Shiliu smirked and teased: "Someone is missing you, could it be the young lady with a round face from Old Wang's house?"

Chang Geng finally couldn't help it anymore, his expression stiffened, and he bluntly said: "Yifu, teasing your son like this...is it appropriate?"

Shen Shiliu, of course, paid it no mind. He smiled and said: "Not appropriate? Oh, I have never been a father before. I do not know the proper boundaries. I will be more mindful next time."

Whoever tried to have a serious conversation with Shiliu would inevitably blow up in anger.

Chang Geng slapped the hand of this indecent man off of his shoulder and walked out first.

Teacher Shen said from the back: "Shiliu! Remember to come back early to chop the firewood!"

Shen Shiliu walked as if his feet were lathered with oil and shamelessly replied: "Can't hear you, goodbye!"

Chang Geng, who was pushed into a half-run half-walk, asked him: "When did you start to become deaf?"

Shen Shiliu only laughed, his expression unfathomable.

At this time, just as the two were passing the main entrance of Chang Geng's house, the gate creaked, and then opened.

A woman in a long white dress came out, and as soon as Chang Geng caught sight of her, the irritation mixed with annoyance on his face immediately vanished.

It was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on him from head to toe. The eyes that were still trying to suppress anger suddenly became hollow - even the fire and liveliness were withdrawn altogether.

The woman was Xiu Niang, Chang Geng's mother in name.

She was no longer young, yet her beauty had not faded away one bit. Standing in the morning light, she resembled a sketch of delicate beauty.

Even if she was a widow, such a woman should not be wedded to a lowly mayor from a small town far out near the border.

Xiu Niang fixed her attire, put her hands together, and bowed with utmost grace: "Lord Shiliu."

Shen Shiliu only directed his improper behavior towards Shen Yi. In the presence of a woman, he immediately took the shape of a true gentleman. He leaned slightly sideways and avoided looking directly at Xiu Niang's face. He greeted with refined courtesy: "Madam Xu, I'm taking Chang Geng out for some fun."

"Thank you for your trouble," Xiu Niang smiled without showing teeth. She then turned to Chang Geng and whispered softly: "Your father is coming back today. If you go out, remember to bring a box of lip color back for me."

She spoke as soft as a mosquito - as if the words could vanish into thin air, but before Chang Geng could answer, Shen Shiliu had cut in first: "Madam, rest assured."

Chang Geng: "..."