Chapter 171
When it was noon, Wen Shi put down what he was holding and prepared to eat.
The emperor kept him after court, and when he returned, he looked quite well, so it was clear that nothing bad had happened.
Wen Shi was not one to make a fool of himself, and he wouldn't mention the reward unless asked.
The Ministry of Rites does provide lunch at noon in a fairly large canteen. It's free anyway, and he's not picky; as long as he's full, that's fine.
"Brother Wen, it's been so many years since we last met. Let's go out for a meal and catch up. It's on me."
He had just stepped out when Hu Yong'an came out from the next room and grabbed him.
He extended a warm invitation, and Wen Shi did not refuse.
After leaving the Ministry of Rites, the two found a restaurant nearby, and Hu Yong'an, being very generous, ordered several dishes.
"Brother Wen, it's been many years, you've changed quite a bit."
Wen Shi smiled, picked up the teapot, and poured himself and Hu Yong'an a cup of tea.
They came out to eat dressed in official robes, and the waiter and the manager treated them with great respect, not daring to cheat them. They only took one sip of the tea and immediately realized it was good tea.
"How have things been all these years?"
"Fortunately, I've risen through the ranks and am now a maternal grandfather."
Hu Yong'an has many children, several of whom are already married and have children.
"A house full of children and grandchildren is a joyous occasion. Congratulations, Brother Hu."
As the dishes slowly arrived, he was in a good mood from the aroma. He picked up a piece of roast chicken, put it in his mouth, and chewed it slowly.
"And you?"
"I have two sons right now, the older one is not married yet."
Hu Yong'an recalled the little child he had been holding when Wen Shi was around years ago. After thinking for a moment, he said, "He's not a little kid anymore."
Eighteen years old.
"Then why aren't you married yet, Brother Wen? Don't delay having children. Is there no suitable one?"
He is still studying.
“Brother Wen, my eldest son got married when he was fifteen or sixteen. I have several grandchildren. I have to take care of both family and studies. I can’t neglect one because of the other.”
Hu Yong'an looked serious.
“I’ve been away from home all these years, while he stayed in the capital to study. I couldn’t keep an eye on him all the time. Now that I’m back, I’m already preparing to find him a wife.”
Wen Shi got married relatively late. Things were different back then. In the countryside, it was very difficult to find a wife. At that time, he didn't have any official rank or title. He was just an ordinary farmer's son.
"It's a real pity. If you had come back two years earlier, we could have become in-laws."
Although the Wen family didn't have much of a foundation, Wen Shi was very outstanding, and Hu Yong'an admired him greatly. Presumably, his son was no less impressive, and Wen Shi had always been very attentive to this child.
His legitimate daughter is already married off, but unfortunately, he only has one legitimate daughter. He does have a few illegitimate daughters, but it's definitely not going to work out; he won't even bring it up.
Wen Shi only had two sons, and this one was the eldest son born of the principal wife. It wouldn't be right for him to marry his illegitimate daughter to him.
It could even affect their relationship.
"This needs to be done as soon as possible, so as not to delay the child's development. What about the younger one?"
"The youngest is six years old."
"They're still young. These are the only two children you've had all these years, Brother Wen?"
Hu Yong'an sounded somewhat regretful when he said this.
He knew how important the eldest son was. He had originally thought that Wen Shi would have another one, but he didn't expect that the youngest one was still a child. That wouldn't do either, since his youngest illegitimate son was already ten years old.
"yes."
"Is this also the legitimate son?"
Wen Shi nodded and picked up a piece of stir-fried vegetables with his chopsticks.
"Your knees are rather thin."
The two were chatting casually. He heard that he was returning to the capital to take up his post, and that he had returned early, which showed that his career had not been bad over the years.
Hu Yong'an, needless to say, has always been in the capital and has also risen through the ranks.
The two didn't talk much about this aspect.
"It's alright, I have two sons, they will both get married in the future, and the population will gradually increase."
