Chapter 437 - 168: Guests (3)
Chapter 437: Chapter 168: Guests (3)
Xiang’er said, "What’s there to be picky about? My brother and my sister-in-law, weren’t they both considered leftovers? But look how well their life is going. Could you have ever imagined before that you’d one day come to the Prefecture, live in a mansion this big, and even have maids and servants to wait on you? Oh, Mother, leave matters of marriage to the Matchmaker God. If you’ve got free time, just keep making clothes for my unborn little nephew. Don’t worry about me."
Chen Wanqing completely lost her appetite.
’Why is she dragging me into this?’
’I’ve always treated Xiang’er well.’
The two sisters-in-law locked eyes. Xiang’er must have seen something in Chen Wanqing’s expression, because she immediately changed the subject. "On second thought, don’t make clothes for the baby. Weren’t you just talking about my father yesterday? The anniversary of his death is coming up soon. Didn’t you say that since we’re living in a grand four-courtyard mansion now, we should burn one for him too? There’s no time like the present. Why don’t we go out right now and see if there are any paper effigy shops on the street? We can place an order early, so we’re not rushing on the day itself."
"Yes, yes, you’re right! Look at me, so forgetful. I was just talking about it yesterday, and today it completely slipped my mind. Your father will probably visit me in my dreams to complain. I can’t give him the chance to nag me."
As the mother and daughter prepared to leave, Chen Wanqing saw them out.
’I can’t leave the residence today. I have to stay home and entertain our guests.’
Wang Xiao and Wang Jun were every bit the wealthy young masters, and their manners were naturally impeccable.
For their first visit, not only did they bring an abundance of gifts, but they also made a point to pay their respects to Mrs. Zhao after arriving.
It was precisely because she had seen for herself how handsome and dignified the two young men were that Mrs. Zhao had gotten the idea of making one of them her son-in-law.
Their etiquette was perfect. She, in contrast, had slept in late. If she were to suddenly leave the residence now, it would be even more neglectful and rude.
’I’ll have to personally deliver a feast to them later, say a few polite words, and smooth things over.’
While Chen Wanqing was mulling this over, the atmosphere in the flower hall of the outer courtyard was heating up.
Wang Jun praised him repeatedly. "This mansion of yours is truly something else. My mother once opened a teahouse across from the Prefectural Magistrate’s Office, mainly because the security in this area is so good. You know how it is in business—you’re bound to make some enemies and run into trouble. My mother thought, ’Why not just move right next to the government office? Let’s see who dares to cause trouble right under their noses.’ But after asking around, not a single house was for sale. My mother didn’t give up. She thought, ’If we can’t buy, we can always rent.’ She had it all arranged, but in the end, my father wouldn’t agree."
His old-fashioned father said it would be a laughingstock if word got out that they had a perfectly good house of their own but were spending money to rent someone else’s. Besides, he argued, someone else’s house could never feel like your own, so how comfortable could it be? And to spend so much on rent? Did they have money to burn?
Because of his father’s staunch opposition, the plan fell through.
He never would have thought that after all these years, a house would finally go up for sale in this area—and such a large, elegant one at that.
"Even my father would be tempted if he saw it."
"Too bad we missed our chance."
"You’re incredibly lucky to have snagged such a deal. Are you the God of Wealth’s favorite son or something?"
"More like the God of Literature’s favorite son."
Wang Jun and Wang Xiao took turns flattering Zhao Jing, which left De’an feeling a bit sour.
"What about me? Whose favorite son am I?"
Wang Jun and Wang Xiao roared with laughter. ’Shouldn’t you be asking your mother that question?’ they thought.
But thinking that would be too offensive, they said instead, "Aren’t you the son of Mr. Chen from Qingshui County in Xinghuai Prefecture? Surely you know that and don’t need us to tell you."
"Oh, get lost." De’an tossed a bright orange tangerine at them. Grinding his teeth in frustration, he asked, "Don’t tell me you only came over to mess with me. I already sent you the invitations, so why are you here now? You’re even making my older sister go to all the trouble of hosting you. Isn’t that enough of a hassle?"
"What a thing to say! It’s only because we missed you all so much. As for troubling your sister, I’ve already taken care of that. Before we came, my brother and I ordered a two-table banquet from a restaurant. We’ve brought our own food and drinks. That’s not too much trouble now, is it?"
Before De’an could say a word, Zhao Jing beckoned to an old servant who was sweeping the courtyard. "Go tell my wife there’s no need to prepare lunch. Have her just wait and enjoy the food from the restaurant."
The old servant smiled, acknowledged the order, and left.
Wang Jun and Wang Xiao stared at Zhao Jing, both speechless. "So you’re the cheap one here."
After some friendly banter, Wang Jun finally got to the main reason for their visit. "So, when are you guys planning on enrolling in the prefectural academy? You should hurry up. The Yellow Class started almost two months ago. If you don’t come soon, you’re going to fall behind."