Chapter 361: Contrasts

“Niece, Chen Yuejuan and I will go take a look at your garden. You carry on with your tasks. It’s an auspicious day today. Just let us know if you need any help,” Old Zhou’s wife, Dou Xinmei, suggested.

Feeling a bit embarrassed at her own verbosity, Dou Xinmei added, “Niece, don’t mind my rambling. You go ahead with your work. Chen Yuejuan and I will lend a hand where needed.”

With all the groceries procured for the day, the two elderly ladies found a place to sit and began helping with the newly purchased items.

Upon learning about Zhang Weiguo’s special day, the military academy leadership took it seriously. They not only dispatched chefs but also permitted several dormitory mates to assist. Even the bride’s car was provided by the school—an immense honor. While many were envious, they acknowledged that such treatment was reserved for distinguished individuals like Zhang Weiguo, who had emerged as a hero from the frontline. Their admiration couldn’t be attained easily.

The Wang family made comprehensive preparations, with Geng Lianhua and a few others busy with the arrangements. Zuo He and the other boys transformed into shoppers, ready to buy anything needed. The presence of a large group maintained order and prevented chaos. The chefs from the military academy also arrived to begin their preparations.

The wedding banquet took place in the Wang family’s courtyard. Besides the few elderly gentlemen and Zhang Weiguo’s colleagues from the capital, there weren’t many relatives to entertain. At the Bai family’s side, it was mostly siblings, so the attendance was limited.

Unexpectedly, the family members of the elderly gentlemens in the capital also decided to join in the festivities. Fortunately, the Wang family had made ample preparations. They quickly arranged for additional tables with the chefs to accommodate the unexpected guests, preventing any potential embarrassment due to the increased numbers.

The three brothers from the Chen family arrived with their wives, as notified by Chen Xu. Since there weren’t many people from the Wang family present, Chen Xu had simply mentioned the event to them, leaving the decision to attend up to their discretion. He believed that intelligent individuals would understand the significance of being present and observing for themselves. By refraining from divulging too much about the Wang family’s situation, he aimed to dispel any notions of opportunism among them.

Ever since her relationship with her son had improved, Zhang Jiuhong paid close attention to Chen Xu’s words. She understood her own son well and recognized the significance of Chen Xu’s statements, especially when he casually mentioned Zhang Weiguo’s upcoming wedding.

After careful consideration and discussion with her husband, Zhang Jiuhong felt it was appropriate to attend the event to show their support. They couldn’t overlook the fact that their father had been taken in by the Wang family, making it both a moral and social obligation to attend and maintain family harmony.

The decision was made for the Chen Guoqiang’s family to go. They informed the eldest and third sons about the event, leaving the choice to attend up to them. It wouldn’t be right to go without informing them. Therefore, the three brothers arrived together.

Throughout the journey, Shi Wenting kept grumbling. In her eyes, the Wang family remained rural, even if some of their children had attended university. She believed they lacked real power and influence, asserting that their association with the elderly gentlemen was the only reason for their status, questioning why they needed to be involved with them at all.

During the journey, Chen Guochao didn’t show any pleasant expressions to this woman. He used to think Zhang Jiuhong was difficult and uncouth, believing his own wife was much stronger than her. However, after going through these recent incidents, he noticed that Zhang Jiuhong could be reasonable at times. He also realized that his brother’s wife was quite perceptive and knew how to adapt to situations, unlike their own family member who was narrow-minded and fixated on trivial matters. Apart from gathering items for her own family, she only seemed to care about her relatives, while their family members didn’t have any positive traits.

Seeing her husband’s disapproving attitude, Shi Wenting refrained from causing any further trouble. Chen Guofu and his wife were indifferent, treating it as just another family visit. Previously, they had been joking around with their two brothers but had now opened up to their father. The couple felt it was important to foster good relations with the Wang family. As for the four university students, they recognized the potential influence they could have in their future careers. Regardless of what lay ahead, they currently felt content with the four children, considering that they wouldn’t be able to raise four university students themselves.

Old Chen, Mingcheng, and Qu Cungen stood at the door to welcome the guests who had arrived that day. Upon seeing their three sons, Old Chen’s face lit up with joy, inviting them inside to sit.

Qu Cungen, recognizing the elderly gentleman’s sons, hurriedly led them towards the courtyard.

Upon reaching the entrance, Zhang Jiuhong finally understood why her son had made those remarks. Previously, they had been narrow-minded, the they are envious of the grand house the Wang family had purchased. It dawned on her that they might never be able to afford such a large property even if they abstained from eating and drinking for their entire lives.

As they entered the house, the members of the Chen family were taken aback. What was this situation? Not only was the house grand, but it seemed to have been previously occupied by noble families. The fact that the Wang family could afford such a large estate left them in awe. They couldn’t help but inwardly sigh at their previous ignorance. Clearly, the Wang family was wealthy. Reflecting on the size of the garden, they wondered how many houses could be built on such a large property. However, seeing the once pristine garden now turned into vegetable plots by the Wang family, Shi Wenting not only felt envious but also a hint of disdain, viewing the rural folk as nothing more than that—rural folk who had turned a beautiful garden into a vegetable patch.

