Chapter 1055: Chapter 1054: To Celebrate Longevity or Not?

Who doesn’t know about the Lizheng, the Li Family Patriarch, and the Song Family Patriarch? They all know Song Chongjin treats Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang, his mother-in-law, very well. Presumably, for their sake, they have a higher regard for the Wang Family, hence allowing the Wang Family to act this way.

The Song Family also knew they were in the wrong. How they treated Song Chongjin back then, it’s only been a year, who doesn’t remember?

Fortunately, now, whether it’s true magnanimity or simply for appearances, besides the few families that were too harsh on Song Chongjin in the past from Song Chunhua’s maternal side, all other family lands are listed under Song Chongjin’s name.

For this, they endure it even when the Wang Family says unpleasant things.

But this time, from what the Wang Family hinted, they want the benefits paid to Song Chongjin for the lands under his name to be higher than others, and even to make decisions on his behalf.

Moreover, Wang Yonggui has been quite outrageous lately, flaunting as if he is the most capable in Qilidun.

The couple discussed it at night, then mentioned it to Old Granny Zhang, and she exploded.

She didn’t care if it was Yama Raja or the Jade Emperor, no one would harm her daughter or son-in-law. If anyone dared to extend their claws, she would risk her life to chop off those claws.

After the three of them discussed, they decided on this plan.

The Lizheng and a few clan leaders, along with several respectable elders of the village, were specially invited by Song Chongjin to witness this drama.

As expected, the effect was significant. On this side, Old Granny Zhang was smacking Wang Yonggui around, making him jump, while on the other side, in the courtyard, the Lizheng and several clan leaders exchanged awkward glances.

Especially the Wang Family Patriarch, he immediately understood Song Chongjin’s intentions.

Once Old Granny Zhang finished her scolding, Song Chongjin expressed his thoughts: at his current limited ability, he could only help and protect the villagers to such an extent. If anyone was dissatisfied, just say it outright and seek a higher branch; his small temple could not accommodate such great Buddhas.

Since they accepted his protection, they should abide by his rules and not do things under his name that were unsightly or oppressive to others.

Even though he was just a Graduate now, if they truly crossed his bottom line, they couldn’t blame him for being ruthless.

Seeing the Lizheng, several clan leaders, and the respected elders seriously agreeing, he continued, expressing his wish to benefit his fellow villagers. If he scored well in the Imperial Spring Examination next year, he naturally wouldn’t treat everyone poorly.

Present were all seasoned foxes; upon hearing Song Chongjin’s words, it seemed he had some confidence in becoming a Scholar, and they instantly felt hopeful and reassured.

The Old Master Graduate was certainly not comparable to a Scholar.

If he truly became a Scholar, and a memorial archway was erected, then Qilidun would become famous, not to mention the subsequent benefits.

Immediately, each felt they had a promising future, readily agreeing not to disgrace the Old Master Graduate and to avoid putting him in a difficult situation, all happily returning home.

Wang Yongzhu then laughed, “You’re painting them a big pie.”

Song Chongjin shook his head, “In the bustling world, all for the word ‘profit.’ If not for some advantages to convince them, how would they behave?”

With his worries resolved, Wang Yongzhu asked, “When should we return to Jing County? You still need to take the opportunity to see more people with Lord Lv, President Lu, and the Teacher. We’ve almost been back for a month now, and there are matters waiting in the county.”

Song Chongjin pondered for a moment, “Once these things are settled, there’s not much left. But last time I remember you mentioning your mother’s birthday—”

Wang Yongzhu sighed, “I asked Mom whether we should celebrate grandly in the village this year, but she said we’re still in mourning, and since you’ve become a Graduate, celebrating birthdays is even more out of the question. We should avoid giving people any chance to criticize us behind our backs.”

Song Chongjin felt apologetic upon hearing this, “I’ll talk to Mom. If becoming a Graduate prevents her from celebrating her birthday, what was the point of attaining it?”

As he spoke, they both went to a different courtyard. Old Granny Zhang had also calmed down and was instructing Gu Yu, “You go and pack my things, it seems like we’ll be returning to the county in a few days.”

“Mom—” Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu entered, signaling Gu Yu to leave.

Song Chongjin spoke up, “Mom, this year being your full birthday, it should be celebrated grandly in the village, with all the fanfare. We can head back after the celebration.

Old Granny Zhang quickly shook her head, “What birthday? Returning early to the county is more sensible.”

“Mom, rest assured. Celebrating your birthday is a rightful affair; even if others wanted to find fault, they couldn’t. I became a Graduate to ensure you and Yongzhu lived well, and if it meant you compromising for me, what’s the point of my title?” Song Chongjin sincerely said.

Old Granny Zhang replied, “I won’t celebrate for that reason. Your father’s anniversary hasn’t even passed, and I would feel guilty celebrating my birthday. Besides, who doesn’t know now that I’m the Graduate’s mother-in-law? Even without a celebration, who wouldn’t envy me? Who dares to mock me?

Moreover, I do have a little selfish thought. They say a person’s lifetime blessings are limited, and if they’re consumed without restraint, it may affect longevity. Now that my daughter and son-in-law are both successful and filial, the good days are probably still ahead, and I need to save up and hope to enjoy more years with you both.

They also say, ‘Eat the meat in your bowl and benefit from the real thing.’ Celebrating exhausts everyone for the sake of superficiality, all for show to outsiders. We, as a family, why emphasize these things? If you really want to celebrate for me, wouldn’t it be better to buy some land, getting some practical benefit?”

These words made sense. Seeing Old Granny Zhang was genuinely disinterested in celebrating, Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu exchanged glances, before Song Chongjin spoke, “Since Mom says so, we’ll abide. Upon returning to the county, we’ll first buy 50 acres of fertile land for Mom, and every year, from the rent we’ll take half a share to give alms and distribute clothing during holidays, accumulating blessings for Mom to ensure her long life.”

“When the next full birthday comes around, we’ll make sure it’s grand, making the elderly ladies in the entire city envious of Mom, alright?”

Old Granny Zhang was delighted to hear this, “Exactly, I’ll wait for that grand next birthday!”

“Though we’ve agreed, but will eldest brother be as accepting?” Wang Yongzhu asked.

“When an old woman celebrates her birthday, who else but her decides? Alright, it’s settled. Let’s pack up our things and return to the county in a few days. I heard that after becoming a Graduate, it’s crucial to go out and see the world more. Staying cooped up in this mountain valley, what world do we see?”

“My son-in-law ranked third, if we don’t go back soon, what if those not as good as him seize the opportunity?” As Old Granny Zhang spoke, she became increasingly anxious, calling loudly for Gu Yu to come pack up.

She also instructed Old Granny Wu to summon the Wang Family over.