Chapter 8: Father and Son in Battle

After Zhao Liben finished scolding the boss, he noticed that the second son and his father were dressed neatly, as if they were about to go out

It was unexpected that Zhao Shouzheng, a scholar, could be so open-minded. Liu Yuanwai was immediately at a loss for words and could only sit there, dumbfounded.

Zhao Shouye, aware of his own shortcomings, silently scrubbed the pot without saying a word

We have departed

Then let's set off! Zhao Hao nodded emphatically

As the situation has reached a critical point, Zhou Jiji and Liu Yuanwai have nothing left to conceal

"My son, as the saying goes, when heaven is about to bestow a great responsibility upon a person, it must first temper their will and labor their muscles and bones. From today onward, we must set aside our trivial pride." Zhao Shouzheng looked at Zhao Hao with concern. Although his son had agreed to the proposal of sharing the burden, he still worried about his son's spoiled temperament and whether he could endure the humiliation.

"Well said, well said, today is a rare sunny day." Zhou Jijiang said to Zhao Liben with a cupped hand gesture: "You have suffered, old sir."

Prodigal son, can't you save a little for the family? Now your father has no means to return home. Am I supposed to beg my way back?!

The elder is about to return to his hometown, and I have prepared a modest gift to express my sentiments

They smiled somewhat awkwardly, and Liu Yuanwai said: "Let's go inside to talk"

After the incident at the Zhao family, the place had been deserted. Unexpectedly, today two guests arrived early in the morning to pay a visit

The two sedan chairs were parked far away at the street corner, and they did not even bring any attendants, seemingly not wanting to be seen by others

rear cover room

Zhao Hao could not help but nod repeatedly. He saw clearly that the old gentleman was opening the envelope from Zhou Jiji, and his own father-in-law's share would undoubtedly be even more substantial.

Zhao Hao nearly passed out from anger, going to Suzhou to get married? Wouldn't that make him a son-in-law? How shameless can one be!

Zhao Hao looked at Zhao Shouzheng with a bitter smile, didn't you say that your father-in-law has integrity? Where has his integrity gone?

Zhao Liben looked at the two individuals, then glanced at the two envelopes. He extended his finger to open the seal of one envelope, revealing a banknote of five hundred taels.

Zhou, the ceremonial wine official, gave a knowing glance to Liu, indicating that he had already made the first move, and now it was Liu's turn.

"Good." Zhao Shouzheng and his son hurriedly made way, politely welcoming the two into their home

"I am just a child playing house, so there is naturally no problem. As long as my father can manage, that is enough," Zhao Hao said nonchalantly.

The father and son, facing the rising sun, resolutely pushed open the tightly closed door

As for the other envelope, there is no need to even glance at it. When the esteemed head of the National Academy is compelled to break off an engagement, if a merchant with the surname Liu were reliable, even a sow could climb a tree

The other gentleman, appearing to be in his forties, well-groomed and of substantial build, is naturally my future father-in-law, Mr. Liu, the vice president of the Suzhou Dongting Chamber of Commerce

"There are two people who say this, and I am extremely gratified," Zhao Liben said with a smile, sitting on another long bench. He picked up his teacup, took a sip of water, and habitually closed his eyes to savor it.

After exchanging a few meaningless pleasantries, Zhou Jijiu took an envelope from his sleeve and handed it to Zhao Liben.

"Go ahead." Although Zhao Liben did not stop him, he had no expectations either, lazily leaning against the wall and basking in the sun

... ...

Zhao Shouzheng gave his son a proud glance, as if to say: "Look, enjoying the benefits of both soft and hard work, isn't that what one desires?"

Zhou the sacrificial wine and Liu the gentleman sat stiffly on the same long bench

Seeing his son welcome the two in-laws, he slowly stood up and said with a forced smile, "There is no place to sit inside, so why not enjoy the sun in the courtyard."

"Where is that coming from, my dear? Who hasn't faced their share of tribulations?" Zhou Jijiuzhu waved his hand and smiled, indicating that it was of no concern.

