Chapter 951 - 949 Resentment

Words : 1229 Updated : Sep 21st, 2025

Chapter 951: Chapter 949 Resentment The mother and daughter exchanged a glance, and Old Granny Zhang spoke first, "Zhuzhu, what your uncle gave you today, we can’t accept it! But refusing might upset your uncle, so let’s leave these things with me for now, and I’ll keep them for him. Your uncle is still young, and in a few days, when he comes to understand, he ought to form a family again. Even if there’s no one to be filial to him, he should have someone by his side to share warmth and coldness." "When the time comes, these things and the land deeds will be given to his future wife, so he can live well, and my heart will be at ease," Old Granny Zhang said, feeling slightly sorry for her daughter. After all, these items were given to her daughter by Yang Zongbao, and deciding like this, she worried her daughter might feel uncomfortable. It wasn’t that her daughter was short-sighted and reluctant to part with these things; it was just that her daughter’s gift included a set of ruby-studded gold jewelry and a set of intricately crafted silver filigree jewelry that she had just glanced at. It was both exquisite and beautiful, especially suitable for a girl of her daughter’s age. It seemed that the person who selected this gift really put thought into it. If her daughter wore this jewelry set, she surely would be the prettiest girl in Jing County. Thinking this, Old Granny Zhang hesitated but ultimately returned the box to Wang Yongzhu, "Forget it, after all, this is your uncle’s thoughtful gesture, you go ahead and keep it! At worst, your mother can give your uncle some silver next time." After saying this, because they were still in mourning, gold couldn’t be worn, so she carefully took out the silver filigree jewelry and said, "Try it on, let your mom have a look—" Wang Yongzhu understood Old Granny Zhang’s intentions and was amused, "Mom, this is my uncle’s kind intent, we should accept it with peace of mind. Rest assured, when uncle starts a family in the future, your daughter and son-in-law will surely prepare a thick gift, ensuring uncle won’t lose out, so you can be completely at ease!" Seeing Old Granny Zhang still hesitant, she couldn’t help but feign grievance, "Now that mom has uncle, you’ve even forgotten your own daughter, thinking only of uncle, alas—" Old Granny Zhang spat playfully at Wang Yongzhu, poked her forehead, and Wang Yongzhu clung to Old Granny Zhang’s arm acting spoiled until Old Granny Zhang laughed happily. Outside the courtyard, Old Madam Ding, Old Granny Wu, and Gu Yu were in the kitchen preparing the evening meal, as the uncle arrived, a distinguished guest! They must prepare a decent feast. Since Old Madam Ding arrived at the Song Family, she has always cooked typical family meals; today, hearing the old lady’s instructions, naturally, she was going to use all her abilities. Old Granny Wu and Gu Yu were helping with preparations. "Sister-in-law Ding, did you see those ten or so boxes our uncle brought, they are heavy! I wonder what’s inside? People used to say our old lady came from the countryside without real relatives, but looking at the style and demeanor of this uncle, he’s no ordinary person. Let’s see if those gossipers outside have anything else to say!" Old Madam Ding wielded her knives with great dexterity, without lifting her head, "Matters of the masters, how can us servants possibly know? I’d advise you to be less nosy and don’t let anything slip outside!" Old Granny Wu protested, "I’m just venting in front of you two, outside, I wouldn’t say a word." Saying this, she nudged Gu Yu, "Gu Yu, right?" Gu Yu, lost in thought, was startled by Old Granny Wu’s nudge, dropping the vegetables she was washing into the basin, splashing water that woke her: "Ah?" Confusedly looking at Old Granny Wu. Seeing Gu Yu’s face and front soaked, Old Granny Wu asked, "Gu Yu, what are you thinking about?" Gu Yu bit her lip and whispered, "I... I feel like the uncle looks familiar, as if I’ve seen him somewhere before?" Old Granny Wu casually patted Gu Yu’s shoulder, "It’s probably because uncle has a kind face that you feel you’ve seen him somewhere. Quickly, go back inside and change clothes, don’t catch a cold—" She nudged Gu Yu out. Leaving the kitchen, passing by Yang Zongbao’s room, Gu Yu couldn’t help but take another look. Not recalling anything, she shook her head and walked away. Over at Song Chongjin’s side, he and Gu Zikai, together with some classmates, arrived at the restaurant, where several others had already gathered, mostly students from the academy. Of course, the more important people arrive later. As tonight’s event was a celebrated banquet in name, three large tables were set up in the hall, specifically for students from the three academies. The students from Dongshan Academy were already all present, and upon seeing Song Chongjin and his group enter, they stood up and saluted. The students from Baiyun Academy were also present, but with Zhang Hu and his brothers absent, their table seemed rather empty. Several Baiyun Academy students seemed as if they wanted to stand and greet Song Chongjin’s group but were held back by their peers. For a moment, Dongshan and Changqing Academy’s students exchanged greetings, making Baiyun Academy’s side appear all the more quiet. Since Changqing Academy and Dongshan Academy’s tables were close, upon sitting down, students from Dongshan Academy came over, "The Baiyun Academy students all act so haughty. When our academy arrived earlier and greeted them, they barely acknowledged us. They need to remember, they’re just third in line, nothing to be proud of!" Song Chongjin nodded without commenting further, his mind was on whether Yang Zongbao had reached home yet. Noticing Song Chongjin’s distraction, Gu Zikai smoothly changed the topic, sparing the Dongshan Academy student any embarrassment. More people gradually arrived, and by nightfall, Lv Wenguang accompanied Governor Chen, Zhu Haoran, and Imperial Doctor Du with their entourage, grandly arriving at the restaurant. Their seats were naturally upstairs, but Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran first spoke a few words of encouragement in the hall and shared a toast with the students from the three academies before proceeding upstairs. Once the wine and dishes were served, everyone turned to toast Song Chongjin; he courteously declined each, as he was still in mourning and thus couldn’t drink, stating he would replace wine with tea. Nobody minded, as it was the thought that counted. However, students from Baiyun Academy stood aside, sarcastically making snide remarks. Yet, students from Changqing and Dongshan Academies unanimously ignored them, showing no response. Baiyun Academy students thus refrained from embarrassing themselves further. After three rounds of wine, even though the students in the hall weren’t overly drunk, they’d acquired a slight inebriation. Only Song Chongjin remained completely sober. Because most dishes on the table were meaty, Song Chongjin couldn’t eat carelessly, so he nibbled on a few small vegetarian dishes and then stopped eating. Watching the time and estimating it was about right, Song Chongjin sipped flavorless tea, pondering what good meal awaited him upon returning. Until he saw a servant walk over, directly to him: "Scholar Song, our lord invites you upstairs."

Chapter 951 - 949 Resentment

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