Hu Yong'an nodded, then thought about it again. Wen Shi was a reliable and steady man, and he wasn't interested in women. His family wasn't wealthy either, so it wouldn't be a problem if he had few children. He would definitely be able to carry on the family line.
His father only had him, so there's no way to force him to have an heir.
"I once visited Brother Hu's home. How are your elders doing now?"
“Everything is fine. My grandfather can still fish by the river, not to mention my father.”
"Very good, very good."
It's no surprise that wealthy people live long lives, so I wasn't too surprised when I heard it.
"Come visit me sometime, let's have a few drinks together."
"good."
“I didn’t eat for nothing. I’ve lived in the capital for many years and know a lot of people, including my wife. I go out and socialize quite often. I’ll go back and tell her.”
"Then thank you very much, Brother Hu."
Hu Yong'an seemed to be in a good mood. The two drank a few cups of tea and ate a few dishes. After they were full, they went back.
In the evening, after Wen Shi returned home, he handed the money to his wife.
Yingxiang counted the silver notes in her hand and solemnly put the money into the money box.
Three thousand taels isn't enough to buy a shop, but you can save it up first.
"Husband, could you help me cut out an account book later? I'll keep track of all the money transactions in the household from now on."
The system is currently offering no rewards and won't give anything. After all these years, the couple's relationship is still very strong, and Yingxiang has nothing to worry about.
"That's fine too."
This is how it is in large families. I've heard of it before. It's not harmful. This will also make it easier for Yingxiang to manage the household in the future. He got up and went to the study.
After he left, Yingxiang counted the silver in the money box. Adding the three thousand taels and what she had left before, she now had less than five thousand taels of silver left.
Besides some antique furniture, the family also owns its own businesses. In addition to this mansion, there is a farm, and the land deeds and field deeds are all in her hands. The teahouse and wine shop have always been profitable.
It's not as good as those wealthy families, but it's already quite good.
After this year, with Wen Shi's salary and year-end bonus, he will definitely have two or three thousand taels.
When Wen brought the new ledger, Yingxiang carefully recorded the entry and explained how the money came about, making it easier to keep track.
After taking his shift, Wen Shi got busy. Fortunately, the Ministry of Rites allowed five days of work followed by one day of rest, so he had more time off than before. The court assembly wasn't held every day either; sometimes it was only once every three days, so it was hard to say.
On the day of his leave, he immediately took Old Man Wen back to handle some business. Ever since he returned, Yuqin had been thinking about the land, and now that a decision had been made, she couldn't be happier.
She couldn't wait to go to the government office and make Wen Shi transfer the property to them.
There were no problems with the land, but the fourth son was somewhat dissatisfied with the house.
"Dad, since it's for us, why do we need money?"
“My son isn’t married yet, and there will be many expenses in the future.”
“You two haven’t been idle all these years, have you? If you’re not willing to give it up, then give up a room.”
“Dad, you didn’t only have one son, my eldest brother.”
"There are so many rooms, just give him one, the rest are all yours."
"He spent a lot of his family's money before."
"That's all in the past, Fourth Brother. I'm not dead yet. If you don't obey me, believe me, I won't give you a single room."
Old Man Wen's words were a threat. Of his five sons, Wen Shi was number one, the fifth son was number two, the second son was number three, and the fourth son was about the same as Wen Chuanzong. He mainly disliked the fourth son for not being as obedient as the second son.
Yuqin stood to the side, also quite dissatisfied, but hearing her father's firm attitude, Wen Shi stood aside without saying anything.
It's definitely better to pay than to give a room.
The front yard should go to the fourth son, and the back yard to them. They're all about the same size, so there's nothing unfair about it. That's what the second son thought. As for what his father wanted to give to Wen Chuanzong, he had no objection.
“Since both of you have paid the money, go to the government office to transfer the property now. Or just forget it and transfer it to my name first.”
"That won't do."
"That's settled then, honey, go get the money."
The fourth brother immediately relented.
