Chapter 190

This Spring Festival, everyone can celebrate without any worries.

However, for various reasons, it didn't turn out to be a big deal in the end. It was good that they were all together. A few days after Wen Shi went on vacation, several of his brothers came over one after another and stayed at the same place as before.

The elderly couple is gone, and the courtyard is now empty, but the furnishings inside remain the same as before.

Logically speaking, after changing the signboard and tidying up, it would be a new courtyard. However, Wen Shi told Ying Xiang that it would be best to leave it for a few years and make changes if necessary in the future.

It's best to leave it alone for the next few years.

Yingxiang had no objection to this.

When she bought this house a few years ago, she thought she could upgrade from a small house to a larger one. When she moved in, she put in a lot of effort, decorating and buying furniture. Now that she's gotten used to it, she finds it quite comfortable.

On New Year's Eve, everyone gathered together for the New Year's Eve dinner, and the conversation drifted to the children.

The next generation in the family are all literate; none of them are uneducated. Most of them are already married and have children.

Currently, only Le Qian is in high school. It is said that the second son of the Wen family has been transferred to a better academy and is making great progress.

Wen Shi also hoped that her nephews would be well.

On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, Wen Shi and Ying Xiang received several gifts, including some exchanged between colleagues and gifts from younger family members.

"This child is quite thoughtful."

Wen Chuanzong's eldest son continued to send New Year's gifts. Ever since he started making money in business, he has never stopped. He gives gifts to each of his uncles, and although the value varies, they are all very practical.

After entering officialdom, Leqian also bought gifts for his parents.

Previously, he had wanted to give Yingxiang his year's salary as a sign of filial piety, but Yingxiang refused, telling the couple to discuss it themselves and save it.

The gifts they gave were pretty much the same. Wen Shi received fine writing brushes and ink, tea sets, and Go sets, while Ying Xiang received jewelry and clothing.

In recent years, she hasn't bought many clothes.

After returning home, she disposed of all the clothes from previous years, many of which were no longer suitable for wearing, leaving the wardrobe quite empty. Wen Shi nodded, indicating to his wife to put the gifts away.

Xiao Wu's family is also living here now. We all live together and don't bother each other in our daily lives. When we have nothing to do, we sit together and chat and drink tea.

The daughter-in-law is good at socializing, and Yingxiang usually lets Chenchu ​​handle the family invitations while she focuses more on business.

On the Lantern Festival, Wen Shi was on leave. There were lanterns to see in the capital, which were colorful and dazzling. That evening, Ying Xiang and Wen Shi decided to go out for a stroll. Both of them were dressed simply.

Yingxiang even used only a silver hairpin to tie her hair up, which was simple, neat, and more comfortable.

Wen Shi was wearing a simple black robe, and the two walked down the street, looking like an ordinary couple.

For Wen Shi, spending more than three years observing mourning in his hometown was a rare time to completely relax and rest.

These past few years I've mostly stayed at home. If I go out, the county town can't compare to the capital, and there are many things to consider. It's about observing mourning, not about going home to retire. So many people are watching, and I still need to maintain my reputation.

"My husband, it's been so long since we've walked so freely on the streets."

The two walked side by side. Yingxiang looked around. The streets outside were wide and crowded, but most of the people were strangers.

Normally it would be inappropriate to show one's face in public, but today there are fewer concerns. If one runs into someone they know, one can simply say that they are out sightseeing.

The two enjoyed the evening breeze; although it was a bit chilly, they felt very comfortable and relaxed.

Yingxiang has reached an age where she could have acted like an old lady, but she never does; she refuses to accept old age.

Yu Guang glanced at the person beside her and saw that Wen Shi had added many more white hairs. Considering his age, Yingxiang sighed.

The first twenty years of my life can be described as impoverished.

Over the next two decades, life gradually improved. From having no worries about food and clothing to having surplus funds and assets, they gradually established themselves in the capital.

In some ways, it's quite inspiring.

Yingxiang is quite satisfied with her life over the years.

"My lady, someone is already trying to arrange a marriage for Xinxin."

Wen Shi suddenly said this. The two walked along the riverbank, looking at the lanterns inside. Yingxiang looked up, not too surprised.

