Chapter 264: Nobleman

Translator: 549690339 ,

Truth to be told, Zhuang Jingye had never seen the county chief’s calligraphy before. It was because Zhuang Qingning was warming her new house and had been doing a lot in the village that he asked Zhuang Lean to request a piece of calligraphy from the county chief.

In doing so, they could both reward Zhuang Qingning for helping to improve the villagers’ livelihoods and show his authority and connections as the village chief, because he could even get the county chief’s calligraphy.

Zhuang Jingye thought this was a brilliant idea.

“Father, before you continue…” Zhuang Lean wiped away some sweat.

Hearing this, Zhuang Jingye’s face darkened. “You little rascal, what do you mean by that?”

“What do you mean ‘before you say more’, is it that you didn’t get the county chief’s calligraphy at all?”

Seeing Zhuang Lean’s lack of rebuttal, Zhuang Jingye felt more convinced that his guess was correct. He looked at Zhuang Lean with utter disdain, reached out and gave him a sharp rap on the head. “Tell me, how should I reproach you? You always brag about having a good relationship with the county chief. This was a gift from the county chief, that one was also a gift from him. Now, you can’t even get a piece of calligraphy?”

“Speak up, are all the stories you tell us false? Are the items you bring home just excuses to deceive me, pretending they came from the county chief? Do you consider me a naive three-year-old easily fooled by you?”

“This issue…”

When Zhuang Jingye thought of the promises he had made earlier and how urgent the situation was, he became more anxious. “You’re making me lose all face to save your own!”

“Father, father, calm down first.”

Zhuang Lean, who had been scolded and couldn’t interject, finally seized an opportunity to speak. “This matter, it’s not what you think.”

“How can it not be as I think? This is the reality now, how could it be a misunderstanding? This time, you have disgraced me in a big way. Have you taken note of that?”

Zhuang Jingye slapped himself on the cheek. “Do you see? You rascal, your actions have led to people hitting your father’s face, tearing it off, and throwing

it on the ground…”

“Father, the county coroner, Master Ding, is here…”

“…then stepping on it fiercely.”

Zhuang Jingye was taken aback. “What did you say? Master Ding is here? Is that true?”

“Absolutely!” Zhuang Lean replied, “Master Ding is almost here. I sneaked ahead to inform you. Let’s go and greet him.”

“Fine, fine, I understand.” Zhuang Jingye said, his excitement causing his nose to turn red. His hands couldn’t help rubbing together, “I didn’t expect that

Master Ding would come in person.”

How surprising it was that he had such great influence! Initially, he just wanted a piece of calligraphy. Now he has invited a real person to come.

His prestige in the village would be stronger from now on!

“Yes, I didn’t expect this either from Master Ding…”

“Silly boy, there’s a lot you didn’t expect.” Zhuang Jingye patted Zhuang Lean on the shoulder. “I’m going to let the villagers know. Don’t hesitate, make haste to guide the way. This is Master Ding’s first visit to our village. He is not familiar with the roads and might get lost. It’s sweltering out there, you wouldn’t want him to get heatstroke.”

“Yes, I’ll go right away.” Upon receiving the order, Zhuang Lean quickly retraced his steps and ran back.

He stopped after running a few steps and looked back, just to see his father Zhuang Jingye smiling and walking into the courtyard.

For some inexplicable reason, he felt something was off about his father, but he couldn’t put a finger on it.

Well, never mind that, he should focus on leading the way.

Zhuang Lean quickly jogged to welcome Ding Gaochang.

Zhuang Jingye returned excitedly to the courtyard and cleared his throat, “Everyone, lend me your ears.”

With the village chief taking the floor, the noisy, chatty villagers fell silent, their eyes fixated on Zhuang Jingye. Their ears were also pricked up, eager to hear what Zhuang Jingye had to say.

“Today is a great day as Miss Ning is warming her new house. To congratulate Miss Ning on moving into her new home, I have specially…

“Oh no, to be precise, a distinguished guest will visit Miss Ning’s house today. As for who this person is, you need not guess. Just follow me outside, and you will find out.”

The way he announced it had to be done subtly.

If he outright said that he had specially invited the guest, it would seem too showy.

It was better to be less explicit. He had already set the stage by saying that he had invited a precious gift for Zhuang Qingning’s new home. Now when everyone spotted Master Ding, they would not think otherwise but would be convinced that he had specially invited the guest.

After all, in the entire village, only he could invite a person of such status as Ding Gaochang.

When other people unintentionally mentioned it later, the envious looks and expressions of astonishment would definitely be more satisfying than openly saying it now. He would feel even more gratified.

Ah, how could he be so smart and capable?

Zhuang Jingye tilted his chin up proudly, walked over to Zhuang Qingning, who looked somewhat surprised, and whispered a few joyful words, “Come on Miss Ning, let’s take a look outside. This is a great gift I have specially prepared for you.”

“Oh?” Zhuang Qingning became even more curious about whom Zhuang Jingye had invited. Thus, she got up and accompanied Zhuang Jingye while leading the others in the courtyard to the front door.

Ding Gaochang’s carriage had already stopped next to Zhuang Qingning’s house under the guidance of Zhuang Lean. As he stepped out of the carriage, he saw some surprised faces looking at him.

“Master Ding?” Zhuang Qingning, surprised yet delighted, asked, “How come you are here?”

“Miss Zhuang.” Ding Gaochang greeted, “I’ve always wanted to find a good time to thank you properly. Unfortunately, I’ve been so busy with work at the County Government Office. Now that I’ve heard you are warming your new house today, I rushed over to congratulate you on moving into your new

home.”

“This is a pair of blue and white porcelain vases I brought for you. And these, these are a scroll written by Mr. Xu himself, as well as a blue and white tea set. He specifically asked me to bring these to you, to express his gratitude and to congratulate you on moving into your new home.”

“Thank you, Master Ding. And thank you, Mr. Xu.” Zhuang Qingning quickly expressed her gratitude.

“Miss Zhuang, please don’t be so formal.” Ding Gaochang quickly stopped her. “My being here today is all about our friendship, and it has nothing to do with ranks or statuses. In fact, given my age, I should be calling you Aunt Zhuang. Today, let’s regard ourselves as relatives. Please, no more formalities. Unnecessary courtesy might ruin everyone’s mood.”

Zhuang Qingning, who was familiar with Ding Gaochang’s character, nodded at his words, “Alright, Uncle Ding. Please come inside and have a look at my new house. Later, you can also taste our feast. Today we are having a tofu feast for

lunch.”