CHAPTER 1058: CHAPTER 1057: ENTERING THE CITY

Song Chongjin and Yang Zongbao, needless to say, had the lodging silver returned by Duan Chuanzhou, who insisted on returning it no matter what. They didn’t take advantage, and each time they reached a stopping point, they bought a heap of food to bring on board, providing everyone with additional meals.

Old Granny Zhang often just sat on the deck with nothing else to do, observing the boatmen wearing torn clothes. The wind would blow, carrying away the cotton stuffing from their jackets, making them look quite the sight.

She straightforwardly told them to bring their torn clothes over and had Old Granny Wu and Gu Yu mend them together.

Although Old Granny Wu and Gu Yu’s skills were average, they were competent at mending clothes, at least ensuring that the men on the boat no longer had to wear ragged jackets.

The men felt increasingly that joining this family of a graduate was truly profitable.

No one was foolish; every time Scholar Song docked, he bought a large pile of things. Their daily meals were much better than before, as someone cooked for them, and someone mended their clothes.

Some of the single men even felt a warmth of home on the boat. They didn’t call Old Granny Zhang "old lady" anymore, addressing her as "auntie," and Song Chongjin wasn’t called "Old Master Graduate"; they addressed him as "Brother Song." Even Wang Yongzhu became like a younger sister-in-law, creating a very close bond.

The journey north was slow and arduous, yet everyone on the boat surprisingly got a bit plumper, but that’s another story.

Speaking of which, Yang Zongbao could speak now, thanks largely to the efforts of Imperial Doctor Du,

who had said it would be effective in a month, and indeed it was.

With a combination of acupuncture and medicinal soup, after a month, Yang could say some short sentences.

After a further half month’s care, he could speak sufficiently well, as long as he didn’t exert too much effort or speak for too long, almost like a normal person.

Imperial Doctor Du also prepared a bunch of medicinal pills for him, which he would take daily, and by the year’s end, he should be nearly fully recovered.

Yang Zongbao’s long-standing illness was cured, and he was like a new person.

In Old Granny Zhang’s words, the way Yang Zongbao looked at Imperial Doctor Du at that time, if Du were a woman, Yang might have offered himself.

Imperial Doctor Du didn’t give it much thought, as he had saved countless lives in his time. He extended a helping hand to Yang Zongbao partially due to Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin’s influence, and partly because Yang’s ailment was somewhat challenging for him.

With Yang Zongbao able to speak, Song Chongjin could hand over most of the external socializing and entertaining responsibilities, lightening his load considerably.

At least, Old Granny Zhang’s birthday celebration was almost entirely organized by him, with hardly any hiccups.

Even Imperial Doctor Du looked at Yang Zongbao with renewed respect. Previously he thought that going to the Capital City with Song Chongjin while bringing Yang along might be of no help and had even considered writing to his son to lend a steward to assist Song Chongjin. Now, he had dismissed this idea.

Old Granny Zhang’s birthday was not a grand affair; only neighbors, Imperial Doctor Du, and a few classmates were invited.

They didn’t go to a restaurant; instead, the entire kitchen crew was hired to come to the courtyard directly, handling everything from buying groceries to serving, and finally cleaning up, without anyone having to worry.

After the autumn harvest, Wang Yongfu and his brothers’ business picked up again. They were thinking of heading into town for Old Granny Zhang’s birthday, so they informed the villagers, saying they would be away for a few days, and would resume business after they returned.

First, they sent a message to the county town, then the family packed up, hired a carriage in town, and headed to the county town.

When they arrived at the county town, everything looked novel and interesting to them.

Fortunately, the Changfeng Escort Agency was old acquaintances with Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin. Seeing them, they decided to do them a favor by transporting them directly to the Song Family Courtyard.

With so many people arriving at once, the two connected courtyards were bustling and full.

Song Chongjin had to go out daily to see teachers and classmates, leaving Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang to take them around the town.

After two days of touring, Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu were exhausted. Truth be told, the county town wasn’t very large, with only a few places to visit, easily covered in two days.

But the Wang Family couldn’t see enough. Hence, Wang Yongzhu had to hire two carriages, letting Old Granny Wu take them wherever they wished, as long as they returned home at night.

After staying for seven or eight days, the night before Old Granny Zhang’s birthday arrived, and the family was having dinner. Wang Yongzhu asked how Yang Zongbao’s banquet preparations were going. The Wang Family, almost forgetting the purpose of their visit due to the touring, finally realized why they were there.

Facing each other dumbfounded, they blushingly asked what they could do.

In the countryside, birthdays were simpler, the spread manageable. The women in the family all could cook, as long as they bought the groceries early, there was enough time.

Old Granny Zhang snorted, "Alright, you’re here to have fun for a few days, these things will naturally be handled by your sisters and uncles, no need for you to worry."

The brothers felt quite embarrassed, but Wang Yongzhu comforted them, saying that the advantage of the city over the countryside was that with silver, everything was manageable.

Ensuring that tomorrow their mother’s birthday would be lively and joyful would give them peace of mind.

Indeed, the next day, Yang Zongbao organized a lively event, with neighborhood female guests in the backyard chatting with Old Granny Zhang. Who didn’t know that Old Granny Zhang was the mother-in-law of the Old Master Graduate? Everyone flattered her.

Furthermore, it was her happy day, with many people joyfully surrounding her.

Lady Qi came too, as did the families of Song Chongjin’s classmates and friends, making it a floral and festive scene, leaving Lady Jiang and Liu Xiaoqiao in awe.

The outer courtyard was even more lively; although it was only a small affair not meant to disrupt others, it couldn’t stop the curious ones. Upon hearing the news, they arrived uninvited.

Fortunately, those handling the banquet were seasoned chefs from restaurants who, despite the increased number of guests from what was initially communicated, managed the situation calmly and efficiently.

Especially in the evening, as Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang checked the birthday gifts, the Wang Family widened their eyes in amazement.

There were all kinds of shimmering silks and fabrics. Lady Jiang and Liu Xiaoqiao dared only to look, not daring to touch them, fearing their calloused hands might damage the materials.

The pastries and tea leaves, even the longevity buns and noodles, were quite something.

Somebody even gifted a small pure silver figurine of the God of Longevity, heavy and exceptionally hefty.

The birthday gifts almost filled a room, with many unopened; they didn’t even know what was inside.

During the day, in the front courtyard, the Wang Family brothers were truly enlightened by the visitors with airs of Officials Masters, clad in silks far grander than the gentry in town.

Yet, in front of their brother-in-law, each addressed him as brother and dear brother.

Even the County Magistrate sent someone to present gifts, as had the magistrate and the County Magistrate, something beyond their wildest dreams.

The Wang Family brothers spent the day agape in disbelief. Though they knew Song Chongjin had passed as a graduate and was different from before, and the attitude of Lizheng and the clan leaders towards him showed it,

they had never understood so well what passing as a graduate meant for Song Chongjin.