Chapter 339: Chapter 339

Hearing his sister’s complaint, Zhao Ji felt annoyed. He raised his head, his expression unfriendly as he glared at Zhao Cai, and said mockingly, "Ha! So why don’t you learn from Zhao Zhitong from our Uncle’s family? She knew to send kneepads to her friends for their exams and show her concern."

"Look at yourself, always busy with makeup, dreaming of marrying into a rich family. When have you ever cared about me, your brother? What right do you have to complain about me!"

The two immediately started arguing.

Xiao Wang’s expression turned ugly as she stopped them.

"Enough, both of you, quiet down! Cai’er, don’t vent your anger on your elder brother. He’s still young. If he studies hard for two more years, he’ll certainly pass the imperial examinations then!"

Then she looked at Zhao Ji and said, "And you, why are you talking about your sister like that? Isn’t it normal for her to want to marry into a good family? Besides, if she marries well, won’t it also benefit you?"

Although neither of them was convinced, they both shut their mouths after Xiao Wang’s words.

Actually, the most upset person right now was Xiao Wang’s eldest daughter, Zhao Yun. Introduced by her paternal aunt, she had just married into a merchant’s family in the county town.

Initially, her husband’s family treated her well because of the Niu Clan (her paternal aunt had married into their family) and her brother being a scholar. Even her mother-in-law had not made things difficult for her.

However, a few days ago, the Niu Clan encountered difficulties, and her husband’s family began to treat her coldly.

It was only because she knew how to please her husband, and because her brother was still a scholar, that she hadn’t been kicked out.

If Zhao Ji keeps failing the exams, I’m afraid my life will only get harder.

At this moment, Xiao Wang was green with envy watching Sun Mei, who was surrounded by people and beaming with smiles.

As a result, she completely failed to notice the change in her eldest daughter’s mood.

That kind of flattering attention should be mine!

The more she watched, the angrier she became, and her tone grew increasingly sarcastic. "Just look at Sun Mei, what’s she so happy about? The top scholar is from the Qiao Clan, and the other one on the list is from Butcher Zhao’s family."

"Her family has nothing. All that happened was her daughter went to the Capital City with the top scholar. It’s as if her own child became an official."

"Or does she think the Qiao Clan would actually fancy her daughter and marry her? What a joke! A toad lusting after swan meat! It’s hilarious!"

Just then, an ill-timed, mocking voice interjected from the side.

"TSK TSK TSK. Listen to that, will you? So sour."

Xiao Wang looked at the speaker, Mrs. Zheng, and her face darkened several shades.

Angrily, she retorted, "Mrs. Zheng, don’t expect fine words from a dog’s mouth! Which ear of yours heard me being sour? Aren’t I speaking the truth?"

"What? Don’t tell me Sun Mei’s money-losing daughter actually brought honor to their ancestors and became an official? Oh, that’s rich! It’s killing me!"

Mrs. Zheng snorted through her nose, pursed her lips, and said with unconcealed schadenfreude, "Oh, Xiao Wang, you’ve actually hit the mark there. Sun Mei’s daughter really has brought honor to their ancestors; she’s become an official!"

"HA HA HA! Let me tell you, not only was her daughter appointed as an official by the Emperor, but even her son, Zhao Yu, was made a General by the Emperor for his merit in saving His Majesty’s life!"

Finishing her words, Mrs. Zheng burst into a hearty laugh. Seeing Xiao Wang’s face grow increasingly unsightly, Mrs. Zheng became more and more excited as she continued to speak.

"You probably don’t know! The Emperor has appointed them to posts in Suzhou. It won’t be long before they get promoted!"

"TSK TSK TSK. Look at Sun Mei, how well she raises her children! One has to admit, they’re simply blessed with good fortune!"

"Her eldest, Zhao Cheng, has become a big boss. Her second son, Zhao Yu, is now also a General, a fifth-rank official! Her third, Zhao Ya—that young girl’s embroidery is sought after by all the wealthy families in the county town."

"And their fourth, Zhao Zhitong, goes without saying. Clever since childhood, with outstanding medical skills! She went to the Capital City and saved not only a Princess’s life but the Emperor’s as well! Though she’s just a medical officer now, who knows? She might be made a County Leader in the future..." For more chapters visıt 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚•𝕟𝕖𝕥

"If you ask me, it’s all fate! Some people, no matter how hard they try, their sons and daughters just turn out one worse than the next!" Mrs. Zheng’s words shot out like a machine gun, barraging Xiao Wang.

Not only did Xiao Wang’s face turn ghastly, but the complexions of Zhao Ji, Zhao Yun, and Zhao Cai—those described as "one worse than the next"—also darkened.

Xiao Wang, her face black with anger, snapped, "Mrs. Zheng, what benefits has Sun Mei given you that you’re licking her boots ?"

At this, Mrs. Zheng snorted coldly. "Do you think everyone is as shameless as you, always thinking about personal gain? Deceiving a good, innocent young woman from another family into becoming someone’s concubine—is that something a human being should do?"

Zhao Liuniang had taken away Mrs. Zheng’s daughter and the Village Chief’s second daughter-in-law’s daughter to be concubines for her man.

This matter certainly couldn’t be kept secret, and soon enough, both Mrs. Zheng and Mrs. Liang found out.

They felt regret, but even more, they felt hatred towards the Wang family.

Previously, while their daughters were still in the others’ hands, they dared not do anything, forced to swallow their broken teeth and blood.

But things were different now. The Niu Clan had fallen, Niu Baishun was thrown into the main prison, and their daughters had been brought back.

Now that their daughters were unmarriageable and their reputations ruined, they were naturally infuriated.

No wonder Mrs. Zheng, who had previously been fawning over the Wang family, had now openly fallen out with them.

Their argument attracted the attention of Sun Mei and her group, who couldn’t help but cast a few more glances their way.

Tian Cuihua looked back, shook her head, and sneered, "Look at that. The dogs have started to bite each other."

Sun Mei also shook her head. Without saying anything, she averted her gaze.

It could only be said that whatever miseries befell those from the old residence in the future, it would be of their own making.

Zhao Zhitong and the others couldn’t stay home for long this time, as they had to leave for their posts in Suzhou soon.

For the next two days, Zhao Zhitong planned to spend quality time with her parents.

Nearly two months had passed since they last saw each other, and the family missed her greatly. Thankfully, Xiao Ge was with her, which eased their worries.

That day, Zhao Zhitong talked intimately with Zhao Dong and Sun Mei for a long time, not going to sleep until late into the night.

Sun Mei tucked Zhao Zhitong in, gently stroked her small face, and then she and Zhao Dong quietly left the room.

Standing in the courtyard, Zhao Dong couldn’t help but sigh, "The children have all grown up."

Sun Mei said, "Yes, she’s starting to have her own life now." As she spoke, her eyes reddened. "This time she’s going so far away, it will be a long time before we see her again."

Zhao Dong put an arm around Sun Mei’s shoulders, attempting to comfort his wife, though in truth, his own heart ached just as much as hers.

When the children were small, parents hoped they would grow up to be successful. But once they did grow up and were no longer by their side, parents would miss the times when the children were young, delighting them with their presence.

But children grow up. No matter how reluctant one was to let go, they had to allow them to fly on their own, to experience the storms of life for themselves.

In reality, Zhao Zhitong, in her room, hadn’t fallen asleep. As soon as Sun Mei and Zhao Dong closed the door, she opened her eyes. Listening to the voices outside, tears welled at the corners of her eyes.

This night was destined to be a sleepless one.