Chapter 23 The best days are yet to come when we re-enter the prefectural city...

This time, I didn't trouble Uncle Li again when I entered the city.

Ning Shengan drove his old car, carrying the group of people, towards Luzhou City.

Tao Ning didn't come with them when they set off, as she was too young to handle the travel. When Lin Huijun learned of this, she took the initiative to take the child with her, saying that Xiao Ning could stay at her house for a few days.

She smiled and reassured Ning Sheng'an, "Leave Xiao Ning to me, I'll make sure she's well-fed and healthy."

The girl was very well-behaved and promised the two of them in a clear voice, "Daddy, sister, I will do my homework well at home too!"

Wen Yu squatted down, gently pinched her little face, and said with a smile, "Sister will bring you a sugar figurine when I come back!"

Although the road ahead was uncertain, the older children couldn't hide their excitement and chattered incessantly on the way there.

"Sister Qingshi, what exactly is tested in the literary competition?" Wen Yue asked curiously.

Wen Qingshi also shared his knowledge: "Back in the old days at the manor, the teacher once gave us the questions for the literary examination. They were nothing more than reciting poems and general knowledge of classics and history. But the last essay question was the one that really tested our skills and could differentiate us."

Lin Lan, who had previously audited classes in the study and knew a thing or two, nodded and added, "Most students could handle the earlier questions. Back then, the young master... cough, it was only because of that last question that he..."

She glanced at Wen Qingshi and didn't say anything more.

Wen Yue's eyes lit up: "Qing Shi is definitely the best, this time the champion is definitely yours!"

Wen Qingshi was about to shake his head and say, "I'm not that good," when his gaze met Wen Yu's smiling eyes.

Wen Yu looked at her with a smile, her eyes full of anticipation.

The words she was about to say took a turn, and suddenly became: "I will do my best."

"You'll definitely be fine!" Lin Lan encouraged her.

Wen Yu glanced at the scrolling comments.

Good heavens, isn't this just an ancient version of a Chinese language exam? First, there's dictation and general knowledge; then there's an essay—all that's missing is reading comprehension.

I was most afraid of writing essays in high school. I would struggle so much that I would scratch my head and get only 45 out of 60. I just couldn't improve... I'm not going to talk about it anymore, I'm having PTSD.

[Qing Shi is stable, and A Lan has a good foundation. I'm worried about A Yue; she hasn't been studying for long, so writing essays might be difficult for her.]

[Aim for second place, strive for third! We're already doing really well!]

[If Wen Yu hadn't been over the age limit, it would probably have been even more terrifying if she had gone in. She graduated from a prestigious university, and there aren't many people in the entertainment industry with that kind of education...]

[Wake up, upstairs! The age limit is to prevent this kind of overpowered gameplay (doge.jpg). Wen Yu and the others probably knew this was too much of a game-changer when they wrote the script.]

She couldn't help but smile.

She didn't write the script!

However, if given the chance, she wouldn't mind "bullying the weak" once.

----

It was already evening when the car entered Luzhou City.

The setting sun on the horizon was like blood, burning the clouds crimson. The daytime heat gradually subsided, and the evening breeze brought a rare coolness.

The aromas wafted from various restaurants: the savory fragrance of braised dishes, the rich flavor of mushroom soup, the intense flavor of braised pork... making the hungry group swallow hard.

As expected of a city, this area is mostly inhabited by wealthy merchants and officials, a truly prosperous scene.

The famine years outside seem to have no effect on the people here. Pedestrians on the streets and alleys are well-dressed, walk with ease, and chat and laugh. In the roadside taverns, people are drinking and playing drinking games with great enthusiasm, a stark contrast to the impoverished lives in the village.

Looking at this familiar city, Wen Qingshi felt a sense of unfamiliarity welling up in his heart.

She was born and raised here, but rarely stepped out of the mansion.

When she was at home, she often heard her teacher angrily grabbing one of her brothers by the ear and scolding him for daring to sneak out to drink the night before, so much so that his face was still red in class the next day.

After school, the other older brothers next to me chuckled and asked, "Are you going to play polo today?"

The dejected older brother jumped three feet high: "Of course I'll go!"

The group disappeared outside the door, leaving only their servant anxiously calling out, "Hey! Young master! Madam has ordered a family banquet today!"

Did they ever care about that woman who wasn't their biological mother? In their eyes, she was just Wen Qingshi's mother.

Her mother was very strict with her and never allowed her to go out casually, saying that it was very dangerous outside and that she was a woman and could not mingle with men.

But Mother, Heaven truly favors men.

Even if she is quiet, well-behaved, and never oversteps the bounds, and stays at home learning needlework for more than ten years, in the end she still has to marry a man who is always out partying.

Wen Qingshi was lost in thought when Lin Lan suddenly tugged at his sleeve.

"Qingshi, let's go up."

She came to her senses and realized that Wen Yu was already standing in front of her.

"Brother Ning, go and settle the carriage. Let's go order some food first."

The first floor of the inn was brightly lit and bustling with noise.

The waiter greeted them warmly: "What would you gentlemen like to order?"

Seeing the children's eager looks, Wen Yu was also tempted and quickly ordered one meat dish, two vegetable dishes, and a soup.

Braised pork knuckle, stir-fried tofu with scallions, stir-fried goji berry sprouts, and a soup of tea tree mushrooms and old duck.

She had already paid for the groceries and rent together, which wasn't a small amount, but the thought of the soon-to-be-harvested millet in the fields gave her confidence.

