His eldest aunt froze for a moment, blinked several times, and averted her eyes before putting her smile back on. "Mother, what are you talking about? I was just asking what connections Dongzi has at the Border Defense Station. Are they strong connections?"
"Then why did you just ask whether Dongzi had made a lot of money? What do you think he goes out to sea for? He fishes. Every penny he earns is honest, hard-earned money."
"I just meant, hasn't he made a lot of money through the Border Defense Station? Look at all the boats he's brought home over the past year or two. That must all be thanks to the Border Defense Station. Money comes so easily to him..."
The Old Lady was getting angry listening to her and could no longer stay seated. "What's easy about it? He leaves early and comes home late every day, without even a moment to catch his breath. He certainly doesn't have it as comfortable as you, sitting at home all day. You only see him bringing home one boat after another. You never notice the dark circles around his eyes from being worn out every day."
"Any connections he has are because the officials like him. He earns his money through his own hard work. Haven't you seen him bringing back basket after basket of fish? Do you really think money falls out of the sky while he cruises around at sea?"
"I never said he was cruising around. I was just wondering whether his connections were strong..."
"Strong or not, they're none of your business. Do you think dealing with high-ranking officials is easy?"
"Mother, I was thinking that if Dongzi is on good terms with the officials, he could put in a word. Wouldn't that get a