Paul Thompson's Relatives

Director Zhang forcefully downed several cups of wine, a bit drunk, and leaned on the table, saying, "Sigh, we absolutely cannot let Haizi Academy open, absolutely not!"

Zhang Zhuzi stared fixedly at Director Zhang, his gaze somewhat strange.

Qin Sanniang nudged Zhang Zhuzi's foot, "Zhuzi, what are you staring at?"

Zhang Zhuzi's voice was a bit weak, "Sanniang, you probably won't believe this, but that man is my relative. By generation, I should call him Second Uncle. He's even a juren, the head of Qingmiao Academy."

Qin Sanniang exclaimed, then looked Zhang Zhuzi over again, "Zhuzi, you have such a relative? A juren lord as your uncle? How come I never knew?"

Zhang Zhuzi scratched his head, a bit embarrassed, "A distant relative far removed. Besides, he's a juren lord, a scholar. We're just farmers scraping by. Our family was so poor before that when we visited, they wouldn't even let us inside the house. We haven't been in touch for decades."

Qin Sanniang made an "oh" sound, her eyes darting, whispering, "Zhuzi, the juren lord didn't like you because your family was poor before. Now that the family is wealthy, it's different. Having a juren lord as a relative, how could you not acknowledge it! Besides, didn't you hear what Director Zhang just said about Su Li and Haizi Academy?"

After speaking, Qin Sanniang pulled Zhang Zhuzi up, taking the gift originally meant for Su Li, and headed straight to Director Zhang's table.

Director Zhang, already somewhat drunk and in a bad mood, saw them coming and arrogantly rolled his eyes, "Who are you?"

Qin Sanniang hurriedly placed the gift on the table, smiling, "Second Uncle, I am Zhuzi's wife, Qin Sanniang. I've often heard Zhuzi say that his second uncle is a juren lord, a well-read man respected even by officials in Qingmiao City. I've always admired you, so Zhuzi and I came to pay our respects. A few years ago, our family was poor, but now we're better off and brought some gifts. Please don't disdain them."

Qin Sanniang pushed the gifts toward Director Zhang, her face beaming with a smile.

Director Zhang exclaimed, wondering when he had gained a relative named Zhuzi. He quickly recalled and seemed to remember such a distant relative. That family was very poor back then, but now, judging by their clothing and the quality of the gifts, they seemed quite wealthy.

People treat poor and rich relatives differently, of course. Director Zhang also noticed Qin Sanniang was pretty, so his attitude softened. "So it's Zhuzi and his wife. Oh my, it's been so many years since we last met. Come, come, sit down and talk."

Director Zhang made a welcoming gesture while secretly glancing at the gifts.

These gifts were originally prepared by Qin Sanniang through Su Li's help. Since Su Li's family was wealthy, the gifts were quite generous. To Director Zhang, this was a very sincere and substantial present.

With the gifts given, it was easier to talk. Qin Sanniang and Zhang Zhuzi sat down. Qin Sanniang, sweet-talking, started with some small talk and flattery, praising Director Zhang until he was delighted.

Director Zhang sized up Qin Sanniang and said, "I remember Zhuzi's family lives in Haizi Village, right? Isn't your village planning to open a school?"

Qin Sanniang immediately put on a sorrowful face, sighed, and said, "Yes, it's a woman named Su Li from our village who led it. Second Uncle, you know women should just stay at home, minding the house and raising children. How can Su Li be so restless, even building a school? What nonsense! That so-called Haizi Academy is just a rural thing that doesn't compare to your Qingmiao Academy."