The best days are yet to come; when that time comes, she can eat whatever she wants!

Wen Yu counted the money in her hand and figured it was enough to buy some new clothes for the children. She planned to go shopping at a clothing store early the next morning.

Soon the steaming hot dishes were served on the table. Ning Shengan happened to walk in and was somewhat surprised to see the dishes Wen Yu had ordered: "Miss Wen, isn't this a bit too extravagant?"

Wen Yu laughed heartily: "Everyone has worked hard these days, we should reward them!"

The red and shiny pork knuckles were still steaming hot, just enough for one person. They were stewed until tender and falling off the bone; the meat could be easily separated from the bone with a touch of chopsticks, and the sauce was rich and flavorful.

Wen Yu took a big gulp of rice coated in meat juices. The savory meat juices of the pork knuckle immediately filled her mouth, and even the rice was infused with the flavor of meat. She was so happy that she almost fainted.

God knows how long it's been since she's had any meat!

She's been eating only vegetarian food every day, and these days she's losing almost all the fat she has left.

The children ate with shining eyes, and even after their plates were empty, they lingered, mixing the broth with their rice and scraping the bottom of their bowls clean.

Wen Yu picked up another piece of stir-fried tofu with scallions. It was also stir-fried until the surface was golden and crispy, while the inside was soft and tender, with the aroma of scallions lingering on the taste buds.

Goji leaves are good for clearing heat and reducing internal fire, clearing the liver and improving eyesight. They have a refreshing taste with a slightly bitter aftertaste, but Wen Yu hadn't eaten this dish in a long time, and the taste still made her miss it very much.

I used to eat this dish often when I was at home, and this is the first time I've tasted it again after being away for so long.

The tea tree mushroom and old duck soup was also incredibly fresh and sweet, with an unparalleled umami flavor. After swallowing, the fragrance lingered on the lips and teeth for a long time, making Wen Yu miss the mushroom hot pot she used to eat in the Southwest.

If she were given another chance, she would definitely have a big feast.

The meal was devoured in a flash.

No one spoke, only the soft clinking of bowls and chopsticks.

Even Wen Qingshi felt that this meal, which was not unusual in the mansion, was now as delicious as a gift from heaven.

Finally, having eaten and drunk their fill, the group reluctantly scraped the bottoms of their bowls clean and finished all the soup in the pot before finally getting up to go back to their rooms.

The five of them booked two rooms, since men and women should be separated. Wen Yu stayed in one room with her two younger sisters, while Ning Shengan stayed in another room with Wen Yue.

Ning Shengan insisted on sharing half the cost, his tone gentle yet stubborn: "Take it. I can't let you pay for it all!"

Wen Yu did not refuse.

Suddenly, I felt like laughing. Their trip was practically like two competition teachers taking three children to the provincial capital to participate in a competition.

The innkeeper had already cleaned the room and put the luggage away, but the two children refused to go to bed too early and insisted on studying under the lamp for a while longer.

Wen Yu wasn't sleepy yet, so she sat next to them and watched them study. In a daze, she seemed to see herself studying late into the night during her senior year of high school.

She suddenly understood why her mother and father smiled when they saw her studying.

Seeing how serious the two children were, she felt gratified and touched.

Wen Qingshi pointed to the page and looked up to ask, "Sister, the book says that Yu the Great's approach to flood control was 'dredging rather than blocking,' what is the reason behind that?"

Theoretical discussions are ultimately insufficient to grasp the true meaning, so Wen Yu selectively presented her with the case of Dujiangyan.

Wen Qingshi listened intently: "When floods come, we must find a place to release the floodwaters?"

“Exactly.” Wen Yu nodded. “Floods are merciless; we can only divert them where the damage is least severe, and sacrifices are inevitable. Therefore, the greatest troubles for dynasties often lie in epidemics and flood control. Drought and floods are two sides of the same coin; when drought occurs…”

Lin Lan took careful notes, while Wen Qingshi listened intently, his eyes sparkling, nodding in sudden realization from time to time.

“Sister, I understand!” she concluded. “In years of disaster, we should increase revenue and reduce expenditure, and promote work relief so that what is taken from the people can be used for the people. If we continue to exploit the people or condone officials’ corruption, causing the people to suffer, then the people will be restless and the country will be in danger.”

"Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. Even if one is greedy for immediate gains, losing the hearts of the people will ruin the future. Therefore, the downfall of the Shen and Liang families also stemmed from this."

Wen Yu was surprised that she could surpass her teacher. Her eyes flashed with delight, and she praised, "Qing Shi, you have grasped it very well."

The previously quiet chat room was now buzzing with discussion.

[You're quite perceptive, young Qing Shi! You'd be perfect for the essay section of the civil service exam, haha!]

[Upstairs, are you crazy about the civil service exam?! This is called the imperial examination essay! It's a pity they can't participate...sigh.]

[To have such insight at fifteen years old is quite remarkable!]

[I understand why everyone thinks Qing Shi's article is so good. Judges, get ready! Now, back before you is Niu Hulu Qing Shi!]

She's really good at applying what she's learned to new situations; no wonder she was able to write that award-winning article back then. I'm still just babbling at my age.

[It's okay, didn't you hear what she said? Her brothers are even older than her, and they're like idiots all the time, hahaha, it's so frustrating to compare yourself to others.]

The literary gathering is the day after tomorrow! I'm so excited!

A note from the author:

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Trying hard to write dialogue scenes, which I'm not good at [poor thing]