Tang Shoude claimed that his ancestral home was in Sanqing County, and that his family had some convoluted familial ties with the Zhaos; he invited Chen Shiying to stay with the Tangs. Studying in the Tang household would undoubtedly be more conducive than in the inn - it would be quiet and there would be personal attendants to cater to his needs.
Chen Shiying had not had any prior relations with Tang Shoude, so of course he couldn't accept gifts of silver from his household, nor could he stay with the Tangs. He only expressed his gratitude for Tang Shoude's kindness multiple times. Never did he expect that the Tangs would approach his mother in an attempt to marry their daughter off to him and jointly force Mrs. Wang to leave.
Chen Shiying had known Wang Juanniang for many years and had always found her gentle, virtuous, knowledgeable, and courteous. Their relationship was excellent – closer than that of biological siblings.
