Chapter 91
Teahouse backyard
Yingxiang handed her son a bag of pastries, telling him to sit down and eat slowly and not to run around. Finally, she led Granny Yang and the others to continue the rehearsal.
"You all need to be on your toes and make sure the shopkeeper is satisfied. I've explained the play to you several times and told you how to act it. Pay attention, or don't blame me for being ruthless."
"Let's begin."
Yingxiang glanced at Granny Yang, who nodded.
The play "Welcoming Fragrance" is divided into four parts. The plot is very simple, just everyday family matters. Once rehearsed, it can be performed in four days.
Everyone is wearing cotton-padded clothes now. Although the cold wind is blowing constantly and it's a bit chilly, everyone is keeping their spirits up and not daring to slack off.
"You all need to perform well. If you do a good job on stage, you'll get a reward."
Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up. Some people had saved for many years but still hadn't saved enough money to redeem themselves. If they could, no one would want to be a slave.
To put it nicely, they were slaves; to put it bluntly, they were no different from the cats and dogs with owners on the street, their lives and deaths in the hands of others.
In the afternoon, snowflakes were falling.
They were able to perform smoothly and almost perfectly, but some details still needed to be refined. This was their first film, and Yingxiang wanted to help them give a perfect performance.
When Wen Shi returned home that evening, he told his wife about visiting the Yang family the day after tomorrow, and she didn't refuse.
"I'll pick you up when I get off work. You can come back a little earlier then."
It'll only take an hour or two, it won't cause any major delays. From what I've heard, Yang Xun is a good person. Yingxiang doesn't resist socializing and entertaining. Making money is one thing, but she also needs to have a proper life.
"How's business at the teahouse?"
I heard that there was no holiday at the time, so I couldn't go and see it.
"We sold thirteen pots of tea yesterday, and we have fifteen pots to sell today."
"It will get better slowly."
When it first opened, people around weren't familiar with it. But once they got used to it, more and more people came.
Yingxiang hummed in agreement, feeling sleepy. Just as she was about to fall asleep, Wenshi pulled her into his arms.
She sighed, but didn't refuse. She was careful with her words, and unless they hadn't seen each other for a long time, she wouldn't go too crazy. She usually waited a day between meetings.
If there's none at all, that's not normal either.
Royal Palace
In the brightly lit imperial study, the emperor finished reviewing the last memorial and unconsciously yawned.
"I won't choose a concubine today; I'll go to my bedchamber to rest."
"yes."
The eunuchs who served him were extremely respectful and perceptive.
"It's almost the end of the year, and there are quite a few memorials coming from all over the country. Fortunately, the world is at peace, and there's nothing bad happening. The people are living in peace and happiness, which makes me happy."
The emperor smiled after speaking, clearly pleased with himself.
His greatest ambition in life was to create a prosperous era and become a wise ruler praised by future generations.
“A few days ago, I went home to visit my mother. The neighbors all remember you with gratitude. We are all able to live a peaceful and prosperous life today thanks to Your Majesty’s many years of hard work and dedication to the people. The Emperor’s wisdom is a blessing to the people.”
The chief eunuch serving the emperor flattered him while helping him undress.
The emperor was naturally pleased to hear such kind words, but then he asked, "I've heard that many people are talking about the third-ranked scholar I've chosen this time. They say he's not good-looking and not as handsome as the third-ranked scholars of previous years. To this day, they haven't been able to calm down."
Several months had passed since the parade, and the emperor generally didn't care about such things, but as more people heard about it, it inevitably spread.
He certainly wouldn't question his choice. Some people even said that he was a military general before and didn't understand beauty or ugliness, but he wasn't too angry about it.
The imperial examinations were mainly for selecting talented people for the court. What use is someone who is good-looking but lacks ability?
"In this imperial examination, literary talent is paramount. Your Majesty's discerning eye is known to all."
"Speaking of that day when he was paraded through the streets, many people saw this third-ranked scholar. This servant thinks that even if he wasn't as handsome as Pan An, he was still quite decent-looking."
