The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure

Chapter 1851 - 1839: If I Don’t Beat You Into a Grandson, Call Me the Loser

While Jinhoo was puzzled that the old aunt wasn’t in the county town, he naturally wouldn’t ask the little ones; he’d figure it out after meeting Old Granny Zhang.

He just noticed that these two little ones seemed unfamiliar, especially after entering this new residence where he saw several unfamiliar servants along the way.

When they arrived at the second gate, two old women were already waiting and hurried forward to greet Jinhoo politely, guiding him inside.

Seeing Jinhoo, Old Granny Zhang noticed he seemed in good spirits, so she was relieved and asked if he had eaten yet.

Jinhoo just said he hadn’t had the chance, so the attending women quickly went to make arrangements.

This left the grandmother and grandson to chat idly.

Jinhoo only asked why the old aunt wasn’t home, mentioning that he had found a few interesting items for her this time.

Old Granny Zhang simply said that Wang Yongzhu had left for some days due to some matters, but based on the dates, she should be back soon.

She did miss and worry about her daughter who was out there, especially since this time she went alone deep into the mountains, which was somewhat unsettling.

But Old Granny Zhang was a sensible person, knowing her daughter’s and son-in-law’s character. If it wasn’t extremely important, she could have asked Gu Zikai for help, right? For a matter requiring her daughter to act personally, it must be significant, and she naturally kept her lips sealed.

After Jinhoo had eaten, he tentatively brought up Zhang Yinbao.

Old Granny Zhang still remembered Zhang Yinbao. The Wang Family’s prosperity back then had connections with him.

So, hearing what Jinhoo said, she knew he had fallen on hard times and couldn’t resist asking a few more questions.

Regarding the matters of the Ninth Master Lee back then, Old Granny Zhang had heard a bit while in the Capital City but didn’t know the full story.

After listening, she felt sorry for Zhang Yinbao but also thought he was too cunning and opportunistic. But who in this world isn’t a bit selfish? Back then, the Ninth Master Lee was obviously weaker, and with the Lee Family’s suppression, most people truly couldn’t rise again.

Ninth Master Lee had prior preparations and help from Wang Yongzhu, which allowed him to make a beautiful comeback.

So Zhang Yinbao seeking self-preservation can be understood.

It’s just that with such people, when there isn’t much benefit at stake, you can have dealings with them, but when significant interests are involved, you need to be cautious.

Now that Wang Yongzhu isn’t home and Song Chongjin is very busy, unable to discuss these matters with Jinhoo, it’s inevitable for her, this old woman who offends others, to have to speak up bluntly.

Although she was old, her eyes were still sharp. She could see that Jinhoo, compared to last time, had significantly changed—certainly due to newfound support and backing.

While he tried to restrain himself in front of her, it was still obvious that he had become a bit full of himself, uplifted by a few kind words and friendly faces to the point he forgot his own surname!

Watching Jinhoo, Old Granny Zhang’s hands itched, wanting to slap his face and spit at him, questioning if he had no sense? Did he really think his current success was entirely his doing? Was he getting proud already?

To say nothing else, the market with the grasslands was about to open up, with only so many spots available for the first batch of caravans into the grasslands. Countless merchants were eyeing it, using every trick to get a spot.

These merchants would exploit every opportunity, and anyone related to the matter was not spared their attention.

Had Song Chongjin not sternly warned several times, saying if anyone sent gifts or calling cards to the Song Residence again, their eligibility would be permanently revoked, their house might have been piled with gifts by now.

Even so, their purchasing servants and stewards outside were being stopped and offered bribes, just to say a few good words in front of Song Chongjin.

Not to mention other County Yamen officials and Lee Changnan’s group.

She, the old woman, though unable to leave home due to such reasons, knew all the happenings outside.

Rumors outside spread that those merchants fighting for that spot were getting beaten black and blue. Without the effective management under Song Chongjin’s governance in Chicheng County, they could have stirred up much trouble.

Jinhoo, however, was in no rush. Wasn’t he certain that he already had a spot? Otherwise, why had he promised Zhang Yinbao that if necessary, Zhang Yinbao could merge into his caravan?

This was because Jinhoo hadn’t been in Chicheng County for a while, so nobody approached him.

Disbelieving, perhaps, by tomorrow, those well-informed might already know of Jinhoo’s return. Once he stepped out, those sharp-minded merchant fleets would seek him out to see if they could secure a spot from him, and even if not, they’d be happy to register their caravans under Jinhoo’s name.

Just one Zhang Yinbao already had Jinhoo somewhat losing balance; if all those caravans hounded him tomorrow, how could Jinhoo withstand it?

If he carelessly involved those with unknown backgrounds, and if any issues arose, it would all fall under Jinhoo’s name—people would just shift the blame onto Jinhoo.

By then, when it came to cleaning up such a mess, wouldn’t her daughter and son-in-law be implicated?

Weren’t her daughter and son-in-law staying in this small Northwest town border for so many years for a reason? Was it to clean up after Jinhoo? Did that little brat deserve that?

If Jinhoo ruined her son-in-law’s business or tarnished her daughter’s reputation, she’d be the first to skin Jinhoo alive!

As it happened, with no one else around, it was just right to have a detailed talk with Jinhoo.

She waved to signal leaving a couple of women to guard the courtyard entrance and another two to arrange for Jinhoo’s lodgings in the guest courtyard of the first wing.

Seeing Old Granny Zhang like this, Jinhoo immediately felt a tightness in the skin of his back, with a strong urge to run away.

Looking up and meeting Old Granny Zhang’s face, Jinhoo immediately became submissive, sitting down very obediently, with hands restfully placed on his knees, adopting a sacrificial posture.

If it were her daughter acting like this, Old Granny Zhang would feel her daughter was just entertaining and amusing her.

With Jinhoo putting on this act, Old Granny Zhang had the urge to use her shoe sole to hit him.

With a cold snort, she twisted Jinhoo’s ear until he screamed, but he dared not move, leaning to the side to lessen the pain while pleading, "Grandma, grandma, please be gentle! Be gentle! Careful, your hand gets tired! I’ll do it myself, can’t I?"

As he said, he painfully pulled his own ear, then kneeled in front of Old Granny Zhang, "Grandma, you can go ahead, I’ll kneel here for you to smack comfortably without tiring—"

His filial piety could move heaven and earth!

Old Granny Zhang conveniently grabbed a feather duster by her side; this troublesome brat was too naive thinking he could fool her with this act!

Without a word, she gave several heavy whacks, scolding while hitting: "You little brat, playing tricks on your grandma like this? Growing bold, huh! What? Flattered by a few words and smiles outside, called ’master’ a few times, and you think you’re the real deal?"

With these words, two more harsh whacks: "Strike that pretentious pose again, and see if I don’t beat you into a grandchild—you’ll lose!"

"Have you looked at yourself? Is your brain just hanging there for airflow? Not considering anything at all? Just how old are you? How many days have you been in business? How much Silver have you earned? You think you’re some hotshot?

"Go to the water tank at the door and see yourself clearly? People respect you? No, they respect your old aunt and uncle behind you! Otherwise, who knows you? See your ridiculous frivolity, don’t you feel ashamed?"

"You fool! Think that seeing a few days of the world, earning some Silver, makes you a big deal? Not thinking about it, if Boss Zhang were simple, could he have connected with the Lee Family by stepping over Ninth Brother Lee? And how is it he’s back safely from the Capital City now? How did he just meet you?"