The City’s Strongest Son-in-law Chapter 2 - 2 2 A Complete Set of Five Million

“Feast your eyes on this!

A genuine imperial kiln teaware set from the Ming Dynasty, once gracing the palace tables.

It set me back a full five million, and acquiring it was no easy feat, relying on a friend’s connections!”

Tang Xiangdong sneered at Su Changfeng, his tone dripping with disdain. “What’s the matter, speechless?

You’ve clearly never encountered such a lavish antique in your entire life, have you?”

“Hmm, it is indeed a decent item,” Su Changfeng responded impassively.

He had been advised by Tang Qiulu to remain tight-lipped, so he offered no further comment. A wave of laughter swept through the gathering. Witnessing Su Changfeng’s apparent meekness, Tang Xiangdong escalated his taunts.

“Observe this teaware. Do you grasp the chasm between us?

It’s the difference between a man and a beast!

And you, the audacity to present gifts… your face is impossibly thick…”

“Enough.”

The words cut off Tang Xiangdong mid-sentence as a voice intervened. Tang Qiulu stepped forward, her expression clouded with displeasure.

“Tang Xiangdong, must you be so harsh?

It’s your prerogative to gift what you wish; it concerns no one else.

Are Su Changfeng’s presents not considered gifts?

Must we perpetually delineate between the exalted and the base?”

Though they had remained physically distant for three years, Su Changfeng was Tang Qiulu’s husband in name.

Tang Xiangdong’s public humiliation of him was a direct affront to her.

Tang Qiulu’s unexpected defense apparently caught Tang Xiangdong off guard, eliciting the first flicker of emotion on Su Changfeng’s usually stoic face since their marriage.

“Am I being harsh?

Tang Qiulu, are you ignorant of the significance of this family reunion?

These gifts are for Grandma.

Which family doesn’t scrutinize the quality of their gifts?”

Tang Xiangdong felt insulted and retorted, “I am merely attempting to impart some education, and I am cast as the villain?

Su Changfeng, do you truly believe you are acting reasonably?

And Tang Qiulu, if this good-for-nothing doesn’t comprehend, do you also lack understanding?”

“This…”

Tang Qiulu found herself speechless, her cheeks flushing as a sense of helplessness washed over her.

It wasn’t that Tang Qiulu underestimated the importance of the gathering.

However, with her financial means, unlike others who could casually spend millions on gifts, she simply couldn’t afford such extravagance.

Despite bearing the prestigious title of a Tang Family lady, Tang Qiulu’s family occupied a mere working-class standing, let alone the burden of supporting Su Changfeng, the good-for-nothing son-in-law who hadn’t held a job since their wedding.

The more she mulled over it, the more her anger intensified.

Seeing Su Changfeng’s impassive demeanor beside her only amplified Tang Qiulu’s sense of grievance.

She desperately wished for a divorce!

“Yes, these snacks may not hold much monetary value, but at least they are safe for consumption.”

Su Changfeng slowly approached Tang Xiangdong, deliberately reaching into the brocade box. He picked up a teapot, narrowed his eyes, and declared, “It’s far better than drinking from these counterfeit antiques and ending up hospitalized.”

“What nonsense are you spouting?!”

Tang Xiangdong froze for a moment before exploding in fury.

“How dare you call it fake?

Take a good look at your own worthless reflection!”

“The glaze is coarse, and the teaware, purportedly from the Ming Dynasty, bears the shape characteristic of the Qing era.

The most laughable aspect is the mark on the teapot's base: ‘Made in the Chenghua period of the Great Ming.’ Are you aware that imperial kiln tributes back then were marked with the dynasty, the specific district, and the kiln number?”

“Nothing aligns. Calling you an amateur is being generous.

Do you understand what modern high-imitation ceramics incorporate into their glaze to achieve such an appearance?

You intend for the Old Madam to drink tea from this?

Do you believe her health is robust enough for such risks?”

A barrage of questions followed. Though Su Changfeng’s voice was moderate, his words struck the room into stunned silence.

“…You, cease your slander!”

Tang Xiangdong attempted to maintain a facade of confidence, his gaze nervously shifting.

“I am the Old Madam’s grandson; how could I possibly harm her?

She seldom drinks tea anyway.

This item is likely intended for display…”

“So, you implicitly admit it?”