The Geng Tie was a token given by the Zhao family to the Zhou family during the betrothal. Now it has reappeared in the Zhao family, which surely cannot be a mere oversight.

Zhao Liben is still leaning against the wall basking in the sun

Indeed. The elder should take heart; there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome. With everyone's support, we will surely get through this together. Liu Yuanwai also comforted from the side

In his joy, Zhao Shouye could not help but feel regret for his son, secretly lamenting: "It is a pity that my late son-in-law left no inheritance, which has caused my son to miss out on a life of ease."

At this moment, Zhao Hao and Zhao Xian moved two dirty long benches and a rickety square table into the courtyard. Zhao Shouzheng found a brick to prop up one of the table legs, allowing items to be placed on the table surface.

With the old gentleman's permission, the father and son made their way through the numerous courtyards towards the main gate of the residence

"Where are you going?" Zhao Liben said irritably: "Are you really going to run away now?"

Um...

However, Zhao Shouzheng suddenly said: "In-laws, rest assured, my father and I have already made up our minds to stay in Nanjing. If it really doesn't work out, getting married in Suzhou is also not a problem"

Zhao Shouye and his son were also very happy. The family had not split up, and there was meat in the pot, so they could always share a spoonful.

Liu Yuanwai quickly took out an identical envelope and similarly presented it in front of Zhao Liben

Zhao Shouzheng focused his gaze and could not help but feel overjoyed, thinking to himself that this would save him the trouble of visiting others to seek help

What does this mean? Zhao Liben let out a cold laugh, and the four members of the Zhao family were all left in a daze.

Without mentioning the unremarkable demeanor of the Zhao family of four, one can see that Zhao Liben's expression has turned gloomy, showing not a trace of joy.

This was the first time Zhao Hao had met these two individuals. He noticed that one of them was thin, with gray hair and a face full of wrinkles, appearing even older than Zhao Li. He should be the future father-in-law of Zhao Li, the esteemed Minister Zhou, the Grand Scholar of the National University.

Oh dear, it turns out to be my father-in-law and my in-law visiting together, truly a testament to genuine feelings in times of adversity

He flicked his fingers and drew out a red paper from under the ticket, on which was written the year of Zhao Shouzheng's birth

Zhao Shouzheng nodded and said: "Yes, I mean the same thing"

Zhao Shouye immediately perked up upon hearing this, waving the dripping loofah pulp and saying: "Great, lend us a bit more. Your in-laws have a fortune of tens of millions; just a little slip through your fingers would be enough for our family to get past this hurdle."

Mr. Liu is a junior and not an official, so naturally everything is centered around Master Zhou's sacrificial offerings

but nearly collided head-on with the visitor

Then I can rest assured. You need not worry about me. Zhao Shouzheng patted his chest and said: "It is not for my own boasting, I have been living off idle meals at home for thirty-six years, and my face has long been tempered to be impervious to water and fire"

Zhao Shouye brought up the teapot, but what he poured into the teacup was clear water

As the saying goes, one must lower their voice and demeanor when seeking something from others, Zhao Hao obediently followed his father to pay respects to his two fathers-in-law

Standing behind Zhao Liben, the Zhao brothers' eyes lit up at the sight. This was not worthless paper money, but rather a promissory note exchanged within the Hui merchants—this was without any discount, a solid five hundred taels of silver

The two individuals encouraged each other as they walked

Early the next morning, after the five members of the family finished their porridge, Zhao Liben began to scold Zhao Shouye again

"I beg your pardon, esteemed elder." Liu Yuanwai cleared his throat and said in a low voice, "The journey to Xiuning is fraught with difficulties and is quite distant. My daughter is frail and often ill, and I fear she may find it hard to keep up..."

Zhao Liben said with a faint smile: "I hope the two esteemed in-laws do not take offense."

The father misunderstood. Zhao Shouzheng hurriedly explained: "My father and I are planning to pay a visit to our two fathers-in-law, to gather some funds for my father and also to inquire about our livelihood"