Shi Yui suddenly felt dejected and no longer had the mood to discuss others’ shortcomings. Forcing a smile, she said, "Yes, yes, the fortune teller ntioned that our Master shouldn’t travel far this year, especially not towards the southeast, which is very ominous! As for the rural examination, it happens every three years and can’t be avoided. If we miss this one, there’s always the next one to strive for; it’s really not a big deal! As long as one has true talent and learning, why worry about not achieving official honors?"
"That’s true too! Honors are important, but life is even more so! There’s always next ti to take the exam!" Mrs. Wang smiled in agreent.
"Ha-ha! Then brother, here’s to wishing my brother-in-law success in topping the exams and achieving rapid success!" Shi Fengju slightly raised his eyebrows, giving Ren Zhixian a salute with his hands.
"Ha-ha, thank you dear brother! When the ti cos, I’ll definitely invite you over for a good drink!" Ren Zhixian, pushing aside earlier embarrassnt, smiled radiantly and returned the gesture to Shi Fengju, acting as if he could easily secure a position as a successful candidate whenever he wanted.
Shi Fengju sneered in his heart, thinking if soone like you can pass the exams, then the title itself is hardly of any worth!
While they were speaking, Mrs. Li entered and, as was necessary, paid her respects to the elder madam and elder master, reporting that dinner was ready, thus everyone headed to the dining room together.
As everyone stood up, Shi Lian hesitated a bit. Although she was an unmarried lady and it was inappropriate for her to dine at the sa table as her elder brother-in-law, the Shi family wasn’t strict about these customs and relatives who visited were often allowed to join freely. However, knowing her brother-in-law’s character, Shi Lian was afraid he might say sothing embarrassing for her, so she forced a smile and said, "Mother, second brother, elder sister, I, I’ve had so stomach discomfort these past few days, so..."
Mrs. Wang, who did not have the inclination to maltreat or particularly favor this non-biological daughter—who was also uninteresting and reticent in her presence—casually responded, "Then go back and rest, ask the kitchen to prepare sothing light for you. If it gets worse, co find your elder sister-in-law to have soone fetch the doctor!"
"Yes, thank you for your concern, mother!" Shi Lian hurriedly bowed and fled the scene.
As everyone took their seats, Sang Wan remained standing, busying herself with instructing the servants to serve the dishes, personally setting up bowls, chopsticks, and soup spoons for Mrs. Wang, then she stood behind Mrs. Wang, preparing clean chopsticks and plates to help her mother-in-law with the dishes.
Since her elder sister-in-law had previously set expectations, she indeed had to respond creatively.
Seeing this, Shi Yui was secretly pleased, thinking to herself, watch handle you!
Ren Zhixian saw the table full of dishes but couldn’t help frowning, because his favorite dishes were missing, and even the fish was braised instead of stead!
Ren Zhixian couldn’t help feeling secretly indignant, thinking that the Shi family was being overly presumptuous!
"These dishes are too greasy! Too much at and fish isn’t good; it should be sothing lighter for it to be considered healthy living!" Ren Zhixian couldn’t help comnting.
His expression was already stern as if soone owed him hundreds of silver, and these rather impolite words only sounded even less courteous to others.
This dinner was organized by Sang Wan, and she was at a loss for words in that mont, quickly offering a sheepish smile and saying, "I truly am unaware of the elder brother-in-law’s preferences; it was an oversight on my part, please forgive ! I’ll ask the kitchen to prepare so lighter dishes right away!"
"You didn’t know your brother-in-law’s tastes?" Shi Yui smirked and said jokingly, "If you didn’t know, then you didn’t know, but why, are you trying to curry favor by snooping around? Little sister, you worry too much! Just take care of my second brother, and don’t bother about anyone else!"
Sang Wan’s face flushed red, and she stood there unsure of what to do.
"Yui! Watch your words!" Mrs. Wang frowned.
Shi Fengju also beca annoyed, lightly chuckled and said, "Elder sister, Miss Wan ant well, see how harshly you speak! Mrs. Li, go instruct the kitchen to prepare a dish of lightly sautéed cabbage and another of radish, rember, make it light with less oil and salt! Brother-in-law, does this work for you? I rember when I visited your house, elder brother-in-law was particularly fond of these two dishes, even ntioned how radishes and cabbage are good stuff! I’ve always rembered that elder brother-in-law likes these!"
"Fengju has a good mory indeed!" Ren Zhixian montarily felt sheepish.
Previously, when Shi Fengju visited their ho, he had deliberately instructed the preparation of these bland dishes, convinced that Shi Fengju, who was used to living in luxury, would struggle with such simple fare, allowing him a chance to impress him with a "brother-in-law’s" earnest lecture on the virtues of frugality and simplicity, ultimately gaining his respect.
But he never got the chance to show off as Shi Fengju managed to eat everything smoothly during that visit, and now, he even brought it up himself.
The main courtyard had a small kitchen ready with fresh ingredients, and the cook was highly efficient; soon, two plates of lightly sautéed vegetables were served.
"Place it in front of the elder master, alright, let’s eat! Otherwise, the dishes will get cold!" Shi Fengju laughed, gesturing for everyone to begin eating. Seeing his elder sister about to say sothing, he continued smiling, "Xiuli, quickly offer elder madam a chopstick of Shredded Chicken and Dried Scallop. Sister, this is your favorite!"
"It’s still you, second brother, who rembers !" Shi Yui imdiately chid in with a smile, thoroughly pleased as she began eating.
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