Chapter 169
"Now that you've returned to Beijing, please come to our home for tea sometime in the future."
Yingxiang smiled and agreed. Although she was very happy inside, she didn't show it on her face. She didn't want people to think she was frivolous, and she still wanted to be more composed.
The surprise came unexpectedly. After finishing her shopping, Yingxiang sat in the carriage on her way home, feeling quite lightheaded.
She had nothing but praise for her husband, Wen Shi.
Everyone knows that studying to become an official is a good path, and many people want to do so, but how many actually succeed in the end? Just look at Wen Chuanzong; many of them failed along the way.
Wen Shi was truly promising. It was precisely because of his diligence, integrity, and lack of fault that his career progressed more smoothly. Heaven was indeed blessing him.
Wen Shi was sitting on the carriage on his way back to the capital, and he himself thought the same thing.
After Yingxiang arrived home, she had someone take the newly bought acacia honey to the kitchen, and she also put away all the newly bought jewelry and fabrics.
There's no need to write to him right now.
After the house was tidied up, Leqian moved back in. The weather was hot, and Old Man Wen and Liu still went out every day. Yingxiang didn't care about them, and they would come back on their own in the evening.
Since the two returned at different times, she deduced that they didn't go out together, and they went to different places.
"Dad got promoted again?"
Le Qian was clearly pleasantly surprised, as he knew quite a bit.
"Yes, how's the matter Mother asked you to inquire about going?"
Over the years, her son has been studying in Beijing and knows more about the world. Yingxiang still wants her younger son to go to a better school, as he is a bit mischievous at home.
“I’ve inquired and found that the academy my son attends is quite good, but my younger brother is still too young. Mother, why don’t you hire someone to come to our home and teach him for two or three years until he can recognize and write characters, and then let him go to my academy to study?”
Xinxin sat in her brother's lap and nodded frantically upon hearing this.
"Your father does not approve of the child studying at home."
“In the past, your father had a colleague who was from a wealthy family. His family hired tutors to come to their home to teach their children. At that time, you were also going to school, and your father declined their invitation.”
Yingxiang has never forgotten it.
“Mother, many of my classmates were like this. They first focused on learning to read and write at home when they were young, and then went to academy to study. They didn’t always study at home.”
Wen Leqian felt there was no problem with this, as his family was not in a position to lack the means.
“Mom, my older brother is right. If I study at home, I won’t have to go to school anymore. It’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter, which is a bit uncomfortable.”
"If we send them to school nearby, it's fine, but there are mostly houses around here, so there aren't any. If it's a bit far, we'll inevitably have to get up early and pick them up late."
"Yeah yeah."
Yingxiang sat on the daybed, looking at her two sons beside her.
“Your father will be back soon. I’ll wait for him to come back and make arrangements for you. It won’t make a difference if we wait a little longer.”
"don't want."
Wen Shi always valued this, and Ying Xiang was well aware of it. The couple had their own division of labor and did not interfere with each other. One of them was in charge of the children's education, while the other was mainly responsible for their daily life.
In this era, Wen Shi is able to play his cards well; he also has foresight and strategic thinking.
Yingxiang has taken care of most of the things that needed to be done, so there's nothing to worry about.
Although Xinxin is young, he understands that if his father makes the decision for him, he really has no choice. He is still too young to go to the academy with his older brother.
"Come here, Leqian, go do your work."
"Madam, people from our hometown have arrived."
Chunyu suddenly came in. Yingxiang looked at her and felt a little strange. After hearing what she said, Yingxiang immediately understood.
"The eldest aunt of the young masters has arrived. She said she wanted to visit you, along with the old lady and the old master, and she brought some gifts."
That's Xiuyu.
"When she comes in the future, just let her in."
"yes."
As Xiuyu walked in, she learned that when Old Man Wen and Liu Shi arrived, it was Old Man Wen who brought them. Xiuyu later asked him about the place, and he told her where it was.
Yingxiang knew, of course, that her sister-in-law was not a filial daughter, but if she was here to freeload, she would be disappointed.
She straightened her clothes and gestured for Xinxin to come over. When Xiuyu came in, she couldn't help but widen her eyes.
The room was furnished with a great deal of furniture; it had everything one could want. As she walked in, she felt even more envious of the servants she saw.
When she entered the city, she was dressed respectably and wore some hairpins and jewelry. But when she saw Yingxiang's attire, she suddenly felt that she was no different from a country bumpkin.