"If a suitable one comes along, it wouldn't be a bad idea to place an order for him first."

After hearing this, he looked at his wife.

"Husband, do you have a girl you like?"

After returning to Beijing, Yingxiang focused most of her attention on her business. What made her happier was the teahouse's account book, which she had invested a lot of money in and put a lot of effort into.

"There is one. Xinxin is not as hardworking and steady as her brother, but she is still a good child. At least she doesn't cause adults too much worry. I was thinking about this before the new year. Let's discuss it now. If possible, we can get engaged after the new year. It's not too late to get married in a few years when she grows up. It's good to get engaged in advance for a girl from a good family."

Which family's?

"Chen Rujia's family."

"Your colleague?"

"Yes, he has a little daughter who is very smart and clever. We met her a few years ago when we went to his house for a wedding banquet."

Chen Ru's official rank was lower than Wen Shi's. He also worked in the Ministry of Rites, but Yingxiang had visited his home before and had a good impression of him.

His family has been a scholarly family for generations, owning land and property. His two eldest sons are quite successful; they are twins, although their personalities are quite different.

Yingxiang was quite old in Daqi, and twins were rarely seen.

Madam Chen was also very kind and generous. Yingxiang suddenly remembered the little girl in purple clothes at the banquet that year, who was fair-skinned and clean.

The couple had several children, but their youngest daughter came later in life. The older children were already married, and their in-law relationships were quite good.

"I remember now."

"Although the Chen family is not as good as the Shen family, it is not bad either. If the Shen family has no successor, it will probably continue to decline. As for Leqian's marriage, I said before that it is best to marry someone of equal social standing. It was the Minister who introduced me to the Shen family. The eldest son and eldest daughter-in-law have different statuses and responsibilities. At present, it seems that Shen Chu and Leqian are quite suitable."

Wen Shi was also afraid that if he found a spoiled young lady who would cling to his son every day, it would affect his future. His daughter-in-law must be virtuous and sensible, otherwise the family would be in turmoil.

Because of what happened before, Shen Chu's resilience is indeed very strong. She was raised by her grandmother from a young age, who strictly controlled her behavior. She would be severely reprimanded for even the smallest mistake. She was not very proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, but she could recognize characters.

Her manners and demeanor were impeccable; she appeared dignified and elegant in public.

At first glance, he looks like a good kid.

Even now that she's a mother, she hasn't changed. She even has her own way of raising children. Xixi is mostly spoiled by her family, and Leqian is happy to indulge her daughter.

Wen Shi had no daughters, but he adored his eldest granddaughter.

Needless to say, Yingxiang is another story.

She was the only one who could be strict when necessary, and Xixi was raised very well by her.

These are all visible to the naked eye, and Wen Shi is quite satisfied with them.

"It's a bit early to talk about these things now, but it's only a matter of time. If, a hundred years from now, those brothers can still live together as they do now, that would be the best outcome."

"But if not, we should plan ahead."

The surrounding crowd was bustling. Wen Shi suddenly stopped and led his wife to the grassy area. They seemed to be admiring the river lanterns. Their voices were low, and only the two of them could hear each other.

When Yingxiang looked at Wen Shi, she could understand some of his thoughts. Ultimately, it was all for the good of the children and the good of the family.

In this era, things are like this: parents decide their children's marriages.

Wen Shi's attitude is understandable; he's thinking quite far ahead.

From the perspective of later generations, she did not agree with some rules and dogmas, but feudal society is ultimately not modern society, and the differences are huge.

Having spent so many years with Wen Shi, Ying Xiang knows him very well.

Wen Shi is a very good person. He is rational and clear-headed, has some talent, good character, strong willpower, and considers things very thoroughly.

Married for many years, the two have mostly supported each other through thick and thin, and moved forward together.

Love and romance may exist when you're young, but as time goes by, they gradually fade away. In the end, it all comes down to character, and what remains is a peaceful and stable life.

He has his own things to do, and she has hers to do as well.

The surrounding crowd surged, and Yingxiang carefully examined him for a moment before saying, "Husband, let's tell Xinxin about this later. He's not an ignorant child."

