Chapter 1989: These Bastards

The uncles and aunts of the Zhao Family were jubilantly praising the Shao Family, envisioning future gatherings where they could entertain guests with the exquisite tea leaves. Thus, Zhao Di’s disparaging remark, “I’m so poor I can only rely on these tea leaves,” struck a discordant note.

Uncle Zhao reprimanded him sternly. “Enough! If you persist in finding fault where there is none, I won’t tolerate it if you embarrass yourself and bring ridicule upon the Zhao Family!”

The aunt chimed in with a smile, “They made it clear that this gesture is to honor the elders, and you’re not one. You needn’t see us off. Moreover, you had no business coming here today.”

With these words, they cast reproachful glances at Zhao Di.

This troublemaker knew exactly what he was doing! Thankfully, he hadn’t caused any major disturbances today. Otherwise, how would they answer to Zhao Shu?

Firmly, she scolded Zhao Di and warned him sternly against repeating such behavior. If he failed to mend his ways, she’d be forced to discipline him herself!

Zhao Di seethed with anger, hatred, and frustration. He sneered and retorted, “Do you think I wanted to come? It’s all because of my father’s orders! Someone with a clear conscience is eager to snatch assets in front of an unfilial son, yet my father still pines for him and insists we inspect this family’s background. We couldn’t refuse, could we? It’s not like an unfilial son can disobey!”

“Enough!” Uncle Zhao’s voice cut through the air, his expression icy. “Sorting out family affairs is no easy task. I have no interest in discussing your family’s matters, but Zhao Shu is here for the bride, so cut it out!”

“Don’t spout nonsense about unfilial sons. Zhao Shu has long been adopted. Your father is not his father! If you keep up this foolishness, I’ll have someone escort you back immediately. Do you understand?!”

Veins pulsated on Zhao Di’s forehead as he clenched his fists, consumed by hatred and jealousy.

These hypocrites!

Once the wealthiest man in Yangzhou City, these people had once sought his favor. Now that his family had fallen from grace, they’d shifted their stance. It was nothing but taking advantage of Zhao Shu to target him, albeit in a polite guise.

Zhao Di dared not argue with the elders of the family, yet his dissatisfaction simmered beneath a forced smile. “Uncle, rest assured. I’m not that unreliable. But I’ve heard some things from the village. The Shao Family isn’t an easy bunch to get along with. Word has it that Zhao Shu had his eye on a girl from the third branch of the Shao Family, but she was snatched away by the first section of the family…”

The elders of the Zhao Family were taken aback.

Such rumors existed? They had been completely unaware.

Seizing the opportunity, Zhao Di felt a surge of self-satisfaction. He had been ready to embellish the tale and tarnish Taotao’s reputation, thereby souring the Zhao family clan’s impression of her. However, before he could elaborate, he was interrupted by the Zhao Family aunt.

“With Zhao Shu’s character, he can’t be easily manipulated by others. Don’t spread baseless rumors on account of mere hearsay. If Zhao Shu catches wind of this, it won’t end well.”

“We all know how much Zhao Shu values this girl from the Shao Family. How could he have favored someone else first and then turned his attention to her? Either you’ve been fed some nonsense, or there’s been a misunderstanding.”

“Exactly! I saw the girl from the Shao Family today. She’s quite pleasant. It’s no wonder Zhao Shu took a liking to her!”

“Agreed!”