"Third sister-in-law."
"Sister-in-law, please sit down."
Chunyu immediately went to serve tea.
Xiuyu placed the basket she was carrying on a small table to the side. Yingxiang looked at the dozen or so eggs inside but didn't say anything.
"Now your parents are enjoying a comfortable life with you all, everything's settled in?"
Yingxiang nodded.
"That's great."
When Wen Chuanzong passed the imperial examination and became a scholar, Xiuyu was also in the limelight for a while. But during that time, she also hired a maid to serve the whole family.
Unfortunately, she didn't have that blessing later on.
Yingxiang bought furniture that was simple and understated, not luxurious or complicated. She didn't like some of the patterns either. Her home was decorated in a minimalist style, which wouldn't look bad if arranged properly.
The front yard was tidied up, but she hadn't yet furnished the two small courtyards in the back yard besides the two living courtyards.
"Father, where is Mother?"
"They went out early this morning."
“They’re still restless even in their old age. I’ve heard my fifth sister-in-law say that they love to go out for walks. But as long as they’re healthy, that’s all that matters.”
Xiuyu was a little thirsty, and when the tea was served, she picked up the teacup and drank more than half of it in one go.
Yingxiang hasn't met Xiaowu's wife yet, but she thinks there will be an opportunity in the future.
"Sister-in-law, why don't you show your sister-in-law around?"
Yingxiang did not refuse.
Flowers, shrubs, and trees were delivered one after another, and the servants were busy planting them. Yingxiang even bought some green bamboo for people to plant, as it has a good meaning and is something that officials' families usually have.
In addition, the not-so-small pond has been cleaned up, and several koi carp have been released into it, and it is already taking shape.
Yingxiang led Xiuyu around in front and behind, finally stopping at the Shou Kang Hall where the old couple lived.
The two small courtyards next to it were locked up, so Xiuyu could only go to Shou Kang Tang for a walk.
"Third sister-in-law, why are those two locked up?"
"We'll open it when our two children get married; we won't need it now."
"It must have cost a lot to buy this house."
“I’ve spent most of my money, but thankfully my husband will be back soon. With his salary and what I earn, I can gradually start to buy things.”
"That's good. Leqian is all grown up now, and you'll be a mother-in-law soon."
Yingxiang smiled and nodded.
In the afternoon, the sun was blazing, but there was a large tree in the courtyard of Shou Kang Tang that provided some shade, so it must be cool at night.
"Mother didn't ask you for money, did she? I heard Xiao Wu talk about Mother in private before, telling her not to ask Fifth Sister-in-law for money."
"Not yet," Yingxiang shook her head.
"I just don't know when my third brother will come back. It would be great if your family could be reunited."
Back in the main room, the two sat down, and Xinxin went outside to play.
"There's not much time left, I'll be back this year."
Xiuyu picked up her teacup, her thoughts becoming even more complicated upon hearing these words.
“When I went out, I ran into the wife of my husband’s former boss. She said that my husband had been transferred back and would arrive soon.”
Xiuyu felt even worse.
"Another promotion?"
Yingxiang hummed in agreement. There was no point in hiding it; everyone would know when Wenshi returned.
“My third brother is really something. Sister-in-law, you are now an official’s wife, while my second son is still single. He’s getting on in years, and I’m worried about him. Could you help him find a wife? If you find someone suitable, please introduce him to him. They’re all family.”
"We'll talk about it when the children come back from their exams; that's the most important thing."
"I know you're a good person, generous, and don't hold it against me. I apologize for many things you did wrong in the past. We're family, we can't be estranged."
After Xiuyu finished speaking, she glanced at Chunyu and put her empty teacup aside.
After the tea was poured, she pulled Yingxiang aside and talked for a long time, telling her almost everything that had happened in her family before.
Especially when it comes to his eldest daughter-in-law, Xu Yi, he gets so angry he grinds his teeth.
In the past few years, not a single tael of silver has been squeezed out of her.
“That merchant’s daughter has no manners at all, she is not respectful or filial to me, and she is full of scheming. My sister-in-law is also an honest person. If it weren’t for the fact that the child is still young, I would definitely have my eldest son divorce her.”
Remembering the Xu family she had met before, Yingxiang said, "Sister-in-law, the city is different from the village. A wife's dowry belongs to her own family. We should earn our own money so we can stand tall."
"My sister-in-law also wants to, but she doesn't have the ability."
