Chapter 49 Greeting Gift

Wang Fuzi had mentored many officials in the court and wielded considerable influence behind the scenes; offending him was out of the question. Shen Yishu still hoped that he could guide his three children to become talented and enter government service. He dared not lose his temper in front of Wang Fuzi and said sullenly, “It’s the children’s fault for being immature; please don’t take it to heart, Master.”

Unexpectedly, these words struck a nerve with Wang Fuzi.

Wang Yanpei pointed his thin, bony hand at Shunge and questioned Shen Yishu sharply, “You still claim that Hengge lacks brotherly affection, but look at your own son openly mocking his less knowledgeable younger brother in class, and verbally insulting his own sister born of the same mother. Is this the ‘affection’ you desire?”

“W-what?” Shen Yishu was taken aback.

Wang Fuzi was so furious he wished he could take up his teaching cane and give Shunge another beating. He shouted, “To call your own sister a stepping stone for your official career, only to gain personal benefits—this is what your children have become!”

Shen Yishu frowned, silently cursing in his heart.

It seemed that Shunge was still young and had spoken this blunt truth, which now handed others ammunition to scold him. He still cared about appearances; even if he disdained it inwardly and believed that Erya was only good for so much, he could not show it outwardly. Quickly, he shifted his tone and blamed Liu Xiner: “Look at the children you’ve raised!”

Liu Xiner was unwilling to take the blame.

She rolled her eyes internally, disdaining Wang Fuzi’s old-fashioned ways, and could only laugh awkwardly, “I never said such things. It must be Shunge’s maid who’s been gossiping and corrupted the child.”

“These maids... they were all given to me by the madam. Shunge is young and cannot distinguish loyalty from treachery or good from evil; that’s his shortcoming,” the blame thus fell on Dou Hongyan.

Liu Xiner continued to fan the flames: “Madam is busy every day with Hengge’s affairs. Erya hardly gets a chance to see her. Perhaps that’s why the children misunderstand and think Erya is neglected.”

“That’s a mistake, Aunt Liu,” Dou Hongyan said calmly. “You have never taken Erya out, keeping your daughter hidden tightly. I never even had the chance to present my prepared gifts. How can you talk of favor or neglect?”

She turned her head to signal Liuyun.

The long-prepared gifts were then brought forward—several sets of exquisite and precious scholar’s desk sets that clearly showed great thought and expense.

This effectively silenced Liu Xiner.

“My gifts!” Shunge’s eyes lit up.

Seeing that the inkstone was smoothly polished jade with flowing colors and rich hues, he instantly recognized its value and hugged it tightly, unwilling to let go.

In his heart, he thought the Dou family was foolishly wealthy to give away such treasures so casually.

Wang Fuzi stopped looking at Shunge and merely nodded to Dou Hongyan: “Good. Madam has put thought into this. With such valuable gifts, it will help steady their minds.”

With Wang Fuzi’s approval, Liu Xiner grew even more annoyed.

Seeing the children clutch the gifts ignorantly, she pinched them secretly, whispering, “These are too precious. I dare not accept them.”

“Ouch! Mother, that hurts!” Shunge’s eyes turned red as he reluctantly put down the inkstone. “I don’t want it anymore, I don’t want it!”

The scene turned chaotic, and Shen Yishu’s eyelids twitched uncontrollably.

He glared at the petty and embarrassing Liu Xiner, his tone stiff, “These were given by Madam; we are all one family—there’s no need for such politeness.”

Each of them was behaving disgracefully, which vexed Shen Yishu greatly.

Seeing this, Liu Xiner’s heart turned cold. She was unwilling to accept that the situation was tilting in Dou Hongyan’s favor and quickly reminded, “Madam invited Master to teach the children. I’ve heard he is strict. Please, Master, be lenient...”

“Hmph! Jade uncarved will not become a gem. If I show leniency now, when they err in the future, the law will show no mercy!” Wang Fuzi was about to raise his teaching cane to strike them.

The children immediately turned pale, casting hateful glances at Dou Hongyan, blaming her for inviting this old relic.

Dou Hongyan raised an eyebrow, remaining composed.

“Master, please wait. I still have something to say,” she spoke calmly.