Yuqin gritted her teeth and followed Ma to the back. The second son squatted down to the side, looking around. If they gave it to Old Man Wen first, what if he got carried away and didn't give them the last room?
Then they will suffer huge losses.
That's settled then. Once the ownership is transferred, this place belongs to them.
"Speaking of which, this courtyard was all set up by the third brother. If your mother and I pass away in the future, you will listen to the third brother."
After both families agreed, things went smoothly, and all the formalities were completed at the government office in less than a morning.
Wen Shi also served as a county magistrate. Of course, the county magistrate would not handle such matters himself; it was all done by his subordinates.
Yuqin was in a good mood as she looked at the newly acquired land deeds and property deeds. Although she had spent more than twenty taels of silver at once, there would be no future troubles, as she had already obtained the land and houses.
Given how developed things are now, they certainly wouldn't look down on this place and wouldn't want to go back in the future.
Afterwards, Old Man Wen took Wen Shi to Wen Chuanzong's house. When Wen Chuanzong returned in the evening, Old Man Wen immediately made him kneel down.
He was somewhat shocked, and his reluctance was clearly visible.
But Wen's father was adamant and even pretended to beat him up, so Wen had no idea what he was going to do.
In the end, Wen Chuanzong knelt down.
So he got another scolding from Old Man Wen, the kind of scolding that was as nasty as it could get.
His face was flushed, and he kept glancing at Wen Shi beside him, wondering what his father was up to.
After finishing his rant, Old Man Wen took out some silver from his pocket and placed it on the table.
"Third brother, let's go back."
"I've already divided up most of the family property. The house in our hometown of Daliu Village will go to the third son."
"This money is for you, and it's the last time I'll give you money. Use it to buy a small plot of land, build a house, or start a school. Do it yourself. I won't give you anything else after this."
Before leaving, Old Man Wen's words were quite earnest.
He still hoped that Wen Chuanzong could live a good life.
Not far away, Xiuyu heard these words and felt conflicted. Xu Yi, holding her daughter, didn't say anything.
After the two left, Wen Chuanzong stared at the money bag on the table, remaining silent for a long time before finally putting the money away.
Being a teacher at a school is definitely not as lucrative as running your own school, since the monthly salary there is limited.
On the carriage back to the city, Old Man Wen looked out the window and thought a lot. It was undeniable that he was indeed getting old.
I used to be able to walk five or six miles in one go, but I can't anymore.
Wen Shi sat to the side without saying a word, seemingly resting with his eyes closed.
After that, he won't have too many troubles. His family's potential is not high, but their potential is not low either.
Before we knew it, it was late July.
Xin Xin has already gone to school. This school was found by Wen Shi near the Ministry of Rites. He is luckier than his older brother because he goes with Wen Shi every morning and evening and can ride in a carriage.
That day, Wen Shi had just started his shift when Minister Zhu suddenly summoned him to his duty room.
"This humble official greets Your Excellency."
"No need for such formalities."
"Please sit down. I have something I'd like to tell you. Please listen carefully."
I didn't know what was going on when I heard it, but seeing my boss's cheerful expression, it couldn't be anything bad.
He sat to the side and nodded.
“Since you came to the Ministry of Rites, you have been diligent in your work. Your former Grand Secretary superior also spoke highly of you. I also have some connections with him. His Majesty has also said that you are hardworking, capable, and care about the people.”
After finishing his sentence, Minister Zhu changed the subject and said, "I heard that you have an eldest son who is of marriageable age?"
Wen Shi understood, but he was more curious. Minister Zhu was not one to meddle, so why was he bringing up his family's affairs? Hu Yong'an had previously offered to help.
But he was still quite a bit inferior to the Minister; they weren't officials of equal rank. The Minister knew this, so he wasn't surprised, but it wasn't quite right for him to take the initiative to act as a matchmaker.
"yes."
"Have you seen anyone suitable right now?"
"not yet."
When I heard the news, I told the truth without hiding anything.
"Do you know about Master Shen?"
