When something happened, all the responsibility was pushed onto himself. Those people from the Song family were snobs. He believed that after he returned to the mansion alone today, his gloomy expression, coupled with the conflict he had with them, would soon be known to everyone. Surely some would be secretly delighted.
Old Master Song had once truly loved Madam Song, but today, because she had lost so much face for him, he couldn't help but feel a bit resentful. On the surface, he seemed to have compromised, but in reality, he had an unyielding nature and secretly resolved to find a way to solve the problem once and for all.
When Old Master Song went to trouble Wu Caiwei, Madam Hu received the news. She had expected to see a good show, but instead, the couple left dejectedly.
She couldn't help but ponder. Was the other party really as formidable as she claimed? This was not something she was willing to see. After years of suppressing the father and son, she didn't believe he wouldn't retaliate once he gained power, nor did she believe he would stand by and watch the Hu family's fortune fall into her hands.
On that day, many people witnessed their interactions. They all said that Hu Lianyu had been taken a liking to by a wealthy madam and was being kept as a kept man.
Old Madam Hu was furious when she heard the news. The thought of such a person emerging from the Hu family filled her eyes with murderous intent. She quickly sent someone to summon him.
Hu Lianyu scoffed when he heard the summons. He was a transparent figure in the Hu family, and no one had ever bothered to give him a second glance. Now, not only did someone come to him, but the old madam also wanted to see him. Knowing what she wanted to say, he couldn't be bothered to entertain her.
Watching the maid who came to relay the message leave in a huff, Hu Lianyu knew that soon someone would carry him there, even if he resisted. To avoid such an awkward situation, he quickly grabbed some copper coins and left.
Walking on the bustling streets, lost in thought, he didn't notice the disdain and pointing from others. Even if he had noticed, he wouldn't have cared.
"Mother, they are being too excessive." Song Ziyao knew the most about his mother's dealings with that Master Hu. After all, although he hadn't spoken much, he had stayed by Wu Caiwei's side the entire time. He knew his mother was serious this time. But he had no husband, and the other party had no wife. Why couldn't they be together?
Wu Caiwei looked at his indignant expression and patted his shoulder in comfort.
"They don't understand the truth at all, and they're saying such harsh things." Song Ziyao looked at her with admiration. If he were his mother, he absolutely wouldn't be able to tolerate it and would definitely catch those busybodies gossiping behind their backs and teach them a good lesson. Seeing his mother acting as if nothing had happened, while admiring her, his heart unconsciously calmed down.
Seeing them, the surrounding people exchanged glances and deliberately raised their voices, as if afraid she couldn't hear them.
"Some women are truly licentious. Not only do they steal other people's sons, but they also keep a gigolo. Whoever marries her is truly doomed for eight lifetimes."
"You don't know this, but I heard she's divorced. If it were me, I wouldn't want her either. Who knows how many times she's cuckolded the man?"
"If she were to get together with Master Hu and then have an affair with another man, do you think she'd be able to make Master Hu spit blood and die?"
"It's quite possible..."
Listening to their chatter, Wu Caiwei was amused by their audacity. She didn't want to deal with these ignorant people, but unexpectedly, they had run right up to her.
Just as she was about to say something, she saw Hu Lianyu walking towards her and immediately asked loudly, "Hu Lianyu, are you willing to be a live-in son-in-law?"
Hu Lianyu was jolted out of his thoughts. Seeing all eyes focused on him, he calmly replied, "I was just thinking about something else and didn't hear what you said. Could you please repeat it?"
"I asked if you are willing to come into our Zhou family as a live-in son-in-law?"
"I am."
The onlookers erupted in a fresh wave of discussion. They speculated about Wu Caiwei's identity. They heard she was just a rural woman with two children, divorced from her husband. Today, both her attire and the presence of her maids, as well as Master Hu's attitude, indicated that her status was not simple. Perhaps the rumors from before were inaccurate.
"Since when can the descendants of our Hu family marry into other families without my permission? You two can be together, but you must enter the Hu family's door."
At some point, a sedan chair stopped by the roadside. An elderly woman with white hair alighted from it. Judging by her attire and entourage, the crowd guessed her identity and were even more reluctant to leave.
Upon hearing her words, Hu Lianyu let out a cold laugh. "Anyone can find out about me. I was kicked out years ago, and a separate household registration was established at the county office. Old Madam Hu saying this now is rather laughable."
"Regardless, you are a descendant of our Hu family and represent the Hu family's honor. Have you considered your brothers and sisters by becoming a son-in-law to another family? If they are looked down upon, people will think our Hu family has fallen and cannot afford to support you."
Old Madam Hu was secretly fuming. If it weren't for the sake of her descendants, she wouldn't have to be on the street, surrounded by so many people, wanting to finish this quickly.
Unfortunately, Hu Lianyu was completely unmoved by her words. He shrugged indifferently, "I was already destitute. Everyone on this street knows that. When they see me, they avoid me like the plague, afraid I'll ask to borrow money. I don't know if the Hu family has fallen, but I'm so poor I'm about to starve. Back when I was in the Hu family, they didn't care if I lived or died. Why should I care about them?"
"You have no sibling affection whatsoever. It's fortunate you were kicked out then. A person like you is like a venomous snake, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Once you find a chance, you'll plunge others into eternal damnation." Old Madam Hu publicly slandered Hu Lianyu in front of so many people, her intentions truly malicious.
Wu Caiwei couldn't stand it anymore and retaliated directly, "Why say so much? Since Old Madam Hu is here, I want to tell you about Master Hu's situation. He is currently supporting eight people, all of whom have lost their ability to work, and even feeding them is a problem every day. As his grandmother, shouldn't you ensure your grandson can survive?
I heard he was disinherited years ago and left with nothing. He has indeed been short of money these past few years. Shouldn't you make amends? Also, he won't see any significant improvement in the next few years, so you'll need to take care of him. I think giving him a lump sum at once wouldn't be a bad idea. That way, he can buy a courtyard elsewhere and acquire some property. Sudan Novel Network
As for you saying we can't be together, I'll take you at your word. Since you say so, we won't have a wedding. He's unmarried, and I'm unwed. It's good to be entangled with each other; we can still go out and meet up when we have time."
Wu Caiwei spoke as if she were unaware of how bold her words were, her face not flushing and her heart not skipping a beat.