Chapter 168

Renting is fine, you can change places anytime, but buying a house is different, which is why Yingxiang is so serious about it.

It's always good to do more research at the beginning. Although she had some general ideas before, there were many practical issues to consider.

I'll be living in this house for at least five or six years after I buy it. I can always move later when I've made more money, but I need to make sure I'm comfortable living here for the next few years.

“My lady, if your husband is an official, it would be best if he lived in the city. If his rank is high, the closer to the palace the better. Officials work very hard going to court every day, and the capital is very big. If they live far away, they might have to get up at midnight. Over time, that might not be good for their health, as it would be too strenuous.”

As the matchmaker led Yingxiang along the road, it grew dark. She muttered a lot of things, and undeniably, some of them made sense.

Although we now have carriages and horses at home, we can't ride fast in the city. If we accidentally bump into a crowd, the consequences would be much worse.

Many officials in the capital traveled by sedan chair, which was certainly safer and more secure than riding a horse.

Yingxiang led Wen Yixin to see another house before dark. However, compared to the previous one, this one had a much larger garden, but the house itself was too small and not spacious.

"It's getting late. I'll go into town tomorrow, and we can continue our exploration then."

"good."

The matchmaker glanced at Yingxiang; she still had quite a few properties available.

As soon as Yingxiang led her son back home, Liu rushed over.

"Third son's wife, how was your day running around?"

Yingxiang sat in the hall, drank half a bowl of water, and then shook her head.

"I didn't see anything suitable."

"Buying a house is a big deal. Sister-in-law, take your time looking at different options, there's no rush."

Upon hearing Yuqin's words, Liu Shi was somewhat displeased and gave her a sidelong glance.

"Why isn't it appropriate?"

Old Man Wen sat at the head of the table. Despite his calm demeanor, he was very concerned. Who would want to live outside the city if they could live in the city?

"Originally, I was thinking of having two children and wanting to buy two similar houses on the same street so that they could be combined or connected. But there aren't any suitable houses in the city. Buying one large house would allow us to divide the property later. Today I looked at two houses. One is almost on the edge of the city, and the other has a small interior and the layout isn't as good."

"How much would this set cost approximately?"

Old Man Wen asked in a somewhat casual manner.

"It will cost at least ten thousand."

Yingxiang didn't go into too much detail.

"Third son's wife, let me go with you tomorrow. You're still young and don't have the ability."

"You stay home and behave yourself."

After hearing Yingxiang's words, Old Man Wen immediately refuted Liu's statement.

It's understandable to consider the children's future. The third child now has two sons, the older one is getting on in years and will be able to get married after the next exam.

This year, several of his grandsons who are studying are preparing to go to the prefectural city to take the exams. It's convenient to go directly from the capital to the prefectural city. This includes the two grandsons from the eldest son's family and the grandson from the second son's family.

Le Qian is the next contestant to be selected. Considering how capable his father is, Old Man Wen thinks that this grandson must be exceptional.

Ultimately, the most important issue right now is housing.

“Your mother and I haven’t earned much money these past few years. We’re getting old and don’t have much to give. Third daughter-in-law, I’ll give you some money later. Try your best to buy a nice house. I trust you. Take your time and look around. There’s no rush.”

In Old Man Wen's heart, Yingxiang was the most capable of all his daughters-in-law.

As for Liu, she's not much different from the eldest son's wife—lousy and incompetent. But if you ask her to get things done, she's a complete failure. The third son's wife, having followed him around, has gained some experience and won't be easily fooled.

Afterwards, Old Man Wen actually gave Yingxiang two hundred taels of silver.

"It's not much, but it's still my parents' retirement money."

Yingxiang did not refuse. He knew that things were different now than before. If he really bought a house in the future but did not let his parents live there, he would not be able to argue with them. If someone impeached him for being unfilial, he would be dismissed from his post at best, and lose his official position at worst. The price was too high.

The old couple are getting old, so just feed them well and take good care of them.

They were willing to pay, and she wasn't embarrassed to accept it.

"Father, don't worry, I'll continue watching first thing tomorrow morning."

“The child is still young, and it will distract you if you take care of him. Why don’t you let the child stay at home? I see there are servants in this house, and they are all quite capable.”

Xin Xin glanced at Old Man Wen, then at her mother. He held Ying Xiang's hand and shook his head.