There are quite a few noble families in the capital, and this sounds like a family of nobility. Wen Shi shook his head. Lord Shen? He had never heard of him.
He couldn't access it before, and he's only recently returned.
“His eldest daughter has reached marriageable age. You, as her father, are so outstanding, so your son must be no less so. Lord Shen’s wife is my wife’s cousin from her maternal family.”
"This Miss Shen is gentle, sensible, and very filial. She grew up with the old lady of the Shen family since she was a child."
"My lord, my son has not yet passed the imperial examination."
After thinking for a while, Wen Shi said, "Even if you're looking for a potential stock, there's no need to be in such a hurry."
Large families value rules and regulations highly, and Wen Shi is well aware of this.
"With such a capable father as you, it was only a matter of time. I know your concerns, but rest assured, a girl from the Earl's mansion will certainly be well-mannered, if nothing else."
“The Earl and his wife dote on this daughter. Although your family is poor, you are kind people and your family is small. Your younger brother also passed the imperial examination, so you can be considered a scholarly family.”
After finishing his speech, Minister Zhu stroked his beard.
Wen Shi wasn't stupid, nor would he believe that a free lunch would fall from the sky.
You can't offend your boss either.
"You've come this far, you must have seen a lot in your life. This is your eldest son, and marriage is a big deal. Tonight I'll take you to Lord Shen's mansion as a guest. See for yourself whether this girl is good or not."
According to this, there shouldn't be any physical or mental problems, so Wen Shi didn't refuse in the end.
"Brother Wen, good news has arrived. I've spoken to my wife about it. She goes out and socializes regularly and knows many people. My family also has relatives in the capital, and the Shen family holds a noble title, so it's not bad."
Wen Shi went to see Hu Yong'an and understood.
"The Shen family has a noble title, but this Earl is not as capable as his father. He is currently working in the Ministry of War and is a fourth-rank official."
Hearing this, Wen Shi felt much more at ease.
After finishing his shift, he arranged for his servant to go to the nearby school to pick up Xinxin and take her back, while he himself went with Minister Zhu to the Shen family for tea.
On the carriage, Minister Zhu said a few more words to him.
"This Miss Shen is a legitimate daughter."
"Her mother was also from a prestigious family, but she divorced and remarried. The woman she is now is her stepmother, who is also a noblewoman."
Wen Shi nodded.
The Shen family had accumulated wealth and were once a respectable family. Although they are not as wealthy as before, the Shen residence is located near the palace. It is a large mansion covering 15 acres and is a grand mansion.
Wen Shi followed Minister Zhu all the way inside. For a family like this, if they don't keep moving up the ranks and instead stay in the same place, they are, to some extent, at a disadvantage.
For the girls, this kind of private matchmaking is the best for their reputation; whether or not it works out, it won't damage their reputation.
After navigating through a series of corridors, we finally arrived at the banquet hall.
Minister Zhu sent someone to announce their arrival, and soon the Earl and his wife came out.
Wen Shigen quickly stood up to greet him. Although their official positions were similar, the other man held a noble title.
"Don't be shy, please sit down."
Regarding his son's marriage, Wen Shi knew what was more important and what was less important; the most important thing was to look at the person.
Lord Shen was a burly man. He sat at the head of the table and glanced at Minister Zhu beside him.
Upon closer inspection, Wen Shi's appearance was fairly decent, so his son must be quite handsome as well.
After all, she is his own daughter. Although the family is of modest means, if she is a good person, it is acceptable. He cannot let this delay his son's marriage.
He had many children; besides this eldest daughter, he also had several sons and daughters.
In wealthy families, etiquette is highly valued, and marriages are arranged for each child individually; it's impossible to skip over such matters.
The aunt looked rather shrewd; she wore a long gown made of purple brocade, which made her look very elegant.
It seems her efforts these past few days haven't been in vain. Even though the old lady is gone, everyone around here knows that the eldest daughter in the family is the one born in front, and she doesn't want to ruin her reputation.