She married a very good man, a man of good character and ability.

He was a good person, but she was no bad either.

If she had continued to rely on him, her family wouldn't be living such a good life now.

Earning money as one person is very different from earning money as two people.

Even though she would have no worries about food and drink if she followed him, and he might not look down on her, her standard of living would still be limited.

At different ages, people have different considerations. In the future, everyone is thinking about making a good life, but right now, at this age, the main concern is really the children.

After Yingxiang finished speaking, she looked up at the sky. The moonlight was clear and soft. Wen Shi's features were distinct. After years of experience, he was more stable and mature. His appearance had not changed much. The latter was obviously also beyond his control.

Even with her meticulous skincare routine, she still has fine lines.

After returning home, Wen Shi told Xin Xin about it, even in front of Le Qian.

Upon hearing this, Le Qian smiled and looked at his younger brother.

"Father, it's an arranged marriage, and as long as she's a good girl, I have no objection."

He was already taller than Yingxiang and now reached Wenshi's shoulder. He looked up at his father, who had always been very strict, and finally agreed.

“Her family has a very good upbringing. Her older sister is also highly praised in her husband’s family after she got married.”

"Your father and mother only have you two in this life. If your father and mother pass away in the future, no matter what happens, you brothers must get along well. You are brothers born of the same mother, and you must help each other in the future."

"Even if we can't live together in the future, we should still keep in touch."

As Wen Shi spoke, his expression became somewhat heavy. Le Qian thought that his father might have been affected by the sudden death of his grandparents. He was about to say a few words, but then he looked at the white hair on his father's head.

He ultimately swallowed his words.

In my memory, my father, who was as sturdy as a pine tree and taught me strictly, has unknowingly grown old.

From the time he could remember, his family lived in the capital. His father took him to school in the morning and evening, while his mother was busy with her business and taking care of the family's livelihood. After several years, the rest of the family members came from their hometown.

Then his father was sent to another post, and before he knew it, he was already a father.

Now that he's a parent, he understands even more the strict upbringing his father gave him. He feels a responsibility and dares not slack off, especially since he's the eldest son in the family.

Although studying for many years has been hard work, the rewards have been plentiful.

He was very grateful for his father's teachings and guidance. Although they had been separated for many years, he always kept himself strict with himself and never slacked off whenever he thought of his childhood. Otherwise, he would not be where he is today.

"Father, don't worry, we will definitely not separate as long as I live."

They may not be able to manage the affairs of the next generation, but Leqian can guarantee that.

He and Xinxin are nearly ten years apart in age. The two brothers stand together, one already a father, the other still a young boy.

"I'll live with my older brother, Dad, don't worry."

Xinxin is no longer the naive little child she once was. Having studied for several years, she naturally knows some things.

He sometimes finds his childish words and phrases somewhat laughable.

Back then, he really dared to speak his mind, but his family didn't seem to take it seriously. Later, his father changed his school, and now he's at the academy where his older brother studies, where the teacher is even stricter.

Hearing this, Wen Shi felt happy.

That night, he told Yingxiang about it.

"That's a good thing. We feel more at ease knowing they're living together."

After Yingxiang finished speaking, she lay down on the couch, feeling very happy.

Wen Xiaowu and his family lived here for three years. After three years, he also planned to buy a house and had saved some money, so he was ready to move out.

He has sons and daughters, and his wife's family can help him to some extent, so it's not good for him to keep living at his brother's house.

Time flies. A few days ago, Wen Shi's term of office ended, and he was transferred to the Ministry of Revenue, which was considered a promotion.

Currently, he is a third-rank official.

He's not young anymore, but he's quite adept at coordinating things.

After the court session that day, he was summoned to the Imperial Study by Emperor Jingyuan.

After paying his respects, Emperor Jingyuan sat on the dragon throne, his pure gold cane standing out prominently. He was being helped to walk a few steps, and several eunuchs stood around him.

"Wenqing, how much longer do you think I have left to live?"

Last year, news came from Songshan Prefecture that Mr. Huang, a respected teacher from the past, had passed away at a very advanced age.

