Those words struck a nerve with Wo Deren. His face twisted into a vicious snarl as he raised his fists to attack Chen Song.

Chen Song had been waiting for just this—for him to make the first move.

The law was clear: "In a brawl, should both parties be injured, each shall be judged according to the severity of their wounds as the law dictates. However, should the one who strikes second have just cause, and the first to strike suffer no injury, the second shall be held blameless."

The moment had come. Chen Song’s fists landed with brutal precision, and he aimed to inflict internal damage.

He had always been a good fighter, and since joining the government office, he’d learned even more useful techniques—like how to strike a man to make his organs twist in agony without leaving a single bruise on his skin. These methods were reserved for the most vicious criminals, and now, Chen Song was unleashing them all on this treacherous scoundrel.

Wo Deren, on the other hand, had always relied on underhanded schemes and sucking up to his superiors to maintain his position in the county government. Any real fighting skill he once possessed was long gone.

Pushed to his limit by Chen Song, Wo Deren threw all caution to the wind. He pulled a dagger from his waist and lunged, aiming for Chen Song’s vitals.

To any onlooker, it appeared as though Wo Deren, ignoring all professional courtesy, was repeatedly trying to land a killing blow, while Chen Song was the one constantly dodging and giving way.

The entire scene was witnessed by their colleagues, as well as the County Magistrate who had rushed over. Consequently, the enraged County Magistrate stripped Wo Deren of his post and expelled him from the county government.

Of course, Chen Song didn’t get away without a reprimand. But since he had successfully ousted a pest from the county government, the County Magistrate was secretly pleased. He only chided Chen Song lightly, warning him not to be so impulsive in the future, yet adding that should he encounter such a scoundrel again, he shouldn’t show any mercy. And with that, the matter was closed.

Now that he’d lost his position at the government office, would the merchants and commoners Wo Deren had previously wronged let him off so easily?

From now on, his life would likely be no better than a rat’s in a gutter, with no hope of recovery.

Chen Song was utterly delighted. He drove the ox-cart straight to a restaurant in the county seat.

It was the finest restaurant in the county seat, where a single vegetarian dish cost half a tael of silver. The Chen family had always said the place was a rip-off and had never once stepped inside.

But today, Chen Song was in an exceptionally good mood. He also felt that his wife had been working hard for days and finally deserved a rest. ’Is it really too much to treat the family to a good meal?’

Of course it wasn’t. Xu Su Ying went right ahead and ordered their specialty dishes: Stewed Lion’s Head Meatballs with Crab Roe, Quail in Fermented Rice Wine Sauce, Crystal Pork Knuckle, and a Braised Duck Hot Pot with Bird’s Nest and Winter Bamboo Shoots.

She also ordered Kung Pao Wild Rabbit, Fried Fish Fillets with Osmanthus, Almond Tofu, Auspicious Fortune Rolls, Shredded Chicken with Jellyfish Head, and for dessert, a Fragrant Milk and Water Chestnut Cake.

Ten dishes in total. They were clearly big spenders, a rare sight. The waiter beamed, his eyes crinkling with joy. After setting down a pot of tea, he hurried off with a wide grin to relay the order to the kitchen.

When the dishes arrived, each was a masterpiece of color, aroma, and flavor. The sight alone was enough to make De’an’s and Yao’an’s mouths water.

"I was just feeling the pinch of how much silver this meal costs, but we don’t even come here once a year, so I guess it’s okay to splurge a little. What’s the point of earning silver if you don’t spend it?"

Xu Su Ying glared at her son. "Can’t all this food shut your mouth? Quiet down. You don’t feel the sting because it’s not silver you earned. Every coin we’re spending is your mother’s!"

"But you were the one who wouldn’t order less a minute ago."

"I felt like it! What business is it of yours?" She turned to Zhao Jing. "Jing, don’t just watch, go on and eat. We rarely get to eat so well, so don’t be shy." As she spoke, she picked up a Lion’s Head Meatball with Crab Roe and placed it in his bowl.

The plate of Lion’s Head Meatballs with Crab Roe had only four meatballs in total, yet Xu Su Ying gave one to her son-in-law without a second thought. Her preference for him was plain to see.

Zhao Jing responded, "Auntie, I can help myself. I won’t stand on ceremony. You’ve been busy all morning, so you should eat and get your strength back too."

Everyone was indeed hungry, so the family set aside their chatter and dug in.

Zhao Jing sat close beside Chen Wanqing. He noticed that she had already helped herself to two pieces of the Fragrant Milk and Water Chestnut Cake and couldn’t help but lower his head with a soft chuckle.

After chuckling, he used the serving chopsticks to place a strip of fried fish in her bowl. The others at the table pretended to be focused on their own food, but out of the corners of their eyes, they were all watching the two of them. Even their ears were pricked, trying to listen in.

Zhao Jing’s voice was quiet, but everyone at the table heard him clearly. "Wanqing," he said, "you’ve already had a sugar cake and two plum cakes. You shouldn’t eat any more sweets, or you’ll spoil your appetite. The fish is very good—the meat is tender and has a wonderful savory flavor. Why don’t you try some?"

After a moment, Chen Wanqing murmured in agreement and slowly brought the piece of fish to her lips.

She chewed delicately, the muscles in her jaw moving with a soft, gentle rhythm.

It was noon, and just as Xu Su Ying had said earlier, the day was exceptionally bright and clear.