After the tea and pastries were served, Master Shen glanced at the person beside him.
Wen Shi remained calm and glanced at his superiors out of the corner of his eye. These people were all second or third generation officials' children, and he had known them for a long time. They seemed quite familiar with each other.
The maidservant beside the lady of the house immediately withdrew, and soon after, a young girl was brought in, followed by a nanny and a maidservant.
"Chu'er, this is your Uncle Zhu, and this is Lord Wen, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites."
Shen Chu was dressed in a blue long gown, with a fair complexion, clear eyes, and her hair was neatly combed and adorned with beautiful pearl flowers. She stepped forward to greet him, her demeanor composed and graceful, showing no timidity, and appearing very dignified.
"Chu'er greets her father and mother."
"Uncle Zhu, are you well?"
"Greetings, Lord Wen."
She bowed to each person, and seemed very polite.
He nodded. The girl looked very dignified and composed, with no serious injuries. Remembering what Lord Zhu had said about the stepmother, he roughly understood.
"How is my daughter?"
Lord Shen looked at Wen Shi.
"Miss Shen is dignified and elegant, with the demeanor of a great lady."
Uncle Shen smiled. Although the person in front of him didn't have much of a family fortune, he was one of the better candidates. It would be good if he could settle down with him.
"Chu'er, you can go down now."
Shen Chu nodded, took three steps back, and slowly walked away. She was clearly a very well-mannered and well-mannered girl.
"Should we arrange for the two children to meet afterward?"
Lord Zhu spoke.
The aunt maintained a polite smile throughout and didn't say much.
"The marriages of these children are all arranged by their parents and matchmakers. I've heard that the son of the doctor is no bad."
He smiled upon hearing this. He thought the Shen family girl was quite nice, and thinking of his own son, he felt there was no problem in arranging the engagement.
This young lady from the Shen family comes from a prominent family; she is well-mannered, knowledgeable, and a good person.
“What you say is true, Lord. Then we will send someone to propose marriage again. We would like to ask you, sir, to be our witness today.”
He was saying the last sentence to his boss.
"well."
"Then it's settled."
A proper wedding involves many procedures, especially for a large family; it takes at least half a year, and the three letters and six rites are indispensable.
After leaving the Earl's residence, Wen Shi sat in the carriage on his way home, clearly in a good mood.
At home, her son returned first, and Yingxiang couldn't sit still. Upon hearing the news, she returned with a joyful expression and immediately asked him what was wrong.
"Great news, Leqian's marriage is settled."
Wen Shi took a sip of tea.
"My lady, next we need to find a matchmaker. Let's clean up one of the two small courtyards in the back first."
"So fast? Which company is it from?"
Although it was agreed upon with Wen Shi beforehand, Ying Xiang didn't expect that it could be finalized this year.
Wen Shi glanced at his wife, and then began to explain to her in detail.
After listening, Yingxiang pondered for a while.
"Then we'll talk to our son when he gets back."
Since Wen Shi has already agreed, it's considered settled. Unless someone calculates later that the two children's horoscopes are incompatible, they will definitely be able to get married.
This is no small matter, Yingxiang said with a serious expression.
"It's a step down for his daughter to marry into our family."
That's undeniable. Wen Shi nodded. This family has a noble title, but his family doesn't.
“I met this girl today, and there’s nothing wrong with her. She was born to the Earl’s first wife, so she probably wasn’t valued much at home. A biological mother and a stepmother are very different.”
"However, women from large families are well-mannered and have proper etiquette, so there's no need to worry too much."
Yingxiang looked at Wenshi, who seemed quite satisfied with the situation. The child would be back later, and she would tell him then.
My older brother is getting married.
After listening for a while, Xinxin finally understood and walked up to Wenshi.
"Is the older sister who's going to marry my older brother pretty?"
"Looks are not important, good character is what matters."
The legal wife is also a virtuous helper. Deep down, Wen Shi is still conservative, but that's not wrong.
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