Chapter 1049: Chapter 1048: Gift

As the saying goes, a woman is equal to five hundred ducks. Now that dozens of women surrounded them, it was practically a duck farm, chattering away. Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang couldn’t hear a thing and ended up with a headache.

Wang Yongzhu managed to keep her composure. No matter what anyone said, she just maintained her smile, smile, and smile…

Finally, after being escorted home with much difficulty, she went inside, and Wang Yongzhu’s face was stiff from smiling.

Fortunately, most of them had the sense to turn back at the door. Those who thought they were close to the Wang family, or who were simply thick-skinned, still hoped to go inside but were blocked by Old Granny Wu and Old Madam Ding, who had returned earlier.

The two experienced matrons spoke softly, explaining that the Graduate’s wife had rushed back today, was unable to properly host, and thanked all the villagers for their kind intentions. Once everything was settled at home, they promised to host a banquet for everyone.

They also said it must have been tiring for the villagers to wait so long and suggested they go home to rest. The Graduate’s wife would speak to everyone another day.

Their determination was firm as they kept everyone outside the courtyard.

The timid ones, though unwilling, were daunted by the two matrons, who were better dressed and more authoritative than they were, and thus obediently retreated.

A few bold ones, relying on their high seniority, tried to force their way in, speaking rudely.

Old Granny Wu, strong and sturdy, stood at the door with Old Madam Ding, blocking it completely and refusing entry.

They only said that the Graduate’s wife was already resting and whatever business anyone had could wait until tomorrow.

The few middle-aged women couldn’t get in and, afraid to make a scene, left with their tails between their legs.

Over there, Song Chongjin was escorted by the Lizheng and others to his small courtyard. Fortunately, Old Madam Ding heard the noise and instructed Gu Yu to serve tea.

After drinking a cup of tea, the Lizheng knew it was sensible for Song Chongjin to need rest after the journey. All that needed to be said had been said anyway, so he tactfully took his leave.

Only then did Song Chongjin wipe his face and come over to the other courtyard.

The Wang Family brothers had long been waiting in the backyard, laughing and chatting with Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu, creating a cheerful atmosphere.

Seeing Song Chongjin enter, the brothers automatically stood up, feeling quite restrained.

Song Chongjin quickly said, “We are all family here, brothers-in-law, please sit down. Let’s act as we always have.”

Despite what was said, even the simple-minded Wang Yongping knew things were not the same. Everyone was now on their best behavior.

Wang Yongzhu understood that in this era, the common folk harbored an inexpressible, natural fear of officials. Since a Graduate was considered half an official, people naturally kept their distance.

Seeing the atmosphere cool the moment Song Chongjin entered, she laughed and said, “Today was hard on all the brothers and sisters-in-law; we returned in a hurry and didn’t bring much. Just some small gifts to share in the joy.”

She then asked Gu Yu and Old Granny Wu to bring out the prepared gifts for the family.

Each of the Wang Family brothers received two sets of clothes; Lady Jiang and Liu Xiaoqiao each got two rolls of fabric, as well as a silver hairpin, which were more exquisite than those available in the town.

The children each received two small silver ingots and a set of clothes; Jinhua also received a pair of twisted silver bangles, and Jinpan got a small set of scholar’s tools suitable for children.

Wang Yongzhu was afraid the other children would feel slighted, so she specially explained, “Jinhua is a girl, and she’s getting older now, needing to dress up, so her old aunt gave her the extra bangles. Jinpan is still studying, so he got the scholar’s tools. Jindou, later you’ll also have a set of clothes and a pair of silver bangles prepared for Miss Quan’s family; you can take them to her another day.”

“In the future, whether you marry, get married, or go to school, your old aunt will treat everyone equally and won’t favor anyone.”

Hearing this, any bit of dissatisfaction Liu Xiaoqiao felt vanished, leaving only envy, and she resolved that she must hurry to have a child once her mourning period ended.

Everyone was beaming over such generous gifts, especially the children, who clutched their silver ingots tightly.

Jinpan held on to the scholar’s tools, and Jinhua immediately put the bangles on her wrist, touching them from time to time.

After some more small talk, Old Madam Ding came to say that the meal was ready, asking where to set the table.

Old Granny Zhang said to set it in the courtyard, so Old Madam Ding and Old Granny Wu went to arrange the dinner.

Wang Yonggui quietly asked, “Sister, are these the servants you mentioned you bought in the county?”

Wang Yongzhu helped Old Granny Zhang off the kang, “Yes, they’re quite hardworking. Now that Brother Song and I are often busy, with them, we can finally catch a break.”

In the past, Wang Yonggui might have had the cheek to demand the use of these two maids. But now, seeing Song Chongjin sitting steadfastly above, he shrank his shoulders, deciding not to dream about it anymore.

After dinner, everyone returned to their respective rooms.

Now in the second house, Wang Yongfu had long said that the money Jindou and Jinhoo earned was theirs to keep; he didn’t want it.

So both of them put away the silver ingots they received today, and Jindou carefully stored Miss Quan’s family’s share, planning to bring it to her within the next couple of days to make her happy.

In the third house, Jinhua clung to her silver ingots and silver bracelets as if they were her life. After all, these were gifts from her dear aunt, and she hadn’t even warmed them up yet.

Jinpan knew the family needed money for his education, so he immediately gave his silver ingot to Lady Jiang upon returning. Jinshao was still little; the small silver ingot never even passed through his hands but was directly stored by Lady Jiang for safekeeping.

Seeing Jinhua’s reluctance to part with them, Lady Jiang got anxious, “You silly girl, so greedy for money! If you keep that silver ingot with you and lose it, what then? Let me keep it for you as your dowry, how about it?”

Jinhua reluctantly handed her silver ingot to Lady Jiang, specially reminding her, “Mother, save it for my dowry, okay—”

Lady Jiang, bemused, snorted. Despite paying for Jinpan’s education, they made enough from the mountain goods business for silver coins to go around.

Jinpan heard this and quickly added, “Mother, don’t touch my silver ingot either. I’ll need it to help with my sister’s dowry in the future—”

Lady Jiang retorted, “A young girl talking about dowry all day long; what a sight? You may wear the bracelet for a few days, but make sure you don’t lose it, understood?”

Jinhua, fearing her silver bangles too would be confiscated, was delighted to hear otherwise.

Meanwhile, in the fourth house, Liu Xiaoqiao recalled the gifts and felt envious. Today, her sister-in-law was so generous, giving every child silver ingots and clothes, as well as a bangled set for Jinhua and scholar’s tools for Jinpan.

Even Jindou’s fiancée, the still unmarried Miss Quan, received a set of clothes and bangles.

Yet the fourth house had no children, which felt unsettling no matter how you looked at it.

Seeing Wang Yongping happily trying on clothes, completely oblivious, Liu Xiaoqiao sighed.