Chapter 259: Chapter 109: A Guarded Heart is a Must (Part 2)

Occasionally, the terms "incense making" and "government office" came up, clearly in reference to Chen Wanqing and Chen Song.

This was something Chen Wanqing had long expected. She wasn’t angry, nor did she bother correcting the rumors spreading among the townspeople.

The townspeople were just gossiping out of boredom. Once a new spectacle appeared in town, they would naturally move on to that.

Chen Wanqing ran into Zhao Jing at her doorway.

The handsome young man was frowning slightly, taking large strides as he headed out.

Behind him, De’an followed at an unhurried pace. "My sister is nineteen, not nine months or nine years old. She knows the way home; she’ll be back when she’s finished with her work. Is this really necessary? Just because you haven’t seen her for a little while, you have to personally go and..."

Before he could get the next word out, De’an spotted Chen Wanqing arriving at the entrance.

He couldn’t help but let out a TSK. "Sis, you’re finally back. If you hadn’t returned, Jing was about to go out and get you. I mean, honestly, is there any need to make such a big deal out of it? It’s broad daylight, not the middle of the night. What could possibly happen to you?"

Zhao Jing gripped Chen Wanqing’s hand and looked back at De’an. "I think you misunderstand. I wasn’t going out to get your sister, but to get my wife."

De’an shot back reflexively, "What do you mean?"

Zhao Jing hadn’t even answered when De’an understood. ’Son of a bitch. Zhao Jing is flaunting their relationship right in my face.’

De’an exploded. "So what if you have a wife? Is being married that great?! Once you’re married, you can’t even hide one cent of your own money, or you’ll get your ear twisted and a harsh scolding! When you mess up, you have to grovel and apologize, and if it’s serious, you can’t even get back in your room! You have to bring them their foot-washing water, pour out their foot-washing water, and wait on them hand and foot all day like you’re serving an ancestor... Hey, hey, hey! Mom! You don’t make a sound when you walk, are you trying to scare me to death?! Mom, ease up a little, my ear’s about to fall off!"

Xu Su Ying dragged her son toward the house by his ear. "Good! Let it fall off! I don’t even know what those two ears of yours are good for. Are they just for catching the breeze? My anger is about to crack the very ground, and you’re still here running your mouth. Go on, keep shouting! It would be best if your father heard you too..."

The mother and son returned to the courtyard, bickering and yelling. At the main gate, Chen Wanqing wiggled her fingers. "Mom saw."

Zhao Jing didn’t let go. Instead, he gripped her fingers even tighter. "Mom saw, but she didn’t scold me. In fact, there was a smile in her eyes. It’s clear she’s happy to see us being close."

"What if you misunderstood what Mom was thinking? Maybe that was a cold smile."

Zhao Jing was taken aback for a moment, then let out a muffled laugh.

He didn’t argue further, but he knew in his heart that his mother-in-law’s smile had been one of pure contentment.

Xu Su Ying was different from any other woman he knew.

This mother-in-law of his was bold in her love and her hate, had a fiery temper, was worldly and knowledgeable, and possessed a sharp wit.

She was the most capable and responsible, the least concerned with trivialities, and the most open-minded and magnanimous woman he knew.

Of course, Wanqing was certainly no less impressive than her mother. Having been taught by her mother’s words and example, she had grown to be more outstanding than anyone.

"Why are you back so late? It’s already Noon."

Upon hearing his question, Chen Wanqing recounted the morning’s events. She emphasized that thanks to him, business at the shop was booming. The Moonlight Fragrance was a massive hit, and just as predicted, demand far outstripped supply.

She also told him her plan. "I’m planning to buy more incense ingredients this afternoon and deliver them personally to the Zhao Village..."

She looked at Zhao Jing, her expression one of hesitation. With a heart as clear as glass, how could Zhao Jing not see what she had left unsaid?

But he wished he hadn’t noticed.

He remained silent. Chen Wanqing could see he was sulking, which she found strangely amusing. She couldn’t help but gently poke his finger. "I’m planning to hire more people to make the incense this time. Since it’s their first time, I’m worried they won’t do it right, so I want to stay and supervise. Barring any surprises, I’ll definitely have to stay the night in the Zhao Village. Is that okay?"

Zhao Jing was sullen. ’Is business really that important?’ he wanted to ask.

But he couldn’t bring himself to ask the question, because he knew that business really was that important.

To be more precise, it was the silver coins that were so important.

He had finished the county-level exam, but he still had the prefectural and academy exams ahead of him. The family’s savings combined with Mother’s private stash wouldn’t be enough to cover his expenses.

This time, he would undoubtedly have to spend Wanqing’s Silver. Although it was undignified and he felt terrible about it, that was the reality of the situation. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

And where did Wanqing’s Silver come from?

It all came from her working day and night, making and selling incense.