Chapter 596: Loaded Questions

Chapter 596: Chapter 596: Loaded Questions

Wufu’s carriage ride was awkward, whereas Madam Zhou and Madam Ping in their carriage were in harmonious spirits, chatting merrily.

"I vaguely remember your Wufu came of age in February?" Madam Ping, with a handkerchief in hand, pressed it to the corner of her mouth.

Madam Zhou replied with a smile, "Yes, on the day when the dragon raises its head."

"Then the coming-of-age celebration should be quite the event, shouldn’t it?" Madam Ping said with a laugh.

Madam Zhou said, "For a family like ours, hailing from a farming background, how grand can we really make it?" She paused before adding, "Besides, here, apart from your family and Merchant Ma’s family, we hardly know anyone else."

Madam Ping’s eyes flickered, probing tentatively, "Madam Magistrate visited your home before the New Year, did she not?"

Madam Zhou didn’t catch the implication hidden in those words, nor did she realize the other was fishing for information, and she said, "Yes, it was due to a misunderstanding. She came by for a short visit. But you know, I’m not good with words, and she being a Lady Official, I find it hard to socialize."

"That’s true. People do need to have a certain affinity with each other," Madam Ping chuckled, yet inwardly she mused—what kind of misunderstanding would bring a Lady Official to their commoner’s doorstep? And none of the Wu Family’s things have gone awry; everything has been smooth sailing, decidedly peaceful. It must be that the other side conceded something.

It was indeed worth contemplating. What gave a commoner’s household like theirs the confidence to make the family of the Lord Magistrate concede?

A spark of realization shot through Madam Ping’s mind as she inquired, "Is Wufu still honing her carving skills?"

Madam Zhou nodded, "She’s now helping out at the Hundred Treasures Silver Building."

Ah, the Hundred Treasures Silver Building, an extremely famous silver house, seemed to be some business of the Wen Family from the capital—a prestigious and noble household. And wasn’t the young County Magistrate in their county also surnamed Wen? Could there be some connection here?

Having been the County Magistrate’s Wife for many years, Madam Ping was naturally more aware of the intricacies of officialdom than Madam Zhou, knowing that without any backing, it would be difficult for a widow and orphan to maintain a business.

Take their own family, for example. If it weren’t for the significant influence of her daughter’s betrothed’s family, how could she and her child, all alone, preserve the wealth left by her late husband? They might even lose their ancestral property to greedy hands.

Thinking of the covetous members of the Ping Family, Madam Ping’s face grew colder, and her widow’s stoicism turned a few degrees frostier.

Even in death, she was determined to guard the legacy left by her husband and protect her son, not letting the Ping Family benefit in the slightest.

Madam Zhou, sensitive to the shift in Madam Ping’s demeanor, called out tentatively.

Madam Ping offered an apologetic smile, "I was lost in thought. I reckon Wufu is a good child. Now that she has come of age, you must be considering her marriage prospects, right?"

"Indeed, that’s what I’ve been thinking."

"What sort of match are you looking for?" Madam Ping asked tentatively.

Madam Zhou’s heart stirred, but she kept her composure, "We’re not seeking wealth or prestige, just a warm and kind family, where the brothers are cordial and respectful, and the people are of excellent character—that would suffice."

Madam Ping laughed heartily, "You are being too vague. But given your family’s circumstances, there will be plenty of such men to choose from."

Madam Zhou smiled lightly and remained silent.

Madam Ping didn’t dwell on it further, simply saying, "When Wufu celebrates reaching marriageable age, if you have yet to invite a Guest of Honor, how about I volunteer shamelessly? For Praise Giver, we could also ask Caicai to take on the role."

Madam Zhou’s eyes brightened, and she smiled, "If Madam is so willing, I will definitely come to invite you in person." Having a Lady Official serve as her daughter’s Guest of Honor would be honorable indeed.

The two exchanged smiles, and they resumed their chat about their children. Time passed swiftly, and before they knew it, they had arrived at Green Mountain Temple.

Unbeknownst to Wufu and her company, people were on their way to them at that very moment.