Chapter 107
Wen Shi's official position is currently low, so it's not a big deal for her to show her face in public; she won't attract attention, especially since she's the manager.
However, if his official position becomes higher in the future, it would be inappropriate for her to remain in this position.
In recent years, Yingxiang has also wanted to take the time to train a group of people who can be used by her in the future. They don't need to do anything big. She is just doing business. As long as they can manage the store and do accounting, and are reliable, that's enough.
The larger the family, the more rules and restrictions they face. Although they are wealthy, they have little freedom. The two of them are far from reaching that level yet, and it's hard to say what will happen in the future. Yingxiang just wants to seize the present and earn more money first, because that's the real currency.
Secondly, we should prepare for the future as much as possible, so as not to be caught off guard.
The following evening, after finishing his shift, Wen Shi picked up his son and took him directly to the market to choose a gift. They visited several shops and finally Wen Shi chose a beautifully crafted tea set.
"Sir, are you buying this for yourself or as a gift?"
The waiter asked enthusiastically.
"It's a gift, wrap it up."
"This way, please. It will be ready in a minute."
After Yingxiang returned home, she opened the box and took a look. It was quite nice; this was suitable. Giving it empty-handed would definitely be inappropriate and would make people laugh. Giving a tea set as a gift was auspicious, respectable, and practical.
They waited for the day when Wen Shi had a day off, and then the two of them went out for drinks. Secretly, Yingxiang was also a little curious. She had never seen how such respectable people conducted their affairs. She had read about it in books before, but what was written in books was not necessarily accurate.
A fifth-rank official's annual salary would amount to several hundred taels of silver, and he would also receive generous rewards during festivals. He would likely live in a very respectable mansion.
When the day arrived, the couple got up early, dressed, and first took Wen Leqian to school.
Afterwards, the two walked towards the Grand Scholar's house. Wen Shi carried gifts in his hands, looking solemn. Ying Xiang lagged half a step behind him, looking at her husband's tall figure and handsome profile.
She couldn't help but recall the time when the two had just gotten married.
Back then, Wen Shi didn't look as mature as he does now. He was good-looking, and to put it nicely, he was a young heartthrob. Now, although he hasn't gained weight, his demeanor has changed a lot, and he looks very calm and composed.
In a few years, he will be thirty years old. Thinking of this, Yingxiang subconsciously touched her face.
She takes great care of herself and doesn't wear makeup. She insists on skincare, and her skin and overall appearance are excellent. She's in her twenties, but if she doesn't dress more maturely, she looks no different from a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl.
She wasn't particularly fond of her makeup and hairstyle today, but when you're out and about, personal preferences aren't that important. This wasn't a small occasion, and if she dressed too extravagantly, people would just think she was frivolous and petty.
Wen Shi's colleagues knew what kind of background the couple came from, so there was no need to pretend to be rich, but they also couldn't be too shabby.
The Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy lived in a rather large two-courtyard house, with the front and back courtyards separated. The front courtyard was where the men lived and where guests were received, while the back courtyard was where the women lived. He had many children, several of whom were born of his principal wife, and many more born of concubines. He had been in officialdom for almost twenty years, and getting to where he was today was not an easy journey.
He was ranked tenth in the second class that year, which was considered top-notch, and he was very upright in his daily life.
Among his colleagues from the same cohort, some have fared better than him, while others have been imprisoned for embezzlement. His career trajectory is already quite impressive.
He remained in the Hanlin Academy, a place with little financial reward, but he was considered steady and reliable. He received rewards during festivals and holidays, and through his steady and diligent efforts, he eventually rose through the ranks.
Today, not only is there a bright red cotton cloth hanging on the plaque above his door, but even the gatekeeper has a red cloth wrapped around his waist, indicating that there is a very happy occasion.
Yingxiang glanced at the four very robust servants standing at the door. She took a deep breath and tried her best to appear poised and elegant. Although she was curious, she couldn't really look around. If someone noticed, they would say she was unsophisticated and impolite.
"Please come in, please come in."
When Wen Shi took out the invitation, the steward opened it and immediately greeted him with a smile. He went inside, first arranging for someone to receive the gifts. After registering the gifts in the gift register, he had someone lead them to their seats in the front hall.
Wen Shi's official rank is currently considered low, so it's impossible for him to sit directly in the front row with Yingxiang.
From the main gate directly to the front hall, the two walked through several long corridors, during which they encountered the wife of the Grand Secretary.
