He hesitated for a moment, afraid that Wang Yongzhu might feel upset and impulsively seek trouble with the Tian family. Immediately, he slowly explained the results of his analysis with Gu Zikai: "This matter shouldn’t be rushed for now! Although the Tian family has temporarily escaped danger, once a reputation has a flaw, rumors will inevitably spread, and there will be a day when it explodes again! The Tian family is certainly being cautious now, so it’s better to let them be for a while. We should investigate carefully, and as soon as they do something illegal, they’ll show a slip-up."
"Moreover, although the County Magistrate repeatedly decrees to protect the scholars of the imperial examination, he may not want the Tian family to cause trouble. Regardless of the Tian family’s influence in Jing County, they are notable figures here, and they pay a significant amount annually in tribute silver. Not to mention, if the cosmetic incident really blows up, it won’t be just an isolated family matter, the implications could be widespread!"
"The County Magistrate is probably aware of the Tian family’s substitution scheme, but he’s pretending not to know. I guess I’m just a mere Scholar now; if I were a Graduate, things would be different."
Song Chongjin knows that no matter how much he complains, he is merely a Scholar with too few cards in hand.
Besides, the relations behind the County Magistrate are complex. How can such a thing be allowed to occur under his administration at the critical moment of the upcoming autumn examination?
Even if there’s a need for action, it has to be based on good exam results from the autumn side, only then can the County Magistrate have the confidence.
He’s not indignant. He’s experienced too much unfairness in the world, and if he were to resent the heavens or curse his fate because of this, he wouldn’t be himself!
What he desires, he will naturally strive for by himself!
Isn’t it just that he doesn’t have enough status now? Then he’ll fight for it! Sit for the exams! Step by step, one day, he will become Yongzhu’s support, making sure she never suffers grievances again.
Wang Yongzhu, after a brief thought, understood: If the Tian family were so easily toppled, it would be surprising.
Yet, the fact that Shopkeeper Tian has such capabilities was unexpected for her, well, she isn’t in a rush. After all, the Tian family will pay the price sooner or later.
Not to mention, she’s still young, she can afford to wait! Besides, Old Granny Zhang, after some rejuvenation, can surely live a long life and reach a hundred years.
Isn’t it said? Time will avenge you, as long as you live longer than your enemies!
Thus, seeing Song Chongjin a bit downhearted, she comforted him instead: "I know it all! Anyway, in this matter, the Tian family is probably more aggrieved than we are. We’ve muddled their business, yet in the end, they’ll come to apologize with rich gifts! And in the future, they’ll be courteous to us, I see Shopkeeper Tian smiling cheerfully on the surface, but inside, he must be steaming with anger!"
"We haven’t suffered any loss; we gained a gold necklace and some gifts for free. If such things happen a few more times, our family will be rich." She said and gave Song Chongjin a cheeky smile.
Her smile made Song Chongjin forget all about Shopkeeper Tian and his earthy wares.
Here the young couple was affectionate and unaffected.
While over there, Shopkeeper Tian, after running around outside the whole day, returned home and collapsed on a chair, only instructing someone to quickly bring tea.
Zhang Qiuju, having been tense and anxious all day at home, finally saw her husband return and quickly came over. Before she could speak, she heard Shopkeeper Tian wanting water.
She turned her head to instruct, "Eldest one’s wife, are you dead? Didn’t you hear your father-in-law ask for water? Why are you so slow-witted?"
Usually at this time, Lady Chen would have already prepared tea, or at the very least agreed to prepare it.
Yet, after Zhang Qiuju scolded, there was no response. She turned around and realized that Lady Chen, who usually stood at the doorway, was nowhere to be seen today.
Only then did Zhang Qiuju recall that this morning, out of worry, breakfast was brought back by the eldest, Wuhu, and in the afternoon, it was also Wuhu who asked what she wanted to eat. Upset, she scolded Wuhu away and casually munched on a couple of snacks.
At this moment, she realized she hadn’t seen the eldest one’s wife all day.
Immediately she yelled towards the door: "Eldest, where’s your wife hiding and being lazy? At such a time? When there’s such a big matter at home, not counting on you all to help, it’s great that your father ran outside all day and comes back without a sip of hot tea. If word gets out, people will laugh at our Tian family—"
Before she could finish, Tian Wuhu appeared out of nowhere, standing at the door, speaking muffledly: "Mom, no need to scold Ah Fang, I’ve already divorced her and sent her back to her parents’ home!"
"What? You ungrateful—what did you just say? You divorced your wife? When did this happen?" Zhang Qiuju started to scold her eldest for being ungrateful, but she was dumbfounded upon hearing the news.
This eldest wife has been married for years but has not borne children. No matter how she, as a mother, tried to talk or torment her, the eldest stubbornly never divorced his wife.
Why suddenly, for no good reason, did he divorce Lady Chen?
Shopkeeper Tian, who was lying on the chair, upon hearing this, forgot everything and sat up straight, sternly saying: "Eldest, what did you say? Why did you divorce Lady Chen? Did Lady Chen run away upon hearing about our Tian family’s trouble, thinking we’re doomed? You worthless wretch! Can’t even guard your wife!"
Then he instructed Zhang Qiuju: "Since she’s divorced, go to the Chen family tomorrow and ask them right in front of her parents what they teach their daughters—"
Tian Wuhu, having been clenching his jaw all along, finally couldn’t bear it, "Enough! It has nothing to do with Ah Fang! I was the one who divorced her! I couldn’t bear to let her suffer alongside me all these years and in the end, still be used as a sacrifice—"
"What nonsense are you talking—" Zhang Qiuju, hearing this, was fired up and raised her hand to hit her son.
Tian Wuhu just stood there woodenly, showing no intention of dodging.
The expression on Shopkeeper Tian’s face suddenly turned dark: "Did you eavesdrop on our conversation yesterday?"
Tian Wuhu forced a smile, one that was filled with bitterness: "Yesterday, upon hearing the second brother’s wife is pregnant, the two of us, as the uncle and aunt, were delighted. We searched high and low in the house and finally found something nice to gift to the unborn child."
"But as soon as Ah Fang and I stepped into the yard, we overheard Dad instructing the second brother and his wife to take the silver notes and valuables and hide away in case something happens to the Tian family, allowing them an escape route—"
At this point, Tian Wuhu let out a bitter laugh, looking at Shopkeeper Tian and Zhang Qiuju: "Ah Fang and I heard everything. I am from the Tian family, begotten by Mom and Dad. If they ask me to offer my life for my younger brother, I won’t hesitate. But Ah Fang wasn’t born of Mom and Dad, I can’t protect her, nor can I bear her dying, thus there is no other path! Ah Fang is no longer my wife, nor a daughter-in-law of the Tian family; the family’s matters are none of her concern!"