The Evil Mother-in-law: Torment Children, Work Hard, Be Rich!-Chapter 242: Hosting a Banquet to Celebrate

Not only was Tong Huaqiong curious about the commendation content on the plaque, but the onlookers were equally curious.

"Shopkeeper Tong, in recognition of your contribution to the villagers’ corn harvest, Lord Yao has specially issued this commendation to you," County Magistrate Liu said with a beaming smile.

Seeing the villagers in his jurisdiction receive the magistrate’s commendation, County Magistrate Liu also shared in the honor.

Tong Huaqiong thought to herself that it was no wonder the commendation was delivered now; it was at Lord Yao’s behest.

With a command from County Magistrate Liu, the red silk on the plaque was dramatically pulled off.

In the autumn morning light, Tong Huaqiong saw the four large characters "Selfless Dedication" written on the plaque.

This was a commendation for her selflessly providing the pesticide to eradicate the corn blight.

The village chief had already ordered fireworks to be prepared. When the plaque was hung, the fireworks exploded in celebration.

Everyone cheered amid the noise, and each person was full of joy.

This was the first time anyone in Qinghe Bay had received a government commendation.

Moreover, it was a woman, making it all the more significant.

Man Er and Yaozu, with a group of children, stood among the red firecracker papers cheering, and Tong Huaqiong caught sight of County Magistrate Liu’s son, Liu Yanhong.

Liu Yanhong followed behind Man Er, his face beaming with joy.

"Godmother, I want to eat pastries," Liu Yanhong shouted as he ran over to Tong Huaqiong.

"Good grandson, I’ll get you some later," Tong Huaqiong chuckled as she gently rubbed Liu Yanhong’s head, the words coming naturally.

She felt that now she could absolutely live up to being called godmother by the county magistrate’s son.

Tong Huaqiong looked up at the plaque, feeling that it had become her protective amulet.

When she first became Tong Dajiao, she relied on Gu Jingzhe to earn her status and honor.

Now she achieved it on her own.

"What’s written on this?"

Everyone was very curious about the characters on the plaque.

The villagers all wanted to know its content, but most of them were illiterate and couldn’t understand it.

"Selfless Dedication," Gu Taohua loudly read out, pointing at the plaque.

"Wow, Tong Dajiao is amazing. Not just in Qinghe Bay, but nowhere in the entire Yan Guan Town has anyone received a government commendation."

"This is well-deserved for Aunt Tong; she saved so many acres of corn."

"This plaque can protect the Gu Family now, right? In the future, if someone like Xu Yong wants to bully Tong Dajiao again, they’ll have to cross this plaque."

"When will we ever get a government commendation? I wouldn’t hang it on the door; I’d place it on my ancestral tablets and offer incense every day."

...

Everyone was chattering away, some envious, some jealous, and the air was filled with the sour smell of envy.

Even after the plaque was hung, it wasn’t over. County Magistrate Liu then had someone recite a tribute.

The tribute praised Tong Huaqiong for her great sense of justice and selflessness, constantly thinking of her fellow villagers...

A shower of beautiful words was directed at Tong Huaqiong, making the corners of her mouth twitch—she didn’t even know she was so great.

After the tribute, a government official came up with a box covered in red silk.

Under the curious gaze of everyone, County Magistrate Liu uncovered the red silk.

A box of gold nearly blinded everyone.

"Given Aunt Tong’s contribution to the corn harvest in this county, this is a reward of one hundred taels of gold from me," County Magistrate Liu said, casually changing "Shopkeeper Tong" to "Aunt Tong."

It’s just as the magistrate called her; as a subordinate of Lord Yao, calling her that was perfectly fine.

After all, calling her godmother just wouldn’t do.

Tong Huaqiong took the gold with both hands, her breath coming in short gasps.

She initially thought there would only be spiritual encouragement, without any material reward.

Now, County Magistrate Liu’s commendation encompassed both spiritual and material aspects, so how could she not be happy?

After all, no one can resist the temptation of gold.

Once County Magistrate Liu had presented the plaque, recited the tribute, and awarded the gold, Tong Huaqiong invited him into the courtyard for tea.

