As soon as Madam Zhang had this thought, Madam Tian on the other side spoke up, "Father, it's not that we're unwilling, it's just that we don't have much silver at home. Qing Tong is already betrothed, and marrying a wife will cost money. However, Qing Chen passing the Juren exam is a great occasion, isn't it? How about this: the Second Branch pays for the expenses, and then our First Branch and Third Branch contribute the labor. Wouldn't that count as all three branches organizing it together?"

As soon as Madam Tian finished speaking, Madam Zhang knew the Old Master would surely fly into a rage. After all, the Old Master was worrying so much for the First Branch, yet they not only failed to appreciate it but now wanted to take advantage without contributing financially—there was no such easy bargain! If things were handled according to Madam Tian’s suggestion, setting aside what the Second Branch might think, even their Third Branch would lose all face in public later.

Wang Qing Chen, hearing Madam Tian’s words, thought to himself, It was bound to happen like this; those ideas were just the Old Master's wishful thinking. The First Branch clearly doesn't appreciate it. He wondered how furious the Old Master would get now that he couldn't back down gracefully.

The Old Madam listened and looked at Madam Tian with disappointment bordering on anger, once again wondering why she had ever chosen her as the eldest daughter-in-law. After this moment of reflection, the Old Madam looked anxiously at the Old Master. Based on her understanding of him, the Old Master was definitely going to be angry this time.

Surprisingly, however, the Old Master’s first reaction to Madam Tian’s suggestion was not anger. Instead, he turned his head toward Wang Youliang and asked, "Eldest son, you are the head of this household; tell me your thoughts!"

Although Wang Youliang had stopped indulging in drink daily under the Old Master’s stern discipline, this did not mean he had turned his focus back to serious matters. Since quitting alcohol, he had been idle at home, doing nothing. The Old Master and Old Madam, seeing that he had given up drinking, hadn't pressed him further. In their minds, kicking the habit was already quite an achievement, and things could proceed slowly from there. Consequently, despite holding the title of household head, Wang Youliang never managed the affairs a head of the household ought to handle.

At this moment, when the Old Master specifically addressed him, Wang Youliang paused before replying, "Father, I have no opinion. As far as I see, it doesn't matter how it’s done; just discuss it among yourselves and proceed."

The Old Master could hold back no longer. He picked up his teacup and hurled it at Wang Youliang. Although he was angry at Madam Tian's short-sightedness, he was even more furious at his eldest son’s attitude. Didn't they ever consider who he was doing all this for?

This throw, however, missed Wang Youliang, which only fueled the Old Master’s indignation further.

The Old Madam naturally noticed this and quickly tried to placate him. "Old man, calm your anger! If you let this upset your health, it truly won't be worth it! Didn't Qing Chen just say? You are destined to live a long life!"

Wang Qing Chen quickly added his support, "Yes, Grandfather, Grandmother is right. Please calm down."

Hearing this, the Old Master took several deep breaths before barely managing to suppress the fire in his heart. He then glanced at the Third Branch members. In truth, it no longer mattered whether the Third Branch agreed or not, as the First Branch had already refused. Even if the Third Branch agreed, it would be useless. They couldn't possibly have the Second and Third Branches organize it together, could they? If visitors saw that, they would surely assume that the Second and Third Branches of the Wang family were at odds with the First Branch. That would be unacceptable.

So, the Old Master sighed, "Forget it, forget it. I won't concern myself with your affairs anymore; do whatever you wish! Second son, don't take to heart what I said just now. Consider it as if I never mentioned it. You, the Second Branch, handle the banquet yourselves!"

Wang Youfu hadn't expected the matter to conclude before his branch had even stated their position. However, since the Old Master had spoken so decisively, he quickly agreed, "Yes!"

Seeing Wang Youfu assent, the Old Master continued, "However, tomorrow’s trip to pay respects at the ancestral graves requires all members of the Third Branch to attend. Tomorrow morning, you all come to the Old Residence first, and then we will go together."

The Third Branch members nodded in agreement to the Old Master's instruction. Then, the Old Master waved, dismissing them.

After everyone left, the Old Madam looked at the somewhat dejected Old Master and advised, "Why do you worry so much? Not only do you upset the Second Branch unnecessarily, but the First and Third Branches don't even appreciate it."

"What? Was I wrong to do that? Didn't I do it so that the First and Third Branches could live better lives in the future?" the Old Master argued defensively.

