CHAPTER 1054: CHAPTER 1053: 3 MEALS A DAY

When those words were spoken, the members of the Wang Family couldn’t help but feel delighted; fifty taels of silver!

Nowadays in the village, even a well-to-do family, including the betrothal gifts and wedding feast, might spend around twenty taels, which is considered very generous.

Giving fifty taels at once, the wedding would not exhaust the funds, and the couple would have enough left for a comfortable life.

They could also add a set of jewelry to the dowry for the bride. In the country, gifting a silver ring is already quite generous, a full set is worth at least dozens of taels of silver.

Liu Xiaoqiao’s heart suddenly warmed. Last night she tossed and turned on the bed thinking half the night, and now she understood.

Considering her sister-in-law’s current status and position, she is the closest to their Fourth Brother. Once the Fourth Family has children, would her sister-in-law treat them unfairly?

Not to mention, in the future, when her own children get married, her sister-in-law might be an Official’s Madam, wouldn’t that be even more prosperous? The Fourth Family might seem disadvantaged now, but will benefit later.

Thinking thus, Liu Xiaoqiao couldn’t help but smile and quickly expressed her stance, "Mother, Sister, don’t worry! How we’ve been with Fourth Brother in the past, we’ll be the same in the future. Our family’s business will also remain fair, with no deceit. I will also go back to my family and warn them; if anyone tries to exploit my brother-in-law’s name, I won’t spare them!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yongping exclaimed, "Oh, my wife truly understands things", and hurriedly added, "Mother, rest assured! If anyone dares to misuse my brother-in-law’s name for wrongdoing, once I know, I will definitely not forgive them!"

Wang Yongfu and Jindou also quickly promised. Jindou was already satisfied with the whole family’s daughters and feared his father might be swayed; he couldn’t be more grateful after hearing Old Granny Zhang’s words.

At this time, whatever Old Granny Zhang said was correct!

Wang Yonggui and Lady Jiang regained their senses, especially Lady Jiang who showed some shame on her face, but still gritted her teeth and spoke, "Mother, Sister! It’s all my fault for being confused and doing these foolish things these past days, embarrassing the Wang Family and bringing shame to my brother-in-law and sister! It’s all my fault! Whatever punishment mother decides, I will accept it!"

Wang Yonggui snapped back to reality, quickly chiming in, "It’s all because I’m being reckless, inflated by praise for a few days and now forgetting my place! Mother and Sister, rest assured, I understand now, and even for Jinpan, I won’t repeat such foolish actions ever again! I swear, if I ever do anything to let brother-in-law and sister down, let me be struck by lightning—"

Wang Yongzhu interrupted Wang Yonggui’s words, "Third Brother needn’t make such vicious oaths. If one day you really do exploit Brother Song or my position to harm the villagers, bully others, or ruin business reputation, there’s no need for lightning to strike, I’ll deal with you myself. If a beating can’t make you repent, thrice a day for three months should reform you, right?"

Oh my! The Wang Family members blanched as they recalled the miserable state when Wang Yonggui was once disciplined.

Three times a day, for three months? Surviving that? The Wang Family has completely given up on those thoughts.

Back in the backyard, Old Granny Zhang discarded her bamboo rod, lay on the bed and called Gu Yu over to massage her old waist, muttering, "Getting old, can’t deny it. I remember back in the day, I chased Laosi for miles with a shoe sole without even panting, and now after a few strikes, my waist hurts, and my arms ache."

While Wang Yongzhu supported Old Granny Zhang to lie down securely, she massaged her arms.

Gu Yu hurried in; since the last time she massaged Old Granny Zhang till her leg hurt for days, she’s been practicing on Old Granny Wu and Old Granny Ding daily, so Wang Yongzhu saw it, inquired with Imperial Doctor Du, and learned some massage techniques. Now, whenever Old Granny Zhang feels uncomfortable, she calls for Gu Yu.

Gu Yu stayed inside for a long time; in the kitchen, Old Granny Wu and Old Granny Ding exchanged a glance, stuck out their tongues, and Old Granny Wu whispered, "My good heavens, the old lady really shows no mercy when disciplining her son—"

Old Granny Ding, having seen more of the world, stated seriously, "Our old lady truly understands this is for the betterment of the Young Masters. If the Young Masters are left unchecked, over time, if they really do something against our family’s Old Master, wouldn’t Graduate’s wife be stuck in a difficult position, and potentially estranged from her family? Then our Young Masters wouldn’t fare well."

"Moreover, not to gossip, our Young Masters aren’t quite capable. They’re safe and respected in the village now because our Old Master and Graduate protect them, with everyone looking up to the Old Master Graduate. If they tried to reach beyond their grasp, it’s inviting trouble!"

"That’s for sure. If the Young Masters understand now, it’ll ease the worries of our Old Master and Graduate as well," Old Granny Wu agreed.

Having worked in the manor for years, they knew many Graduate’s wives suffered due to troublesome Young Masters, causing marital strife and estrangement. In the end, when the wife isn’t well-off, how can the Young Masters gain anything?

They naturally hoped the Graduate’s wife and Graduate would remain harmonious throughout life, so life as servants would be better.

Unaware of the old ladies’ thoughts, Wang Yongzhu observed Old Granny Zhang dozing off under Gu Yu’s massage, gestured to Gu Yu, and quietly left.

Leaving the house, Wang Yongzhu didn’t return home but went directly to Song Chongjin’s courtyard.

After returning, Song Chongjin’s courtyard was cleaned up, and guests, discussions, were conducted here during the day, with retreat to the other side at night to avoid noise.

Upon arriving, Song Chongjin had just seen off the Lizheng and several respected village elders, and seeing her approach, quickly greeted her with a smile, taking her hand inside.

"Has everything with Lizheng been explained?" Wang Yongzhu sat down; after Song Chongjin poured tea, she held the cup and asked with a smile.

Song Chongjin nodded, "It’s explained thoroughly, with Lizheng and several Clan Leaders, plus those elders overseeing, there shouldn’t be any issues. Besides, I’ve left someone here keeping watch; if anything’s wrong, I’ll naturally be informed." Song Chongjin relaxedly leaned back.

"That’s good, back home, Mother gave quite a scene today, hopefully, they’ll stay honest for a while." Wang Yongzhu also relaxed.

Recently, they’ve been observing quietly, realizing that not only Wang Yonggui, but even the Wang Family Clan People seemed to be getting ambitious, their words hinting at outcompeting the Song Family, wanting to put them in their place.