"How dare they! My daughter is right here…"
In the end, Chen Song went out.
Two tables were set up in the courtyard. Chen Wanqing served up the dishes again, and Xu Su Ying and Chen De'an carried them out.
A fine son, a fine daughter, and a wife so virtuous and capable—soon, voices from outside rose in flattery.
Chen Song replied modestly, but he was inwardly pleased. His foul mood, a result of the trouble the old lady had caused, improved considerably.
Everyone was exhausted, so there was little talk. When the food was served, they wolfed it down and quickly filled their bellies.
After the meal, there was an inevitable round of thanks: "Thank you, Madam Xu," "You've worked so hard," and "Our young miss must be tired out too."
Xu Su Ying offered a few polite words in return, then had De'an carry hot water into the east room. The constables, who had been working hard all day, hurried inside to wash up.