She was dressed very formally, with heavy makeup on her face. After being introduced, she exchanged a few polite words with Wen Shiyingxiang and then told them to go in and take a seat before going to serve other guests.
Yingxiang noticed that the interior of the house looked newer. Once they were seated, she and Wenshi separated and couldn't speak.
There were more than thirty tables set up for the banquet, which is not a small number.
Most of the officials from the Hanlin Academy had arrived. In addition, there were some of the Grand Secretary's former classmates, colleagues, and relatives, all of whom brought gifts. The place became increasingly lively, with those who were more familiar with each other sitting together and chatting.
The scholar and his wife were busy greeting guests, walking back and forth. Although they were exhausted, they were visibly happy.
Parents are naturally happy that their daughter has found a good husband, especially since she married into a family with a noble title.
Those sitting in the backyard right now are all unmarried girls who are not comfortable sitting with men outside the marriage, but Yingxiang doesn't have that concern.
"Madam, please enjoy the tea and snacks."
Yingxiang nodded. The hall was not open; once the guests entered, the two old women at the door would immediately close the door.
Several charcoal braziers were placed all around. It was Yingxiang's first time attending a wealthy family's wedding banquet, so she didn't say much and mostly observed from the sidelines.
The two arrived early. Although they were not far apart, it would not be appropriate for her to sit next to Wen Shi and talk to him. After a moment, a woman wearing a blue jacket sat down next to her.
"You're Madam Wen, right?"
Yingxiang nodded. The woman sitting next to her had a fair complexion and a slender figure. She was dressed elegantly and wore a gold-inlaid jade hairpin, which suggested that she was from a wealthy family.
The woman also gave her a quick look before saying, "My husband's surname is Wang, and he works with Lord Wen."
Yingxiang hummed in agreement.
In this patriarchal era, she had no reputation outside. Before, she was Madam Wen, now she is Madam Wen, and when she becomes a mother-in-law, she will probably be Old Madam Wen.
"This flower cake is quite good, soft and delicious, you should try it."
Yingxiang was bored sitting there, but the pastries in front of her were exquisite and the tea was fragrant, so she naturally wouldn't just stare at them.
Madam Wang stretched out her slender fingers, picked up a piece, and slowly savored it.
"It's very good."
She smiled and praised her, noting that her eyes were curved and she was a delicate and pretty woman.
The tea was top-quality Longjing tea, and the pastries looked like they were bought from an outside shop. Yingxiang guessed that the afternoon banquet would be even better.
After that, many more people arrived, and the small round table was already full. The wives of Wen Shi's colleagues were all sitting at the same table as Ying Xiang.
His superiors, those of higher rank, all sat in the front; the distinctions were clear and unambiguous.
The guests who are personally received by the host are of much higher official rank and status than them.
“I heard that part of the girl’s dowry was sent over a few days ago. There were 128 loads prepared, which is quite a lot.”
"The dowry will definitely last for miles. The lady of the Earl's mansion is a kind-hearted woman who has carefully taught her son. When he grew up, she even helped him find a wife and prepared a lot of betrothal gifts, which should have all been taken back with him."
"These dowries are for the girls to use in the future. The fact that they can bring back the betrothal gifts and prepare a lot of extra dowry shows that the girl's family is very generous."
Yingxiang didn't say much, mostly just greeting people. At the table in front of her, a few women seemed to be talking about something, and she listened with her ears perked up, pretending not to care.
She currently has no sources of information and no close associates among the wives of officials. Sometimes she hears about the secrets of so-called prominent families in teahouses, but she doesn't know if they're true or false, and she has never experienced great wealth.
She felt that her current life, compared to Wen Shi's, was, in modern terms, a comfortable life, not exactly wealthy. They had enough to eat and drink and a place to live, but that was about it.
As she listened, she suddenly realized that when her son grew up and got married, the dowry would be indispensable.
Wen Leqian is luckier than his father. He is already the son of an official, and his future will be much easier, barring any unforeseen circumstances, as long as he strives to live up to expectations.
Once this year is over, he will be four years old next year. Counting the time, she and Wen Shi have been together for almost ten years, and their lives have changed quite a bit.
From the village to the town, to the county, to the prefectural city, the two of them gradually made their way up.
"Speaking of which, Madam Wen is lucky. Lord Wen is so considerate, picking up and dropping off the child every morning and evening. Is this your only child?"
