Chapter 393 - 392: Demanding
Mrs. Hu was utterly dissatisfied with the courtyard, declaiming indignantly, "This place is terrible. After all, we are landowners now, we run a business, and we are even relatives of the Senator. Living here with poor folks, it’s a shame not only for us but also for Mr. Chu."
By midday, the Chen Shi had taken them for a meal at a small restaurant, and then they paid a visit to Chen Ming’s residence.
This house was closer to Houbei Street, and it was just over a quarter of an hour’s walk to Chen Shi’s and Wang Cheng’s homes—it was situated in between their residences. If they bought it, Mrs. Wang would surely be pleased.
The house was relatively new—divided into three parts with a guest room, a screen wall, a main court, wing rooms, and a back-cover room. There was even a rockery in the courtyard...
The asking price was not low either, at 580 taels of silver. After a lot of haggling, they came down to a minimum of 530 taels.
Chen Ming liked it, but the price was indeed hefty.
Doubtful, Mrs. Hu broke into sobs, embarking on a tirade, "Look, dear, you’ve been working hard to support your brothers, and now they are living in such great fortunes. What about us? We can’t even afford a slum... Isn’t it said that good deeds bring good rewards? So why does God turn a blind eye..." Then sobbingly implored Chen Ming and Chen Shi, "Second and Third Uncle, I can’t believe you’ve forgotten how we’ve cared for you. Hast thou pondered thou would not have thine fortunes without thy brother supporting thy education. You guys should take care of your brother as he had you. Afu has bought a big yard for his uncle on a good road, he must also buy one for us..."
Mrs. Chen felt sorry for her eldest son, but she thought Mrs. Hu shouldn’t use Chen Afu as leverage. Having learned her lessons, Mrs. Chen is cognizant of the fact that Afu is not her biological kin and it’s not easy to placate him if he’s upset. Unlike Chen Ming and Chen Shi, they would naturally stick together even in dire straits.