The wicked mother-in-law doesn't try to whitewash herself; she only abuses her awful children.

The whole family stopped going to town and started shopping to prepare for the banquet.

At this time, Mr. Qian, the owner of Fenglelou Restaurant, Mr. Huang, and others arrived from the town after hearing the news.

"Congratulations, congratulations, Manager Tong." Master Huang, with his hands behind his back and his pregnant belly protruding, stepped down from the carriage and greeted Tong Huaqiong with a smile.

"It's a pity I learned the news too late." Mr. Qian was quite regretful that he didn't get to witness the hanging of the plaque.

"Congratulations, Sister Tong!" Madam Hong emerged from the carriage with a beaming smile.

He Chao naturally received the news as well. He did not come along, as he should help his boss guard the shop on this auspicious day. So his wife, Hong, came to Qinghewan to offer her congratulations on his behalf.

Tong Huaqiong greeted Master Huang and the others with a smile and led them into the courtyard.

Having known each other for so long, this was the first time that Master Huang had visited Tong Huaqiong's home in Qinghewan.

He couldn't help but marvel at how Tong Huaqiong, a widow, had managed to open a shop, buy land, and receive government commendation in such a short time, starting from selling pastries at a stall.

Now, not only Yanguan Town, but also Pingchuan County and Fucheng all know the name Tong Huaqiong.

To Tong Huaqiong's surprise, Gu Baishuang sent her son Nie Xiaofeng to deliver a congratulatory gift.

Nie Xiaofeng looked like he was being forced with a knife to his throat, his face clearly showing his displeasure.

Nie Xiaofeng disliked Tong Huaqiong's family from the start, and given his youthful nature and inability to hide his displeasure, it was always on his face.

Tong Huaqiong didn't care about his expression; even if Nie Xiaofeng was unwilling, he had to call her maternal grandmother. Since she had brought a gift, she was a guest, and Tong Huaqiong warmly invited Nie Xiaofeng to drink tea.

Tong Huaqiong's enthusiasm stunned Nie Xiaofeng; he was really not used to getting along with such a step-grandmother.

He would rather Tong Huaqiong remained as sharp-tongued and sarcastic as before, because he still knew how to deal with her.

Tong Huaqiong, however, did not do as he wished. After asking about Gu Baishuang's situation, Nie Xiaofeng gave a vague answer, put down the gift, and ran away.

Tong Huaqiong didn't pay any attention to it.

"During the Great Cold and Great Heat, you two go buy groceries."

After inviting Master Huang to have tea inside, Tong Huaqiong came out and instructed the Gu brothers, Dahan and Dashu, to buy groceries and prepare for the banquet.

"I heard from Manager Tong that you want to treat everyone to a meal? No need for that. I'll send someone to my place to order a few tables. I guarantee the whole village will be happy." Boss Qian once again rushed up to Tong Huaqiong to make his presence known.

"Mr. Qian, no need to trouble yourself. This is my happy occasion, so naturally I will prepare it myself." Tong Huaqiong distanced herself from Mr. Qian.

Knowing that Tong Huaqiong's rejection was genuine, Boss Qian dared not continue his pursuit.

“Mother, let me take care of the feast. It’s a joyous occasion that you’ve been honored, so our feast should be lavish.” Chen Sufeng happily volunteered.

Gu Taohua and Liu Yue'e chimed in, discussing the idea of ​​using large carp, braised pork hock, braised mutton, and other large pieces of meat to make up the storefront.

Tong Huaqiong thought for a moment and waved her hand, saying, "It doesn't need to be so lavish."

Gu Taohua asked, puzzled, "Why isn't it lavish? Mother, this is your happy occasion! It's not like we can't afford to have a big feast."

Besides, we're not short of money at home, so why is Mother being stingy?

Gu Taohua didn't understand, nor did Chen Sufeng and Liu Yue'e.

Tong Huaqiong wasn't just worried about the money; she was thinking much more deeply.

Today, Tong Huaqiong's peach blossom dessert business is thriving, and she has even developed a medicine for ear rot, earning her recognition from the government.
It was a scene of dazzling prosperity and splendor, inspiring envy and jealousy alike.

Especially since they all live in the same village, why is it that Tong Dajiao, who used to be looked down upon, is now so successful?

