Wang Yongzhu was still fine, but the Wang Family Brothers’ faces changed upon hearing it.
Especially Wang Yongfu, who immediately felt both ashamed and guilty. Wasn’t Mother saying that the reason she stayed away in the county town was because of the troubles between Lady Lin and him, and it made her so uneasy that she decided to leave?
If word got out, wouldn’t that be seen as his unfilial behavior?
He wanted to argue a few words, but he couldn’t manage to say anything.
Old Granny Zhang didn’t concern herself with what her sons thought and went straight back to her room.
Wang Yongzhu stayed, looking at Wang Yongfu for a long while before finally speaking, "Big Brother, the words we say are like water thrown out; there’s no taking them back. If you were unwilling to give up on Lady Lin, you shouldn’t have cast her aside. If you truly intend to cast her aside, you should have done it cleanly and thoroughly, leaving no room for illusion. Such entanglement not only delays her but also you!"
"If you don’t completely resolve the Lady Lin issue, it won’t just affect your family, but likely everyone’s peace. I can take Mother to live in the county town, far away. But while I can evade it, what about Third Brother and Fourth Brother’s families? Big Brother, think carefully about my words."
After saying this, he also went back to the rear courtyard.
Wang Yonggui and Wang Yongping came over, looking at Wang Yongfu, hesitant to speak.
Wang Yongfu gave a bitter smile, "As the eldest brother, I have put you in a difficult spot, haven’t I? Eldest brother is useless, dragging you down--"
Wang Yongping, being honest, quickly waved his hand, "Big Brother, we are family, no need for such words. How have you dragged us down--"
However, Wang Yonggui said, "Since Big Brother knows it’s a difficult matter and has dragged the brothers down, what do you plan to do?"
Wang Yongfu looked at Wang Yonggui in surprise, not expecting such words from him.
Wang Yonggui rarely being this calm, said, "Big Brother, logically speaking, since we have already split the family, as a younger brother, I shouldn’t interfere in your household affairs. But after all, we are blood relatives. I, Wang Laosan, would not be an ungrateful person. Back in those years when I was drifting outside, my wife and children were well taken care of thanks to you, Big Brother. I have always remembered that kindness!"
"As for the Lady Lin matter, just say the word. No matter what decision you make, our brothers will not raise any objections. At worst, the reputation of our Wang Family worsens, and people gossip about us; that doesn’t matter! But think it through— you have three sons who need to marry. While it’s easier for boys, a girl’s reputation is important. Our Jinhua is not yet married!"
Wang Yongfu was silent.
Wang Yongping wanted to say something but was pulled away by Wang Yonggui.
Others also dispersed, leaving only Wang Yongfu sitting at the door, head bowed...
Now, speaking of Song Chongjin.
He drove the carriage to the town, and with Lizheng, first went to the place where documents were registered.
Though it was a drowsy spring day, the clerks there, who were about to fall asleep while working, saw someone come in.
One of the clerks, listlessly, stood up and exchanged a few words. Hearing that someone wanted to buy a mountain, he immediately perked up.
Several people surrounded them, jabbering away, asking which mountain he wanted to buy.
In Shiqiao Town, mountains are plentiful, but good fields are scarce.
Mountains are commonplace; who would buy one? Shiqiao Town lacks good fields, not mountains.
Seeing a spendthrift, a group of clerks praised the nearby mountains as if they were celestial peaks.
Song Chongjin didn’t waste words, directly stating the place he wanted to purchase.
The clerks were dumbfounded, knowing Dahei Mountain, but who really knew the specific mountains within?
Everyone looked at Song Chongjin as if he was out of his mind.
Still, Lizheng stepped in, explaining that they wanted to make a tea plantation. This made the clerks slightly restrain themselves, thinking that although he was not a fool, he was impractical.
Historically, only the southern regions had tea plantations and produced fine teas.
Everyone knew that most of the world’s tea comes from the south.
How did this man have such an unrealistic idea to grow tea here?
Still, they welcomed such rich fools, the more, the better.
After all, as long as the mountains were sold, whether tea could be grown was none of their concern.
Immediately, the clerks cheered up even more.
They took out the mountain chart. Nowadays, only the Emperor and military generals have a kanyu map, typical government offices only have a mountain chart with a few lines and rough markers.
With Song Chongjin’s specified location, the clerks faced a few lines on the chart, unable to visualize it.
In cases , the clerks would need to go with someone to measure the site on the ground.
But everyone in Shiqiao Township knew the treacherous reputation of Dahei Mountain, with dangerous paths and rumored ferocious beasts. If unlucky, encountering one might mean not making it back alive.
Thus, the clerks all shirked the responsibility.
Only after Lizheng negotiated for a long time and promised generous travel expenses did one reluctantly agree.
They decided that the clerk would go to Qilidun the next day, scale the mountain to measure the location, then come back to process the official contract.
Lizheng, being familiar with these clerks, hosted a banquet at Shopkeeper Wu’s restaurant, properly thanking them.
The clerks, rarely having such a meal, were satisfied, speaking and acting more cordially.
They expressed that they wouldn’t treat Song Chongjin unfairly.
Sending them back, they bought some pastries for them to take home to their families.
Pleased everyone, they let out a sigh of relief, feeling that the mountain-buying matter was almost settled.
Song Chongjin knew that today’s success was largely due to Lizheng’s efforts. Being normally reserved, except for Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu, he was sparing with words.
Thus, he didn’t speak much, but gave Lizheng some good wine and pastries.
Lizheng declined verbally but was pleased inwardly, considering it the start of a connection.
With much done, they escorted Lizheng home, then returned to the Wang household. Upon entering, the atmosphere seemed off.
First, he went to greet Old Granny Zhang in the main room, seeing her busy packing, then obediently returned to his room.
Noticing Wang Yongzhu also packing, he was delighted, "Yongzhu, are you packing to go with me to the county town?"
Wang Yongzhu nodded, sighing, "Mother was happy at home, but with Eldest Brother’s divorce, and Lady Lin causing trouble today, Mother felt unsettled and decided to return to the county town. I thought it was good, since matters at home are almost settled, and the new colors have been prepared."
"With you alone in the county town, I was also worried! Once the mountain purchase is settled, let’s make arrangements and move back to the county town."
Song Chongjin was overjoyed.