A woman wearing a green jacket suddenly spoke up. She smelled strongly of perfume, had many hairpins and ornaments in her hair, and even wore a large hair flower.
Yingxiang only glanced at it before turning her head away. Everyone has their own preferences and aesthetics; as long as you think it looks good, that's fine with you.
When Wen Shi picks up and drops off his child, he often runs into classmates. People like him are indeed rare. Nowadays, let alone officials, most ordinary men don't care about their children.
Some gossipy people might talk behind his back, but Wen Shi himself didn't care; he valued this son highly.
In previous years, Yingxiang was the main caregiver, but now he is the main caregiver for the children. The children don't only have their mother. Although he is a bit strict, he would never do anything bad to the children, so Yingxiang has nothing to worry about.
Since the child is destined to live here, it will be more beneficial for him to be taught by his father.
All she can do is earn more money. If she has more money than she can spend, it will naturally benefit her children.
If you let your child struggle on his own in the future and follow the so-called "children and grandchildren have their own blessings," then he will have a very difficult time, especially in this era, as she has gradually come to realize over the years.
Wen Shi had no family support before, and had to rely on himself for everything. He worked his way up all the way, which was not easy. Do you think he was lucky? Of course he was. He passed the imperial examination at a young age and was one of the best among his peers.
But back then, in order to become an apprentice, he once stood in the snow late at night under harsh conditions, but even so, he did not give up.
In those years, he was alone, studying and trying to make money at the same time. Although he didn't say much, Yingxiang could sometimes tell.
No one is born with the ability to endure hardship. If given the choice, who wouldn't want to live an easier life?
His older brother was the complete opposite of him.
Wen Shi worked hard and diligently, and was also blessed by God, which is why he is where he is today.
When it comes to his son, he should learn some of his father's good qualities, which will surely benefit him in the future.
"Just one."
"Is there only one child in your family?"
"yes."
“You two are still young. The more children the better, so they can support each other in the future. I have three sons.”
“My eldest son is already thirteen. In a couple of years, he will be engaged and married. Before long, I will be a grandmother.”
Yingxiang hummed in agreement. She never believed that having many children was a blessing. Although children need to be raised by their parents, neither she nor Wenshi had much wealth, so having more children might not be a good thing.
If you raise this one child well, and she dies of old age, you can leave the rest of your estate to him.
"Lord Wen is still young, and Madam Wen is beautiful. They will surely have children in the future."
"Madam Wang, how many people are in your family?"
The topic then shifted back to the lady who had spoken to Yingxiang earlier.
“I have two daughters.”
"Everyone says daughters are considerate, but to be honest, your daughter isn't really my biological daughter. There's still a barrier between us. You've been married to the top scholar for quite some time now, and we live in the same alley. Don't blame me for being nosy, but you should hurry up and have a child of your own. That's the important thing."
"No matter how many books you read, they're still just so-so. Our children are our future support."
The women gathered together, mostly talking about their children. When Yingxiang heard this, she glanced at the person next to her and remembered what she had just said to her.
This person is nice, and quite low-key.
Although they were both Jinshi graduates, there was a difference between the first and second rank. However, when she first met him, she didn't boast, but only said that they were colleagues.
"I recently obtained a secret recipe. If you drink it, you will definitely have a son. Come to my house in a few days, and I will give you the recipe."
Yingxiang picked up her teacup and, upon hearing this, did not refute it.
She knows a lot, but that's only because of the times. If she had been born and raised here, her thoughts would probably be no different from these people's, thinking about having many children and becoming a grandmother as soon as possible.
"Madam Wen, your coat is quite nice, the pattern on it is really beautiful."
Yingxiang bought ready-made clothes, and upon hearing this, she immediately told the woman who had asked her about the shop.
"When I have time, I'll go pick out a couple of items."
The woman said with a smile that Yingxiang would not like clothes that are too complicated or cumbersome to wear. Simpler clothes are not necessarily bad either. As long as they are matched properly, they will look very good.
Her makeup and jewelry today weren't particularly dazzling; they were just ordinary.
"By the way, what do you do in your family?"
"My father was a scholar who passed the imperial examinations, and now he is a schoolteacher."
And you, Madam Wen?
"My dad is a farmer."
"And you?"
"My dad was a farmer too."
“My father is a businessman; the family owns several shops.”
“My father was a clerk in our county government office.”
Regardless of what they thought in their hearts, everyone maintained a friendly demeanor. Nowadays, the social hierarchy is divided into scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. Moreover, today they are sitting at the same table, and regardless of age, frankly speaking, they are all equal in status. No one is more noble than the other.
