"See this? A genuine set of Ming Dynasty Imperial Kiln teaware, used in the palace. It cost me a whole five million, and I collected it with great difficulty through a friend!"
Looking disdainfully at Su Changfeng, Tang Xiangdong spoke, "What, dumbfounded? You've never seen such an extravagant antique in your life, have you?"
"Hmm, it's indeed a good item."
Su Changfeng said indifferently.
Tang Qiulu told him not to speak much, and he naturally wouldn't say more.
Everyone burst into laughter, and seeing Su Changfeng's cowardice, Tang Xiangdong continued to flaunt and ridicule him, "Look at this teaware. Do you know what the gap is? This is the difference between a man and a dog! And the nerve to give gifts, your face is truly thick..."
"Enough."
Before he could finish speaking, a voice suddenly interrupted Tang Xiangdong. Tang Qiulu stepped forward with a displeased expression and said, "Tang Xiangdong, is it necessary to be so harsh? It's your freedom to give whatever you want, it has nothing to do with us. Is what Su Changfeng gave not a gift? Must we always determine what's high and low, noble and base?"
Even though she hadn't even let him touch her finger in three years, Su Changfeng was still Tang Qiulu's nominal husband. Now, Tang Xiangdong's public humiliation of Su Changfeng was clearly a slap to her face.
Apparently, he didn't expect Tang Qiulu to stand up for him, and for the first time since the wedding, a ripple of emotion appeared on Su Changfeng's normally expressionless face.
"Am I being harsh? Tang Qiulu, do you know how important this family gathering is? This is a gift for Grandma. Which family isn't picky about their gifts?"
Tang Xiangdong felt embarrassed and sneered, "I'm just trying to educate, yet I'm the bad guy? Su Changfeng, do you think you're being reasonable here? And Tang Qiulu, if this worthless guy doesn't understand, do you also not understand?"
"This..."
Tang Qiulu was at a loss for words, her cheeks gradually reddening with a sense of helplessness rising within her.
It's not that Tang Qiulu didn't value this meeting, but with her ability, unlike others who could easily spend millions on gifts, she simply couldn't afford it.
Despite having the title of a Tang Family lady, Tang Qiulu's family was merely working class, not to mention supporting this Worthless Son-in-law Su Changfeng, who hadn't worked a day since their marriage.
The more she thought, the fiercer her anger became, and seeing Su Changfeng's indifferent expression beside her, Tang Qiulu felt even more aggrieved.
She really wanted a divorce!
"Yeah, these snacks aren't worth much, but at least they're safe to eat."
Su Changfeng slowly walked up to Tang Xiangdong, suddenly reaching into the brocade box to pick up a teapot, and squinted as he said, "It's better than drinking tea with these fake antiques and ending up in the hospital."
"What the hell are you talking about?!"
Tang Xiangdong was stunned for a moment before erupting in anger, "How dare you claim it's fake? Look at your worthless self in the mirror!"
"The glaze is coarse, the teaware claims to be from the Ming Dynasty but is shaped like a Qing Dynasty piece. The funniest part is the mark on the bottom of the teapot, 'Made in the Chenghua period of the Great Ming.' Do you know back then, imperial factory tributes were marked with the dynasty, zemlyak district, and kiln number?"
"Nothing matches up, calling you an amateur is being polite. Do you know what modern high imitation ceramics add to their glaze to make them look real? You're having the Old Madam drink tea from this, do you think her health is too great?"
A series of questions rang out, and though Su Changfeng's voice wasn't loud, it stunned the room into silence.
"...You, stop slandering me!"
Tang Xiangdong tried to maintain bravado, but his eyes darted around the floor, "I'm the Old Madam's grandson, how could I harm her? She doesn't even drink tea often. This stuff is probably meant for collection..."
"So, you're admitting it?"
Feigning sudden realization, Su Changfeng clapped his hands, "Right, a 'five million antique,' kept well in a collection, looked at less than twice a year. Who would know if it's real or not?"
Damn it, why is this guy meddling? The plan, thought to be seamless, using a fake for the real, gaining both face and profit, was unexpectedly ruined by a Worthless Son-in-law revealing the truth in public. If he had known it would turn out like this, Tang Xiangdong wouldn't have shown off so much...
"Heh, you're really good at pretending. Acting as if you know a lot, huh?"
Gathering his composure, Tang Xiangdong pretended to be calm, mocking, "A worthless freeloader who's never seen much of antiques. Do you really think you can fool people with made-up stories?"
With these words, the relatives who had been doubtful and whispering looked like they had been fooled by Su Changfeng.
"I said, how could he possibly recognize such things? He should know his place!"
"Accusing Donglin like this is really too much."
"Your hands are just meant for pots and pans. How dare you dream of authenticating antiques? Absolutely laughable!"
The taunts came one after another, mingling with the new round of mocking, drowning Su Changfeng in it.
He shrugged, having no desire to say more.
He wouldn't explain to those people that he once had a friend with high expertise in antiques and tea culture, and by listening over time, he developed quite a bit of knowledge. Although not as professional as his friend, compared to those present, he was more than adequate.
People only believe what they're willing to believe, don't they?
"What's everyone chatting about, it's quite lively."
Suddenly, a weathered and authoritative voice came from the top of the stairs, instantly silencing the noisy hall. The relatives quickly changed from their mocking expressions to stand respectfully.
The Old Madam Tang had finally arrived.
Since the death of the old master three years ago, all the power of the Tang Family had fallen into the hands of Old Madam Tang. From minor internal disputes to major company operations, everything was decided by the Old Madam. Her presence was like Empress Dowager Cixi, holding the lives of everyone present in her hand.
"Is that teaware from Donglin? Bring it to me."
Glancing around the hall, Old Madam Tang's sharp gaze fell on Su Changfeng's face, "You said, the items are fake?"
"Yes."
Su Changfeng nodded.
At this point, Tang Xiangdong's face turned pale. Other relatives could be fooled, but what hasn't the Old Madam seen? It was said her family was in the antique business back in the day. If she really found out the teaware was fake, losing face would be the least concern—if the Old Madam got angry, it would be real trouble!
Damn it, at that point I'll just insist I was also deceived, let's bluff our way through first...
"Why slander my grandson over a perfectly good antique?"
After a three-second silence, Old Madam Tang suddenly lifted her head, staring at Su Changfeng and questioning sharply.
Tang Qiulu looked at Su Changfeng in disbelief, then to Tang Xiangdong. Although she didn't understand why Su Changfeng could appraise antiques, she still trusted what he had said earlier since Tang Xiangdong frequently engaged in opportunistic tricks, and his expression betrayed the truth.
But what's happening now? Could it really be that Su Changfeng slandered Tang Xiangdong?
"I didn't, Grandma, look carefully at this signature..."
Su Changfeng was also stunned, but he was cut off by Old Madam Tang's impatient wave, "Look carefully? Are you mocking me for being old and unable to discern real from fake? This is Ming Imperial Kiln teaware; if I say it is, it is!"
"Alright, Su Changfeng, you've grown bold, daring to challenge the Old Madam?"
"Apologize to Donglin now!"
"Grandma, please calm down, don't lower yourself to the level of a worthless person."
Clenching and unclenching his fist, Su Changfeng let out a bitter smile. Yes, what's the point in arguing? Old Madam Tang was perfectly capable of discerning real from fake; she just preferred protecting Tang Xiangdong over the truth.
Compared to the face of a biological grandson, the dignity of a Worthless Son-in-law like him was nothing, right?
Slap—
Suddenly, a loud slap echoed in the noisy hall.