Chapter 945 - 943: Meticulous Planning

Words : 1305 Updated : Sep 21st, 2025

Chapter 945: Chapter 943: Meticulous Planning Even from a distance, they could hear people saying, "The Cao Family is really lucky today, encountering Scholar Song who is so generous, saving their child and not holding any grudges at all." "If it were someone else, especially the loafers, the Cao Family might have had to pay dearly before this matter could end!" The men continued discussing Song Chongjin’s generosity and the embarrassing matters of the Cao Family. The women’s conversation, however, took a different turn. "Only up close did I realize that Scholar Song is quite handsome! Though his skin is a bit dark!" "He may look unapproachable with his dark face, but he’s got a good heart, saving the Cao Family’s child and generously letting them leave in the end." "I must find someone to inquire at Changqing Academy tomorrow to see if Scholar Song is betrothed. If not, my daughter would be a perfect match!" The young wives and maidens exchanged knowing glances. "Little sister, snap out of it, Scholar Song has already walked far away—" "Big sister, now I understand, a man like Scholar Song is a real man. If I could marry him, I’d give up ten years of my life willingly—" "Hush, hush, you shameless little thing, speaking such nonsense! Be careful, or someone will hear you and you’ll lose your reputation!" "Big sister—" "Alright, alright, I know, I’ll have mother ask around for you. If Scholar Song’s not engaged, we’ll have a matchmaker speak for you." "Big sister, do you think Scholar Song won’t fancy me?" "Nonsense! My little sister is not only beautiful but also adept at managing a household. Our family has many siblings; we’ll give you a substantial dowry. Only a blind man would not want such a good wife!" ... Little did Song Chongjin know that just by saving someone, he’d become the target of many who were meticulously plotting to arrange a marriage for him. He happily accompanied Gu Zikai and a few classmates towards their reserved viewing platform. Xiao Wu, trailing behind, overheard bits of all this. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end, he didn’t speak, instead following Song Chongjin as they left. At the viewing platform, the guests were already starting to leave. Lady Qi was the first to bid farewell. After watching the competition and the award ceremony, she could endure no longer. Spending the whole morning in the gallery under the sun and amidst the noise, staying until the end was already a great courtesy to Wang Yongzhu. So as soon as the award ceremony ended, she asked to leave. Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang hurried to see her off to the carriage, watching as it drove away. Once Lady Qi left, the others also wanted to leave, those with children wanted to stroll outside, and those who liked drama wished to quickly secure a good seat to enjoy the show. Wang Yongzhu didn’t insist on anyone staying, seeing each person off properly. Madam Gu, having faced a cold shoulder that morning, didn’t even mention sharing a ride back, only saying she would accompany her family elders to the theater. Wang Yongzhu didn’t press her to stay either, slipping two packs of snacks to Madam Gu’s children, sending them off too. Meanwhile, they cleaned the upstairs and packed up the items they brought from home to take back. Amidst this bustle, Song Chongjin and Gu Zikai arrived with their friends. Song Chongjin’s classmates had not yet met Wang Yongzhu, and seeing her for the first time, they exchanged pleasantries. Their family members were today’s guests; they first thanked Wang Yongzhu for her hospitality. Upon hearing their families went to the theater, they too departed. Only Gu Zikai was left, seeing everyone busy, he suggested, "Why don’t we go back first and not add to the chaos here, leaving the carriage for them to return when done?" Wang Yongzhu noticed that Old Granny Zhang, after entertaining guests all morning, wasn’t physically tired but mentally drained, showing signs of fatigue. So she consented. Lang Hao hired a big carriage for them, and as everyone was about to board, Wang Yongzhu turned to notice Xiao Wu standing nearby. He seemed anxious to say something, yet he couldn’t find an opportunity to speak. Feeling a bit soft-hearted, she spoke warmly, "Xiao Wu, as I mentioned earlier, if you know someone who works with flowers, please bring them to my house tomorrow; I must trouble you!" Xiao Wu’s eyes lit up, nodding repeatedly, "Don’t worry, Scholar’s Lady, I understand! Tomorrow, I’ll definitely bring someone to see you!" "Then I’m relieved. Thank you for today, now go home and rest early!" Wang Yongzhu advised him before getting into the carriage. After everyone had boarded, though Old Granny Zhang was tired, her eyes were still bright as she asked, "Whose child was that?" Wang Yongzhu explained a bit and added, "That child’s quite diligent, so if I can help a little, I will. It’s not easy for such a young one to start working." After speaking, she thought of Jinhoo, wondering how he was doing. She resolved to ask Zhang Yinbao another day if there was any news of Jinhoo. Hearing this, even Old Granny Zhang was momentarily lost in thought and sighed without saying anything further. Song Chongjin, however, lifted the curtain to glance back, seeing that Xiao Wu had not left but was instead bustling about helping Old Granny Wu and others pack items. He seemed to say something amusing, making everyone laugh. Song Chongjin lowered his gaze, hiding his emotions, and remained silent. Back at home, Gu Zikai was eager to bathe and change clothes, so he took his leave quickly. Back at home, Old Granny Zhang was exhausted after a long hot day, especially since she wore layers of formal attire for hosting guests, now drenched in sweat. She wished to take a bath and change into something more comfortable. Wang Yongzhu noticed that although Song Chongjin had changed clothes, he likely hadn’t bathed and was probably uncomfortable. Since everyone had been sweating, they all wanted to bathe to feel better. With Old Madam Ding still tidying up at the viewing platform, Wang Yongzhu decided to head to the kitchen herself, stoking the stove, scrubbing the pot clean, and started boiling water. Song Chongjin followed her into the kitchen, and since they rarely had time alone during the day, without having to constantly watch the pot while the water boiled, they leaned together, sitting by the stove, throwing a few pieces of firewood in from time to time. At this moment, they didn’t mind the heat. Song Chongjin held Wang Yongzhu’s hand and casually chatted, mostly about the competition. Soon, Old Granny Zhang changed out of her outer clothes and joined them in the kitchen, trying to shoo them out, "It’s so hot in here, why are you two staying in the kitchen? Go out, I can handle this alone!" But Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin wouldn’t budge, jesting and nudging each other, before ultimately bringing small stools to sit at the shaded doorway of the kitchen, chatting. Occasionally, Song Chongjin would check the stove and add a couple of sticks. Thinking of the child who fell into the water, Wang Yongzhu asked a couple of questions. Speaking of this, Song Chongjin recalled the farce of the Cao Family and relayed it to Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang, prompting Wang Yongzhu to laugh until her stomach hurt. Old Granny Zhang chuckled for a while too but sighed and stopped laughing, "That old lady from the Cao Family is clever. She knows that if, being a widow with an orphan, she lived lavishly every day, it could attract trouble, so she pretended to be poor and stingy."

Chapter 945 - 943: Meticulous Planning

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