The feast you've prepared, filled with lavish meat and fish, will only make others more envious.

For the villagers, meat is a rare treat, eaten only a few times a year. A big pot of stewed meat and vegetables is enough to satisfy them, and most importantly, it's oily and flavorful. If you, Tong Huaqiong, were to have a feast with fish and meat flowing like water, it would arouse everyone's jealousy. They might even turn around and curse you after eating your fish and meat, hoping you would suffer the consequences.

We all live in the same village, so why should we?
This lavish feast has set a precedent; how will we arrange things for future celebrations in the family? So the best approach is to have meat on the table, but not just large amounts of fish and meat.

So as not to spoil everyone's appetite.

Tong Huaqiong then asked Chen Sufen to prepare a large pot of stew, which contained meat, soup, and meatballs, served with snow-white steamed buns. This way, everyone could enjoy the meal without arousing jealousy.

After listening to Tong Huaqiong's explanation, Gu Taohua, Chen Sufen, and Liu Yue'e finally understood the deeper meaning behind Tong Huaqiong's words.

“Mother is so thoughtful,” Chen Sufen said.

"Of course! Otherwise, how could Mother have received the government's commendation? We're the ones who benefited from it." Liu Yue'e flattered Tong Huaqiong.

"So you all need to think things through more in the future. Don't just act on impulse, especially since our family isn't what it used to be," Tong Huaqiong said, seizing the opportunity.

Gu Taohua and her two daughters-in-law nodded in unison to indicate that they would obey.

Upon hearing that there would be a feast, the villagers all stayed at the Gu family's house to help out without being told.

They picked vegetables, cut meat, started a fire, and went to each house to move chairs and tables, preparing a lively and bustling feast.

There was no special chef invited; the meal was prepared by Chen Sufeng and the village girls and wives.

Following Tong Huaqiong's instructions, Chen Sufeng led the group to stew several large pots of vegetables and meat, steam buns, and make soup.

The quantity was large enough for the villagers to eat their fill.

Large bowls of meat and vegetables were piled high on the table, and everyone ate them with steaming hot steamed buns.

"It's so fragrant!"

"As expected of Aunt Tong, there's plenty of food!"

No one sat at the table anymore; instead, they filled their bowls with food and ate until they were stuffed.

It was the first time that Liu Yanhong, the young master of the county magistrate, had eaten the communal dishes at a rural banquet. He excitedly ran around the courtyard with his bowl in hand.

The crowd murmured, wondering why the magistrate's son would run away at the smell of meat like a dog.

Tong Huaqiong specially prepared a table of home-style dishes and set it up in the house to invite Master Huang and others.

The lively atmosphere continued until mid-afternoon. After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill and helped clean up, they gradually left Tong Huaqiong's courtyard.

They either went to the fields or went home.

Soon only Tong Huaqiong and a clump of bamboo were left at home. Gu Jingzhe, upon hearing the news, also rushed home from the private school in town.

Everyone was so busy that they didn't have time to think about Tong Huaqiong's commendation. But now that everyone had left and the family members were face to face, they were happy again.

“Mother, this is a great joyous occasion that comes only because our ancestral graves are emitting auspicious smoke. We should burn incense in front of our ancestors to let them know about this great event. Also, we should take down the plaque and place it in front of Father’s memorial tablet so he can see it. We should also put out a hundred taels of gold for him to see.” Gu Dashu said excitedly.

"I'll burn your ancestors' legs!" Tong Huaqiong blurted out.

His face looked ashen.

The Gu family members: "."

This honor was earned by Tong Huaqiong through her own abilities, not by the blessing of the ancestors of the Gu family. She had no connection with the ancestors of the Gu family, so she naturally did not want to burn incense for them just because she received the honor.

The Gu family members had no idea how Gu Dashu had offended Tong Huaqiong on such an auspicious day.

Gu Dashu is right. When a family in the village has a happy event, such as the birth of a child, a good harvest, or a wedding, they all burn incense in front of the ancestral tablets so that the ancestors can share in the joy from the afterlife and express their gratitude for the ancestors' protection.

Moreover, receiving such a significant commendation from the government is something to be proud of, and one should certainly offer a reward to one's ancestors for eighteen generations. (End of Chapter)