Wen Shi was saddened for a long time after receiving the news, regretting that he could not see his mentor one last time.

When the emperor suddenly asked him this question, he immediately replied.

"Your Majesty has ten thousand years left."

The emperor smiled, coughed a few times, and said that although he was white-haired and still in good spirits, he was no longer able to do many things.

Looking at the person in front of him, he recalled the official transfer documents sent by the Ministry of Personnel that day, and he had not forgotten Wen Shi's actions over the years.

"I still remember the first time I saw you. At that time, you were young and full of energy. Now, looking at you, time is merciless."

"Enough of this. I'm a little dazed. Just now, watching you walk in, I suddenly remembered something from many years ago. Now that you're taking up your post in the Ministry of Revenue, do a good job."

"And your son, he is also very capable. Wenqing, you have done a good job raising your son."

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."

In recent years, Wen Leqian has indeed been very down-to-earth. Fortunately, he was not transferred to a post outside the capital, but has now been directly transferred to the Ministry of Personnel.

It's not uncommon for both fathers and sons to enter the imperial court; their official positions vary in rank, and the two of them are not particularly outstanding.

The Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue were naturally better than the Ministry of Rites.

During his years at the Ministry of Rites, Wen Shi helped review exam papers and supervise examinations. He was very fair and upright, and never had any selfish motives. Whenever money was offered to him, he would return it without missing a single penny.

There's no need. The imperial examination is a major event, and he knows that perfectly well.

After the Crown Prince took over the government, he also promoted a number of officials. He also appointed those who had been selected by Emperor Jingyuan. Those without a strong foundation were easier to use.

"Go ahead and get busy."

"yes."

After watching Wen Shi leave, Emperor Jingyuan picked up his tea and pondered for a long time.

Over the past few years, Yingxiang has saved some money and bought another shop.

Shen Chu became pregnant again two years ago, and now she and Le Qian have a son and a daughter.

When Yingxiang returned home that day, before she could even rest, she heard that Madam Chen had come to visit. After all, she was her future in-law, so she immediately invited her in.

In recent years, the two families have maintained a good relationship, and their children's marriages have been arranged. They are just waiting for the children to grow up and get married.

“Madam Wen, I’m sorry to bother you so abruptly, but something has suddenly come up at home. The two children’s engagements have been set for several years, and I thought that in order not to delay things, it would be good to hold the weddings for the children ahead of schedule.”

Yingxiang was taken aback when she heard this.

After a moment's thought, she asked, "Is something wrong at your home?"

Xinxin is fifteen or sixteen now, which she thinks is too early.

“My mother’s health suddenly deteriorated. We saw a doctor before, who said she might not make it through the year. If we go home to observe mourning, it will be for three years.”

Chen Ru was a few years younger than Wen Shi. Ying Xiang thought for a moment after hearing this and then said, "Is that so? The marriage between our two families has already been formalized. The children will get married sooner or later. They are still young now, so a few years won't make a difference. In a few years, when my second son passes the imperial examination, it's not impossible for them to get married. Don't worry, what has been decided will not be changed."

Madam Chen was also worried about changes in her children's marriages, as her youngest daughter was the only one who was still unmarried.

Yingxiang's last two sentences reassured her quite a bit.

Now that Wen Shiguan has been promoted, she is secretly worried that there might be a change in circumstances. If he doesn't like her or has a better option and wants to break off the engagement, they don't care, but their daughter will definitely be delayed.

“I’m making this clear today: what’s been decided will not change. Whether it’s three years or five years, our family can wait.”

"If you feel that verbal agreements are useless, I can also draw up a written agreement."

Yingxiang spoke firmly, and Madam Chen glanced at her, feeling much more relaxed and relieved.

"No need, this is fine too."

Both children were quite young; her daughter had just reached marriageable age.

Yingxiang's words now undoubtedly reassured her, so there was no need to rush for the next two or three years.

Madam Chen still believed in Yingxiang.

She doesn't seem like the type to cause trouble. I'm sure her daughter won't be mistreated by her mother-in-law after she marries into the family.

On her way home, she was truly relieved.

Later that evening, after Wen finished his shift, Yingxiang told him about it.

