CHAPTER 1318: CHAPTER 1318: HOW CAN A HUNTER BROTHER-IN-LAW BE THE SAME AS AN OFFICIAL BROTHER-IN-LAW?

Jinhoo quickly covered Jinguan’s mouth and nervously turned to look at Lord Du. Fortunately, Lord Du was daydreaming and didn’t catch what Jinguan said.

Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief, glaring at Jinguan, "Just shut up! If you can’t speak properly, then don’t speak! Do you think we’re among the village folks like Gou Dan and Er Niu? This is a noble young master from the Capital City, his father is an Imperial Physician!"

He gestured with his thumb.

Jinguan retorted defiantly, "So what? My uncle is still the County Magistrate! Isn’t it the same?"

To Jinguan, the County Magistrate was the highest official, second only to the Emperor.

He governed the entire county! How big of an official must that be?

Jinhoo was almost infuriated to death.

Of course, if he had never left these mountains before, and hadn’t seen the world, maybe he would be just like Jinguan.

But after arriving in the Capital City, he realized that the County Magistrate was like a small shrimp in the river, completely ignored.

Since they were in front of Lord Du, it wasn’t appropriate to say much, so he only said, "If I tell you to shut up, just shut up! Why so many words? See you muttering again, I’d kick you off to walk back yourself."

Jinguan pursed his lips and didn’t dare make a sound anymore.

On the adults’ side, Wang Yongping wanted to chat with Song Chongjin, but Song Chongjin was on horseback and his Personal Soldiers nearby were eyeing him, ready to intercept if he made any inappropriate moves.

Wang Yonggui, who had seen a bit of the world during his wanderings outside, recognized the significance of the people guarding Song Chongjin, along with the twenty imposing guards protecting the carriage front and back—a sight not seen among ordinary folks.

Seeing Wang Yongping still eager to try, Wang Yonggui simply climbed out of the carriage and snatched the whip from Wang Yongping’s hand, taking over to drive the carriage himself, pushing Wang Yongping inside.

While driving, he whispered, "Laosi, you’d better be cautious! Can’t you see who those people surrounding our brother-in-law are? Besides, our brother-in-law is now the County Magistrate, not someone you can casually handle."

"But he’s still our brother-in-law, right?" Wang Yongping mumbled.

"I say you’ve got a wooden head! Is there any similarity between a village hunter brother-in-law and an official brother-in-law? Do you know what official authority means? Officials Master must be respected and esteemed. Have you ever heard of any Officials Master being casually slapped by their own brother-in-law in public? Acting without decorum in front of others, you’re slapping our brother-in-law’s face!"

"Our brother-in-law’s magnanimity might not scold you, but we should know our place. Don’t think it’s like before! Everyone be careful, refrain from speaking recklessly or acting impulsively. Even if our brother-in-law and sister don’t mind, others are watching."

Such words made not only Wang Yongping nod in agreement but also the Lizheng and several other clan leaders nod repetitively.

When Song Chongjin returned as a Graduate before, although they respected him, there wasn’t much awe.

But upon seeing Song Chongjin this time, his aura was worlds apart compared to half a year ago.

Standing there, he exuded authority without anger, especially when not smiling, making it difficult for anyone to breathe loudly or look him in the eye.

As his face relaxed, everyone dared to approach and speak.

Before coming, Lizheng and several clan leaders were still considering reminiscing about the village ties, after all, it’s where he grew up, sort of his hometown, right?

Charm Song Chongjin into feeling nostalgic about Qilidun, prompting him to favor and protect Qilidun greatly.

The Wang Family’s clan leader especially thought to boast in front of Song Chongjin about their attention and kindness towards him, and the family ties through marriage, hoping for Song Chongjin to value the Wang Family more.

Little did they expect that upon meeting Song Chongjin, they dared not speak much, how could they dare to mention their plans?

Wang Yongfu, being more mature, listened to Wang Yongping, pulling him over to sit beside him, saying softly, "Laosan’s right, now that he’s our brother-in-law and also the Officials Master, we’d better stick to our proper roles. Even if brother-in-law doesn’t hold it against us for sister’s sake, wouldn’t it embarrass her?"

His words resonated with Wang Yongping, even if he didn’t understand why being an official brother-in-law changed things, it was about their own sister.

If it would embarrass his sister, he absolutely wouldn’t do it.

Immediately, he replied gruffly, "Big brother, rest assured! I know what to do!"

Wang Yongfu knew Laosi was straightforward, once he said to rest assured, he definitely wouldn’t make another mistake.

With that, he felt relieved.

This journey, with outsiders around, wasn’t suitable for idle chatter; everyone exchanged glances, wanted to say something but feared saying the wrong thing, so stayed silent.

Finally, Lizheng spoke after a while, "Brother Yongfu, I noticed your Jinhu has grown significantly after a year out. He’s speaking and acting much more matured than before, indeed, kids need to see the world!"

Several clan leaders chimed in, "That’s right, Jinhu grew up under our watch, running around with a naked bottom and two snot trails. Now he looks like a little adult. When he popped out from behind his aunt, we couldn’t recognize him at first, thought he was some noble young master."

...

Chatting away, unknowingly they reached the entrance of Qilidun Village.

From afar, the large locust tree at the village entrance was crowded with people, even a few teenagers perched on the tree, hands over their brows peering toward the road.

Upon seeing the group, they loudly shouted, "Here they come! Here they come! Lord Song is back!"

Immediately, the crowd burst into excitement.

They rushed toward the road.

The Guards swiftly moved forward, holding their knives horizontally in front, eyeing the villagers cautiously.

Before the villagers reached them, they saw these imposing guards with drawn knives, menacingly intimidating, scaring them into halting their advance.

Only the front-row stopped, but those in the back couldn’t see, continuing to push forward.

Suddenly they all crowded up, exchanging "Ouch!" and "Ouch!"

Lizheng saw this and broke out in a cold sweat.

He tumbled off the carriage in a hurry, shouting, "Masters, Masters, please be merciful. They’re all Lord Song’s folks here to welcome him back home without ill intent! Please allow me to explain—"

The Guards made way to let one person through, allowing Lizheng to pass.

Lizheng didn’t have time to wipe his cold sweat, rushing forward to scold, "Are you all out of your minds? What’s this madness? Even if you’re welcoming Lord Song, you can’t be so reckless! Offending the Lord could cost you your heads, understand?"

"And what are you all dawdling there for? Quickly make way, let the Lord and his party pass? Lord Song must be tired from the long journey, we should let him rest, shouldn’t we?"

"Whatever matters, we can talk tomorrow! Lord Song isn’t leaving tomorrow, disperse quickly!"