“Father, he has just arrived in the capital. I will take him with me. It will be good for him to look around and get familiar with the city. He will be studying here in the future.”

"Okay, you can decide."

At night, Xinxin climbed into bed, very happy. The rooms here are limited; the couple Wen Shi were originally allocated only two rooms.

He wanted to sleep with Yingxiang and was reluctant to stay in Leqian's room. Wenshi wasn't there, but Yingxiang didn't refuse.

It was the same all the way.

"Mother, everything will be fine when Father comes back in the future."

"This capital city is really great, there are so many shops and so many people."

Yingxiang smiled and patted his head.

Over the years, the couple has rarely been separated for such a long time, except for the time he went to Beijing to take the imperial examination.

She wasn't very well-informed in the capital; when Wen Shi's official appointment documents were sent to Jiangzhou, she hadn't even arrived in the capital yet.

Wen Shi has now received his official appointment document.

But he couldn't just leave right away.

All things considered, I've been here for almost three years, and I have a good relationship with some officials, including Yang Xun.

His promotion was a joyous occasion, and everyone congratulated him with smiles, including Duan Tongzhi. Yang Xun didn't think too much about it, even though Wen Shi's official career was more prosperous than his, but Wen Shi had indeed made sacrifices as well.

He could have chosen not to do many things, but he did them anyway, and he has a very good reputation in Jiangzhou.

He had met the emperor before and left an impression on him.

Late at night, Wen Shi lay on the bed, feeling somewhat excited, but mostly overjoyed.

His prediction was correct, and his previous efforts were not in vain. This time when he returned to the capital, he not only got promoted to a fourth-rank official, but also went to the Ministry of Rites.

The Ministry of Rites is not as good as the Ministry of Personnel, but it is still a good one among the Six Ministries, as it is a civil official.

Wen Shi turned over and began to plan for the next few days. He needed to set off as soon as possible, but he also needed to have a meal with some people to say goodbye. He couldn't just leave without a word.

When he returned, his wife would surely have already prepared everything that needed to be prepared. Thinking of this, Wen Shi closed his eyes and decided not to send the letter yet, nor was there any need to.

As for the official who would replace him, he didn't care. It wasn't something he could control; it depended on the Ministry of Personnel's arrangements, since he didn't have any connections or influence there.

The following morning, Wen Shi immediately arranged for his servants to start packing. When Ying Xiang left, he had already taken most of his belongings with him. What remained were some of his books and personal clothing.

Inviting guests to dinner was not difficult; he simply arranged for someone to book five tables at the largest and best restaurant in Jiangzhou and have them delivered.

He invited all the officials with official ranks in the government office.

His superior was quite good. Everyone came to participate. On the one hand, Wen Shi was also promoted, and on the other hand, his term here was not yet over, yet he received this treatment. It was most likely that the emperor directly instructed the Ministry of Personnel to arrange it.

He had no connections, but he was capable, and he climbed up the ranks step by step on his own.

The position of Vice Minister of Rites is not high, but it is not low either. After returning to the capital, he will have the opportunity to attend court and see the emperor every day. His future prospects are sure to be bright.

"Congratulations, sir! Congratulations, sir!"

Everyone was warm and polite, and some officials were even a little reluctant to part with him, because Wen Shi was very fair.

Compared to the previous prefect, he still remembered his subordinates, did not withhold their rewards, was not greedy, and did not have many tasks. As long as they did their duties well, he would not have any complaints.

Thank you all.

Many people know that if they were to invite Wen Shi to dinner privately, he would definitely refuse.

Wen Shi thought so too. He took the initiative to host a banquet, said goodbye to everyone, and the matter was over in an instant. No one could say anything wrong.

If we go to this place and not that place, it won't look good.

"I wish you all your wishes come true and everything goes smoothly in the future."

"This humble official also wishes you good health and success in your official career."

When the banquet ended, Wen Shi had drunk quite a bit and was reeking of alcohol. After returning to his room, he sobered up a bit.

In a few days, once everything is packed, we can set off.

"Brother Wen, we'll meet again someday."

On the morning of Wen Shi's departure, just as he was about to get into his carriage, Yang Xun came out of the government office, bowed, and clasped his hands in farewell.

"Of course, we'll meet again someday."

Watching Wen Shi leave, Yang Xun felt a mix of emotions, but mostly he was happy for his friend. Wen Shi was talented and virtuous, and he deserved what he had achieved.

He still needs to keep working hard to succeed.

