The situation of mother and son was soon learned by her ex-husband, Boss Ma from Jufude, who found out that both had gained the favor of the prince's wife and had become her capable subordinates. The idea struck Ma Jinwu; what if he could use this connection to climb the social ladder?
Thus, he began to show unprecedented interest in his son and ex-wife, first by sending food and drinks, and then shamelessly sending good quality fabrics and jewelry to Lady Mo, only to be decisively rejected by Eldest Lady Mo and Mo Liancheng. The gifts, along with the messenger, were thrown out, with a warning not to come again.
Undeterred, Boss Ma thought it over and decided to visit them himself, brazen-faced.
One day, while Eldest Lady Mo was teaching some children "The Three Character Classic" at the Nursing Homes, Old Woman Wang came in and said, "Madam, there is an Old Master outside who has donated a lot of rice and flour to our Nursing Homes. Would you like to meet him?"
