Chapter 151: How Dare You Demand Compensation

The women in the back courtyard had just finished their banquet and were now sipping tea and resting. Once rested, they would move to the theater pavilion to watch a play.

Upon hearing that the younger generation of the clan had come to pay respects, the Hou Fu matriarch chuckled and said, "Quickly bring them in. It's freezing outside—don't let them catch a chill. Send someone to fetch Second Master; it's improper for him to be absent when the younger generation comes to pay respects."

The servants obeyed.

The steward, having received the order, did not immediately lead the group into the main hall to pay respects. Instead, he took them to a side chamber and rehearsed the steps, positioning, and order of their greeting.

Chen Guanlou and Chen Guanxin led the group—one the wealthiest among the younger generation, the other the youngest son of the clan's eldest uncle. Both had been educated and spoke with restraint.

After spending some time rehearsing, they only entered the main hall once Second Master arrived.

The entire room was filled with fragrance.

As soon as they entered the main hall, before even seeing anyone, a barrage of scents flooded their nostrils—all emanating from the women. Some were strong, some subtle, some like osmanthus, some like plum blossom… countless varieties.

Chen Guanlou kept his eyes lowered, leading the group forward to pay respects, yet his gaze kept flickering sideways. Both sides of the hall were filled with women—old or young, all dressed in dazzling splendor. A true portrait of beauty within a noble household. The younger girls, all his sisters by lineage, each possessed exquisite, moonlit beauty.

The Chen clan, for all else, could at least boast their looks—men and women alike were exceptionally striking. No one had ever seen an ugly one. Even Chen Guanqing, that sleazy man, had well-proportioned features—yet his middle-aged greasiness and vile aura ruined his good looks.

If any family gave birth to an ugly child, one had to question whether it was truly of Chen blood.

"Nephew-grandson pays his respects to the matriarch—may you enjoy long life and good health!"

Chen Guanlou led, and the group knelt together in a deep bow.

"Good, good, good—you're all fine children. Rise quickly."

The Hou Fu matriarch's surname was Ma—Ma Shi.

Gift preparations had already been made. After calling them up, the matriarch summoned each person forward, asked their name, which branch they belonged to, and what they did daily, then presented each with a greeting gift.

Chen Guanlou was the second to step forward—Chen Guanxin went first. When the matriarch learned he served in the Heavenly Prison, she visibly paused. "I've heard of you. You were educated?"

"Respected matriarch, this nephew-grandson studied for two years and can recognize a few characters."

"Studied? Good. Have you ever thought of doing something else? Let Second Master find you a post in the yamen—no need to be shy."

"This nephew-grandson thanks the matriarch, but for now, I don't yet know what I'm fit for. I'll first gain experience in the Heavenly Prison."

"That's fine! Though it's a lowly post, it's better than idling all day—it at least lets you make a living." The matriarch seemed pleased with Chen Guanlou's humility—he didn't try to climb higher. She picked the largest pouch and handed it to him. "Do your duty well!" Then she dismissed him.

After paying respects to the matriarch, they then paid respects to the two ladies and Second Master.

Second Master bore the classic Chen family appearance—a refined, middle-aged gentleman, nothing noteworthy. The two ladies and two young mistresses? Truly like plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum—each unique in grace.

Each was beautiful. Even the two ladies, though aged, remained stunning women, showing no trace of time. The two young mistresses? "Stunning" was too mild a word.

Chen Guanlou even believed that if either sister-in-law entered the imperial harem, she'd be more than qualified.

Previously, when Master Du spoke of the two ladies and two young mistresses, he imagined them as stern, world-weary, rigid women with sour expressions.

Now that he saw them in person, he realized how narrow his perspective had been.

In a wealthy clan, how could they marry off a daughter-in-law who was ugly? That would taint the appearance of future generations. Through every dynasty, official appointments began with appearance. Ugly? No matter how learned, capable, or well-connected, you'd never rise to high office.

To catch the Emperor's eye, to earn his favor—first, grow a handsome face. Otherwise, forget it.

Beauty is justice. Even the Emperor is not above this.

The Emperor is the greatest beauty-obsessed dog in the world.

If the favored minister Jiang Tu had been even slightly ugly, he'd never have been trusted by the old Emperor—he'd have been dead eight hundred years, with grass taller than a man growing on his grave.

After paying respects and chatting for half a cup of tea, when Second Master lifted his teacup, the group politely took their leave.

The entire process was warm, harmonious, perfectly courteous, and successfully accomplished its purpose.

Back in the outer courtyard's flower hall, they resumed the banquet. The kitchen continued sending out endless dishes—clearly, they wouldn't stop until nightfall.

Chen Guanlou could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, accepting every toast, knocking down one table after another.

They drank until the moon rose, then the banquet finally ended.

The cold wind blew, and the slight drunkenness vanished instantly.

Chen Guanqing kept trailing after him.

When he turned around and glared, Chen Guanqing immediately hiccuped from fright. Damn kid—what had he learned in the Heavenly Prison? At such a young age, he carried such heavy killing intent.

Chen Guanqing forced himself forward. "Brother Lou, you're not drunk, are you?"

"You're not drunk, so how could I be? What do you want?" Chen Guanlou was impatient with the man.

Chen Guanqing gritted his teeth, suppressing his anger. "You've claimed the young widow as your exclusive possession—fine, I won't compete. But shouldn't you compensate me?"

"What did you say?" Chen Guanlou rubbed his ear, thinking he'd misheard. "You want me to compensate you? You son of a bitch—you actually want me to compensate you."

He laughed bitterly.

Strange things happen every year, but this year they've been especially plentiful.

How much nerve did Chen Guanqing have, to demand compensation from him?

"You absolutely must compensate me," Chen Guanqing said, voice trembling but loud. "I've spent countless hours and effort on that widow. Now you just tell me to back off—don't you owe me something? Even if we take this to the clan for judgment, you're in the wrong."

Chen Guanlou clenched his teeth, feeling a toothache.

He'd always known Chen Guanqing was a piece of trash—but never imagined he'd be this shameless. What a disgrace! The entire Chen clan's face was ruined.

He smiled faintly. "What exactly do you want me to compensate you with?"

Chen Guanqing's eyes lit up. "I don't ask for much—give me fifty taels of silver, and I'll drop the matter. I'll even help you keep other toads away—like that bastard Chen Ergou."

Chen Guanlou burst out laughing. "Fifty taels? Chen Guanqing—do you think I owe you anything?"

He grabbed the man's earlobe and dragged him toward a dark alley. "What made you think I'm a soft target? How dare you ask me for money…"

"Ow! Ow! Ow! Chen Guanlou, let go of me, you bastard!"

"Playing 'old man' in front of me? Chen Guanqing, Chen Guanqing—you've truly lost your mind. Today, I'll teach you a lesson your father should've taught you—so you'll know who the real 'old man' is."