Chapter 9: Conversations in the Son-in-Law Hall
The initial arrogance followed by later deference is truly perplexing
The Wu family is a typical gentry household with a large residence, consisting only of a front and a back courtyard. The wing rooms, bedrooms, and study are all located in the back courtyard, while the main hall is situated in the front courtyard, accessible by simply walking around the spacious courtyard.
After a hurried journey, approximately two hours later, we returned to the Wu family in Dongliu Township
Upon returning to his seat, Wu Maocai continued to wear a benevolent expression, his face full of excess flesh, and said with a smile: "Son-in-law, do you know what has enabled our Wu family to establish a fortune in Dongliu Township today?"
Indeed, Wu Maocai approached warmly and took Guo Ye's arm, speaking in a gentle voice: "What can I do for you? You have been living with our Wu family for so many days, and we haven't had a proper chat. Come, my dear son-in-law, sit down, please! Today, let's have a good talk together."
As soon as Guo Yeqian stepped into the hall, he saw Wu Maocai approaching him with a face as wrinkled as a yellow chrysanthemum, exuding an eagerness that was truly remarkable.
Now, listening to Wu Maocai, it is clear that he simply wants to send me away. This is obviously a blatant act of bullying.
Guo Ye sat upright, listening to Wu Maocai's words that were somewhat erratic, shifting from one topic to another. He truly found it difficult to discern what the young man was trying to convey.
At present, the Wu family serves as this external force, acting as the springboard in Guo Ye's heart
Uh ... ...
Help me find a job
Guo Ye suddenly stood up, looking displeased at Wu Maocai, and mocked, "What’s the matter? Now that the Liu family no longer bothers the Wu family, you, my esteemed father-in-law, are thinking of ways to kick the donkey after the mill is done, aren’t you? Tsk tsk, my esteemed father-in-law is truly capable of such actions. Back in the day, Emperor Gaozu established the Tang Empire and still remembered to reward those who had contributed. What does my esteemed father-in-law think this is? Isn’t it a bit too cold-hearted?" Tsk tsk, my esteemed father-in-law is truly capable of such actions. Back in the day, Emperor Gaozu established the Tang Empire and still remembered to reward those who had contributed. What does my esteemed father-in-law think this is? Isn’t it a bit too cold-hearted?
Listening to Guo Yeting on hetushucom.com, the old fellow still hadn't gotten to the point after all this time, and he couldn't help but lose his patience.
However, to achieve and fulfill all of this, he must rely on a springboard to strive for his success in the Tang Dynasty in the shortest possible time
In an instant, dozens of hypotheses swirled in Guo Ye's mind. What exactly did his inexpensive father-in-law intend to do?
Not acceptable
Before long, Uncle Fu led Guo Ye to the entrance of the hall, pointed inside, and said that the master was waiting in there, then went straight down to work
In front of the mule cart is a donkey, and a group of people is heading back to Dongliu Township, walking in silence all the way
He couldn't help but speculate, could it be that the young man has been performing exceptionally well lately, and that the father-in-law dotes on his son-in-law? Is it possible that this fake son-in-law is finally due for a promotion to a real one?
Before the wedding ceremony, before lifting the veil to see Wu Xiuxiu's true face, and before returning to the impoverished scene of the Guo family in Daze Village, Guo Ye truly wished that Wu Mao could immediately expel him from the Wu family.
Yes
Without further ado, he directly grabbed Guo Yeqiang and forcefully pushed him onto a chair on the right side, then turned around and took a seat in the main hall.
Thus, sweeping away the previous feelings of respect, he said in a flat tone without any expression: "Father-in-law, please speak your mind."
Ah?
A person's success is often constrained and determined by internal factors, which include personal talent, individual ambition, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement
Then, looking at Wu Maocai with a mix of belief and skepticism, he blurted out, "I wonder what kind of position my esteemed father-in-law has arranged for me?"
Unfortunately, it is now...
How could he possibly allow Wu Xiuxiu to divorce her husband and remarry another man? Wouldn't that ruin his daughter's reputation, unfairly branding her with the stigma of a second marriage?