Feigning a sudden epiphany, Su Changfeng clapped his hands.

“Precisely, a ‘five-million-dollar antique,’ kept safely in a collection, viewed perhaps twice a year.

Who would be any wiser about its authenticity then?”

Damn it, why must this fellow interfere!

The plan, which was thought to be foolproof—exchanging the genuine article for a counterfeit, thereby gaining both prestige and profit—was unexpectedly thwarted by the revelation of truth in public by a mere good-for-nothing son-in-law.

Had Tang Xiangdong anticipated such an outcome, he would never have boasted so extravagantly…

“Heh, you’re quite skilled at putting on an act.

Pretending to be knowledgeable, aren't you?”

Composing himself, Tang Xiangdong feigned composure and sneered, “A mere freeloader who’s never laid eyes on a true antique. Think you can deceive people with fabricated tales?”

At his words, the relatives who had been murmuring with skepticism now seemed convinced Su Changfeng had misled them.

“I said, how could he possibly identify such items? He ought to know his limits!”

“Accusing Donglin like this is truly going too far.”

“Your hands are only suited for the kitchen stove. How dare you aspire to authenticate antiques? Utterly preposterous!”

The jeers came thick and fast, layering over the renewed mockery, and completely overwhelming Su Changfeng. He simply offered a shrug, devoid of any desire to elaborate further. He had no intention of explaining to them that he once had a dear friend with profound expertise in antiques and tea culture. Through constant exposure, he had absorbed a considerable amount of knowledge. While not on par with his friend's professionalism, he was more than competent compared to the individuals present. People tend to believe only what they wish to, after all. “What are you all discussing? It sounds quite animated.” Suddenly, a deep, authoritative voice echoed from the top of the stairs, instantly hushing the noisy hall. The relatives quickly shifted from scornful expressions to postures of respectful deference. The Old Madam Tang had finally made her grand entrance. Ever since the passing of the Old Master three years prior, all authority within the Tang Family had consolidated under Old Madam Tang. From the smallest internal disagreements to the major operational decisions of the company, every matter was ultimately decided by her. Her presence commanded the same gravitas as Empress Dowager Cixi, holding the fate of everyone in the room within her grasp. “Is that teaware from Donglin? Bring it here.” Her sharp eyes swept across the hall before settling on Su Changfeng. “You claim the items are counterfeit?” “Indeed,” Su Changfeng replied with a nod. Tang Xiangdong’s face instantly drained of color. While other relatives might be fooled, what secrets had the Old Madam not witnessed in her lifetime? It was rumored her family had been deeply involved in the antique trade generations ago. If she discovered the teaware was indeed fake, the embarrassment would be the least of their worries—her wrath would spell genuine trouble! “Damn it, if that happens, I'll just claim I was deceived myself. We'll bluff our way through this first…” “Why slander my grandson over what appears to be a fine antique?” After a brief, three-second pause, Old Madam Tang abruptly raised her head, fixing her gaze on Su Changfeng and questioning him sternly. Tang Qiulu regarded Su Changfeng with astonishment, then turned her attention to Tang Xiangdong. Though she couldn't fathom how Su Changfeng possessed such appraisal skills, she still held faith in his earlier pronouncements, recalling Tang Xiangdong's penchant for deceitful schemes and the tell-tale signs on his face. But what was unfolding now? Could it truly be that Su Changfeng had maliciously slandered Tang Xiangdong? “I did not, Grandma. Please, look closely at the signature…” Su Changfeng, though taken aback, was preempted by Old Madam Tang’s impatient gesture. “Look closely? Are you implying I’m too old to distinguish authenticity? This is authentic Ming Imperial Kiln teaware; if I declare it so, then it is!” “Very well, Su Changfeng. You’ve become quite audacious, daring to challenge the Old Madam?” “Apologize to Donglin immediately!” “Grandma, please try to calm yourself. There's no need to stoop to the level of such a worthless individual.” Clenching and unclenching his fists, Su Changfeng managed a wry smile. Yes, what was the point of arguing? Old Madam Tang possessed the discernment to verify authenticity; she simply chose to shield Tang Xiangdong over the truth. Compared to the prestige of a blood-related grandson, the dignity of a ‘Worthless Son-in-law’ like him was surely insignificant, wasn’t it? *Slap—* Suddenly, a sharp, resounding slap echoed through the previously boisterous hall.