Wang Yuanzhi was rendered speechless, his mouth agape, completely unable to retort.
But Fan Zehao, not yet satisfied, continued his barrage of questions, "How did the gold business become such a big deal?"
"What, is selling gold illegal now? If so, which country's law are you breaking? Is it the Cloud Country's, or the Inner City's?"
This hit the mark precisely. Wang Yuanzhi quickly explained, "No, no, it's not a big deal. You're right, I was just being overly cautious. Please don't be angry. I simply like you and want to keep you here for a few more days!"
After hearing his gentle words, Fan Zehao dropped the matter. His tone also softened, "Even if we hit it off, I can't be your son-in-law. I have a shrew at home, and if she disapproves, there's nothing I can do!"
The village chief's eyes glinted as he asked, "Then just how wealthy is your wife's family?"
"I wouldn't dare say rich enough to rival a nation, but at least enough to rival a third of it. Their treasure vaults are overflowing with gold; more than ten of them can't hold it all. As for silver, jewels, and jade, the amount is countless. Think about it, her family has been prospering since her grandfather's time, and they've continued to do so until now. How could they be short on gold?"
Wang Yuanzhi immediately shook his head, "That's impossible!"
The wealth accumulated over three lifetimes was immeasurable and inexhaustible. He hurriedly said, "This is a significant fortune, you mustn't let it go easily!"
Seeing his eyes light up at this revelation, Fan Zehao inwardly scorned him, though he showed no outward reaction.
"How about... you ask my wife to let Miss Wang serve her for a while? If she can please her, perhaps she could be a concubine first. Once the time is right, I can make Miss Wang the principal wife, and then..."
Wang Yuanzhi thought this might work, a way to cut corners. It would be better for his wife to speak than for him to take charge, as her words would carry more weight!
"Alright, I'll have Hui'er go and attend to your wife shortly. I'll make sure she's sweet-tongued!"
Fan Zehao smiled and nodded, having laid his trap and now waiting to see how his wife would play her part.
As Fan Zehao returned to his room and recounted the story to his wife, a knock sounded on the door. Fan Zehao quickly knelt on the bed, ready to offer a foot massage to his wife.
Zhao Jiaqi shot a glare at her husband and called out towards the door, "Come in!"
Wang Hui, upon entering, saw this scene. Her beloved man was acting like a submissive wife, causing flames to erupt in her eyes.
However, remembering her father's words to be patient, she could only lower her head and place the tea on the table.
"Haven't you eaten? Knock with more force! You're a grown man, your knock is so light!"
Fan Zehao meekly asked, "How about this strength?"
Zhao Jiaqi, leaning to the side with her eyes closed, letting out a hum, said, "That's acceptable!"
With that, she languidly lifted an eyelid and looked at Wang Hui, who stood awkwardly on the floor. "Miss Wang, is there something you need in my room?"
Wang Hui was startled, then stammered, "Ah... yes. I'll give your husband a leg massage. It's normal for him, a man, not to know how to do these things!"
Zhao Jiaqi looked at Fan Zehao, her eyes blazing. Before anything had even happened, this woman was already defending him.
She let out a cold scoff, "Are you feeling sorry for him?"
Wang Hui remained silent, lowering her head to begin massaging his legs. This left Zhao Jiaqi with a mouthful of words she couldn't utter.
This girl, who usually seemed so fierce and sharp-tongued, became so timid when it came to serious matters.
She was like a mouse carrying a gun, brave only at home.
Helpless, she turned her gaze back to the man below the bed. He rolled his eyes upwards. He had already sacrificed himself; the rest was up to his wife. He didn't care.
After all, it was her idea to resort to such a scheme. It was clear she had forgotten that he had also agreed to this bad idea.
With no other recourse, Zhao Jiaqi could only talk to herself, all the while glaring fiercely at her husband.
"Do you truly like my husband very much?"
Wang Hui's hands paused slightly, then resumed their massage after a moment. She did not answer, truthfully afraid that any word spoken wrongly might displease her further.
Zhao Jiaqi waited for a long while without hearing a reply. She was utterly exasperated. For a moment, she considered abandoning the plan. But they had come this far. Her husband had sacrificed his dignity and spoken those insincere words. To give up now would be truly regrettable.
"I'm already this old, my beauty has faded. It's understandable that my husband likes young and pretty girls. The main issue is that those women are all vamps, none of them showing me any respect. How could I possibly bring such people into our household?"
Hearing her sincere words, Wang Hui shook her head, "No, you shouldn't. You must find someone who is obedient to you, not only listens to you but also serves you at all times!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Jiaqi inwardly sighed. She had finally caught her! If she hadn't picked up on the conversation, Zhao Jiaqi would have almost had to beg her.
Zhao Jiaqi's lips curved into a smile. "You are indeed intelligent. If they were all like you, would I still need to worry?"
"No need!" Wang Hui replied, then knelt on the bed and kowtowed to her, her voice sincere, "Madam, I truly adore Brother Fan. If I could... I would definitely be obedient and serve you even better. Please, Madam, grant my wish!"
Looking at her profound affection, Zhao Jiaqi felt a pang of jealousy for a fleeting moment. But considering that this woman, knowing the man was married, still wished to be a concubine, her intentions were not entirely pure.
Zhao Jiaqi, in turn, offered her a piece of advice, "There's a saying: 'It's better to be the wife of a humble man than a concubine of a noble family.' Do you understand what that means?"
Wang Hui was taken aback. She couldn't grasp the meaning and simply stared at her blankly!
Seeing that she hadn't attended school, Zhao Jiaqi explained, "It means it's better to be the principal wife of a rural family than a concubine in a wealthy household. This is because the principal wife marries openly and rightfully, while a concubine merely packs her bags and enters the mansion through a side door."
Wang Hui understood the meaning. She lowered her head, her expression unchanged, not feeling any shame about her choice.
Zhao Jiaqi added, "The principal wife is the matriarch of the household, while a concubine is merely a plaything, someone who can be bought and sold. Do you know this?"
Wang Hui nodded, "I know. But I would rather be a concubine in a mansion than a wife in a farmer's household!"
Zhao Jiaqi: ...
"Why should I give up a comfortable life to live a hard one? I grew up in this mountain village, raising pigs, chopping wood, cooking. I've had enough of these chores. Not to mention, I would occasionally get beaten. I don't want to live my life like this!"
"Besides, once I marry and bear my husband a son or daughter, I can solidify my position!"
"Once you die, I will be the mistress of the Fan household. Who knows, I might even be the principal wife then. It's just a matter of enduring some hardship for now."