Chapter 196: Impressive

Chapter 196: Impressive

Old Mao asked, "Grandfather Liu, should I let them in?"

Grandfather Liu didn't respond immediately but instead recalled an incident.

When Xingxing was here, she tried to cheer him up by sharing a story about how a carriage had almost hit her second aunt, who was pregnant at the time.

How could anyone be so reckless?

The four-year-old girl had said indignantly, her words filled with righteous anger, which was quite amusing to him.

Grandfather Liu finally spoke slowly, "The Zhang family, are they always like this?"

Old Mao paused to think, "When I was at the medical clinic, I overheard people saying that the Zhang family often behaves this way, and it's not the first or second time."

Grandfather Liu huffed, "I won't see them. Tell them to leave."

Old Mao went out to deliver the message.

Of course, Old Mao wouldn't relay Grandfather Liu's exact words.

Old Mao politely turned them away—

"Our Grandfather Liu is still recovering from the shock and can't receive visitors at the moment."

The Zhang family's messenger, with an apologetic smile, said, "We are truly sorry for frightening Grandfather Liu. When our young master returned home, he was punished by our master according to family rules and has been bedridden after a beating—these tonics are a small token of our apology from the Zhang family. We hope you will accept them..."

Old Mao politely replied, "The Liu family doesn't need these tonics. When our Grandfather Liu retired from his position, His Majesty, concerned that Grandfather Liu might lack tonics after leaving the capital, specially bestowed upon him a full cart of tonics. We still have them and don't need to trouble your esteemed family."

The polite words carried a clear warning, causing the Zhang family's messenger to break into a cold sweat.

The messenger had been sent by Lady Zhang to deliver a gift and gauge the situation.

But it was clear from the start that this was a foolish move.

After all, Grandfather Liu was no ordinary man—he was a Grand Scholar! Even though he had retired, he still had two sons holding official positions in the capital, along with many friends and colleagues!

Their young master's reckless driving, which nearly collided with Grandfather Liu, was a serious mistake.

But their Lady, out of love for her son, had insisted on sending him to deliver the gift and sound out the situation.

If the Liu family had accepted the tonics as an apology, their young master wouldn't have to face further embarrassment.

But not only did the Liu family refuse, they even mentioned His Majesty!

This was a clear signal to the Zhang family to wait for retribution.

The Zhang family messenger was drenched in cold sweat.

Just then, the county magistrate also arrived.

Wearing casual clothes and looking genuinely concerned, he said he had rushed over upon hearing that Grandfather Liu had been injured and wanted to inquire about his health.

The more polite the county magistrate was, the more the Zhang family messenger sweated behind him.

Old Mao was also very courteous to the county magistrate, bowing, "Your Honor, I apologize, but our Grandfather Liu is currently bedridden and truly unable to receive guests."

The county magistrate, looking deeply concerned, said, "I know of a famous doctor who has retired nearby. I could invite that famous doctor here tomorrow to check on Grandfather Liu's pulse..."

Old Mao thanked the county magistrate, appearing to appreciate his goodwill.

The county magistrate, looking very pleased, said, “Since that’s the case, I won’t disturb the old gentleman today. Let him rest well. If there’s anything you need from me, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Old Mao politely bid farewell to the county magistrate and returned to the estate, closing the gates behind him.

The Zhang family steward stood by, soaked in cold sweat.

The county magistrate finally noticed him.

He looked him over with a frown. “And who are you?”

As the steward was considering how to reply, the magistrate’s assistant already whispered the information into his ear.

The county magistrate’s expression changed. “Ah, so you’re from the Zhang family!”

The county magistrate looked disgustedly at the gifts the steward had brought and angrily said, “Lord Zhang sure has raised a fine son! He almost hit Grand Scholar Liu, and yet he only sends a steward to apologize?! This is an embarrassment to our Mapo County!”

Thinking deeper, if Grand Scholar Liu were to fall seriously ill after being hit by a spoiled young master under his jurisdiction, the matter might reach the emperor through Liu’s two sons in the capital!

His official career would be ruined!

The more the county magistrate thought about it, the darker his expression became.

The Zhang family steward’s legs trembled like sieves, and cold sweat poured down him like rain.

The county magistrate finally gave a cold laugh, muttered “Well done” under his breath, and with sleeves flaring, he stormed off.

The Zhang family steward’s legs gave out, and he fell to the ground.

His mind was filled with just two words.

We’re done for!

We’re done for!

The Zhang family steward stumbled back to the Zhang estate, where Lady Zhang was also anxious and uneasy.

With her husband not at home, and their son having caused such trouble, she had to do her best to make amends.

“How did it go?” Lady Zhang asked hurriedly.

The steward, looking bitter, recounted the events, and Lady Zhang’s face turned as white as paper. She paced anxiously. “What are we going to do!”

But as if things couldn’t get any worse, Lord Zhang stormed in from outside, entering the house and shouting, “Where is that disgraceful son?!”

He had been entertaining guests outside that evening, laughing and exchanging toasts with others, when some well-informed individuals had given him knowing looks and said some sarcastic things like, “Your son is really something,” among other nonsense.

At first, Lord Zhang hadn’t taken it seriously, thinking perhaps his only son had gotten into another scandal like vying for the attention of courtesans.

But then someone had sarcastically told him that his son had hit a retired Grand Scholar, and wasn’t that boldness worthy of admiration?

Lord Zhang had been struck like a thunderbolt.

Especially when the person had added with a smile that the county magistrate had rushed over to offer his condolences, and the Zhang family had only sent a steward with some gifts. Surely those gifts must have been something extraordinary, like a thousand-year-old ginseng root!

Lord Zhang felt both alarmed, panicked, anxious, and furious, wishing he could dig a hole to hide in from embarrassment.

He had been on edge, and rushed home without waiting for the banquet to end!

"What in the world is going on!" Lord Zhang's eyes were bloodshot as he shouted, "Where is that damned creature!"

Lady Zhang panicked, mumbling incoherently.

The steward, who had just returned from the Liu family villa, fell to his knees, trembling, and recounted what had happened.

Lord Zhang felt like he was about to collapse.

Lady Zhang rushed to his side to steady him, but Lord Zhang slapped her hard across the face.

Lady Zhang was stunned by the blow. Lord Zhang, with bloodshot eyes, cursed, "You foolish woman!"

When Lord Zhang finally found his only son, Zhang Hongjun, the boy was fooling around with one of the concubines in the courtyard.

Lord Zhang was so furious that his entire body shook with rage. He grabbed a stick and swung it at Zhang Hongjun, landing a brutal blow.

Zhang Hongjun let out a scream of pain.

"My boy!" Lady Zhang, heartbroken, rushed forward to stop Lord Zhang from hitting him again, crying, "What good will beating Jun'er do now that this has happened? If it comes to it, I'll empty my private stash and send the Liu family whatever they want!"