418 For the sake of children

He quickly recovered, looked at his eldest daughter who was now independent, and said in a low voice, "Nanlian, your Uncle Lin just came over and said he knows his nephew, Xiao Lin. What do you think? If you're unwilling, I'll decline."

Yue Nanlian was stunned. She hadn't expected to be getting married so soon. Her face flushed red, and seeing that it was someone she knew well, she said shyly in a soft voice, "I'll leave it to Father to decide."

Upon hearing this, Master Yue nodded slightly, a hint of solemnity in his voice, and pondered softly, "Xinlin is a hard-working child, but he has no family to rely on. He'll definitely suffer a lot if he goes there alone."

The advantage is that we live close by now, so we can help each other out, and our family can also help if anything happens.

Moreover, with Uncle Lin around, my nephew's character is impeccable, and he now has a place to stay. If you two really get together, I will make some arrangements for her and teach her carefully.

Life may be tough, but things will get better.

However, since we don't usually get along very well, I'll have your second uncle's older brother inquire about it first.

If you're willing, perhaps you can meet him during this time. The city is peaceful now, so take a stroll around the neighborhood, observe his character, and get a closer look.

If you have no further objections by then, the matter will be settled. If it turns out you've misjudged the person, then we can end it there.

Yue Nanping bowed slightly, shyly saying, "Thank you, Father."

Master Yue nodded gently and comforted him, "Go and have some fun. You've all worked hard these past few days. It seems much more peaceful here now. You can also take a look around."

I heard yesterday that we can arrange for you to go to school to learn to read and write; this is thanks to our ancestors.

There will likely be changes here in the future.

You and your younger brother and sister should first learn to read and recognize some characters. You should also contact Xiaolin and see if there's a time limit. Even if you decide to get married, don't worry, we won't rush you out of the family.

When I get back, I'll have your mother discuss this matter with you, and then we can discuss it further.

Yue Nanping nodded gently, a fleeting hope in her eyes, then shook her head and said, "Thank you, Father, but I still need to help with things at home. My younger brother and sister are still too young, so I don't need to go to school."

Help your mother more at home.

Master Yue shook his head firmly and said in a low voice, "No need. It's a rare opportunity here, and it's a benefit for you all. It would be a pity to miss it."

"Thank you for your kindness, adults. During your school years, you receive lunch and a stipend in the evenings, so your mother, I, and others are financially secure. The more you learn to read, the better you can find a good, easier job."

He then whispered, "I've only been here a few days, but I can already see how prosperous this place is. Your strength is mysterious and unpredictable, so there should be no problem keeping this place safe."

Moreover, workshops and similar establishments are starting to be built nearby. If you are literate, you might be able to find a good job. And with the old patriarch around, and you knowing a little bit of characters, you can go and see if there's anything suitable for you, perhaps by asking Master Yan.

Yue Nanping nodded gently and said gratefully, "Thank you, Father. I understand."

Master Yue thought for a moment and said, "It's possible that it won't just be you, but also Xiao Lin, and all of you young people might go. You'll learn to read during the day and help out at night."

Yue Nanping's face flushed slightly, and she said softly, "Yes, Father."

Looking at his obedient daughter, Master Yue thought for a moment and said, "I've heard that there might be clinics here, including clinics for women, as well as other industries, and possibly even female officials."

You should learn to read first. If a good opportunity arises, we'll go and discuss it with Elder Weng and others, so you can have a way out.

Yue Nanping exclaimed in surprise, "Really? There really will be female officials?"

His eyes seemed to be filled with a raging storm, wide open and filled with disbelief and astonishment.

Master Yue nodded in surprise, his eyes also filled with disbelief.

He said softly, "Yes, it's true. It was only confirmed yesterday that the prefect of Wanzhou and the police officers are both women."

Moreover, news spreads rapidly in Dalong Prefecture, which has already begun to recruit talented individuals, regardless of gender or status, and regardless of whether they are members of the royal family.

The same is true in Wanzhou; I've heard there are many clinics specializing in women's medicine, so I imagine it's the same here.

Looking at her daughter's slowly changing eyes, she needed a little time to process it.

So many changes have occurred here. Although we were once well-fed and clothed, the difference is striking compared to this place. It feels like a dream.

Seeing that her daughter had come to her senses, she gently explained, "What your Uncle Yan told you yesterday must be true."

Furthermore, we will recruit some apprentices here, and others, if they have the necessary qualities and talent for cultivation, will be sent to patrol stations, police stations, or the military to learn more survival skills.

Yue Nanping tried hard to digest this information. Although blacksmithing was hard work, it was at least a skill, which was definitely not as good as being a cultivator.

Unless one can forge divine weapons and magical artifacts, but such tools require cultivation talent.

In the past, one could only forge iron, but if one's physical constitution was poor, one couldn't even forge iron, let alone cultivate.

If they could truly learn to read and write, they might be able to find a good job. We all have ancestors to rely on; if we have the ability, things won't be too bad for us.

He nodded and replied, "Father, I understand."

"Dinner's ready, everyone come quick!"

"Sister, sister, Daddy, you're here too!" The two younger brothers and sister called out quickly as they ran over.

With his face flushed, the younger brother shouted, "Daddy, Sister, let's go eat! Dinner's ready!"

I also want to eat braised pork belly, it's so delicious.

My mother said there were also glutinous rice balls, sesame glutinous rice balls, which were delicious. And big round dumplings too.

After saying that, he took his sister's hand and was about to go over.

Yue Nanping took out a handkerchief, wiped their hands, and walked together toward the aroma of food.

Xiao Linzi followed Uncle Lin over. Seeing this, he ran over briskly, his face still slightly flushed, and said in a low, slightly stammering voice, "Nanping, let's sit at the same table. This way."

Yue Nanping nodded slightly and gave a barely audible hum, which was taken as her agreement.

Xiao Lin was overjoyed and immediately began to lead the way. The people around them smiled quietly and did not disturb them.

The aroma of food wafted over, and on the table was braised pork belly with preserved mustard greens, both tender and crispy. The preserved mustard greens were delicious. There were also sesame dumplings, large glutinous rice balls, and other hearty dishes typical of holidays.

"Dinner's ready! Everyone eat together; the children are going hungry."

"Dinner's ready. Okay."

The city is filled with the aroma of food and wine; the fragrance has spread far and wide, and happy smiles are on everyone's faces.