The young madam had her malicious fun, yet she failed to realize that by giving the teacher a hard time, she was making things difficult for her mother-in-law. She was oblivious to her mother-in-law's growing anger. At this moment, she went on to say:
"Mother-in-law, haven't you already paid a wage? 18 taels is not a small amount. The most any worker in our household earns is two or three taels."
Madam Tang listened to her daughter-in-law's words but did not respond. Her chest was practically smoking with anger as she chose to ignore her daughter-in-law and instead spoke to her grandson:
"Eldest grandson, these two teachers could tutor you and your brother individually. What subjects do you feel you need to learn?"
Tang Shunyan, who had been sitting quietly and listening, didn't interrupt the adults' conversation. Despite his young age, he knew they were discussing the matter of the teachers' instructions, and his mother was, as ever, being difficult.