"My family is also in business."
"The cost of living in the capital is really high. Houses are not cheap at all. I don't know when I will be able to settle down and buy a house here."
Some have plenty of money, while others are struggling financially.
Everyone knows this unspokenly: unless you're extremely wealthy or hold a high-ranking official position, it's impossible to buy a house in Beijing without more than ten years of experience. It's not that easy.
Based solely on salary, even a high-ranking official of the first rank would need seven or eight years to buy a decent one.
"Who wouldn't want that? But right now, all I can think about is my two children, who are now over ten years old and will soon be getting married. There will be many expenses in the future, and I'm afraid the house won't be big enough to accommodate them."
“I have my parents-in-law to support, and four sons to raise.”
As Yingxiang chatted with these people, she wasn't too surprised. Although everyone seemed to be doing well, everyone has their share of troubles.
Thinking of her in-laws, she picked up her teacup, guessing they would both come. Fortunately, they didn't have to live together, otherwise there would definitely be a lot of trouble.
When it was time for the banquet to begin, the hall fell silent. Wen Shi and his colleagues chatted idly, mostly discussing ancient books.
During this time, servants came to tidy up, removing the tea and snacks and starting to serve wine and dishes. Just as Yingxiang had expected, all the dozen or so dishes on the table were excellent, and there was also fine wine.
"These dishes look like those from Wangchunlou Restaurant. This bird's nest duck looks very familiar, as does this stewed mutton."
A woman spoke up from not far away.
If it's food from Wangchunlou, then this whole meal won't be cheap; it'll cost at least thirty taels of silver.
"Maybe they hired their chef, but their food is really delicious."
"Yes, we are in for a treat today."
Yingxiang had heard of Wangchunlou, but had never been there. The restaurant had a nice name, but being too famous usually meant it was expensive.
Bird's nest with duck—whether in modern times or ancient times, Yingxiang had never eaten this dish.
The maids neatly arranged the exquisite bowls and chopsticks in front of her. It was almost time for the bride to leave home, but the banquet had not yet started. The dishes were plentiful, but no one touched their chopsticks first; everyone was waiting.
As soon as the auspicious hour arrived, the entire mansion instantly became lively, with firecrackers going off one after another outside, as the bride was about to leave her home.
Yingxiang watched as a woman with a graceful figure, dressed in a bright red wedding gown, was helped out of the backyard by the matchmakers. She bid farewell to her parents and walked out. After seeing her off, the banquet began, and the Grand Secretary and his wife started to entertain the guests.
From top to bottom, they were polite and courteous, and everyone offered their congratulations, showering each other with compliments as if they were free.
"Thank you all for coming to my daughter's wedding banquet today."
After downing glass after glass of wine, Yingxiang felt herself getting a little dizzy. She never drinks alcohol, and these days she's only taking small sips, but there are so many people around today.
Back and forth they drank, and not drinking was considered disrespectful. At this point, she began to understand those men who were socializing; at the dinner table, everyone had their own difficulties.
Snowflakes began to fall outside. Yingxiang ate quite a lot, but she didn't forget to eat the side dishes. She tasted almost every dish. Some were bland and tasteless, while others were delicious. She put down her chopsticks after taking two bites of the bird's nest duck dish.
After the banquet ended, the host and the butler began to see the guests off; it was already afternoon.
Stepping out of the hall, a cold wind blew and large snowflakes fell. Yingxiang immediately became more alert, her face slightly flushed, and she seemed to be doing better.
When they arrived at their son's school, they both became more sober.
This was Yingxiang's first time here, but the school looked good. She picked up Wen Leqian and took him home.
"Go back and have some hot tea."
Wen Shi looked at his wife with some concern and said that he never saw her drink alcohol on weekdays, but she had indeed drunk quite a lot today, and he was worried that she would have a headache.
"good."
"Father, Mother, Mr. Xu praised me today. He said I can read quickly and that I'm smart."
"That's great."
As soon as the little guy said that, Yingxiang immediately praised him. Wen Shi didn't say anything. After sending his wife and children home, he changed his clothes and said he wanted to go to Ping'an Village to take a look.
Seeing that he seemed to be sober, Yingxiang didn't stop him.
