Chapter 39 - Chapter 39: Chapter 039: Do You Remember (1/2)
Chapter 39: Chapter 039: Do You Remember
Translator: 549690339
Noticing that it was getting late, Ning Feng and Zhou Xueming didn’t want Chu Jinzhou to linger too much and instructed the carter to hurry away in the carriage.
Zhou Xueming watched the carriage recede into the distance before returning to the small courtyard to attend to the other guests.
Zhou Xueming didn’t voluntarily discuss Chu Jinzhou’s earlier presence, and no one else dared to ask either.
It was only a young man who had accompanied his master to the gathering that asked in a whisper once Zhou Xueming had entered the main hall, “Who was that imposing person just now, and what kind of an influential person would Zhou Xueming know?”
“You are young and wouldn’t know. Zhou Xueming was highly esteemed in the past, having passed the imperial examination, and even held a post in the capital city. We may not understand his exact status, but it was undoubtedly a prestigious one,” someone explained in a low voice.
Another person added, “He came back to the countryside, however, teaching, after being framed for being too virtuous and upright.”
“But Zhou Xueming is well-learned and respected by many, attracting the attention of an influential figure who invited him to tutor his young son. It’s likely the man who came just now is that student of Zhou Xueming’s.”
“I see,” the young man said with sudden enlightenment, his eyes full of admiration and envy. “Zhou Xueming is really impressive.”
“Naturally. You should spend more time with him and try to establish ties with some influential people. If you succeed, you’ll soar high in life…,” someone joked.
But no one responded to that comment.
Today, those who came to celebrate Zhou Xueming’s mother’s birthday may have partly come with such intentions, but just keeping such thoughts would be just that. This blatant expression, nevertheless, gave people an impression of low taste and unworthiness.
The gathering went cold and the person who made the comment was left looking foolish. He laughed awkwardly and sought others to talk to.
As if nothing had happened, the small courtyard once again resumed being lively.
Zhou Xueming entered his mother’s room to check on her condition. Seeing that the old lady looked quite fine, he looked at the bustling courtyard outside and thought of Chu Jinzhou’s unexpected visit.
He sighed deeply.
On the other hand, Zhuang Qingning, seeing Zhuang Qinghe running off after Zhuang Wencheng still fuming, was satisfied. Thinking that her disregard earlier must have enraged her to the core, she felt a sense of relief. She entered the tofu shop, added water to the beans, and was ready to make more tofu.
Zhuang Qingning soaked an additional eight jin of beans with the intention to grind more tofu and observe how well it would sell the next day.
Zhuang Qingning cleaned up and was about to leave after getting everything ready.
As soon as she left the tofu shop, she saw Aunt Wen already in the courtyard.
Aunt Wen’s hair was disheveled, and she had a sleepy look on her face, obviously having just woken up.
“Did I disturb your sleep, Aunt Wen? I’ll be quieter next time,” Zhuang Qingning said.
Aunt Wen didn’t answer and simply walked into the tofu shop and looked at the beans in the vat, “You have soaked more beans than usual.”
“The tofu business is going well, so I thought I’d grind more,” Zhuang Qingning replied with a smile. “But since we’re making more tofu, it’ll be more difficult carrying it all to the town. I’ve arranged for a bullock cart to come pick us up early tomorrow morning in town.”
Aunt Wen didn’t say anything, merely giving Zhuang Qingning a glance.
Used to Aunt Wen’s silence, Zhuang Qingning didn’t stay longer and went home.