Chapter 38: Chapter 038 Third Young Master
Translator: 549690339
Having established her own household, she was extremely independent and even managed to persuade Mrs. Wen to rent her the tofu shop. After dealing with Mrs. Wen daily, her temper naturally became like Mrs. Wen’s.
Mrs. Wang didn’t want her beloved youngest son to bring home a daughter-in-law who was hard to manage. “In short, forget about this matter. In the future, I will find you a good wife who will definitely be better than that girl Ning, alright?”
“Mother, I’m still young, why are you talking about this so early?” Zhuang Wencheng was upset that Mrs. Wang kept criticizing Zhuang Qingning and disagreed with their relationship.
“How old are you? You’re fourteen this year and when you’re sixteen, it’s time for marriage. I’m just telling you the truth. You’re already so old, don’t you feel shy?”
Mrs. Wang simply thought Zhuang Wencheng was just being shy, so she decided to tease him.
Zhuang Wencheng was not in the mood for jokes, frowning he said, “Mom, I’m still small. Let’s talk about this later.”
“Come on, let’s eat, I’ve been busy all morning and I’m very hungry now.”
“Okay, let’s eat. I specifically asked your eldest sister-in-law to make dumplings with green onion and pork filling for you when she was cooking lunch. You rarely come home, you should eat well.” Mrs. Wang called her eldest daughter-in-law in the kitchen to cook dumplings as soon as she heard her son was hungry.
She then went into the house to call the others to come for lunch.
For a moment, Zhuang Wencheng was alone in the courtyard, sitting at a table and bench, waiting to eat dumplings. But all he could think about was what Mrs. Wang said earlier.
Mrs. Wang did not like Zhuang Qingning and would certainly not want him to marry her in the future. What should he do?
Zhuang Wencheng sighed deeply as he pondered.
The small courtyard was exceptionally lively.
There were a lot of visitors today, all of them coming with congratulatory wishes and gifts. Zhou Xueming greeted and entertained them, keeping himself very busy.
An impressively high-class carriage parked in front of the small courtyard. A man in his thirties, who behaved like a steward, stepped out of the carriage.
After standing steady on the ground, he extended his hand to carefully assist the other person in the carriage to get down.
This person was an eight or nine-year-old boy. Although he was young, his appearance was quite handsome – especially his eyes, which were sparkling with radiant light. His noble clothes highlighted his extraordinary status. The boy had a distinct aura of grandeur, suggesting that he came from a powerful and wealthy family.
The people in the small courtyard kept quiet as soon as they saw such a distinguished person at the gate. Even when they looked, they dared only steal glances, fearing to be discovered by the boy.
Upon seeing the visitors, Zhou Xueming quickly apologized to his other guests, “I have to excuse myself for a moment to receive an important guest.”
Before others could respond, he hurried to the gate and greeted the steward. “Mr. Ning.”
“Mr. Zhou.” Ning Feng replied with a bow.
Then Zhou Xueming half-squatted and spoke to the boy in a low voice. “Third Young Master, why are you here?” He was extremely respectful, but also showed the affection typical of an older person.
“Since I am your student and it’s the old lady’s birthday, I should come to send my congratulations.” Chu Jinzhou said respectfully. He signaled Ning Feng to bring a gift box over. “This is a birthday gift for the old lady. May her happiness be as vast as the eastern sea and her life as long as the southern mountains.”
“Thank you, Third Young Master.” Zhou Xueming didn’t dare to slack off and received the gift box with both hands. “It’s a little chaotic at home with so many people. Considering the Third Young Master’s noble status, it’s not suitable for you to go there. I will not invite you in for tea.”
“But according to the house rules set by my mother, anyone who comes for her birthday should eat a bowl of tofu ball soup. Although we can’t compare with the chef at your residence, the tofu we use today is not bad. 1 hope you don’t mind.”
“When my teacher offers a meal, how could I decline? How about I send Mr. Ning to get it and I’ll wait in the carriage?” Chu Jinzhou answered with a smile.
His words were both courteous and dignified, like a mature adult.
Zhou Xueming chuckled. “Please wait a moment, Third Young Master.”
He then turned to Ning Feng, “Could 1 trouble you to come with me to get it?”
“You’re too courteous, Mr. Zhou.” Ning Feng bowed slightly, then helped Chu Jinzhou settle in the carriage, instructing the carriage driver to keep an eye on the boy, before following Zhou Xueming into the courtyard.
The people in the courtyard all watched expectantly, not daring to speak or approach when they saw the steward entering. They dutifully cleared a path.
In the kitchen, Zhou Xueming found a lidded soup bowl, filled it with the freshly cooked tofu ball soup, sprinkled some coriander on top, added a bit of vinegar and a few drops of sesame oil, then packed it in a food box with a soup spoon, and handed it to Ning Feng.
“I appreciate your help, Mr. Ning,” Zhou Xueming said, deliberately lowering his voice, “May I ask if the eldest young master…”
“Did he know about Third Young Master’s visit?”
“The eldest young master was aware of it. Even the birthday gift brought by the Third Young Master today was selected from the eldest young master’s treasury after consultation.” Ning replied.
In other words, this gift represented not only the intentions of Chu Jinzhou but also those of Chu Jinnian.
Zhou Xueming’s eyes misted over, turning slightly red. “Please thank the eldest young master for me.”
“Despite the mistake I made in the past, he didn’t despise me and even let me teach the Third Young Master. This deep affection… I really…”
Indeed, I owe Chu Jinnian, and I also owe my conscience.”
Zhou Xueming choked up and couldn’t express the rest of his feelings.
“Mr. Zhou,” Ning Feng’s voice rose slightly. “The eldest young master once said that things in the past should be left in the past. Since he has already forgiven you, the issue is settled. If you continue to dwell on it, it will weigh heavily on your conscience, and the eldest young master will not feel at ease.”
“Yes, what you said is true, Mr. Ning.” Zhou Xueming sniffled and suppressed his tears, then escorted Ning Feng out.
It was only when he saw Chu Jinzhou, who had poked his head out from the carriage, that the smile returned to Zhou Xueming’s face. “The Third Young Master should leave for the mansion now. In a few days, after I have settled matters at home, 1 will continue to give you lessons.”
“The homework I assigned must be completed punctually every day. If you haven’t completed it by the time I come to check, I won’t hesitate to hit your palms.”
On hearing this, Chu Jinzhou, who had been smiling all this time, looked a bit forced as he agreed, patting his chest to assure that he would complete his homework..
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