Chapter 149
Yingxiang completely ignored the Wen family's affairs.
Before she knew it, it was getting late, so she immediately sent someone to the kitchen to tell them to prepare more meat dishes for dinner.
Wen Shi is on duty today, but if there's anything he needs to do, he'll do it tomorrow.
At dinner time, the family of three sat together for a meal, enjoying each other's company.
The flames flickered in the charcoal brazier not far away, making the room warm and cozy. In the afternoon, Yingxiang had talked a lot with her son. Now, she mostly listened to the father and son talking. When she heard this, she was most concerned about her son's studies, and she couldn't stop talking about books.
Wen Leqian will need to continue studying at the academy for another five or six years before he reaches the age to take the exam.
"Drink more chicken soup."
Seeing that Yueqian's soup bowl was empty, Yingxiang immediately refilled it for him.
"Thank you, Mother."
"You still need to practice your handwriting more. I'll have someone buy you more calligraphy practice books later. Don't just sit idle during your vacation."
Looking at his still stern father, Wen Leqian didn't feel like a stranger. He was still the same person as before, with little change in his facial features, but he looked even more stern with his beard.
In the cradle not far away, the little one was whimpering, probably because he was hungry.
Yingxiang finished eating in a few bites, then took him behind the screen to breastfeed. The moment he started nursing, the little guy immediately stopped making noise and stared at Yingxiang.
“Your mother and I are not by your side, and you are getting older every year. You are not young anymore. In a few years, your marriage will be on the agenda. Your father may not be able to return to the capital by then. You must remember that when choosing a wife, looks are not the most important thing. Character is.”
"If your family tries to arrange a marriage for you, just refuse. If a friend or colleague introduces you, you should let me and your mother know."
Wealthy families generally marry young. Wen Shi has lived in the capital for several years, and his family's status has changed. Those who are better off than them would certainly look down on them, but it's hard to say if they are about the same level. Marrying someone of equal social standing is very important.
He never considered having his son marry into a wealthy family so that the bride's family could help him. He believed that relying on oneself was better than relying on others, a principle he had always followed and was never wrong.
He was happy as long as Wen Leqian could marry a girl from a similarly respectable family as them; he didn't think of anything else.
"Before that, you must strictly discipline yourself. If you dare to act recklessly in private, don't blame your father for being ruthless."
Wen Shi's words were brief and to the point, and Wen Leqian understood.
His father was worried that he might be confused for a moment. Before marriage, he was not allowed to have concubines or keep mistresses. Although these things would not break the law, they would damage his reputation.
Good families generally wouldn't just marry their daughters off to this kind of family.
"Father, don't worry, these things will never happen before I pass the exam. Marriage is a big deal, and I will listen to you and Mother."
Hearing this, he immediately felt much more at ease.
It is undeniable that the capital city is wealthy and has excellent academies. Bringing them out can certainly provide a good example and instruction, but as children grow older, their living environment also becomes very important.
He is busy with government affairs and cannot keep an eye on things all the time. The county government is not like the Hanlin Academy, which is not a leisurely place. Finding someone to tutor the child alone would not be good for him. It is better to let him interact with students of the same age and socialize with others. Good academies have very good teachers.
As his son grew older, he could no longer indulge him in matters of daily life, in addition to his studies.
Behind the screen, Yingxiang overheard Wenshi saying these things to his son, and there was nothing wrong with that; in this vast world, there are indeed many temptations.
Don't be fooled by how well-behaved and sensible this child is since he was little. To be honest, if he were to rebel one day, he could be quite a handful.
Wen Shi clearly had high expectations for Wen Leqian. Ying Xiang didn't even dare to think that if this child became a spendthrift in the future, it would probably make Wen Shi furious.
He worked hard for more than ten years to finally enjoy the good life he has today.
But if the child is not good, he can ruin the family in just three to five years.
Before she knew it, the child in her arms had eaten his fill and fallen asleep. She tidied her clothes, put him in the cradle, and since there were maids watching over him at night, she didn't need to look after him. When he got hungry, she would naturally bring him into the room.
Late at night, after Wen Leqian went to bed, he wasn't upset. He knew that his father was doing it all for his own good.
In his memory, he spent more time with Wen Shi than with his mother. When he was a child, he would drop him off at school early in the morning and pick him up late in the evening. Now that he has grown up, he is temporarily separated from his parents, but they are doing it all for his own good.
He often heard about many things, and marriage was still a very distant thing for him, but he could understand his father's worries.
He was no longer an innocent child. His teacher was very strict, and he dared not forget his upbringing. Losing more for something less is the worst thing to do. At such a young age, he already had his own ideals and ambitions.