"His writing is indeed excellent. In the blink of an eye, the New Year is just around the corner. I have already given the top scholar an official position and hope that he will do well in his post. I have met the second and third place scholars, and there are many talented young scholars who have been placed in the Hanlin Academy."
"After court tomorrow, tell the Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy to select a few good ones to bring to the palace. I want to see them."
"yes."
The emperor lay down in the soft quilt and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
Eunuch Zhou hunched over and carefully went out. Serving the emperor was tiring, but it was also dignified. The emperor was serious in daily life, but he was very kind in private.
In the blink of an eye, he had been serving the emperor for over twenty years. The emperor was not petty; he didn't care about many things that were harmless, and at most he would ask a few questions.
"Master, is His Majesty asleep?"
After coming out, Eunuch Zhou glanced at his young apprentice and gave a lukewarm "hmm".
The next day, after the court session, the Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy received the news and immediately went back to summon people.
The lecturer pointed out a few people and told them to follow him, saying they were knowledgeable and insightful. Hu Yong'an was among them, and the others were all sons of officials.
"I wonder which one His Majesty will take a liking to, or if he'll just give him an official position?"
Someone asked curiously, and the gentleman looked over immediately. He immediately shut his mouth, not too surprised. Indeed, no one in the court would take the initiative to introduce him.
He has no connections, even though his husband was very famous before, he has retired.
After finally arriving in the capital, Wen Shi recalled the words his teacher had spoken after he passed the imperial examination, and finally understood completely.
The Huang family is likely to decline in the future. Although they have changed their family structure, their descendants are not ambitious enough, and it is impossible for them to rise to the top. They can only hope that the next generation will be successful.
Around noon, the group of people who had been brought into the palace by the Grand Secretary returned. Their expressions were flat, no different from usual.
When Wen Shi returned after dinner, Hu Yong'an, who had been lying on the table, immediately went over to him upon seeing him.
"Brother Wen, I met His Majesty today, but it's a pity I couldn't say more to him."
There will definitely be other opportunities in the future.
He spoke in a nonchalant tone when he heard it.
"His Majesty asked us some questions, which I answered fluently. His Majesty said that I will become a good minister in the future."
"That's good."
"Alas, I don't know when the next time will be. If I have another chance in the future, I will definitely try to mention you to His Majesty."
Wen Shi looked up at him and said, "Thank you."
As the classroom gradually filled up, Hu Yong'an returned to his seat. Wen Shi thought about his upcoming visit and realized he couldn't go empty-handed. He decided to buy some ink sticks and Xuan paper to bring over, as they would be more practical.
That evening, Yingxiang returned an hour early with her child. The couple changed their clothes, picked up their child, and set off.
Actually, the two families didn't live that far apart. After walking through three or four alleys, we arrived at the Yang family's house.
The Yang family was larger and had more members than theirs. Yingxiang was still standing at the door when she could hear the children crying inside, mixed with the crowing of a few roosters, as the wind and snow relentlessly raged.
The streets are bare right now, except for the snow scene in winter. But there's really nothing to see in the capital, there's not much snow, and there aren't many big trees on the road.
"Brother Wen has arrived! Please come in, please come in."
Yang Xun has always been the hope of the Yang family, and now he is making something of himself. He told his family that he had invited his colleagues over, and the whole family was on high alert. Old Mrs. Yang even personally killed a chicken.
Her yard is quite spacious, and although there are many people, it's not crowded.
Yingxiang carried the child and walked in with Wenshi, and everyone watched the two of them.
"Father, Mother, Eldest Brother, Younger Brother, This is Brother Wen, and this is Brother Wen's wife and child."
"Please sit down, please sit down. Eldest sister, please serve tea quickly."
Yingxiang followed suit and called them uncle and aunt. The elders seemed to be very kind.
Yingxiang glanced around and saw five children of varying ages in the courtyard, and the sound of children crying could be heard from inside the house.
"Oh my, this child is so good-looking, he must be five years old."
Grandma Yang looked at the child in Yingxiang's arms and asked subconsciously.