"Have you spoken to the Chen family?"

Wen Shi sat to the side. He felt that getting married sooner wouldn't be a bad thing, but his wife had already agreed, and it wouldn't be appropriate if things changed.

Yingxiang hummed in agreement.

She felt it was too early, and a few more years wouldn't make a difference.

"Let Xinxin focus on her studies; the exam is just around the corner."

Since that's the case, it's settled. There's no point in saying more. I wasn't angry when I heard it, but after thinking about it carefully, I realized it's all for the child's good.

There's nothing wrong with young couples getting married, but they're too young, so there's a risk of instability. Waiting a few years longer wouldn't be a big problem.

"Is the new store ready yet?"

"That's about it."

The new shop is a restaurant, and as for daily necessities, her farm can be self-sufficient. Yingxiang also spent money to hire two famous chefs.

After opening, business will be pretty good.

In recent years, a number of things have happened, all of them good.

"Xiao Wu and the others are moving out soon, so we'll help them pack up."

Two years ago, Jin Yu from Wen Lao Er's family became a Juren (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). Wen Shi and Xiao Wu helped him secure an official position in a county government office in a remote prefecture. Now, the boy has taken his whole family to take up the post.

Wen Chuanzong's family moved back to the prefectural city last year. Business was not so good in the capital. That was their ancestral home, and they had an uncle who was an official in the capital. It would be easier to do business there. This was a decision made after careful consideration by the whole family.

Their household registration has always been in their hometown, where it's more convenient. Their second son has now secured a clerical position in the county government.

They were finally able to earn a government salary.

Currently, only the fourth and fifth sons and Wen Shi remain in the capital. After the second son's family left, they did not sell the house and land in Ping'an Village, always thinking that they might be able to come back someday.

Wen Shi knew several of his nephews. The one from the fourth brother's family was a bit smarter than the one from the second brother's family. He felt that he could take the exam a few more times. He was already married, so he decided to give it another try. If it didn't work out, he would do something else.

The fourth sister naturally listened to her third brother and continued to let the child study.

As for Wen Chuanzong's illegitimate son, who is also A-Mian's son, he is currently helping Wen Chuanzong run a school in the prefectural city and works there as a teacher.

Currently, there are only two young children in the family: Xinxin and Wen Xiaowu's son, who hasn't taken the exam yet, and the latter is even younger.

Another year has passed in a flash, and Wen Shi flipped through the family genealogy.

"Next year during Qingming Festival, let's go to the temple together to burn some paper money for our parents."

Xiao Wu nodded, and no one in the hall objected.

After spring arrived, the weather gradually warmed up. On the day of Qingming Festival, despite the drizzling rain, the two families still went together.

Yingxiang held her granddaughter's hand, while Chenchu ​​held her youngest son.

They walked step by step up the mountain on the bluestone slabs. There were always many people in the temple that day, and they could also spend money to offer incense and lamp oil to the elderly in the temple.

Wen Shi wasn't short of money. With his promotion and increased salary, he naturally had to do his job properly.

Gaining a reputation for filial piety won't do him any harm.

Yingxiang wouldn't object. Everyone has this day eventually. The past is the past. The person has been gone for several years. If she doesn't deliberately think about it, she has long forgotten many things.

Life is good right now.

All things considered, she currently owns two shops, this ready-made house, farmland in the suburbs, and the wine shop is still open. If she saves up more money in the future, she will buy a new house.

She sold the smaller one and bought a bigger one, and then she had no more worries.

When Wen Shi was promoted, it wasn't just his salary that increased; he also received many rewards. He also played a part in enabling Wen Shi to buy a second house so quickly.

In recent years, the family's expenses have been fixed at three or four hundred taels of silver. There have been no major expenses, and the income is quite good, so money can be saved up quickly.

Once inside the temple, the rain had stopped and the air was humid, so everyone lit incense and burned paper money together.

The temple was bustling with people, including playful children and many handsome young men and women. As Yingxiang walked down the mountain, she looked up at the bright sky and felt a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex emotion encompassing feelings, thoughts, and reflections).

She didn't need anyone's help, but she was genuinely exhausted.