Remembering what his fifth uncle had told him before, he rolled over.
His father had it tough too; the whole family relied on him before. Fortunately, his fifth uncle is showing promise, and he and his father can help and support each other in the future.
Gradually, Wen Leqian fell asleep.
The county government office hasn't closed for the holidays yet, and Wen Shi is still busy. With the New Year approaching, Ying Xiang has received many gifts. This year, her son is coming to visit, and she has to take care of the younger children while also giving return gifts of equal value.
As for the banquet, we will postpone it this year.
She was exhausted; she had to take care of the young children and handle a lot of things in the backyard. Wen Shi had mentioned wanting to send a gift to her husband, and she had already had it prepared and sent out.
The next day at noon, Yingxiang was busy, and Wen Leqian came over to keep her company after writing a few calligraphy pieces.
Today, Yixin no longer cries when he sees his older brother. He lets him hug him and Leqian teases him with a rattle drum, and he smiles from time to time.
Seeing this, Yingxiang felt even happier.
The weather was nice, and she had previously covered the windows with paper, making the room bright. The mother and her two children were in one room and did not disturb each other.
After writing the gift list and having someone prepare to make the purchases, Wen Leqian sat down next to Yingxiang with his younger brother in his arms.
"Mother, some of my classmates' families have already started arranging marriages for them, saying they can get engaged. My father even told me about it yesterday. Mother, what kind of wife do you think I should find in the future?"
Yingxiang looked at her son and sighed inwardly upon hearing these words. It couldn't be said that these people were wrong; that was indeed the way things were in this day and age.
The wealthier you are, the earlier you should arrange a marriage for your child, since in the eyes of the world, their actual age should be two years older.
For the poor, finding a wife is very difficult, and they usually get married late, as was the case in Wenshi.
"Your mother thinks you're still too young. Why do you want your father and me to arrange a marriage for you as soon as possible?"
Wen Leqian thought for a moment.
"The marriage is arranged by the parents and the matchmaker, so of course the son's marriage should be decided by you and father."
"Your father and I hope you can find a good wife, but you're still young right now. Let's talk about it in a few years."
After Yingxiang finished speaking, she couldn't help but look at her youngest son, feeling somewhat emotional.
“When you were as young as your younger brother, your father was studying under Mr. Huang in Songshan Prefecture. It wasn’t easy for him to become his student. You were raised by your parents. Back then, conditions were far worse than they are now.”
Wen Leqian was dressed in a black robe, his hair was neatly combed, and upon closer inspection, his features were very similar to Wen Shi's, with a pair of narrow phoenix eyes, thin lips, and a high nose.
She's young now and looks a bit immature, but she'll definitely be beautiful when she grows up.
"I will always remember my parents' kindness in raising me."
"The baby is sleepy," Wen Leqian said in a serious tone after putting the baby back in the cradle.
"Leqian, your mother hopes you are well and wants you to live your life as happily and freely as possible. There are many moral constraints in this world. You must learn to find freedom and happiness in your limited life. Life is not that long. You must learn to turn adversity into opportunity and cherish good times."
A ray of sunlight shone into the room, and Wen Leqian looked over. Yingxiang's words kept replaying in his mind, and upon reflection, he became somewhat curious.
"Why do you say that, Mother? You shouldn't expect your son to be successful and filial to you."
"I won't force you to have this. Of course, it would be great if you did, but as long as you are healthy, I'll be happier than anything else."
After Yingxiang finished speaking, she looked at her son with a smile on her face.
Time waits for no one. Looking back on when she first arrived, she felt a bit desperate, but more than that, she was confused. Back then, with the help of the system, she didn't starve to death in this era.
However, she still suffered some hardships to some extent. Later, her life improved, and the system was also upgraded.
Now, the past is past, but the future is still unknown.
Yingxiang cherishes her stable and affluent life. As her child grows up, she can't offer much help in his career, but she doesn't want him to be under too much pressure because of it.
"Don't worry, Mother, I will take good care of myself."
After thinking for a moment, Wen Leqian gave this reply, which showed that although he was still young, he had ambition.
"My father said that as a subject, one should be loyal to His Majesty, serve the court, and consider the people. I also hope that I can become a good official who will be remembered in history."
Looking at it now, his goal is still very far away. He hasn't even entered officialdom yet, but he still wants to make a name for himself in history. Wen Leqian believes in himself, and this is only a matter of time.
Yingxiang didn't refute these words. As long as he felt that he could gain happiness and satisfaction from it, then he should strive for it.
