Wang Yongzhu hadn’t spoken yet, when Old Granny Zhang rushed to take responsibility, saying it was Wang Yongzhu who wanted to stand up for her, an old woman, and that’s why she smashed Tian Family’s shop.
Song Chongjin knew Old Granny Zhang was afraid he would be angry, so he quickly explained, "Mother, I know about the grievances between you and the Tian Family! Not just Yongzhu, even I would think of a way to vent your anger! I was worried about Yongzhu. We had agreed to probe the Tian Family first and then come up with a plan. Unexpectedly, Yongzhu smashed their shop today. I’m worried if the Tian Family would cause any more trouble?"
Gu Zikai and Ninth Master Lee originally wanted to ask about the grudge between the Tian Family and Old Granny Zhang, but as it was a family matter, they both exchanged glances and kept silent, listening.
Wang Yongzhu then explained how Lady Fang, knowing she was still in mourning, insisted on dragging her into the shop to look at rouge and powder, and in the end, tried to force it on her when she didn’t buy anything.
Earlier, she was afraid Old Granny Zhang would get angry, so she only said she saw Lady Fang shouting and went in.
As expected, Old Granny Zhang got anxious, letting go of her kind old lady act in front of others.
She slapped her thigh and cursed, "I knew that Zhang Qiuju couldn’t produce anything good! There’s not a good thing in that whole family! My Yongzhu is still in mourning, if she bought rouge and powder, wouldn’t people say my daughter is unfilial? Now Chongjin is a scholar, reputation is important, they’re deliberately trying to harm my daughter and son-in-law!"
"No, I must settle the score with that Zhang Qiuju! She stole my wedding dress back then, and now she wants to harm my daughter and son-in-law? Watch me tear her apart—"
Gu Zikai and Ninth Master Lee were so startled by Old Granny Zhang’s outburst, they spilled their tea.
Gu Zikai was fine, having heard Old Granny Zhang’s rants before in the front and back courtyards.
Ninth Master Lee, who had never seen such a fierce old lady, spilled hot tea on his leg. It burned, but he didn’t dare move for fear of disturbing her.
He could only grit his teeth and bear it.
Wang Yongzhu quickly persuaded her, "Mother, calm down. Your daughter isn’t easily fooled. Didn’t we take the opportunity to smash their shop as planned? Don’t worry, even if the Tian Family comes, they can only suffer in silence!"
Song Chongjin also quickly handed Old Granny Zhang a cup of tea, "Mother, have some tea! Don’t you trust Yongzhu? No matter what, it’s the Tian Family’s fault! If they cause trouble, we’ll say they’re intentionally trying to ruin a scholar’s reputation. They’ll have to apologize to us!"
"Then you can properly have your revenge on the Tian Family, especially that Zhang Qiuju! Let you vent your anger, how about it?"
Gu Zikai and Ninth Master Lee were astonished. They never expected Song Chongjin to behave !
Spoiling pretty young ladies was common, but appeasing one’s mother-in-law , was unheard of! Could this be considered filial piety?
Who would have thought that usually stern, grim-faced Song Chongjin would be at home.
It truly opened their eyes!
No wonder he could win over a Wang Family daughter!
Gu Zikai and Ninth Master Lee were self-deprecating, admitting inferiority.
Old Granny Zhang was also pacified by her daughter and son-in-law, sitting down obediently, but couldn’t help but say, "Alright, if the Tian Family comes, I’ll settle the score! You two better not stop me!"
Wang Yongzhu quickly said, "No one will stop you! Mother, if you want to hit them, I’ll hand you the broom, if you want to splash them, I’ll fetch you water—"
Song Chongjin also chimed in, "I’ll guard the gate, making sure they can’t escape!"
Old Granny Zhang was delighted, feeling sweeter than honey!
Imagining the scene, she finally said, "I know you two are filial, but if the Tian Family really comes, you handle it. I don’t want to cause trouble! Chongjin needs to focus on the imperial exams; reputation is important, don’t get tangled with these treacherous folks! I’ve dealt with this for years; a few more days won’t matter! We’ll deal with them properly when Chongjin becomes a graduate!"
She was truly considerate of Song Chongjin, not wanting him to be troubled.
Gu Zikai and Ninth Master Lee exchanged glances, envying Song Chongjin. Though the mother-in-law was fierce and crude, she was sincerely good to Song Chongjin, explaining his filial piety.
From what they heard, neither Song Chongjin nor Wang Yongzhu seemed like people who made enemies lightly.
Based on the snippets, that Zhang Qiuju, who could steal Yongzhu’s mother’s wedding dress on her wedding day, was likely no good.
Ninth Master Lee, more laid-back, judged people by their actions.
Seeing Wang Yongzhu in a good light, he naturally wanted to help, showing off his abilities and outshining Song Chongjin.
It was just a minor issue, the Tian Family dared to offend them? He’d ruin their business tomorrow.
After speaking, he proudly glanced at Song Chongjin and snorted.
Song Chongjin’s brow twitched, wanting to kick Ninth Master Lee out.
Wang Yongzhu awkwardly glanced at Ninth Master Lee’s domineering attitude, politely declining, "It’s just a minor issue. We can handle it ourselves! No need for Ninth Master’s help, it’s overkill."
Though rejected, Ninth Master Lee felt she saw him as someone who does big things, he was pleased.
Gu Zikai noticing Ninth Master Lee’s clueless boasting, said, "I understand, Brother Song’s family matters aren’t for us to meddle in! But as neighbors, we’re practically like family. If help is needed, just ask! Dealing with a few unscrupulous merchants is nothing!"
Song Chongjin found these two meddlesome. This was his chance to impress his mother-in-law and wife, yet they interrupted, what’s the meaning of this?