If Xiuyu were to gain power, she would inevitably become mean and sharp-tongued, and Yingxiang would never be able to get her into her shop; otherwise, the shop's business might fail.
"How could that be? I saw the clothes my nephew's wife made for the child before, and they were very nice. Sister-in-law, if you have nothing to do, why don't you learn some needlework from her? I don't think she would refuse. Once you learn, you can make some handkerchiefs or something and earn some money."
“That bitch A-Mian did follow along for a while before, but Chuanzong doesn’t study anymore. She mainly supports her son. In the past two years, she hasn’t farmed much and has relied on Chuanzong’s books to make money. She’s doing alright.”
As Xiuyu spoke, her eyes darted around. She was far from being the best off, but she was still doing alright. She wasn't starving. Her children were all grown up and had become scholars, so they would give her a little something every year. The courtyard she lived in was also a bit bigger than before.
She felt like she had finally become a mother-in-law.
“I think my second sister-in-law raises a lot of livestock.”
"That smells awful."
Yingxiang stopped talking; there was a reason why she couldn't make ends meet.
"Third sister-in-law, this eldest sister-in-law has been walking around and is a little hungry."
Chunyu was standing to the side. Upon hearing this, she immediately went out. She was now also a housekeeper.
"You have a good servant by your side."
"In a few days, my sister-in-law is going to the temple to eat vegetarian food and chant Buddhist prayers to pray that the Bodhisattva will bless those children and help them pass the imperial examinations as soon as possible."
Before long, two meat dishes were served. Xiuyu ate quickly without any embarrassment, and Yingxiang didn't say anything to her either, as it was a small matter.
It was almost evening, and all she wanted to do was wait for Wen Shi to come back quickly.
These sisters-in-law will inevitably interact in the future, but there will still be some distance between them, so she's not too worried, as they won't cause any trouble.
Half a month later, Wen Shi finally arrived in the capital.
He went to Ping'an Village, and he had changed a lot compared to before.
"Third brother, you're back."
As afternoon approached, Wen Shi appeared in a silver robe, his face as handsome as jade, his hair neatly combed, and he had grown a beard. Wen Erge almost didn't recognize him.
Until I heard his voice.
"Second Brother."
"yes."
"Where are Yingxiang and the children?"
The house looks empty.
Yuqin and Madam Ma, who were behind, came out when they heard the commotion. They were both quite moved when they saw Wen Shi, wondering how he had changed so much.
Standing there, they were almost unrecognizable.
"Second sister-in-law, fourth sister-in-law."
"Third brother."
"Third Brother."
“Your parents have already gone to the city with your wife. I’ll take you there now.”
"Your wife is so capable; she's already bought the house."
"Where's my older brother?"
"He's not home right now; he's teaching at the school."
Wen Shi nodded. Then there was no need to go see him. Let's go back first. We'll have time later. On the way, Wen Erge talked to Wen Shi for a long time.
The carriage was quite large. Wen Shi was accompanied by a coachman and two servants. The carriage was mostly filled with books he had bought before and two trunks full of clothes. There was nothing else inside.
He does not pursue a luxurious lifestyle.
“The children have all gone back to take their exams. My son Jinyu isn’t that smart, but he told me that the name you gave him is good. As long as he works hard, he will definitely have a bright future.”
Wen Shi looked serious. He may have limited natural talent, but if he works hard and strives for improvement, he will surely be rewarded.
After arriving in Beijing, he looked at the familiar streets with mixed feelings of emotion and, more than anything, happiness.
They're finally back.
"Turn over there."
As the carriage headed east of the city, Wen Shi didn't say anything, but he couldn't help but feel a little doubtful. It probably wasn't cheap there.
“You’re back, Ao. It’s a pity Xiao Wu is out, otherwise all of us brothers would be together.”
"He'll be back sooner or later."
Wen Shi was very lucky. After passing the exam, he stayed in the Shuchangguan for a year, then served as an editor, and was the magistrate of Ping County for five years. He then went to Jiangzhou to serve as the prefect. He caught a good opportunity and returned in less than three years. All in all, he had been an official for more than ten years and was no longer the ambitious scholar he once was.
He is currently a secretary in the Ministry of Rites and must report to the Ministry of Rites tomorrow, so it's better to be early than late.
When they arrived at the Wen residence, Wen Shi got off the carriage and looked at the plaque at the entrance; the gate was also very grand.