Whether a person lives a life full of ambition or a life of mediocrity, it all depends on the individual. As long as one has no regrets throughout their life, that's good enough.
She doesn't regret her initial choice. Looking back, she feels that her life has been relatively smooth sailing, without too many hardships.
Two days later, the account books and money from the capital arrived. Yingxiang counted them and found they were about the same as last year.
This is their second New Year in Ping County. After next year, there will only be two years left. She doesn't know where Wen Shi will take up her post next.
With money on her side, she was no longer as anxious and worried as before.
Sooner or later, she was certain that she would be able to return to the capital and buy a large house; Yingxiang was extremely confident about this.
Wen family
On the afternoon of the 29th of the lunar year, Liu sat under the eaves, thinking of calling her eldest son's family back.
But she was scolded as soon as she opened her mouth. Even during the New Year, Old Man Wen wouldn't budge. She felt sorry for her two grandsons, but there was nothing she could do.
Xiao Wu came out of the house and saw his mother, Liu Shi, sitting under the eaves wearing a black sheepskin coat and looking worried. He slowly walked up to her and helped her up.
"Mother, go back first. When I become successful in the future, I will help my elder brother."
Hearing Xiao Wu's words, Liu Shi perked up immediately.
“My older brother needs money right now, I know. We’re all family. Once I finish my exams and get a job and salary, I will help my brother.”
"well."
Liu stood up. Her hair was almost completely white. As the years went by, she had to admit that she had grown old.
This time, Old Man Wen made a tough decision, and she was also a little worried, fearing that the eldest son's family would not be able to make ends meet.
Xiao Wu's words were like a reassuring pill. Now that the time for marriage is gone, only this son has any potential.
On New Year's Eve, the Wen family ate together, but this year it was not as lively as in previous years, especially since Wen Chuanzong's family had also left.
The two children wanted to come back, but their father kept the door closed and wouldn't let them in, so they had no choice but to go back.
They wanted to persuade Wen Chuanzong, but they didn't know what he was doing outside; he didn't even come back for the New Year.
"Second brother, fourth brother, the fifth brother will be taking the imperial examination after the New Year. I trust him, but there are some things I need to tell him in advance."
Wen Lao Er and Lao Si immediately perked up, as did Yu Qin and Ma Shi.
"I'd like to divide this house among you first."
Upon hearing this, the two men immediately stood up, looking at Old Man Wen in disbelief. Outside, the cold wind howled, and although the doors and windows were tightly closed, the sound of the wind could still be faintly heard.
Old Man Wen's words came as a surprise, and Xiao Wu didn't say anything, but there was something he had to say on behalf of his third brother.
"Father, the land deeds and house deeds are all in my third brother's hands."
The two, who were initially quite excited, sat down immediately upon hearing this, almost forgetting that words don't matter.
“I know that, but the third brother will definitely buy one in the city later. It doesn’t have to be. I’ll divide it up for now. Your eldest brother is gone. You can divide the empty rooms in the back equally. When the third brother comes back, I’ll discuss it with him. If nothing unexpected happens, it will be given to your two families.”
"Ten acres of land, half for each of us. I contributed two hundred taels of silver before, and your family has to give me one hundred taels in return."
“I’ve given you all the money. From now on, you brothers can each plant half and keep your own share. When the children are successful, it will be easier to transfer the ownership. If you can’t give me the money, then we’ll split it together as before. I don’t want my share when you give me the money.”
Old Man Wen had clearly made up his mind, and his words were fair. Yuqin thought about it for a moment and said nothing.
In the past few years, she has never stopped working and has been frugal in every way. She still has money in her hands. Wen Lao Er is the same. The couple doesn't spend any money at all and saves all their earnings.
"Then let Xiao Wu be the witness, and I'll go get the money in a bit."
Old Man Wen glanced at Yuqin and nodded.
“You now have five acres of land, so you don’t need to allocate grain to me here in the future.”
"Where is your family?"
"Father, we'll give some too."
The fourth brother quickly spoke up.
"Okay, I'll go get the money in a bit."
The house couldn't be divided immediately, but once they got the land, the two brothers naturally trusted Wen Shi.
The third brother certainly wouldn't covet their little bit of land.
"I'm keeping this money for you to use when you get married."
If Xiao Wu hadn't become a scholar, they could have just found someone nearby and settled down there. But since he did pass the exam, Old Man Wen wasn't too keen on it.
Remembering what Wen Shi had said before, and with all the money he had, he was sure he could give Xiao Wu a grand wedding. Once he got married and had children, he would have nothing to worry about in the future.
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