Zhang Jiuhong couldn’t help but feel a sense of schadenfreude as she glanced at her sister-in-law. Previously, it had been her sister-in-law who had been vocal and critical, especially towards other people’s children. Now, perhaps she realized what true affluence looked like and how being ostentatious could come back to haunt you.

Shi Wenting wasn’t foolish and sensed the meaning behind Zhang Jiuhong’s gaze. Feeling a surge of anger, she was willing to tolerate her husband’s behavior towards her, but she wouldn’t stand for her sister-in-law’s attitude, especially coming from a brother’s wife.

“Second Sister-in-law, what’s with that look? It’s as if I’ve wronged you in some way. If we’re talking about the past, you’ve certainly never been kind to other people’s children. Look at their circumstances now—even a small side room is bigger than our entire courtyard. Comparisons can be infuriating. Jiuhong, perhaps it’s time for you to reflect on your behavior at home. Their children have sent gifts, and I’ve noticed quite a few disappearing into your stomach,” Shi Wenting retorted sharply, her tone filled with frustration.

Zhang Jiuhong, feeling discontent, lowered her voice and leaned in close. “Sister-in-law, what can I say? You’re older, but that doesn’t mean you should forget everything. The food I ate was given to us by our father to take home. But I’ve noticed someone sneakily taking quite a bit for themselves, not even sparing the kitchen’s seasoning. Sister-in-law, isn’t that lacking in integrity? Don’t mock others for their faults when you have your own. Sigh…”

With an intentional sigh, Zhang Jiuhong moved towards her husband, leaving Shi Wenting angrily staring.

“Both of you should go and help out. Can’t you see that even the Third Brother’s wife is out there helping with the vegetables?” Chen Guochao remarked disapprovingly, casting a glance at his own wife.

Zhang Jiuhong, with a delighted expression, agreed, “Big Brother, we’ll go help right away.”

Zhang Jiuhong didn’t mind working as long as she didn’t have to be with her sister-in-law. In the past, whenever the two sisters-in-law cooked together, Zhang Jiuhong couldn’t stand Shi Wenting’s habits. She always felt the urge to compete with her, as any imbalance made her feel uneasy.

Meanwhile, Wang Xuan, Zhang Hua, and the others were busy helping in the kitchen. With the men handling the reception, including their nephews, Zhang Hua wasn’t overly concerned. Since she didn’t know the guests well, she felt she wouldn’t be of much help outside. Instead, she assisted in the kitchen alongside her niece. Wang Qian, Mingyuan, and a few others were inside greeting guests. Unexpectedly, Zhang Jiuhong and her group also joined in to help in the kitchen.

“Auntie, you’re the guests. It’s not right for you to come and help,” Wang Xuan expressed politely.

Zhang Jiuhong waved her hand nonchalantly. “It’s fine. We’re just passing the time. Since your family doesn’t have many relatives in the capital, it’s only right for us to lend a hand. According to your brother Chen Xu, he was treated well with delicious food and drinks at your place. I can’t cook as well as you do, but since we’re family, this little bit of work is nothing. I do the same at home.”

The second and third daughters-in-law of the Chen family pitched in, and Wang Xuan couldn’t stop them. She thanked them graciously, while Shi Wenting, who had been dragging her feet, approached. Both sister-in-laws paid her no attention. Unable to find guidance, Shi Wenting reluctantly approached Wang Xuan.

Since they were guests, and also here to repay a favor, Wang Xuan, although not particularly fond of Shi Wenting, maintained a courteous demeanor. She couldn’t afford to disregard Shi Wenting, especially considering Grandpa Chen’s presence.

“Auntie, why don’t you sit here for a while? I’ll be done soon. If you feel bored, you can take a walk in the garden. We’ve planted a lot of vegetables this year. If you like any, feel free to pick some to take home instead of buying them later,” Wang Xuan politely suggested to Shi Wenting. However, it seemed like Shi Wenting had a penchant for taking advantage of situations. With a beaming smile, she stood up, “That sounds great! I’ll go take a look. If there’s something our family enjoys, I won’t hesitate to help myself.”

Both Zhang Jiuhong and her younger sister-in-law shook their heads. It wasn’t about the cost of the vegetables; instead, they were mindful of the occasion. If they were visiting casually, they might have happily taken some vegetables, considering Wang’s generosity.

“Sister-in-law, I can’t accompany you outside like this in the future. It’s rather embarrassing,” Zhao Chune, being a teacher and an intellectual, felt uncomfortable witnessing her sister-in-law’s behavior. Not only did Shi Wenting refuse to help, but she also took Wang Xuan’s courtesy seriously.

“Wang Xuan, your aunt is just like that. Don’t take it to heart,” Zhang Jiuhong consoled.

Listening to Zhang Jiuhong’s words, Wang Xuan simply smiled. “Auntie, it’s no problem at all. It’s just picking vegetables. When you leave, I’ll gather some for you to take back. They’ll be fresh, homegrown, won’t cost much, and we have a large vegetable patch that’s more than enough for our family.”