Chapter 171 - Chapter 171: Chapter 171: Unashamedly Brazen (1/2)

Chapter 171: Chapter 171: Unashamedly Brazen

Translator: 549690339

Zhuang Qingning pursed her lips.

Mrs. Wen was getting old, though once physically strong, her children didn’t worry too much. But now, having just been ill, they naturally wanted her close by for comfort.

For Mrs. Wen, who had been used to independence for so many years, suddenly being thrust into a large family was undoubtedly uncomfortable.

Mrs. Wen was well aware of her temperament. She could suppress her sharp tongue and temper for a day or two, but in the long run, she might not be able to control herself.

Mrs. Wen probably feared that if her temper got the best of her, the peaceful old age that Zhuang Yutian and Zhuang Yucheng had planned with their children and grandchildren would turn into a chaotic mess, disturbing their tranquillity.

No wonder Mrs. Wen was hesitant to agree to this arrangement.

“Aunt Wen probably has her reasons for not wanting to go. This matter can’t be rushed. Perhaps my uncles can slowly persuade her,” Zhuang Qingning advised.

Zhuang Qingning added, “If there’s an opportunity, I’ll also speak to Aunt Wen and see if it helps.”

Zhuang Yutian and Zhuang Yuchcng had noticed that Zhuang Qingning, who had been frequently tending to Mrs. Wen, held a significant place in her heart. They acknowledged that it would be great if she were willing to join their persuasion efforts.

“In that case, I must thank you in advance, Miss Qingning,” beamed Zhuang Yutian, rubbing his hands with joy. “Please tell my mother about our filial intentions too.”

“Don’t worry,” Zhuang Qingning reassured them.

Zhuang Qingning first went on to check the tofu business. Zhuang Yutian and Zhuang Yucheng chatted with Mrs. Wen for a while. Seeing that their persuasion had no effect, they decided not to press any further and simply told her that they would visit her another day.

Mrs. Wen, vexed by their persistence, did not ask them to stay. Instead, she told them not to return so often to bother her.

The two brothers left dejectedly, bid Zhuang Qingning goodbye, and asked her to put in a good word for them with Mrs. Wen before hurrying off to their respective homes.

On her end, Zhuang Qingning paid careful attention to every detail at the tofu mill.

Zhuang Mingliang was diligent and everything was in order. Having worked at the tofu mill for quite a while, he had grown skilled at his craft. From Zhuang Qingning’s perspective, he had even surpassed her in proficiency.

Zhuang Qingning was quite satisfied. Making use of the moment when the tofu was not yet ready and Zhuang Sifu was yet to arrive to transport it, she went to check on Mrs. Wen.

Mrs. Wen was in her house, mending a tear in her clothes with a needle and thread.

The blazing sun outside rendered the courtyard dazzling, while the diffused light indoors was soft and enabled her to see clearly. Yet, Mrs. Wen’s aging eyes had trouble threading the needle.

“Why don’t you leave this work for us and take it easy, Aunt Wen? It’s quite troublesome,” said Zhuang Qingning, as she took the needle and thread from Mrs. Wen and swiftly threaded the needle.

“And you think your sewing is any good?” Mrs. Wen gave her a sidelong glance, and took back the now-threaded needle. “Don’t think I don’t know. Your and Miss Sui’s clothes are usually made by the Yonghe household. I wonder if you’ve ever held a needle and thread in your own hands, yet here you are, talking big without a hint of embarrassment.”