Seeing Chen Qingqing smiling, Old Madam Chen was very pleased. In the past, this brat would act like a wild cat with its fur standing on end whenever she saw them, and she had never been so obedient and submissive.
It seems that the scholar's status really does keep this disrespectful brat in check.
Since she's scared, I have to set some rules for her.
Old Mrs. Chen's lips curled up, and she arrogantly raised her head. "Qing'er, since you have no objection to your third uncle, then hurry up and apologize. Your third uncle will naturally not hold it against you."
"Yes, we should apologize immediately," Old Man Chen echoed.
Chen Qingqing chuckled softly, "Apologize? Why should I apologize? I don't know where I offended the scholar."
Old Mrs. Chen snorted coldly and said irritably, "Even if Chen Han passes the imperial examination and becomes a scholar, your third uncle will remain stagnant. Shouldn't you apologize for saying such an insulting remark about a scholar?"
Old Chen also retorted, "That's right! How can you speak so disrespectfully of a scholar like that!"
They're acting like dogs relying on their master's power; the old couple are already so arrogant even before they've passed the imperial examinations.
If Chen Zhan is ever to achieve anything, with parents like these, he will inevitably be dragged down with him sooner or later.
Chen Qingqing raised the corners of her mouth, her eyes full of mockery.
"I'm telling the truth. Chen Zhancai is just a Xiucai (a lower-level scholar), what's there to brag about? If he wants to show off, he should wait until he passes the Juren (a higher-level scholar) exam!"
"You, you shouldn't underestimate people."
Old Mrs. Chen was so angry she almost choked. She wanted to say something more, but Chen Zhancai raised his hand to stop her, saying, "Alright, Mother, just say less for now."
Chen Zhancai narrowed his eyes, watching Chen Qingqing's disdainful attitude towards the scholar, and his anger grew even stronger.
Today, let's take this opportunity to be frank with her. If she's sensible, she should speak to her politely.
If she really doesn't appreciate your kindness, she'll be in big trouble later.
Having made up his mind, he took advantage of his drunkenness and began to ramble incoherently.
"Qing'er, regardless of whether you have any prejudice against me, as your elder, I have always treated you as my own niece."
Back then, you threw a tantrum and separated from the old family home and severed ties with relatives. If you had encountered someone with a rude temperament, they would have slapped you across the face right then and there.
But as your third uncle, and with the proper conduct expected of a scholar, I didn't utter a single word of criticism against you.
I just think you're still young and don't understand things.
I was hoping you would move out and experience some hardships in life before I would bring you all back.
But you're quite lucky, you actually stumbled upon a ginseng root on the mountain...
Your third uncle is genuinely happy for you now that you have money.
However, your third uncle must remind you, even if you've made some money now, remember not to be arrogant or complacent...
Seeing his long-winded speech filled with filth, Chen Qingqing sensed that he had ulterior motives. She raised an eyebrow and sneered, "Scholar, you don't need to flatter me. Just say what you have to say directly, no need to beat around the bush."
Chen Zhancai felt as if she had seen through his thoughts.
That's good, it saves him a lot of trouble.
"Qing girl, your third uncle's intentions are all for your own good. As the saying goes, people are divided into three, six, and nine, and trees are divided into pine, cypress, willow, and poplar."
Since ancient times, people have been divided into four classes: scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.
'Shi' means a scholar.
The reason why businessmen are listed last is to imply that no matter how much money they have, they have no social status and will be looked down upon.
As the saying goes, "A merchant cannot live in peace without an official, and an official cannot prosper without a merchant; it's good to have a powerful backer."
No matter how much wealth you have, you need someone to support you, otherwise it will just vanish like smoke.
But all these concerns are unnecessary; with my third uncle protecting me...
Just roll up your sleeves and get to work! These days, even the county magistrate has to give me a break.
As long as you don't commit murder or arson, Uncle Three will be absolutely effective.
By the way, while the village head and all the villagers are here, quickly tear up that discordant family division document and that disgusting severance document in front of everyone.
Wouldn't it be perfect if the two families could reunite as one?
From now on, what's yours will be ours, and what's ours will be yours.
As you just saw, your third uncle has brought home another aunt for you.
Our three mud-brick houses aren't big enough for everyone, and besides, it's inconvenient with so many people.
So hurry back in a bit and tidy up your three-courtyard mansion properly.
Just clear out the first two courtyards, and your whole family can move to the back.
Our whole family moved in before dark..."
Upon hearing these words, the villagers looked at Chen Zhancai with disdain, as if he were an idiot, and began to whisper among themselves.
"Shameless! All you're saying is that you're after Qing's family fortune!"
“Who says otherwise? Do you think Qing is stupid? Why should we give up the house for him to live in?”
"That's right, Qing'er's house is a three-courtyard mansion. Who wouldn't be envious? Who wouldn't be jealous? Chen Zhancai is too shameless. He actually wants to take over her house. He's really shameless."
"Just because he passed the imperial examination, he thinks he's an official. He dares to make such unreasonable demands. He's a scholar, yet he has no self-awareness at all."
......
Although the villagers spoke very softly, everyone present heard every single word clearly.
Old Mrs. Chen's face flushed red as she glared at the group. "Shut up! What nonsense are you spouting? My son's idea is for Qing'er to enjoy a life of luxury with him. What do you know?"
"Alright, Granny Chen, do you think we're fools? Anyone with eyes can see that."
"Don't think everyone doesn't know what you're up to. If you ask me, you should just give up. Qing worked so hard to build this house, why should you move in?"
“Qing’er’s business is legitimate; she doesn’t steal, rob, or break the law. She doesn’t need the scholar to back her up.”
"That's right. Chen Han is a student now, and he'll probably pass the county-level exam in a few years. His younger brother is so capable, why would he need your son?"
......
Chen Zhancai's face turned pale with embarrassment. Although he had passed the imperial examination and become a scholar, he was penniless.
He thought he could use his status as a scholar to gain some benefits from Chen Qingqing, but he didn't expect to incur the wrath of the masses.
With a gloomy face, he shamelessly continued,
"Qing girl, I'm genuinely thinking of you. Your business is so big, how can you manage without a powerful backer?"
Although I am only a scholar now, my future is bright. If you can reconcile with the old family, it will be entirely beneficial to you..."
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