"Let's go, Second Brother. You can go back tomorrow."
"It won't make a difference if it's just one more day," Wen Lao Er nodded, and the two went inside together.
The servants at the gate naturally recognized Wen Shi.
"master."
Wen Shi nodded and walked inside.
"My parents also live in the back, but they shouldn't be here right now."
The second son wasn't too surprised. In those years, the old couple lived in the same place with the fifth son, in a courtyard that wasn't small, and they would wander around outside every day.
Xinxin was feeding the fish in the garden when she heard the noise and instinctively turned her head. She was a little stunned when she saw her second uncle and her father.
After reacting, he immediately stepped forward.
"Father, you're back, Second Uncle."
Half of the year had passed in the blink of an eye, and Wen Shi looked at his son with a normal expression.
Where is your mother?
"Arrange flowers indoors."
As you walk inside, you'll find that the interior has been mostly cleaned up and isn't empty. There are fresh flowers and green plants, and even some potted plants, all arranged very nicely.
Wen Shi had seen the world, and he knew that this location was already quite good for his family.
"Husband?"
When Yingxiang saw people return, she immediately stood up, feeling mostly happy.
Wen Shi looked at his wife with a smile on his face. The white jade vase on the mahogany table was filled with various blooming flowers, which looked very beautiful.
In addition, there was a small incense burner on the table, but it was probably not lit with incense.
Both of them were rather reserved, and even with outsiders present, they couldn't hug each other. Everyone gradually sat down and chatted for a while.
When Old Man Wen and Liu returned, upon hearing that their son had come back, they went over without saying a word.
"Third son, my good son, I've missed you so much all these years."
He remained calm and composed. Having not seen his parents for many years, with only correspondence between them, he allowed Liu to hug him for a while.
"Now that you're back, everything's alright."
Old Man Wen was in a better position.
The kitchen had already prepared a sumptuous meal, and Leqian was delighted to see his father when he returned home in the evening.
Upon learning that his youngest son had not yet gone to school, Wen Shi was not angry. He immediately made arrangements for him. Yingxiang had only been back for a short time, but she had already accomplished quite a bit.
After the meal, Liu took Wen Shi to her courtyard to talk, and invited the second son to come over as well.
It's no problem for him to stay one night.
"Third son, your wife treats your mother badly."
"How could you let her manage the household?"
Old Man Wen, who was sitting to the side, immediately closed his eyes when he heard his wife's words. She really wouldn't listen to advice.
“She is the mother of the children, and this house is not cheap. She has also spent a lot of money on it. Why can’t she manage the household? If it weren’t for her efforts over the years, her son would probably still have to rent a house when he returns to Beijing.”
“I’m busy outside, and she manages the household affairs. This is how it is in wealthy families. What’s wrong with that?”
Wen Shi didn't believe her mother's words at all.
"If your mother feels that Yingxiang is not treating you well, then you can go back to Ping'an Village."
“Your sister-in-law and second sister-in-law have also treated me badly. You heartless wretch, I’m not going back.”
Liu immediately shouted.
Wen Shi was speechless; everyone treated her badly.
"Third brother, now that you've been promoted and returned to the capital, how much salary will you receive in a year?"
"Not much. Yingxiang just told me that she needs to save money because Leqian's marriage is going to be on the agenda in two years. The betrothal gifts and dowry will be quite a lot, and there will also be a banquet. All of this will cost money."
After hearing this, he leaned back in his chair.
He was very satisfied with the house; the location was good, and it had everything he needed—it was quite respectable.
The front hall is sufficient, and there is also a dining room on the side. The doors can be opened to connect the two rooms, which can also be used as a banquet hall.
Old Man Wen sighed upon hearing this.
"A while ago, your uncle's family wrote to me, saying that he...."
Liu was somewhat interested, but before she could finish speaking, Wen Shi directly rejected her.
"Mother, you don't need to worry about this."
Thinking of his uncle's family, it wasn't that he was a sycophant; he simply didn't have any feelings for them.
"What are you saying? With the third brother here, don't make decisions about the children's marriage."
Old Man Wen was also anxious, knowing how much a good wife could help.
Just look at the eldest son's wife and Yingxiang; the contrast is quite obvious.
Wen Shi has been an official for many years and must have made some plans. For the sake of the family's future, we must listen to him.
On summer nights, the moonlight is bright and the cicadas chirp incessantly. The room where Old Man Wen lives is shaded by a large tree, making it cooler during the day and allowing some breeze to blow in at night when the window is open, so it's not too hot to sleep.
