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Chapter 767: Chapter 772 Reward_1
All of this Grandpa Zhang observed quietly, thinking to himself that the Qiao Clan was very considerate.
Tan Zhenghong was not to be underestimated either. After receiving the imperial edict, he had already enshrined it in the ancestral hall, and even invited the village elders to accompany him.
If it were someone else, they probably would have been frightened into losing all composure.
It seemed he would have to maintain a good relationship with the Tan Family. Given their subtle thoughtfulness alone, the Tan Family was bound to achieve more than what they had accomplished today.
By then, it might not be clear who would be helping whom.
During the meal, Tan Zhenghong called out, "Grandpa Zhang, please feel free to eat, don’t be shy."
"It’s been many days since I’ve had such delicious food. Don’t just stand there, eat with me."
Grandpa Zhang said with a smile, focusing solely on the food, completely oblivious to the tearful expressions of the other diners.
In reality, they were only forcing smiles, bitterly complaining about Qiao Duo’er in their minds.
That was just too much!
They could all handle some spiciness, but the food today had really made their scalps tingle.
They envied Chen Yiling’s meal for pregnant women!
After eating and drinking their fill, Grandpa Zhang gave a thumbs-up: "Mrs. Tan is truly skilled, capable of making cosmetics and cooking. I’ll definitely ask the Saint for a piece of calligraphy for you once I return to the Capital."
In this way, he was also giving face to the Tan Family.
"Thank you, Grandpa Zhang!"
Qiao Duo’er was very grateful. Since Grandpa Zhang was in service in the study, if the timing was right, asking for a piece of calligraphy wouldn’t be difficult.
Grandpa Zhang waved his hand: "It’s a trifle, hardly worth mentioning."
After resting for a while, Grandpa Zhang started his journey back to the Capital. He had also planned to visit his hometown on the way back, so he could not delay even a moment.
No sooner had they seen off Grandpa Zhang than people from the village came to offer their congratulations one after another.
Now that Tan Zhenghong’s Family not only had wealth but also had been bestowed with an official rank, how could they not try to cling to his coattails?
"Ah Hong, you’re really something now. From now on, Big Willow Village is counting on you!"
"Ah Hong is a Sixth Rank Official, even greater than the county magistrate. Let’s see if people from other villages will dare to bully us anymore!"
...
For an entire afternoon, Qiao Duo’er was surrounded by various congratulations, and only after two hours did the courtyard finally quiet down.
Chen Yiling pursed her lips: "It’s all down to your family owning a marinated meat shop. Otherwise, I wonder where you would find so much Copper Coin to return gifts!"
The Tan Family’s return gifts were sixteen Wen and two eggs per family, and she helped count them too.
Otherwise, Qiao Duo’er and the Hu’s Clan would definitely not have managed with so many people.
The Hu’s Clan spoke up weakly: "I nearly exchanged all the Copper Coin yesterday, thank goodness for divine intervention."
She had been about to exchange them for Silver when Er Ya fell ill with a fever, leaving the task delayed.
"In the end, it’s my luck," said Qiao Duo’er proudly. How else could events have coincided so perfectly?
The Hu’s Clan agreed heartily: "It’s clear that you’re a person with good fortune. Alright, I won’t chat anymore, I need to set up my stall in town."
Before she could finish speaking, Huang Zhong had already appeared at the door.
With a flushed face, Hu’s Clan said most forcefully: "He must not know if there’s a stall today and came over to ask."
"I’m entrusting the marinated meat shop to you. Just handle the big and small matters as you see fit, there’s no need to report back to me," Qiao Duo’er raised her eyebrows suggestively.
With her face getting so red it nearly dripped blood, the Hu’s Clan ran out of the main hall.
Having disappeared in a flash, the Hu’s Clan left Qiao Duo’er and Chen Yiling exchanging knowing looks.
Was the Hu’s Clan reacting out of shyness?
Almost simultaneously, they both thought of this possibility and shared a knowing smile.
But since love affairs were not appropriate for others to discuss, Chen Yiling brought up another big topic.
