On the car, Zhang Guoqing began to recount how Zhao Chuan Guang mistook the eldest granddaughter of the Lin Family and how the Lin Family responded; how Mrs. Lin exposed their possessions; his mother-in-law’s naivety and her trust in the Lin Family members; the relationship between Mrs. Lin, Gu Ruyi, and Gu Mingzhu, and the Gu Family’s grievances.
He immediately started analyzing the Lin Family’s goals and Mrs. Lin’s hypocrisy. He suspected there were still some secrets from back then, making Mrs. Lin hesitant to acknowledge her father’s nephew and her own granddaughter. Understanding the Lin Family’s actions, he explained why he had to go to Beijing at the end of last year.
After speaking, silence filled the car. The behavior of the Lin Family left Mother Zhang stunned and speechless. Mr. Zhang subconsciously wanted to smoke, but found he had nothing and then remembered he didn’t bring his pipe.
After a while, Mr. Zhang sighed and said with a hint of melancholy, "The thoughts of these young ladies from big families are indeed complex. Fortunately, your mother-in-law is naive and silly, which is a good thing.
No wonder I saw Jiao Jiao’s godfather doesn’t pay much attention to Mr. Lin. I was curious why he recognized his daughter at the first meeting but never visited Jiao Jiao. Go ahead, visit at the year’s end and listen to your father-in-law. He’s a shrewd person and won’t make a mistake. Remember to discuss everything with Jiao Jiao and handle it together."
Zhang Guoqing explained, "Why did I prepare such thick gifts last time? It was to reciprocate all these years of their hospitality. Jiao Jiao’s grandma prepared a set of gold jewelry and some Jade Pendants as Ping’an’s wash ceremony gifts. We went and bought century-old ginseng and got two Wolf King’s Skins in return, just not wanting to owe any favors.
After my father-in-law found out, he told me that the interest on the money in his deposit alone is enough for the Lin Family to send parcels to Jiao Jiao every day, saying that only the Lin Family owes them, not the father and daughter owing the Lin Family.
Zuo Lin also told me that my father-in-law became successful before marrying his wife and didn’t rely on her for status. Now, apart from Mr. Lin, my father-in-law holds the highest official position in the Lin Family. This time when he goes back, they’ll all be staying in a small courtyard with a car assigned to them. So you needn’t worry, and also don’t mention it to anyone. It’s enough for us to know in our hearts."
Hearing this, Mr. Zhang stared at the back of Zhang Guoqing’s head, in a state of shock. His youngest son really has great fortune. Recalling the attitude of Secretary Li and others tonight towards him, he suddenly understood.
Reflecting on the night’s events, he suddenly uneasily asked, "Xiao Wu, is there any ulterior motive for Jiao Jiao’s godfather approaching your father-in-law? These officials are full of schemes, and people’s minds are unpredictable."
His words made Zhang Guoqing laugh heartily. He didn’t expect his honest father to start suspecting everyone. He then revealed to his father everything about Zhao Chuan Guang’s identity and family status, and his wife Huang Hui Min’s background.
Considering the future, as his father would often be interacting with the local heads in the county town, he went on to tell him about Zuo Lin and some other families in the county town, detailing their family status.
After listening, Mr. Zhang pondered and said, "No wonder you say your eldest brother’s job needs to be sought meticulously. Xiao Wu, listen to your father’s words—eat only what you can stomach. Even if your eldest brother gets a good position, it won’t make a difference; steadiness is what counts.
Listen to Jiao Jiao and resolve your eldest brother’s employment early, to prevent policies from tightening later, which would cost even more in favors. Today, with five or six cars coming and going, everyone saw it. Anyway, wanting to be low-key won’t work, you three brothers go to work, your mother and I will stay in your courtyard in the county guarding the gate. Others won’t find us."

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