"Father, Mother, I'm tired from the journey. I'll go back and rest first. I have to report to the Ministry of Rites tomorrow, and then I'll be on duty."
"Go ahead, go ahead, but take care of yourself too."
After Wen Shi left, Old Man Wen glared at Liu Shi again, and Liu Shi got up and went to the next room.
After washing up, Yingxiang sat on the bed waiting for Wenshi to return. Counting the time, the couple had only been apart for a few days, but she still missed him very much.
A lamp was lit by the bedside; the servants had already gone to rest.
Wen Shi didn't say much after entering the room. He went behind the screen to wash up, and after his hair dried, he went straight to bed.
"My wife."
His expression was gentle, clearly indicating that he didn't take Liu's words seriously.
"Thank you for your hard work these past few days."
Yingxiang leaned closer to him.
How could she not be tired? Before, she went out early and came home late for many days in a row to look at houses. She looked at quite a few. After finally settling on one, she had to start buying furniture.
"Leqian told me that some of his classmates also hired tutors to come to their homes."
Wen Shi shook his head and tightened his grip on his wife's hand.
"Sending Xinxin to school is the best course of action. This child has had a comfortable life since childhood and may not be able to endure hardship. But no one can guarantee that his life will be smooth sailing. Don't spoil him."
After saying that, he kissed his wife.
Yingxiang hugged him back. Afterwards, she lay on top of him and looked closely. She noticed fine lines on his face. At first, Yingxiang thought she was seeing things, but by the dim candlelight by the bedside, she looked at him several times.
In the end, all I could do was sigh to myself, "Time waits for no one."
She didn't look down on him; she was mostly just moved.
"My wife."
"Um?"
As Wen Shi spoke, his thin lips covered her red lips again, and this night was destined to be sleepless.
Early in the morning, it suddenly started to rain outside. The pattering rain entered the room, and he immediately got up. He was shirtless, but in a very good mood.
The person next to him was still fast asleep. He bent down and kissed her, then got out of bed and quietly tidied himself up. After eating, he took his appointment document and had someone prepare a carriage to go to the Ministry of Rites.
Yingxiang woke up an hour later. The rain had stopped, and the air was fresh after the rain. She realized that she hadn't checked the time for a while, so she checked the system and found that there were still more than 5,800 days left, sometimes fast and sometimes slow.
Without the reward, she lost even more interest. Clearly, she had entered the second half of her life. After washing up, she went to eat.
They also had all the windows in the house opened, as it always gets cooler after the rain.
She'll definitely have a lifespan of over ten years. By then, they'll all be old. She just wants to live to a normal lifespan; she doesn't ask for much.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, life shouldn't be bad in the years to come.
Upon hearing this, he went to the Ministry of Rites. After verifying his appointment documents and confirming his identity, Minister Zhu immediately took him to the duty room and introduced him to a group of colleagues.
"Brother Wen."
A familiar voice rang out, and Wen Shi subconsciously turned around. When he saw Hu Yong'an, he wasn't too surprised.
“Sir, Brother Wen and I were in the same class back then, and we were from the same prefecture, so we can be considered to be from the same place.”
"That's great."
"From now on, the two of you will work together and help each other."
"yes."
Wen Shi has changed a lot, and Hu Yong'an is almost the same. Minister Zhu is very old, with half of his hair turned white, but he is still in good spirits.
Brother Wen, it's been so many years. How have you been?
"All is well. How about Brother Hu?"
Upon closer inspection, Hu Yong'an appeared to have gained some weight, but he was all smiles, spoke in a friendly manner, and his appearance hadn't changed much; he also seemed to be in good spirits.
Wen Shi started growing a beard, but upon closer inspection, he still looked the same as before.
"Everything is fine. I've been working at the Ministry of Rites and I'm slowly getting promoted."
Currently, both of them are fourth-rank officials, which is considered the same level. Although Hu Yong'an and Wen Shi are both doctors, they are responsible for different things.
He was mainly in charge of sacrificial rites, while Wen Shi was in charge of the imperial examinations. Wen Shi was filling the vacancy left by the previous official who had retired to his hometown.
Wen Shi will familiarize himself with the place today. After receiving his official robes, he will attend court tomorrow and then work here.
After exchanging a few words with Hu Yong'an, he went back first, having endured a long and tiring journey.
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