Free Web NovelChapter 387: Chapter 152: Submerged
Chen Wanqing was thinking, ’What a lovely day,’ when she heard a familiar voice call out by her ear, "Qing’er."
She glanced to the side. Who else could it be but her mother?
The County Magistrate’s wife spotted Xu Su Ying as well and hurried forward to take her hand.
In the past, the County Magistrate’s wife had always looked down on Xu Su Ying.
She found Xu Su Ying utterly unpresentable.
Xu Su Ying was now the wife of the County Assistant Magistrate, yet she still ran her old business, even designing makeup for women of a lower station. The County Magistrate’s wife was ashamed to even be associated with her.
Mr. Cheng had tried to persuade his wife on more than one occasion. He told her that Chen Song was his right-hand man—shrewd, capable, and unfailingly obedient. For his own sake, he had said, she needed to win over Chen Song’s wife.
But the County Magistrate’s wife had her own way of thinking.
’I am the most distinguished woman in Qingshui County. Shouldn’t all the other wives be the ones fawning over me and trying to curry my favor?’
’It’s unheard of for a high and mighty matriarch to stoop to flattering what is essentially a serving girl. How would that look!’
But now, the County Magistrate’s wife lowered her proud head.
For never before had she so clearly realized just how right her husband had been.
Her husband had said, "Even if you disregard Chen Song, you have to consider his son-in-law and his son."
Chen Song’s son-in-law and son were both Scholars. Although achieving the Lesser Triple Crown was a rare feat, they were, in the end, still just Scholars.
For a Scholar to truly distinguish himself, there was still a long road ahead.
’By the time Chen Song’s son-in-law and son become officials—a time when I would have to formally pay my respects to them—who knows how long that will take? Am I really supposed to bow my head years in advance for something that might not happen for ages?’
’Impossible. Absolutely impossible!’
’She would rather be a sycophant who only latches on to people once they’ve already gained power.’
But they had gained power *now*!
Having caught the eye of the Emperor and Empress, the family’s future was now boundless. If she didn’t hurry up and get on their good side, there would be no room for her to try and associate with them later.
Given the circumstances, the County Magistrate’s wife became incredibly enthusiastic, even trying to drag Xu Su Ying home with her for tea.
Xu Su Ying was horrified. Goosebumps prickled all over her skin.
Mr. Cheng may have languished for half his life before finally being posted as a County Magistrate, but his wife’s arrogance had never diminished in the slightest.
No matter who she was with, she always put on an air of arrogance. No one could ever expect to see her lower her head in deference.
And yet, here she was, treating her like this... ’I can’t take it,’ Xu Su Ying thought. ’The goosebumps are practically falling off me and scattering on the ground.’
In the end, Xu Su Ying grabbed her daughter and beat a hasty retreat.
The County Magistrate’s wife waved her handkerchief, calling enthusiastically after them, "Do come over for tea when you’re free! As for those gifts from the Emperor, I’ll have someone deliver them to your home shortly!"
Only after the two of them were a good distance away did the County Magistrate’s wife finally return home.
Meanwhile, the main street they were approaching was packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people. The hubbub of voices was as loud as any grand market fair.
"The moment I heard a high official from the court had arrived, I just knew they were here to deliver rewards," Xu Su Ying explained. "Oh, I was so excited I came running right over. But I was a step too late. By the time I reached the government office, it was packed three layers deep with people."
Soldiers in full armor stood guard at the entrance, holding sharp weapons. Their armor and blades glinted coldly in the dazzling sunlight.
Unsurprisingly, Xu Su Ying was blocked from getting through.
But she was clever. Guessing that her daughter wouldn’t linger long, she went around to the other side of the County Magistrate’s residential compound, found the main gate, and waited patiently.
And sure enough, her daughter appeared before long.
Xu Su Ying took the red sandalwood box, carved with auspicious cloud patterns, from her daughter’s hands. She stroked it again and again, unable to put it down. "The Holy Decree must be in here! Oh my, this is a true family heirloom! We’ve brought honor to our ancestors!"
Then a worried look crossed her face. "There’s only one Holy Decree. Where should we enshrine it? I don’t really care, but I’m afraid the members of the Chen family and the Zhao Family will start fighting over it."
Chen Wanqing said, "Mother, don’t you worry about all that. Just leave it to Father and Zhao Jing. They can handle it."
"Yes, yes, you have a point."
"Aunt! Cousin! I’m over here! Wait for me!"
The two women turned and saw Chen Bai pulling Yuzhu by the arm as they hurried over. Farther away, a startled Li’an widened his eyes and began running toward them with great strides as well.
Soon, they all reached them. "Sister-in-law..."
Xu Su Ying cut in, "Enough talk, let’s get home quickly! Oh dear, a lot of people are looking this way. I hope they don’t start following us."
"Go, let’s go! Hurry!"