"Not even three years old."
To be precise, Wen Leqian will only be three years old after the New Year. After Yingxiang finished speaking, Grandma Yang's eyes widened instantly, and she stared at Wen Leqian for a long time, somewhat incredulous.
"Really? You're so good-looking. Look at your sturdy little body."
"Second son's wife, go get some candy, please sit down."
Wen Shi went inside to talk with Yang Xun, whose brothers were also there. Ying Xiang stayed in the courtyard. The whole family looked like simple, honest villagers.
A woman dressed in drab gray came out of the kitchen and handed Yingxiang a bowl of hot tea. Under the eaves, she could at least avoid some of the wind and snow. Yingxiang sat on a stool, dressed warmly, so she wasn't too cold. She drank half a bowl in one go.
How many people are in your family right now?
“Auntie, right now it’s just me, my child, and my husband in my family.”
After Yingxiang finished speaking, she glanced at Old Lady Yang.
"Didn't your family come?"
"They're all busy, either studying or doing business."
"I see."
"Come on, have some candy, have some candy."
The candy was handed to Wen Leqian, who skillfully unwrapped it and popped it into his mouth. The chubby little boy was truly adorable.
A little girl who looked about his age walked up to him, drooling unconsciously, and stared at him longingly.
"Second son's wife, quickly take the child away."
After Grandma Yang finished speaking, she smiled, and Wen Leqian handed her a piece of candy first. The little girl immediately started stuffing it into her mouth.
"This child is over six years old and still so greedy. I'm sorry you had to see him like this."
The aroma of food gradually wafted from the kitchen. Apart from Old Mrs. Yang, most of the women in the Yang family were busy inside, while the men chatted with Wen Shi.
There was only one person, Old Lady Yang, to greet Yingxiang. Of course, she was more than qualified, as Yingxiang wasn't one to cause trouble.
"It's alright, they're just kids. How are you, sir?"
“It’s great. He can eat and sleep well, everything is fine. Now the children are successful and have supported the whole family. They’ve even brought them to the capital. I can die in peace.”
Yingxiang nodded and then started talking to her about other things.
"Next spring, I'd like to plant some vegetables. Things are so expensive in the capital."
Grandma Yang picked up her teacup, took a sip of hot water, and chatted casually with Yingxiang. Yingxiang was generally able to keep up with the conversation. This old lady was just an ordinary old woman, and her words were very simple and honest.
After the food was ready, the men and women sat at separate tables, and everyone went directly to the small hall in the main room to eat.
The men of the Yang family were relatively strong, while the women were generally thin. The dishes on the two tables looked about the same, but there was clearly more meat on the side.
Yingxiang wasn't greedy; the child followed her to the table where they smelled the aroma, and she sat with the women.
She was sitting next to Grandma Yang, who even helped her pick up some food.
"Thank you, Auntie. You should drink more chicken soup to nourish yourself."
"Please don't be shy, eat more."
On the other side sat Yang Xun's wife, Zhang. Her face looked sallow, but she was very polite to her. Yang Xun was the second son, and she was his wife. They had a son and a daughter.
Yingxiang could understand; the whole family lived together, and the family wasn't well-off—that's just how it is.
If Wen Shi's whole family were here now, things would probably be much the same, not much better. But if the whole family did everything they could to support you, you certainly wouldn't do anything heartless.
If she wanted to help her family, she personally thought the best way was to teach them survival skills after she became successful. This way, they could benefit from them for life. She could provide them with financial support, but she absolutely could not let them become too lazy.
Of course, she couldn't say much about other people's affairs.
"And this steamed meat, you should try it. It's my mother's specialty; she marinates it herself."
"Yes, yes, eat quickly, eat quickly."
"Auntie's cooking is really good."
Yingxiang took a bite, and it wasn't just politeness; it was genuinely delicious.
Upon closer inspection, the petite girl's features bore a slight resemblance to Yang Xun's, but she never picked up any meat while eating, only ate the vegetables in front of her.
On the contrary, the boys at the opposite table were eating with their mouths full of oil.
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