CHAPTER 1299: CHAPTER 1298: MADAM GU’S IDEA

Wang Yongzhu also smiled and nodded: "Madam Gu, long time no see, how has everything been at home?"

Madam Gu smiled very earnestly, came forward to lift the carriage curtain and helped Wang Yongzhu off the carriage: "Thanks to Lord Song and Lady Wang’s blessings, everything is well! I must say, yesterday morning, I heard magpies calling non-stop in the yard opposite, turns out it was a sign for here."

"Back then, I thought Lord Song truly had the demeanor of an official, and sure enough, I guessed right! Oh my, this is not only a blessing and a joyous occasion for your esteemed family but also a fortune and celebration for our entire street."

"Yesterday, the lord and madam just returned, and are tidying up their house, we dared not disturb. Once you have some free time, us neighbors all say we should gather around a table, and also invite Lord Song and the madam to come visit, to share in your good fortune."

Wang Yongzhu carelessly allowed Madam Gu to hook her arm, it was inconvenient to draw back, so she had to hold her arm and get off the carriage.

Song Chongjin, who should have gotten off the carriage first, saw Madam Gu lifting the curtain and reaching out to support Wang Yongzhu, felt it was not the right time to get off, so he stepped back momentarily.

Thinking Madam Gu should let go once she finished speaking, surprisingly, Madam Gu held onto Wang Yongzhu’s arm as if afraid she would run away.

Moreover, once she opened her mouth, she started talking non-stop.

Madam Gu had no option; after seeing the impressive manner in which Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu left home, she ran back home to discuss with her husband and mother-in-law, thinking it’s better to maintain good relations as neighbors.

Now that they hold official positions, even a few good words from Lord Song to the County Magistrate would be greatly beneficial to them.

Though Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin weren’t home, Old Granny Zhang was there.

Madam Gu had been neighbors with them, knew how Wang Yongzhu and his wife greatly respected Old Granny Zhang.

She thought to take advantage while they were away, to sweet-talk Old Granny Zhang, flatter her, make her happy enough to say good things about them to Song Chongjin, perhaps making it happen.

She was quite pleased with this plan, enthusiastically walked out of her yard, but before she got close, two fierce looking men at Lord Song’s door stared her down with eyes as big as cattle eyes, with a murderous gaze.

These men guarding the door were naturally the personal soldiers given by Duke Weiguo, emerging from bloodied fields, their fierce aura enough to make ordinary people tremble.

Madam Gu, being just an ordinary woman, her legs went weak at this glare, almost kneeling down.

Her legs, initially headed towards the Song family, involuntarily turned towards the corner of the street.

It was only after reaching the corner that she felt the sharp stares vanish, did she sigh in relief.

Brewing for quite a while, she returned home like a thief, head lowered.

No longer daring to open the door, nor come out, she sat on a small stool behind the main door, occasionally peeking through the cracks.

Finally spotting Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin’s carriage returning, knowing this was the only chance, she came out gritting her teeth.

She knew Wang Yongzhu was amiable, not the sort to change faces after success, hence she dared to stand her ground, relying on Wang Yongzhu’s good nature.

Thinking that if people saw this, knowing her closeness with the wife of Lord Song, wouldn’t they view her more favorably?

Madam Gu’s intentions, Wang Yongzhu understood at a glance.

Firstly, when they lived here, although some neighbors were extreme, they were generally nice.

Madam Gu Family, though occasionally irritating, were tolerable, even helped them with small tasks initially. Now just looking to leverage their status for personal gain, it was harmless.

Secondly, reputation is especially important after becoming an official, many eyes are likely on them during this return home.

If they displayed impatience or hostility towards the neighbors, refusing them, people might start gossiping.

Thus she agreed with Madam Gu, saying: "Madam Gu is too polite! When we lived here, we truly benefited from the neighbors’ care. This time back, we should be the ones inviting the neighbors to join us, how could we let everyone go through trouble?"

"I must trouble Madam Gu to inform everyone, the day after tomorrow, we’ll set up a feast in the alley, hope everyone can come and grace us with their presence."

Madam Gu’s eyes lit up upon hearing this, she was even happier.

She immediately patted her chest: "Madam, rest assured, leave it all to me! I guarantee everyone will be notified! When arranging the feast the day after tomorrow, don’t bother finding others for extra help, leave it to us. Helping Lord and Madam is our luck as neighbors."

"That’s settled then, I won’t disturb the lord and madam further, I’ll return now—" saying that, she joyfully went back to her own yard.

Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin exchanged a glance, before entering their house hand in hand.

Old Granny Zhang hadn’t gone out today, she was resting at home, having already heard from the guards who reported that there was a suspicious woman across the street, obviously not a good person, sneaking glances over here, trying to get closer.

They had glared her back, yet she was persistent, sitting on a small stool behind the door watching, likely up to no good.

The guards asked Old Granny Zhang if she recognized the woman, if she was previously in conflict with their Master Heir-Apparent and his wife, suggesting they could catch her and teach her a lesson.

Old Granny Zhang knew it was Madam Gu from across the street, probably aware of her daughter and son-in-law’s success, trying to benefit from it.

She feigned ignorance, instructed the guards to block her from visiting.

Meanwhile, she also instructed Old Granny Wu and the two maids not to leave the house nor casually discuss their family’s affairs with others.

Now that Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin were back, Old Granny Zhang discussed this matter with them.

When hearing about hosting a feast for the neighbors, Old Granny Zhang nodded repeatedly: "That’s exactly right, now that our son-in-law is officially recognized, reputation is crucial. Especially with neighbors, since returning after passing the exam, not inviting them for meals is simply unacceptable. Besides, among those little folks, who knows what might be said behind our backs?"

"Just a little spending on silver would silence them. Moreover, those who’ve eaten from us would be less likely to speak ill. And if they did, their spit might drown them!"

"However, the feast must be carefully planned; not too extravagant to provoke envy nor too modest to imply pettiness. Otherwise, spending silver and not getting praise is pointless. You should choose an appropriate arrangement."

"I reckon not only our neighbors but also others from around will come once the news spreads, to join in the excitement, to share the joy. If someone comes by even with just two eggs, it’s still goodwill, we cannot drive them away, can we?"

"Therefore, preparations must be complete beforehand, to avoid embarrassment if we run out of food midway! Mother and daughter must carefully plan this."

Old Granny Zhang hadn’t found her talents useful in the Capital City, feeling stifled.

Now back in Jing County, she finally found her passion again.

Especially today, upon discussing the arrangement, seeing her daughter’s expression of surprise at all the considerations, she became invigorated.