Beijing

Yingxiang followed this matchmaker for five or six days in a row, and looked at all the empty houses in her possession.

She really liked two of them, but the price still needed to be negotiated.

A place with a good location, where officials and nobles live nearby, is not only safe, but also has a good location, not far from the palace.

There's another one, in a slightly worse location, but it's a bit bigger than this mansion and has a few more rooms.

"Madam, go back and think it over carefully. Which one do you want? If you ask me, both houses are very good. The one on Changhe Street to the east has the best feng shui. As the saying goes, more water brings wealth. You just saw it. The interior is very clean and there is a pond. If you tidy it up, it will be very elegant."

"The house on the left and right streets is a bit bigger. If you have a large family, then choosing this one is also a good option."

These houses for sale are mostly empty, with hardly any furniture inside. Once Yingxiang buys one, she will inevitably have to furnish it.

"Mom, let's go to the one with the pond. It's prettier there. We can raise fish in the pond and plant some lotus flowers. It will be beautiful when they bloom in the summer."

Xinxin looked at Yingxiang.

"Oh my, young master is indeed clever and has good taste."

“Madam, you are still young, and your husband must be young and promising as well. Buying a property in a good location will make it easier to resell in the future.”

Yingxiang naturally understood this as well, and privately, she also favored this approach.

This house on Changhe Street is a two-courtyard house, with the front and back courtyards separated. In addition to the main courtyard, there are three smaller courtyards in the back courtyard.

It would be perfect if their whole family stayed there.

She lives in the backyard, without a doubt. The elderly couple also live there. As for the two children, they are both boys and are not married yet. Even if they get married in the future, it will definitely be fine for them to live there for the next few years.

Each courtyard, in addition to the main house, has four private rooms and two extra rooms for servants.

If Wen Shi's brothers come to visit the old couple, their courtyard can accommodate them.

Wen Leqian is older now, and if he's not married, he'll be living in the front yard. The one he's holding hands with is about the same age, but he's still a bit younger.

This residence has a fairly large garden with a pond, as well as a hall and banquet hall. It is spacious and well-ventilated, making it suitable for entertaining guests or hosting banquets in the future. It is a respectable and presentable residence.

Compared to that mansion, this one is newer. The family's wealth is what it is, so there's no need to put on a show.

Fourteen thousand taels?

Yingxiang seemed to have made up her mind, and the matchmaker frowned subconsciously upon hearing this.

Yingxiang needs to negotiate a lower price.

In the next few years, I'll stay here and continue to work hard to earn money. Sooner or later, I'll live in a bigger house.

"Madam, please don't make things difficult for me."

“Mother-in-law, if you agree, we can make the deal tomorrow.”

Yingxiang immediately said that the matchmaker was a middleman, and she looked at Yingxiang, knowing that if this deal could be made, she would also make a profit.

The original owner of the house had told her that the minimum price for the sale was 13,800 taels of silver, and they would not agree to accept any amount lower than that.

The biggest drawback of this yard is that it's only medium-sized, not very big, which makes it impractical for families with many members.

For some families, it's a bit small and not exactly cheap.

"Sixteen thousand, I think it's a bit expensive."

There are plenty of matchmakers in the city, and the money saved is substantial. Yingxiang felt that the price she offered was quite reasonable.

“Fourteen thousand is not enough. I’ve been taking you there for quite some time now.”

The matchmaker gritted her teeth, still wanting to earn more money.

"Fifty, fourteen thousand and fifty. If that's still not enough, then forget it."

Yingxiang made a move to leave, but the matchmaker grabbed her and said that was the final price.

"Madam, please bring the money first thing tomorrow morning to complete the transaction. I will go with the landlord now to inform him, and we will transfer the money and complete the formalities tomorrow."

"good."

The family that lived here before must have been an official family.

After returning to Ping'an Village, Yingxiang told the old couple that she had found a suitable house.

"Third son's wife, when are we moving in?"

"It will take a few more days to buy furniture."

"Can't we move this over there?"

"Shut up."

“Third son’s wife, this third son has a high official position, so don’t be too frugal. We can’t lose face in front of the family.”

After Old Man Wen finished speaking, he took out another fifty taels from his pocket and handed them to Yingxiang.

"Don't worry, Father."

"Old woman, you tidy up first."

The furnishings in Ping'an Village are mostly ordinary, and the house prices are reasonable. Yingxiang isn't stupid; if she lowers the price too much, it might be difficult to buy. Besides, she personally quite likes that house.

