The Evil Mother-in-law: Torment Children, Work Hard, Be Rich!-Chapter 341: The Emperor’s Grace

"Mom, since you’re now a Xiangjun, doesn’t that mean no one will dare to mess with our business?"

After Tong Huaqiong put away the imperial decree, the whole family sat down together sipping tea and eating snacks. Gu Taohua cheerfully asked about the impact of the Xiangjun title on their family business.

"Well, in the Pingchuan County area, for sure, no one would dare to mess with us," said Tong Huaqiong.

In the capital city, it’s a different story.

The city is full of hidden talents and many families are connected to the Capital.

In the past, no magistrate who came to Ning City could suppress these local tyrants, it was only Magistrate Yao, relying on the century-old Yao Family, who could manage it after arriving.

Gu Taohua beamed and said, "Then as long as we focus on doing business, we don’t have to worry about others plotting against us."

Just bringing such effect to Taohua Dessert was already satisfying for Gu Taohua.

After all, whether the pastries taste good or not, flaunting the Xiangjun title is useless.

People don’t buy the pastries because of the Xiangjun name, but because they are delicious and priced fairly.

Tong Huaqiong said, "In Yan Guan Town, whoever dares to plot against Xiangjun, I guess even the Emperor’s decree would be in vain."

Gu Jingzhe said, "Sister, since mom has become a Xiangjun, she will be supervised by Inspection Bureau people from various places. Especially so, we must be cautious and honest. Tomorrow, when you arrive at the store, emphasize this point to the clerks; they must not become complacent just because Mom is Xiangjun."

Gu Jingzhe knew that every place had inspectors, and these people were responsible for overseeing officials, as well as people like the princes or big families connected to the Royal Family.

As the newly appointed Xiangjun, it’s very likely someone is already watching Tong Huaqiong secretly.

So, the higher the family’s status, the more they should stay humble.

Tong Huaqiong gave Gu Jingzhe an approving glance.

This youngest son was on the right track.

In the past, when problems arose, she could parade around with the title of Widow Tong and be seen as weak and pitiful. Now, flaunting the Xiangjun title only makes her seem like a bully.

So, the Xiangjun title has both advantages and disadvantages.

Overall, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

Gu Taohua nodded.

Not to mention the clerks being complacent, even she felt a little carried away.

Not good, she had to curb herself.

Gu Dahuan said, "No matter what benefits being Xiangjun brings us, we should live as we always do."

Tong Huaqiong said, "That’s exactly the point Dahuan is making. Remember everyone, when you’re outside handling matters, don’t be afraid, but don’t cause trouble just because of the Xiangjun title."

Gu Taohua and others eagerly promised not to cause trouble.

"Mom, now even the Emperor in Shengjing knows you, so if our business reaches Shengjing, wouldn’t the Emperor have our back?" Liu Yue’er asked with delight.

Today, while she was hosting a meal for the villagers, they all said that even the Emperor in Shengjing was the backing for the family, which meant the Emperor was a backing for the Gu Family too.

In the entire Pingchuan County, this was explosive news.

Liu Yue’er was immensely proud. The Gu Family used to be poor; now they’re rich, but still just farming folk like those in Qinghe Bay. In the future, it might not be that way anymore.

Bringing up the Emperor silenced everyone in the family.

Liu Yue’er, oblivious, looked at Su Chengmin under the lamp and said, "Lai Fu, since you were in the Capital, have you met the Emperor? What’s he like, is he kind and approachable?"

Liu Yue’er had a favorable impression of the Emperor in Shengjing.

This old Emperor wasn’t bad at all, acknowledging even a rural woman’s merits.

Tong Huaqiong’s face darkened as she scolded, "Yue Er, what nonsense are you talking? How could Lai Fu have been to the Capital and met the Emperor?"

Only then did Liu Yue’er realize her slip of the tongue.

Although her mother-in-law hadn’t explicitly said so, Shengjing and the Emperor were taboo subjects in the Gu Family.

If it wasn’t for Tong Huaqiong receiving an imperial decree from Shengjing, there would be no mention of the Emperor in the Gu Family’s life.

She gently slapped her own mouth and said, "Mom, I didn’t mean to, I speak without thinking, please forgive me."

Tong Huaqiong smirked, "If you mention Shengjing or the Emperor again, just see if I’ll still forgive you."

Liu Yue’er felt a bit wronged and muttered, "But Mom, weren’t you personally appointed Xiangjun by the Emperor? Naturally, we should be grateful to the Emperor for his grace."

Without the Emperor’s favor, no matter how capable her mother-in-law was, she wouldn’t have been given the Xiangjun title.

Liu Yue’er felt that being grateful to the Emperor was the right thing to do.

Before Tong Huaqiong could scold Liu Yue’er, a cold laugh came from the shadows, saying, "Sister-in-law Yue’er, you should know that grace and rage from the emperor are both considered a favor. The one on the dragon throne treats you well today, you’re grateful, but if he decides to take your head tomorrow, you have to be grateful even in death."

Liu Yue’er, provoked by Su Chengmin, said, "But we common folks don’t partake in rebellions or anything, so why would we be the ones to be executed?"

As soon as she said that, everyone’s faces changed.

Su Chengmin’s gaze became stern.

Tong Huaqiong shouted angrily, "You’re getting more and more absurd. Yue’er, let me tell you, none of that ’The Emperor is our backing,’ or ’rebellion and execution’ nonsense. Stop saying stuff like that. You’re not going to the shop for a few days, stay home and learn writing. Copy every character I’ve taught you a hundred times, and you can leave when you’re done."

Reluctantly, Liu Yue’er agreed.

Her weakness had finally been seized by her mother-in-law. Not being allowed out was like a death sentence for her.

And having to practice writing was an even harsher punishment; she could barely hold a brush steadily.

Since returning from the capital city, under Tong Huaqiong’s directive, Liu Yue’er, Chen Sufen, and Gu Dahuan had started their literacy program.

Using evenings, sometimes taught by Tong Huaqiong, sometimes by Gu Taohua.

Now though...

Tong Huaqiong turned to Su Chengmin, smiling brightly and said, "Lai Fu, now that you’ve become a private school teacher, why not take on the task of teaching literacy to Sufen and Yue’er and others."

Could Su Chengmin refuse?

Obviously not.

Su Chengmin said, "Alright, the literacy task for my siblings-in-law is on me."

...

The news of Tong Huaqiong being appointed Xiangjun spread like wildfire in Yan Guan Town, naturally reaching the people of Black Dragon Pond Town who came to visit relatives or attended the market.

The people of Black Dragon Pond Town knew, so of course, the Tong Family did too.

Tong Fusheng and Mrs. Wang naturally wanted to go to Qinghe Bay to share Tong Huaqiong’s fame, but having been recognized once this summer by Tong Huaqiong, they dared not go again.

Tong Zhaodi then suggested that her married sister Pandie visit the aunt to smooth things over.

After all, Pandie’s father-in-law had not long been promoted to the village chief of Black Dragon Pond, and it seemed appropriate for a village chief to congratulate the Xiangjun from their hometown.

Tong Fusheng and Mrs. Wang thought this was a good idea.

So they went to see Tong Pandie.

Tong Pandie, heavily pregnant, was sitting at the door, arguing with her mother-in-law.

Tong Fusheng wanted to step forward to slap Tong Pandie.

Since recovering from her illness last year, this daughter seemed like she lost her soul, becoming more and more like her aunt, Tong Dajiao.

Instead of serving her mother-in-law, she was sitting at the door arguing with her, which made Tong Fusheng feel completely humiliated.