CHAPTER 62: CHAPTER 62: DISGRACING ONE’S SENIORITY

After seeing Meng Zhu off, Meng Yao quickly prepared a few things for Zhao Xiaohua and Zhao Xiaoshu to take over to the Meng Family.

Two packets of pastries, a slab of meat, three feet of blue cloth, and a jar of wine.

Not too noticeable, but not too paltry either.

The kind that leaves no room for criticism.

Yet, even with these, the two kids were still a bit reluctant.

Meng Yao had to explain the stakes to them, that it wasn’t about yielding to the Meng Family, but about protecting Zhao Dahe’s reputation. Only then did the two take the items and head out.

Because Meng Cheng had been badly beaten, the atmosphere at the Meng Family was somewhat gloomy.

Especially when the Sun family member saw the two of them, Meng Yao’s image immediately appeared in her mind. The family ended up like this, all because of that wretched girl’s meddling. Every time she looked at the offspring of that wretched girl, she felt blocked up.

In short, the disdain on Mrs. Sun’s face was very clear to Zhao Xiaohua and Zhao Xiaoshu.

Mrs. Lin, on the other hand, was quite polite, greeting Zhao Xiaohua and Zhao Xiaoshu, but the two just wouldn’t respond to her.

"Even if you have no respect for your elders, my mother taught us better than to follow your example. This is a token of respect from my mother to you and grandfather. Whether you accept it or not is up to you." Zhao Xiaohua, unfazed by Mrs. Sun, made a point to meet her eye as she said this.

The anger on Mrs. Sun’s face was about to overflow.

Disrespect for elders, those little brats actually said she disrespected elders.

Infuriated, Mrs. Sun grabbed a broom and aimed it at Zhao Xiaohua.

Zhao Xiaohua, quick on her feet, pulled Zhao Xiaoshu out of the way of Mrs. Sun’s broom and dashed straight out, shouting, "Grandma, if you’re not fond of the respect my mother shows, you can just return it to us. Why resort to beating? Two packets of pastries, a jar of wine, three feet of blue cloth—how many flowers does my mother have to stitch to earn that? If you don’t feel for my mother, I do."

The young girl’s voice was quite clear, and Zhao Xiaohua intentionally raised her voice to shout it.

Her words floated out with the wind.

The neighbors around heard it loud and clear, and in no time, the entire village knew how pitiable Meng Yao was.

Once again, they realized how sharp-tongued Mrs. Sun was.

Mrs. Lin was almost exploding with anger, and her tone with Mrs. Sun wasn’t as gentle as usual, "Mother, what’s the matter with you? There’s a saying: don’t hit someone who’s smiling. Even if you don’t like them, they came to offer New Year’s gifts. By beating them out like this, how do you think the village will view our family? Both your grandchildren are still not engaged!"

"Little brats, if they’re beaten out, so be it. Who cares what others think? Didn’t you hear what those little brats said? They accused me of disrespecting elders. When young folks so malign their elders, it wouldn’t be too much to beat them to death." Mrs. Sun was in no mood to relent.

"Yes, Xiaohua’s words were unpleasant, but the problem is, we are the only ones who heard them; Mother, do you think even if we explain, anyone would believe us?" Mrs. Lin sneered, "Won’t it just sound like we’re making excuses?"

Mrs. Sun was furious enough for her teeth to itch, but the kids had vanished without a trace, so there was no chance to even try to remedy the situation.

"You always have the most ideas. What do you suggest?" Mrs. Sun grumbled.

"Mother, gather a few items. I’ll take Ruyu to visit Aunt. We’ll say you’re upset about Cheng’s injury, angry that Aunt doesn’t plan for her own future. After all, Butcher Zhang is quite the catch." Mrs. Lin thought aloud, "Even though we took the silver, we can completely say that if Aunt had agreed to the engagement at that time, the silver would’ve gone into her dowry."

Mrs. Sun pinched her nose and gathered a few things for Mrs. Lin, who added a pair of delicate earrings before taking Meng Ruyu to head to the Zhao Family.

Midway, they ran into Zhao Xiaohua and Zhao Xiaoshu along with the Han family’s young master.

The young master from the Han family was saying something, and Zhao Xiaohua’s expression seemed a bit embarrassed? Zhao Xiaoshu was standing protectively in front of Zhao Xiaohua.

The incident where Zhao Xiaohua saved Han Muchi, though the villagers were wary of Han Muchi’s status and didn’t spread it around, those who needed to know, knew.

Zhao Xiaohua kissed Han Muchi.

However, they weren’t aware of the Han family’s proposal.

After all, it was too unbelievable.

Although Madam Han and Han Muchi were now living in the village, their demeanor made it clear they were not ordinary folk.

The village girls had their dreams, but they all knew the insurmountable divide in status; it was implausible.

Could it be, Zhao Xiaohua was using the kiss with Han Muchi to force him?

Knowing such astonishing news, Mrs. Lin was excited.

If her own daughter was shameless, Meng Yao as the mother couldn’t shirk responsibility.

If she brought this news to Madam Han, surely, Madam Han would be grateful?

Suppressing the excitement in her heart, Mrs. Lin pulled Meng Ruyu forward quickly.

"Xiaohua, Xiaoshu, what’s going on here?" Mrs. Lin feigned surprise as she spoke.

"Young Master Han, you are..."

Before the three involved could respond, Mrs. Lin continued on her own, "Xiaohua, Xiaoshu, what do you mean by blocking Young Master Han’s way? Young Master Han is a scholar; his time is valuable. What you’re doing is wrong."

"Even if Xiaohua, you saved Young Master Han before, you shouldn’t exploit your benevolence to demand returns; that’s wrong!"

"If this gets seen by the villagers, what do you think they’ll say about you?"

"Come on, come on, I was just on my way to your house; I must have a good talk with your mother."

After speaking, Mrs. Lin even gave Han Muchi a kindly look, "Young Master Han, if you’re busy, you should hurry along. These two kids are young and don’t understand, so just ignore them."

Already brimming with anger due to Zhao Xiaohua’s indifference, Han Muchi’s temper was swiftly piqued by Mrs. Lin’s presumptuous manner.

"Who do you think you are, meddling in my business?" Han Muchi stared coldly at Mrs. Lin and said in a frigid voice.

After all, he was noble-born, and once he turned on the intimidation, Mrs. Lin, just a village woman, couldn’t withstand it.

"I, I..." Mrs. Lin, usually proud of her sharp tongue, found herself stumbling.

"Today’s events, no matter who finds out, I won’t forgive you," Han Muchi warned harshly, "If you doubt me, go ahead and try."

Mrs. Lin swallowed hard and instinctively replied, "I won’t, I won’t say anything."

"If I ever find out you’re troubling Zhao Xiaohua..." Han Muchi cast a nonchalant glance at Meng Ruyu, his insinuation clear.

Mrs. Lin quickly waved her hand, "I won’t, I won’t."

This Young Master Han, why is he so terrifying?

Moreover, his words were harsh but seemed to be defending Zhao Xiaohua’s reputation. For what reason?

Could it be Zhao Xiaohua has already ensnared Young Master Han?

At such a young age, truly she takes after her mother’s legacy.

With a shake of his sleeve, Han Muchi left directly.

Zhao Xiaohua looked at Mrs. Lin with a half-smile, "Before currying favor, best to understand the situation clearly. Otherwise, isn’t it awkward?"

"I... Xiaohua, you misunderstand, I was just thinking Young Master Han is from a big family, and often such people have difficult temperaments. I was just worried you might upset him and he might trouble you." Mrs. Lin said with a wide smile.