"Your intentions are certainly not wrong, but you know the character of the eldest daughter-in-law. That woman is set in her ways for life; what foresight can you expect from her? She certainly wouldn't agree to your plan! If you ask me, it’s a blessing we called everyone over just now. If they weren't willing and you forced them to contribute money to the preparations, they would surely harbor resentment."

"Don't even start about her! Who insisted on arranging her marriage to the eldest son back then? Wasn't it you? Didn't you keep saying how virtuous and capable she was at managing a household? And what kind of character has she shown since marrying in? With her disposition, it’s truly the ancestors’ blessing that the eldest son hasn't ruined the family yet!" the Old Master fumed.

"Yes, yes, I was wrong back then, alright? How could I have known she would turn out like this? I only listened to my elder brother who said she was a good match, otherwise, I wouldn't have turned down other families just to insist on having her marry your eldest son! Don't be angry anymore; it was my mistake back then." The Old Madam admitted fault.

"Fine, she’s married now, and she’s been in our family for so long," the Old Master sighed.

"It’s good that you’re not angry anymore. You broke another teacup just now; I’ll see if we have a new one at home. You sit here and rest for a bit!" said the Old Madam.

The Old Master nodded, "Mmm, go ahead!"

With that, the Old Madam left, leaving the Old Master behind, still feeling stifled.

After stepping out, the Old Madam did not immediately search for a teacup. Instead, she went straight to Madam Tian. The Old Madam was extremely displeased with Madam Tian’s behavior just moments before. What a wonderful opportunity that was, ruined by the short-sighted eldest daughter-in-law! The Old Madam felt a pang of heartache, but given the situation, she couldn't say much then. Now that everyone was gone, she naturally needed to speak seriously with Madam Tian.

Soon, the Old Madam found Madam Tian and proceeded to scold her angrily.

Listening to the tirade, Madam Tian felt deeply aggrieved and muttered under her breath, "He doesn't even know if he has the fortune to become an official yet. What’s the use of flattering him now? What if we spend the money and gain nothing in return?"

Madam Tian’s voice was low, and the Old Madam didn't quite catch it. She snapped, "What are you mumbling about? Am I wrong? It’s one thing that you lack vision, but you’ve dragged down my three grandsons. If they don't have good futures, it will certainly be ruined by you, their mother."

Having vented her anger, the Old Madam went to look for a teacup. Madam Tian watched her back and spat out, "Hmph! Didn't you all agree to let Qing Tong drop out of school back then? If Qing Tong had kept studying, maybe I would be the mother of a Juren now, and I wouldn't need to flatter anyone! I haven't even blamed you yet, and you all take it out on me. Of course, you don't feel the pinch since you aren't the ones paying! That money was earned penny by penny; no one is getting a dime out of me!" With that, Madam Tian angrily turned away to prepare the meal.

Meanwhile, Wang Youfu, having returned home, happily told Yang Shi, "Tonight, we must prepare a proper feast! Then my son and I will have a good drink together!"

Yang Shi agreed, "Yes, I'll go call Aunt Wu over to help prepare right away."

Wang Qing Chen felt it was unnecessary to go to such trouble and said, "Mother, just a few dishes will do; no need to prepare so much."

"Hey, how can that be?" Wang Youfu objected. "You passed the Juren exam! Your father is overjoyed. We must have a grand spread!"

Yang Shi strongly agreed, "Yes, it’s been a long time since our family celebrated like this. We really should prepare a big table for our family to enjoy."

Hearing both Wang Youfu and Yang Shi insist, Wang Qing Chen didn't argue further.

When it was time to eat, Wang Qing Chen saw that Yang Shi and Aunt Wu had indeed prepared an enormous feast.

Wang Youfu, seeing the abundance of food, exclaimed happily, "Come, come! Qing Hua, Qing Chen, your father and I will have the first toast!"

With alcohol flowing, the atmosphere changed, and soon the table was filled with laughter and chatter, mostly dominated by Wang Youfu speaking while others listened. Wang Youfu grew increasingly animated, even dredging up stories from Wang Qing Chen’s childhood, saying, “...Even then, I knew this child would achieve great things. And look now, my son is a Juren...”

Everyone at the table could tell Wang Youfu was getting tipsy from drinking. However, no one panicked. After all, when they first learned Wang Qing Chen had passed the exam, Wang Youfu had also gotten drunk and kept recounting how intelligent Wang Qing Chen was as a child, proving he was destined for success. Seeing him like this again, the others were unsurprised. They quickly helped the intoxicated Wang Youfu to rest. Wang Youfu, clearly not quite satisfied, continued rambling to Yang Shi and the two sons supporting him on the way to his room.