CHAPTER 764: CHAPTER 760: LIKES TO ACT RICH AND PRETENTIOUS (THIRD UPDATE)

The Old Mu Family suddenly became lively again.

People in the village started sending gifts like crazy to the Old Mu Family, and everything was sent to the big house of the Old Mu Family.

Mu Dade was so overwhelmed with receiving gifts that his hands were getting tired, and he seemed to be walking on air.

This time, Mu Dade reaped plentiful rewards; not only did he meet the County Magistrate, but he also earned the magistrate’s appreciation.

If he hadn’t won first place in the Capital, Mu Dade’s job in the county would have been arranged by the County Magistrate.

The best decision Mu Dade made in his life was going to the county to find Ruan Xiao Jiao.

Without her, he wouldn’t have seen the County Magistrate, nor would he have obtained the position of County Chief Clerk.

There was still half a day before Mu Xiangxiang was to be betrothed, and Mr. Mu gathered everyone from the Old Mu Family, including everyone from the third branch.

The crowd sat together, discussing the affairs related to Mu Xiangxiang’s betrothal.

"Everyone, gathering together is giving face to this old man, especially the third family.

But when it comes down to it, we’re all one family, all with the surname Mu. When there’s something, we should do it together to make it lively."

Mr. Mu surveyed the entire room before he spoke this piece.

Fortunately, these words were quite pleasant.

Mu Shuangshuang didn’t refute Mr. Mu and quietly listened to his speech.

"Eldest, do you have anything you’d like to say?" Mr. Mu handed the floor to Mu Dade, whom he regarded as the most significant.

"Not really, Dad, Xiangxiang’s betrothal is a big event for our Old Mu Family. As for the family expenses, don’t be polite. Dan Dan’s mother and I will cover the cost," said Mu Dade.

"Indeed, Dad, just let us know how much the betrothal costs this time, and I’ll pay for it," Mrs. Jin chimed in.

Mr. Mu was in a great mood, finally feeling like his son had grown up.

The other few members of the Old Mu Family were also extremely happy.

These past few days, they had gone to town in batches to buy supplies, spending quite a lot of silver.

If their elder brother would make up for it, they wouldn’t be nagged by their mother-in-law while eating.

However, Mr. Mu was reluctant.

"We can pay for Xiangxiang’s wedding ourselves. You also have to go to the Capital for exams, so keep the money for yourself. If it’s not enough, talk to your mother, and we’ll all chip in for you," said Mr. Mu.

The faces of several people present immediately changed.

"Dad, I heard that if you become a scholar, the court provides travel expenses and grains," said Mu Dazhong.

This information came from Lin’s brother, and Mu Dazhong had been helping Lin’s brother at work lately, though he hadn’t earned any silver yet. But Mu Dazhong believed he would make money soon.

"Hmph, so what if the court gives it? It’s still your elder brother’s; stop having ideas you shouldn’t have!" Old Mrs. Mu snorted coldly, directly exposing Mu Dazhong’s thoughts.

"Mom, how is this having ideas we shouldn’t? Big brother’s made it now, but the rest of us are still as poor as church mice.

How about asking big brother to give us each a red envelope, not for much, just enough for us to hold our heads high."

Just as Mu Dazhong finished speaking, Mu Dade’s expression turned sour.

The money he earned himself, if others wanted even a bit, would feel like digging into his flesh.

"Hehe, Fifth wants a red envelope, but as the elder brother, I..."

Mu Dade hadn’t finished speaking when he was interrupted by Old Mrs. Mu.

"Give what? The second child hasn’t lost his limbs; if he wants to make money, he should go to the town dock to load cargo, or at the very least, work as a waiter in a restaurant.

Never seen a healthy person die from holding it in. Is it worth opening your mouth to your elder brother for just a bit of money? Useless thing, deserves to work the land for the rest of his life!"

Old Mrs. Mu cursed loudly.

The others who wanted to coerce money from Mu Dade remained silent, each looking outside without a word.

"Since no one is talking, I, the old man, will assign the tasks for tomorrow."

"Fourth family, the two of you will help in the kitchen. With Dade back, the whole village will come to eat tomorrow, so you’re indispensable."

"Second family, you two have sweet mouths, so you’ll greet the guests at the front, making sure each one holds a cup of tea."

"As for the third family, Shuang will handle the cooking, the third daughter-in-law will assist, and third will handle seating arrangements.

Fifth, you will work with the second family to serve dishes. This serving task is one that everyone must do, as long as their hands are free."

Mr. Mu arranged everything, thinking the matter was settled.

But Mu Shuangshuang stood up.

"Grandpa, Shuang can’t handle cooking, better hire someone instead!"

Mu Shuangshuang truly suspected that the people of the Old Mu Family were not in the right mind.

The cooking matter, she had said long ago, she couldn’t do it, did they really take her words for nonsense?

"You... Shuang, tomorrow’s the day your younger aunt gets betrothed, saying you won’t do it, where do you expect us to find a chef last minute?" Old Mrs. Mu said.

"Hire one, Granny Chen in the village does banquets for people, it’s not expensive, I asked, it’s twenty-five coins per table," said Mu Shuangshuang.

"You..." Old Mrs. Mu was fuming. She always thought Mu Shuangshuang was joking.

Plus, in this household, big matters and small matters were all decided by her, the old lady.

Old Mrs. Mu was confident enough to think Mu Shuangshuang would not contradict her.

"Alright, since Shuang is unwilling, let’s go find Granny Chen, anyway it’s just two hundred coins or so."

This time, the Old Mu Family was putting on quite the spectacle, with ten tables in total, each costing twenty-five coins, amounting to two hundred and fifty coins.

The price, several coins’ worth of silver, was enough to make Old Mrs. Mu’s lungs explode with rage.

"No, this is a major event for our Old Mu Family, we can’t let outsiders be involved. Third family, didn’t you work as a kitchen helper in town? You take over the cooking," Old Mrs. Mu targeted Yu Si Niang.

"No, Mom, it’s not possible. I’ve never handled a cooking spatula; there are professional cooks for cooking," Yu Si Niang quickly shook her head.

Cooking was considered a big deal in the village.

After male banquet guests ate, their favorite thing was to critically evaluate, judging whose banquet was well done or poorly done.

Although such things wouldn’t bring existential disgrace, being called stingy was not flattering.

"You can’t do this, can’t do that, what exactly can you do?" Old Mrs. Mu lost her temper, displeased.

"Mom, let’s just hire Granny Chen, as I said, I’ll cover Xiangxiang’s banquet expenses, and let’s hire people for tasks that can be hired out," said Mu Dade, stepping up to mediate, making Old Mrs. Mu no longer scold Yu Si Niang.

However, the loss of two hundred and fifty coins was chalked up by Old Mrs. Mu to the account of Mu Shuangshuang and Yu Si Niang.

"Since that’s the case, let’s rearrange tomorrow’s tasks!"