After finishing a large bowl of hot tea, she closed the door, and, still wearing her undergarments, drifted off to sleep on the bed. As for the child, he could play by himself inside the room. He had no homework and found it boring, so he took off his outer garment, climbed directly into Yingxiang's arms, and slept with her in his arms.
It's getting dark earlier and earlier these days, so Wen Shi's sudden trip was not without reason. He wasn't afraid of the cold, and thankfully, he wasn't too disappointed when he got there; the house was already up.
Is there anything you're not satisfied with?
A cold wind howled, and Wen Shi, who had been completely sober, walked along the road. At this moment, the sky was getting dark. He looked around and shook his head.
"That's good."
The old man's second son didn't intend to fool Wen Shi. After meeting him a few times, he knew that this man wasn't the kind of person who would just wash his hands of things. He came at unpredictable times, so there was no need for him to suffer a great loss for a little bit of profit. As long as he was honest and conscientious, getting the money was only a matter of time.
"The carpenter has already started making furniture, would you like to take a look?"
She didn't refuse when she heard it.
The carpenter's house also had a large courtyard. He neatly arranged all the finished furniture together. The tables inside the house were all large round tables, while the tables in the hall were some small square tables, along with chairs. These were all matching sets. The display shelves in the main house were also finished, and the tung oil had been applied and dried.
The snow came suddenly today, but it didn't have much of an impact. The carpenter began preparing to make the cabinet.
"It will be completed in at most another month, before the end of the year."
Wen Shi nodded, "That would be best."
On the way home, Wen Shi calculated the time. Her family must have already set off, and she didn't know where they were going, but barring any unforeseen circumstances, they would definitely arrive next year.
Although this New Year is still on the road, it is full of expectations for Old Man Wen and his family.
Inside a small inn, Old Man Wen was warming himself by the fire, while Mrs. Liu sat beside him, happily eating a roasted sweet potato.
"Why hasn't Xiao Wu come back yet?"
They have already arrived in the prefectural city, but they haven't found a caravan that goes directly to the capital yet. Because there are elderly people and children with them, Wen Xiaowu doesn't want to go through too much trouble, so she wants to wait.
If there are caravans that go directly to the capital, it would be best for them to follow them.
"Let's wait a bit. Caravans aren't easy to find, and besides, we're going straight there. This kid doesn't want to make things difficult for us."
"He said there are caravans that go directly there and can get there in as little as a month. The weather is cold, and if we don't find them, it will take several months with all the twists and turns. The road is also difficult to travel."
Old Man Wen understood that their journey from the county to the prefectural city had already been quite arduous, and given their advanced age, he knew that his children were doing it for his own good.
At this moment, Wen Chuanzong pushed open the door and came in.
“If Father can’t do it, we’ll take another route. We’ve been waiting for several days already. If we don’t see any results, we can’t stay here forever. How long will that take?”
Old Man Wen glanced at him, and his lips moved.
"Listen to Xiao Wu, he's more familiar with it."
Wen Chuanzong was completely speechless. As for Liu, she ate her sweet potato without saying a word.
"Father, Xiao Wu is young and wants to play it safe, but the New Year is almost here!"
"That's not important."
Old Man Wen picked up his teacup and drank a bowl of hot tea.
"The room rate here is quite high every day."
Wen Chuanzong still wanted to persuade his parents.
"You don't need to pay for it."
In the end, Wen Chuanzong left in a dejected manner.
In the next room, Yuqin had just put her child to sleep and was eating sweet potatoes. It was cold, and since they couldn't find a suitable car fleet, they had to stop.
Xiao Wu's words were very clear: thinking of the child, she didn't want to go through any more trouble. It wasn't like she couldn't wait; she had already come out, and she couldn't possibly go back.
It's just a matter of time. Once they get to the county, she'll take out the money and send her son to school.
If he could become like his third uncle in the future, that would be the best.
Even if he doesn't learn to read, he'll definitely be much better than his father. Over the years, they've only had this one son. Not to mention her, even Wen Lao Er cherishes him.
Madam Ma in the room on the right had just put her child to sleep and was drinking tea. Wen Lao Si sat leisurely to the side, not in a hurry at all.
Seeing that good days were ahead, he would wake up smiling from his dreams.
"After we go to the capital, you should listen to your third sister-in-law. Mother is getting old and sometimes she can't help but be confused."
Don't worry.
Looking at the clothes on her son, Madam Ma was absolutely delighted. Yingxiang was so generous, giving her so many clothes all at once.
"We'll have his third uncle come up with a name for him."
"good."
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