Song Hong sneered, "Deserves it! Serves them right!"
Song Wu couldn’t help but show a hint of a smile, though he quickly reined it in.
Song Hong pondered for a mont before saying, "Alright, I know about this. No need to worry, that old man from the Wang Family is the most cunning. We’re not afraid to make this a big issue, but they are! Any other matters?"
Song Wu hesitated for a mont and then reported that the Lady of the Gu Family had invited Wang Yongzhu and her mother to the Gu Residence.
Song Hong was taken aback for a mont, then laughed, "I didn’t expect that country girl has so skills, managing to have the Lady of the Gu Family speak up. It’s probably that brat making arrangents with that kid from the Gu Family, right?"
The relationship between Gu Zikai and Song Chongjin was no secret to Song Hong, which was why he ntioned it.
Song Wu, knowing the subtle relationship between his master and the eldest young master, wisely chose to keep his head down and remain silent.
Song Hong then closed his eyes, pondering over unknown thoughts, before saying, "Send over all the things the Emperor rewarded today to that brat, so he feels at ease. Let his country wife see them too, so she stops acting so small-minded, and later on blaming , saying I hid things from them."
His tone was indiscernible as either good or bad, but towards the end, Song Hong couldn’t help but smirk slightly.
This country girl is actually quite useful. Today’s despicable tactics from Lady Wang were countered by this country girl and her mother, who, in their ignorance of proper protocols, employed the rural people’s direct approach to seize the initiative and turn the tables.
Otherwise, with Lady Gao’s gentle nature, had she not denied the rumors, they would have spread, ultimately ruining the situation Song Hong had painstakingly devised.
Frankly, hearing the words Song Wu relayed, Song Hong couldn’t help but feel gratified, even though the girl was audaciously disrespectful, repeatedly associating herself with him, forcibly linking him with colorful accusations. However, in choosing a different path, everyone’s attention was temporarily focused on whether Lady Wang and he had an affair, sparing anyone from caring about Song Chongjin’s background.
A man, having such stories about him, would only be labeled as suave when word gets out, without much consequence.
Furthermore, having such a reputation might even reassure the one holding the utmost authority above him.
Thinking this way, his previous disdain and contempt for Wang Yongzhu diminished sowhat, and he contemplated that if the girl remained as useful, able to aid that brat of his, there might not be a need for him to act the villain.
Thus, he added a reminder, "Tell the servants below to serve carefully, considering she is dear to that brat’s heart. Neglecting them would just have that brat showing a long face." Given her contribution today, he reasoned to reluctantly afford her so dignity, Song Hong thought.
Song Wu acknowledged with a sound, waited for a while, and seeing no further instructions from Song Hong, cautiously withdrew.
Upon exiting, he wiped the sweat off his forehead, shook his head, and ordered the items to be delivered to Song Chongjin’s courtyard.
Song Chongjin returned to the courtyard and was greeted with a sweet bowl of pear juice.
Today, Song Chongjin was the main character, naturally consuming considerable amounts of alcohol, receiving toasts left and right. If he refused any, it was perceived as giving no face, and so with ill intentions aid to get him drunk to embarrass him, persistently challenging him.
Fortunately, Song Chongjin could handle his liquor well, and Wang Yongzhu had prepped in advance, having antidote pills prepared by Imperial Doctor Du among her dications.
Being redies provided by Imperial Doctor Du, they were indeed effective, coupled with the help from Gu Zikai and Ninth Young Master Lee in fending off drinks, astonishingly none of the drunkenness was noticeable. In fact, several of those trying to intoxicate him ended up drunk themselves and had to be carried away by servants when they left.
However, this constant drinking deprived him of any chance to eat, and despite having the antidote pills, his stomach felt a fiery discomfort and his throat was dry and parched.
When he saw the pear juice, his mouth watered.
He downed the pear juice in one go, soothing his throat and relieving his stomach discomfort; he visibly relaxed.
Over there, Old Granny Zhang was urging Old Madam Ding to bring up the white porridge that had been simring for quite a while, "Had a lot to drink today, didn’t you? I heard from Da Zhuang that those sons of bitches were dead set on getting you drunk, those black-hearted things. It must be those cheap sons of your cheap father conspiring to pick on my son-in-law at the drinking table. Rest assured, Chongjin; tomorrow, I’ll make a scene with their concubine on your behalf!"
"Must be feeling awful, right? Rest a bit first, wait for the porridge to cool a bit more, then have so and you’ll feel better."
anwhile, she jabbered on to Wang Yongzhu, "Where’d you co up with this redy? Can raw pear juice really cure a hangover? Should I have Sister-in-law Ding bring out a bowl of vinegar too, that’d sober you up from any drink for sure."
Originally, according to Old Granny Zhang’s village redies, as soon as soone got drunk, even as drunk as a dead pig, a bowl of vinegar poured down would turn the dead pig into a lively one, though not particularly tasty, it was effective.
But her daughter insisted on brewing this raw pear juice, claiming she learned it from following Imperial Doctor Du’s formula. Alright then, she knew her daughter cared for her son-in-law; let her daughter have her way.
If those redies didn’t work, there was always vinegar to serve.
However, seeing the relieved appearance of Song Chongjin after drinking the pear juice, she felt reassured.
Over there, Wang Yongzhu had already had Gu Yu bring hot water, wring a towel, and help Song Chongjin wash his face and change into casual clothes, taking away his alcohol-scented garnts. Now sitting beside Song Chongjin, she touched his forehead, "Are you still feeling uncomfortable?"
Song Chongjin felt a warmth and sweetness in his heart, holding Wang Yongzhu’s hand, "Seeing you makes all the discomfort go away..."
Old Granny Zhang, though unfamiliar with the term ’showing off affection,’ felt as if her stomach was suddenly overwheld watching them.
It’s fortunate they were her own daughter and son-in-law; otherwise, even she felt her eyes might sting, wanting to sweep them away with a broom, seeing them all cloyingly sweet like that, truly—
Then, from outside, Old Granny Wu’s voice ca through, "Eldest Young Master, Eldest Young Lady, the steward from Lord Duke’s courtyard has brought items from the front yard."
Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu exchanged a glance; what could be arriving from the steward’s courier at this hour?
After tidying up a bit, Song Chongjin stood up. At the doorway, Li Xia and Xiao Xue, the two maids, were already hustling to open the curtain, revealing the steward accompanied by a few boys, carrying several items patiently waiting in the courtyard.
Seeing Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu co out, the steward hurriedly bowed, "Reporting to the Eldest Young Master, Lord Duke asks to deliver the Emperor’s rewards given to you today. These are the items granted by the Emperor to you and the Eldest Young Lady; where would you like them placed?"
Gifts from the Emperor?
Looking closely, indeed, the items were draped in bright yellow silk.
Though he didn’t understand why Song Hong sent everything over, given they were gifts from the Emperor, they dared not be neglectful, and thus he remitted thanks, having the items carried into the main house.
Once the rewards were placed, the steward led the boys away, yet on Wang Yongzhu’s cue, Old Granny Wu handed a pouch to the steward, escorting him out.
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