Guo Ye Zhaleng, ever since he married into the Wu family, his so-called father-in-law has not only refrained from chatting with him but has not even cast a glance in his direction.
By the time they entered the Wu family, it was already noon. After returning to the Wu family, Wu Xiuxiu completely changed her previously appropriate demeanor towards the elders at the Guo family, showing no interest in greeting Guo Ye and, with the support of Chunxiang, went straight to her room to rest.
That's all, Guo Ye thought to himself, when soldiers come, they will be met with soldiers; when water comes, it will be blocked with earth. Let's see what tricks you can play, old fellow
Little did Wu Maocai know that before he could receive a response, he immediately continued the conversation himself, speaking with a sense of pride: "Our Wu family relies on generations of frugality and diligence, and on my efforts over the past ten to twenty years to maintain our family business. Hehe, my dear son-in-law, you may not be aware, but there are countless people who covet our Wu family's fortune. Unfortunately, it is a pity that in my generation, the Wu family has no sons, and there is no one to carry on the legacy, leaving only this precious daughter."
Guo Ye was taken aback; how could Wu Maocai, this miserly skinflint, be so kind-hearted?
What is going on today
Yes?
Wu Maocai's expression changed abruptly as he watched this young man Guo Ye lose his temper in front of him, his words dripping with sarcasm and bitterness, each sentence piercing like a knife to the heart
He cannot just leave the Wu family like this
Guo Ye was bewildered by the sudden clinginess of Wu Maocai
Seeing that Guo Ye's expression had softened, Wu Maocai continued, "Ever since you skillfully dismissed Liu Amang with just a few words last time, I have believed that you are a person of great potential. It would truly be a pity for such talent to be wasted in the Wu family. Therefore, "
At this point, Guo Ye's expression softened slightly, but in his heart, he followed up on Wu Maocai's words, thinking, "Half a son? Who the hell believes that"
It seems this young man has misunderstood. As for the *illustrated* book, it only deepens Wu Maocai's conviction that Guo Ye has also harbored ulterior motives towards the Wu family's enterprises. This is certainly not a good sign
However, Guo Ye firmly believed that there must be something unusual behind the strange occurrences; he was not foolish enough to truly think that Wu Maocai intended to officially recognize him as this fake son-in-law
Guo Ye is certain that he has no ulterior motives in his mind regarding this cheap deal, so he proceeds with determination
Thus, with courtesy and decorum, he clasped his fists and bowed his head, respectfully saying: "Esteemed father-in-law, you have summoned your son-in-law; may I inquire what matters you wish to discuss?"
Ah! The son-in-law has returned for a visit? How are your parents' health? Haha ... ...
Absolutely not
Because it was utterly impossible for him to drive Guo Ye away from the Wu family; he was well aware that the old and young scoundrels of the Liu family would not easily give up their covetousness towards the Wu family
Suddenly, he felt an inexplicable surge of anger in his heart. Does he really think I am a foolish donkey that can be easily slaughtered?
Immediately after, Wu Maocai, filled with self-pity and sighs, placed his right hand on the corner of the Eight Immortals table, gently tapping it. He then sighed deeply, saying: "Starting a business is difficult, but maintaining it is even harder! Not to mention the previous provocations from the village head Liu's family, just consider that scoundrel son of Liu Laolai who caused a scene at the government office last time. Alas, fortunately, my capable son-in-law managed to send him away; otherwise, otherwise it would truly be..."
Guo Ye felt puzzled as Wu Maocai unexpectedly invited him to the hall for a conversation
I initially intended to offer a few casual compliments
At this point, Wu Maocai swallowed hard, looking at Guo Ye's suspicious gaze, and said: "Therefore, I took the opportunity while you and Xiuxiu were visiting your family in Daze Village to make a trip to the county town, spent some silver to arrange things, and finally managed to secure a good position for you in the city."
He Wu Maocai would not be foolish enough to destroy the foundation of his family by driving Guo Ye out of the Wu family, which would not only tarnish his daughter's reputation but also provide an opportunity for the Liu family and their two sons.