Gu Taohua, along with her two sisters-in-law, brought out melon seeds, pastries, and hot tea. Gu Dashu handed out red envelopes to the officials who accompanied them.

After draining a cup of tea, County Magistrate Liu departed with the government officers in tow.

He had to return to the county government to handle cases.

Liu Yanhong wanted to stay, and County Magistrate Liu directly entrusted Tong Huaqiong with his care for a few days.

Tong Huaqiong: "..."

"Aunt Tong, my youngest hasn’t been diligent in his studies lately, so let him stay at your home for a while, working in the fields with Brother Da Han to temper and toughen him up," County Magistrate Liu said, placing Liu Yanhong’s small hand in Tong Huaqiong’s, and quickly got into the sedan, as if afraid the child would be returned.

"Sorry to trouble you, Aunt Tong."

Tong Huaqiong: "..."

County Magistrate Liu had his reasons for doing so.

Tong Huaqiong had saved his son, and her pesticide allowed Pingchuan County’s corn to rid itself of blight and usher in an abundant year. As the parent officer of Pingchuan County, his career would shine as a result. Not only that, but she also saved his cousin, Lu Zhaoyang, who was once limited by his health and unable to travel to the capital. Now healed, he would take the exams in a couple of years, and in the future, Lu Zhaoyang would be his partner in officialdom.

County Magistrate Liu felt that ever since the Liu Family met Tong Huaqiong, only good things ensued.

His own son was spoiled and unruly from a young age, so perhaps staying in Tong Huaqiong’s home would spur him to improve.

After discussing it with Mrs. Liu, they secretly managed to bring Liu Yanhong to Tong Huaqiong’s home under the guise of visiting relatives.

Tong Huaqiong hurriedly instructed Chen Sufen to fetch some boxes of pastries from the house and load them into County Magistrate Liu’s sedan, asking him to deliver them to his mother, Mrs. Han.

Leaning out from the sedan, County Magistrate Liu instructed his son, "Liu Yanhong, you must listen to your godmother. If you don’t behave, her firewood stick at home can be used to discipline you."

Arriving in Qinghe Bay, Liu Yanhong felt as free as a bird released from a cage and readily agreed, "Dad, don’t worry. I will definitely listen to my godmother."

Tong Huaqiong felt a headache coming on.

What kind of situation was this, the son of a county magistrate staying in Qinghe Bay, akin to leaving a golden egg in the eyes of the community?

They say she can discipline him, but can she really do it?

"Godmother, I’m off to play with Man Er."

Seeing his father’s sedan leaving, Liu Yanhong released Tong Huaqiong’s hand and ran to play with Man Er and a group of children like a released bird.

Before long, Tong Huaqiong heard Liu Yanhong arguing with other kids.

Kids squabbling was normal—as long as no one was crying, Tong Huaqiong decided to let them handle it themselves.

"Tong Dajiao, you’ve been commended by the government. Isn’t this a joyous occasion, shouldn’t you have a few banquets?" Aunt Qin gleefully came to congratulate after the officials left, clamoring for Tong Huaqiong to host a feast.

"Yes, yes, a few banquets," others echoed.

"My in-law mother being commended is a joyous event; there’s no shortage of food and drink for everyone," Zhao, the mother of Liu Yueer, proudly stated.

Her capable mother-in-law was getting recognition from the government.

With a mother-in-law who got government commendation, her daughter’s future good days were guaranteed.

Zhao was even happier than Tong Huaqiong herself.

Tong Huaqiong usually preferred not to be high-profile.

But now, there was no hiding; with County Magistrate Liu making such a spectacle, not just Qinghe Bay but the whole Yan Guan Town surely knew of her commendation.

For the villagers, it was akin to a joyous occasion like a wedding or having a new baby, and it called for a celebratory feast.

Living in Qinghe Bay, she couldn’t escape the customs.

In her past life, upon being accepted into a prestigious university, her father hosted over a dozen tables for factory workers. This life, achieving a government commendation, she would host her own celebration meal.

Just as a tribute to her hard work across parallel worlds.

Thus, Tong Huaqiong smiled and said to everyone, "Of course, we should have a few banquets to celebrate."

The crowd cheered in excitement.