There's no shortage of furniture and decorations for sale in the capital, and they're all readily available. She plans to go there tomorrow to complete the formalities, pay the money, and then start ordering the furniture.

We can start moving here gradually.

"Father, Mother, you can start packing now."

"well."

The next morning, Yingxiang took the money and led Xinxin to the city. She handled everything in an orderly manner, and the procedures went much more smoothly than she had expected.

The capital city has four directions: east, south, west, and north. This house is located in the east, which is considered acceptable.

After receiving the keys and land deed, it was almost noon.

After parting ways with the matchmaker, Yingxiang took Xinxin out to eat first. After they finished eating, they didn't go back but started looking at furniture.

"Sir, what do you need?"

Yingxiang is quite familiar with this because she has purchased items for Ping'an Village before.

"I just bought a house and I need some furniture."

Upon hearing this, the waiter's smile widened. If he wanted to buy the whole set of furniture, he could make a profit.

“We have them all here. The warehouse is not far away. Please take a look, Madam.”

Yingxiang was dressed very well. As the saying goes, clothes make the man, and anyone who looked her over would realize that she was no ordinary woman.

"Just let me know if you see anything you like. If you buy too much, we can deliver it to you."

"good."

Different rooms require different furniture, unless it is absolutely necessary. Yingxiang had gone out to socialize before, which broadened her horizons to some extent.

The storefront is the most important element.

Too expensive wood is out of the question; decent mahogany furniture will suffice, along with screens, ornaments, a study, rooms for the two children, and the main house where she will live in the future.

There's also the courtyard where the elderly couple will live. We'll prepare the necessary items first, and then add the rest gradually.

Buying a complete set of furniture is more convenient, as it includes everything you need and is readily available. Yingxiang chose a set first, and the rest of the rooms are the same, with no discrepancies. It even includes display shelves, wardrobes, and other furniture, which is convenient.

The store has two floors, and the furniture on display is for viewing. If you find something you like, they will deliver it to you. The warehouse is in Beijing, so there's nothing inconvenient about it.

The waiter followed Yingxiang, who had ordered quite a lot. Worried that he might forget, he wrote everything down in his notebook.

Yingxiang bought a complete set of furniture from one store and decorative screens from another. She also made sure to bargain. After going around in circles, she spent quite a bit, but the furniture wouldn't be a waste of money. She could still use it when she moved in the future.

After purchasing the goods, she arranged for them to be delivered to her the following afternoon.

In the morning, she would take the servants over first to tidy up a bit.

"My parents are about to go to the city with my third son's wife. We're just not lucky enough to have that kind of luck."

In the backyard of the Wen family, Madam Ma and Yuqin were busy when Xiuyu suddenly said this.

She was met with silence from both of them.

Old Man Wen and Madam Liu were quite happy that they weren't being served.

Yuqin wasn't that greedy. She just wanted to give them these rooms in the future. If her son became successful, he would have everything he needed. Why should she need other people's money?

The third son and his wife are capable, but they're not stupid either.

After all, Yingxiang herself had two sons.

People shouldn't be too greedy, or they'll end up with nothing.

Xiuyu didn't feel embarrassed and then started talking about other things.

Moving wasn't difficult. Yingxiang first had the servants get up early and go over, taking all their belongings with them.

The newly purchased house is of medium size. Although it's not big, it has everything you need, including a stable, kitchen, and woodshed. All I need to do is bring my things over, set up, and I can move in right away.

Old Man Wen and Mrs. Liu were planning to move there once everything was settled.

There weren't many servants in the house, but there were also quite a few. In the morning, she tidied up the house first. In the afternoon, as the furniture arrived one after another, she began to arrange for people to put it in its proper place. In total, she bought five sets of furniture: one set for the main house in the front yard, one set for the main house in the back yard, one set for the old couple's house, and also for Leqian and Xinxin's room.

The servants' quarters also need furniture, but it should be simpler and not as complete. Usually, it's just a large communal bed with a wardrobe and a table and chairs for eating.

Those around her had been with her for several years and knew her temperament well; Yingxiang wasn't that sharp-tongued and mean-spirited.

By evening, the furniture was mostly put away, and the house was beginning to take shape. The garden was ready to be tidied up slowly. The empty courtyard at the back would not be inhabited for the time being, so it would just be left there. The gate was closed. Buying everything would cost a lot of money, but there was no need for it at the moment.