Moreover, although the adopted son Guo Ye is a false son-in-law, fundamentally, he is valued for his previous weakness and ease of control, ensuring that he will not covet the family business, allowing the Wu family's assets to remain under the Wu name rather than the Guo name
Wow ~ ~
Thus, Wu Maocai suppressed the displeasure in his heart, quickly stood up, and explained to Guo Ye: "Son-in-law, son-in-law, I see that you have misunderstood, misunderstood indeed. Do not be anxious; you are the son-in-law of the Wu family. Although you are a son-in-law by marriage, you are still half a son. If the father-in-law does not care for his son-in-law, who will?"
Suddenly, Wu Maocai retracted the theatrical smile he had just displayed and asked in a slightly cold tone: "Son-in-law, you are aware that the entire Wu family, with dozens of members, relies on the rental income from several hundred acres of farmland in Dongliu Township to make a living. The money we earn is indeed hard to come by! I wonder what your plans are for the future?"
Randomly, Guo Ye, while indulging in a mix of hopeful fantasies and speculations, followed Uncle Fu leisurely to the Wu family's main hall
Who knows
However, spending all day at the Wu family, living off their generosity, is ultimately not a viable path. Being a parasite in the Wu household, relying on others for support, not only leads to disdain from Wu Xiuxiu but also fails to change the impoverished life of my parents and younger sister. Wu Maocai's actions align perfectly with my own thoughts.
Whether it was the initial wedding ceremony or the subsequent days spent at the Wu family, my father-in-law, Wu Maocai, always wore a sour expression, as if someone owed his family several hundred catties of rice.
It seems that today's visitors are not friendly
After parting ways with Wu Xiuxiu, Guo Ye returned from Daze Village without having eaten a single grain of rice. He had only consumed thin porridge in the morning, and his stomach was already growling with hunger. He intended to go to the kitchen to prepare something to eat. However, before he could reach the kitchen, he was stopped by Uncle Fu, who informed him that the master was requesting him in the hall for a conversation.
Now it is Wu Maocai who is left speechless. Is it that his efforts in setting up the shop and the library were merely a waste of breath?
However, having internal factors alone does not necessarily lead to quick success; often, external assistance is also required.
After returning home, Guo Ye was filled with thoughts, while Wu Xiuxiu remained her usual self, silent and keeping to herself in the car
What is happening today
Although Wu Maocai's unnatural expression flashed by, it was still keenly captured by Guo Ye
Although Guo Ye had met his father-in-law Wu Maocai before, this was the first time they were conversing in a formal setting.
Guo Ye is currently unaware of what schemes Wu Maocai has in mind. In helplessness, he decides to let things be for the time being and plans to adapt as the situation unfolds.
In that case, Wu Maocai no longer bothered to hide anything and directly opened the skylight to speak frankly.
Whether it is the stunning beauty of Wu Xiuxiu or the tragic plight of the younger sister from Daze Village, they constantly provoke Guo Ye. He has long sworn to strive for success, determined to stand out and ensure that his family lives a more comfortable life, and he is resolute in his desire to win the affection of the beautiful Wu Xiuxiu.
Unable to grasp which performance Wu Maocai is actually singing, Guo Ye nervously walked into the hall, initially thinking that this fake father-in-law, Wu Maocai, would put on airs and give him a cold shoulder
Understood
Guo Ye listened to Wu Maocai's words, his brows slightly furrowed, pondering to himself, what does this mean? Is the Wu family planning to burn the bridge after crossing it, or to kill the donkey after unloading the mill? Do they intend to expel him, this false son-in-law, from the Wu family?
Wu Maocai, with his plump face full of excess flesh, always wore a smile. However, upon hearing the words "father-in-law" and "son-in-law" come out of Guo Ye's mouth, the corners of his mouth involuntarily twitched, feeling quite awkward.
Guo Ye listened, becoming increasingly confused. What does this have to do with me? No matter how large the Wu family's business is, it has nothing to do with this fake son-in-law who has not a penny to his name
Although Wu Maocai felt displeased, he immediately suppressed his feelings