow Lady Lin will be reined in properly, and she won’t cause trouble anymore. Even if she does stir up mischief, it won’t be in front of you all!"

As expected, the very next day, Lady Lin sent her two sons out early in the morning, one to buy tofu, the other to pick elm money.

When it was almost noon, she personally went to invite Lady Jiang to come and help.

Lady Lin could lower her stance when she truly needed help, no longer showing her usual sarcastic demeanor, calling her sister-in-law affectionately.

Lady Jiang reluctantly agreed, unable to refuse the social obligation, and therefore came to help.

Originally, everything was to be done by herself, with Lady Lin preparing to shirk her duties on the side.

Unexpectedly, on this day, Lady Lin was exceptionally diligent, taking initiative in prepping and assisting with all tasks.

Only when it came time to take charge of the kitchen did she let Lady Jiang shine.

Even when Jinhoo brought in the Yellow Pine Mushrooms picked the day before to the kitchen, allowing Lady Jiang to make a soup, it was clear that Lady Lin was so distressed she looked like her eyes were about to fall out, but she still held back from saying anything.

Lady Jiang was greatly puzzled, wondering what Big Uncle had said the day before, as the atmosphere in the main house today was indeed different.

Everyone acting so obediently?

But it wasn’t her place to ask too many questions, so she just kept her head down and worked.

By the time lunch was served, the table was fully arrayed. Aside from elm money rice, there were shepherd’s purse egg dumplings. Though locust flowers were not yet in season, there were still a few different wild vegetables prepared.

There was also a delicious Yellow Pine Mushroom tofu soup.

Seeing the full spread, Wang Yongfu’s face finally showed a trace of satisfaction as he politely thanked Lady Jiang, "You’ve been a great help today!"

Lady Jiang repeatedly claimed it was nothing.

Wang Yongping and Song Chongjin had gone to town early in the morning by horse-drawn carriage, as the second day was to be the ’fifty-seventh,’ and it was the son-in-law’s turn to prepare the banquet.

Old Granny Zhang was originally to help with the preparations, but Song Chongjin didn’t want to tire her and Yongzhu, so he simply decided to order two tables in town.

They hurried back only at noontime.

Because of Old Granny Zhang’s words, when Wang Yongzhu visited the main house, she paid special attention.

Indeed, while the atmosphere in the main house was somewhat subdued, with the children all being very obedient and none of the usual noise and commotion.

Lady Lin also lowered her gaze and acted compliantly, diligently serving dishes and adding rice, fulfilling the duties of a housewife to the fullest. After the meal ended, not a single disruption occurred.

The one most affected was Wang Yongfu. Though he tried to treat Song Chongjin the same as always, it was evident that in comparison to before, he was much more reserved and respectful.

Wang Yongzhu quietly sighed to herself, yet her face maintained a gentle smile.

The meal passed as if nothing had happened, and everyone superficially appeared to enjoy themselves.

Early the next morning, visitors began to stream in one after another.

Mostly it was the Wang Family clan people, carrying paper money and offerings such as incense and candles.

The invited Taoist priests had also arrived early, and in the courtyard, they began to chant in a eulogizing drone, setting up the rites.

The Wang Family members today again donned mourning clothes, with Wang Yongfu greeting guests at the door, accompanied by his two sons.

Wang Yonggui, Wang Yongping, and Song Chongjin were in the inner courtyard entertaining the guests.

Because everyone knew that Song Chongjin was now a Scholar, each one, after coming in and paying their respects, crowded around him to exchange a few words, eager to become acquainted.

Song Chongjin, however, remained as before – despite his expressionless face, he answered every question without showing any impatience.

In the eyes of the villagers of Qilidun, this was a sign of not forgetting one’s roots.

Having become a Scholar Master, he seemed even more amiable than before.

Especially since the Lizheng, along with his son, also came, and taking advantage of having helped Song Chongjin a few times in the past, he straightforwardly engaged Song Chongjin in extensive pleasantries.

The Lizheng’s son, Li Zidong, had naturally seen Song Chongjin before, when he was still the village’s pitiful figure who made people sigh.

Who would have thought that in just half a year, he would become a person admired by the villagers?

Indeed, fortunes change! Ten years in the east river, ten years in the west!

Seeing Song Chongjin still acting as before, Li Zidong felt great admiration, and hearing that Song Chongjin was now studying at Changqing Academy, he envied him even more.

After inquiring more deeply about scholarly matters, Song Chongjin did not hold back, generously sharing his knowledge.

This enlightened Li Zidong in the moment, making him wish he could pull Song Chongjin aside for a long night’s discussion.

When bystanders saw how the Lizheng and his son were monopolizing Song Chongjin, they became envious and resentful as they were unable to get a word in.

Yet they refused to leave, clustering around instead, even if they didn’t understand the discussions they heard, which sounded very profound; they all looked at Li Zidong, nodding their heads whenever he did.

When Li Zidong shook his head, they all shook their heads.

When Li Zidong feigned ignorance, the crowd didn’t have to pretend; they were genuinely puzzled.

When Li Zidong acted as if he suddenly understood, everyone else followed suit and pretended to understand as well.

Viewed from a distance, the scene looked bizarre, as if a group of people were possessed.

Today, Lady Lin also behaved, joining Old Granny Zhang and the others in entertaining the female guests.

When the sun was high enough to cast the shadow of a tree, shop assistants from a restaurant in town quickly arrived on a horse-drawn carriage.

Descending from the carriage were Shopkeeper Wu and Steward Lu.

Hearing from Jindou that they had arrived, Song Chongjin immediately expressed his apologies to Li Zidong and his son before personally going out to greet them.

Today, both Shopkeeper Wu and Steward Lu were dressed in plain mourning attire, and upon seeing Song Chongjin come out, they gave their greetings with clasped hands.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, they were led to the back courtyard.

He also sent someone to call Wang Yongzhu.

Shopkeeper Wu instructed his shop assistants and chef that they must be diligent today before following to the back courtyard.

Before the tea had been sipped twice, Wang Yongzhu arrived.

After exchanging greetings, they seated themselves according to host and guest positions.

Shopkeeper Wu and Steward Lu presented their offerings for the memorial, and seeing that Shopkeeper Wu seemed to have something to say, Song Chongjin promptly rose and proposed that they go to the front courtyard with Steward Lu.