"Tomorrow, go to the street and buy three large water vats and five smaller ones, then have them delivered."

The weather was hot, and it hadn't rained recently, so the importance of the water tank was self-evident, and Chunyu nodded in agreement.

Yingxiang was the most meticulous in tidying up the main house in the backyard and the main house in the frontyard. After the servants wiped the newly bought antique display shelves, she immediately arranged for people to take out the old antique paintings and put them on display. There was no need to leave them in the warehouse to collect dust.

Three days later, Old Man Wen and Mrs. Liu moved in.

The plaque at the entrance has been changed to "Wen Residence," which is quite grand, and the black gate has been wiped very clean.

The several courtyards in the backyard also have names, which were already there, and Yingxiang didn't intend to change them.

Let the elderly couple move to the courtyard of Shou Kang Tang, where they used to live. Wen Shi hasn't come back yet, so Ying Xiang will leave her youngest son to live in the main courtyard for the time being.

After Liu and Old Man Wen walked around for a while, Liu couldn't help but burst into laughter. Old Man Wen should have restrained himself a bit.

“Leqian hasn’t been back recently either. Third brother’s wife, could you have someone tell him that he can come back and live here in the future? The food here is better.”

Yingxiang hadn't forgotten her eldest son. Once things were settled, she would definitely want the child to live with her, since this place wasn't far from his academy.

Liu looked at the main room, where all the furniture was the same. She looked at Yingxiang's dressing table and saw some jewelry that was quite eye-catching. She wanted to take it, but Yingxiang immediately walked up to her.

"Mother, you can't touch these things, they're mine."

"I am your mother-in-law."

"If I don't have decent jewelry when I go out and socialize in the future, who would dare to marry their daughter to me?"

Yingxiang spoke calmly. Upon hearing this, Old Man Wen quickly came over and grabbed Liu Shi, intending to take her out.

"How old are you? What do you need those things for?"

"I am an elder."

Upon hearing this, Old Man Wen's expression changed. He glanced at Yingxiang out of the corner of his eye, but she did not budge and stood there straight.

"Come with me first."

"Are you crazy? What do you need those things for? They can't be eaten or drunk. Besides, the third son's wife is also useful. Don't go there anymore. We finally managed to move to the city. Aren't you afraid we won't be able to live there in the future?"

“I’m the mother-in-law. She doesn’t listen to me, so I made the third son divorce her.”

"You're kidding me. If the third brother could divorce her, that would be a miracle. This mansion isn't small, and she must have paid for a lot of money inside. If things really escalate, wouldn't the third brother be shameless?"

Upon hearing her father's words, Liu Shi became somewhat deflated, which was undeniable.

“If it were the second or eldest son, they might listen to you, but what about the third son? What if he gets angry and sells the house? Then we’ll have to move back in. Let’s make things more peaceful from now on. Or I can have someone send it back to you and you can’t stay here anymore.”

"That won't do."

Liu immediately became anxious.

"I'll wear it for a few days first, then I'll give it to her later."

"What if you accidentally fall?"

"The money that the third son's wife earns, those jewelry pieces, and her shop will definitely go to the children in the future. After all, those two children also bear the surname Wen."

Yingxiang understands her father-in-law and has nothing to worry about. Fortunately, Wenshi is not blindly filial.

“Pick two honest, quiet people to serve over there first, one maid and one servant will do, and make sure the three meals a day they send over are plentiful.”

Yingxiang knew that the elderly couple liked to wander around the city and couldn't stay at home, so having someone accompany them would save them some trouble.

Spring Rain nodded.

The old man and woman looked like true country folk, but the old man was alright; he was reasonable.

As night fell, Yingxiang lay on the soft bed and quickly fell asleep.

She originally intended to arrange everything before writing to Wen Shi, but she didn't expect that after she finished and settled things here, Wen Shi would also have good news.

This is truly a big surprise.

Inside a grandly decorated shop, Yingxiang still had some recollection of the wife of the former Hanlin Academy scholar, as it was the first wedding banquet she had attended since arriving in the capital.

The lady still remembers her, and now that Grand Secretary has been promoted.

The former Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy had a very good impression of Wen Shi. Among the students of that time, besides Hu Yong'an, Wen Shi was the one who did the best.

Unlike the former, Wen Shi truly rose to his position step by step on his own.