Liangcheng
A new day began again, the sun shone in, Mu Wanqing, who was sleeping in bed, opened her eyes, rubbed them, and yawned contentedly.
I slept really well.
She slowly got up, skillfully tied her hair into a ponytail, opened the door, and saw toiletries on the floor.
The yard was very quiet, with not many people around. Everyone was working in the snack street at this time.
There were four steamed dumplings and a bowl of tofu pudding on the stove in the kitchen. Mu Wanqing touched them and found they were still warm, so she took them out and ate them till she was full.
She first went to the kindergarten and looked around. Seeing the children having fun in the small playground, she couldn't help but smile.
Children should play happily and have a complete childhood.
The corner of her clothes was gently tugged, "Aunt."
A little boy looked at her with bright eyes, his eyes were full of little stars. Mu Wanqing squatted down and said, "It's Baoer, why don't you play with the other kids?"
At his age, he has just started to learn, and spends half a day studying and the other half playing.
Baoer held a Three Character Classic in his little hands and said, "I am studying. I will pass the imperial examination and come back to get the top score for my aunt."
Mu Wanqing's expression froze at the child's childish words, and she pursed her lips. This child was the eldest grandson of the eldest son of the legitimate wife's family, and was not included in the amnesty, so it was impossible for him to pass the imperial examination and become an official.
She touched Baoer's little head and asked, "Do you like reading so much?"
This child is very smart and talented, but it's a pity that he has such a father and grandfather.
"Yeah." Baoer nodded vigorously, his eyes sparkling, "When I become an official, I will buy candies for my aunt, lots and lots of candies."
Mu Wanqing smiled and took out a candy from her bosom, "Then I'll wait, this is a reward."
Baoer cheered and happily hugged Mu Wanqing and acted coquettishly.
Mu Wanqing talked to him for a while before sending him back to the classroom to study.
A faint voice sounded, "Why...why don't you explain it to him clearly?"
It was Mu Nannan, the concubine of the first wife, and one of the people abandoned by the first wife.
Mu Wanqing allocated a house for them to live in. More than a dozen people in the family, big and small, lived together, and the children were also taken care of by Mu Nannan.
Although she didn't give them a store, Mu Wanqing taught them the skill of making soy products. It is hard work, but as long as they are willing to work hard, the family can live well.
Tofu, dried tofu, tofu skin, fried tofu skin, dried tofu, bean curd sticks, vegetarian chicken, vegetarian ham, etc., these things can be used in the snack street.
If the snack shops need it, they can make a reservation one day in advance and pick it up the next day without having to show up.
There was a shortage of supply every day, and the women felt the joy of making money and had no time to feel sad.
After having a little money, Mu Nannan decided to buy a donkey to grind tofu, so that everyone could have an easier time.
She and Sixth Aunt were chosen to manage the kindergarten. Sixth Aunt was the deputy director, with a monthly salary of five taels of silver, and she was considered an administrative staff member, with a monthly salary of two taels of silver.
Two taels of silver are not a small amount, but the people living on the border can only earn a few taels of silver in a year.
Therefore, she works very hard and cherishes her current life.
Mu Wanqing is right, having money can solve most of the troubles.
Especially after seeing the miserable plight of the Fang family, she was extremely grateful for Mu Wanqing's protection, sincerely.
Without Mu Wanqing, they would be in a worse situation than the Fang family. Not to mention, after the Fang family came, the Mu family was scared to death, and Mu Wanqing's prestige became even higher.
Mu Wanqing sighed softly, "He is still young. It would be too cruel to tell him the truth now. When he grows up, he will know that there are countless possibilities in this world. If he can't be an official, he can do something else."
This child is destined to have a harder time than others.
"Bao Er is a good kid. He is a good thing. Let's guide him well."
Mu Nannan couldn't help but burst into tears, "Thank you, thank you."
Thank you for doing so much for these people, thank you for being so generous and tolerant, and thank you for your protection.
It is really lucky for everyone in the Mu family to have Mu Wanqing.
Mu Wanqing patted her shoulder, said a few words of comfort, and turned to the academy next door.
It's much quieter here than in kindergarten. Everyone is studying hard in the classroom. They have to work hard. There are exams every week and every month. If you fail, you will lose all your face.
The reward mechanism formulated by Mu Wanqing is very perverted. The top ten winners will receive insanely many prizes. The top three winners in the annual total score can order food from Mu Wanqing and let her cook a table of dishes herself.
This made the students very excited. Mu Wanqing seldom cooks by herself nowadays, but who doesn't know her cooking skills?
The most important thing is that it brings me a great sense of satisfaction as the patriarch cooks for me personally.
She did not go in to disturb them, but stood outside the window and watched for a while. It was the head of the Fang family who was teaching Class A. As expected of a Jinshi who had passed the imperial examination, he was well-educated, his words were meaningful, and he could quote various allusions at will. His lectures were simple and easy to understand, which was very beneficial to people.
Mu Zicheng is a student in Class A. Under the guidance of Patriarch Fang, his academic performance has improved by leaps and bounds, which surprises Mu Wanqing.
The eldest brother is determined to take the imperial examination and has certain potential. Mu Wanqing naturally fully supports him and wants him to devote himself to study.
However, Mu Zicheng refused. Now that the snack street was on the right track, it was not difficult to manage.
Doing more practical work will be beneficial for the future.
Okay then, Mu Wanqing is very democratic, as long as the request is not excessive, she will support it.
When she turned around, Madam Mu II came running over with her skirt lifted up, "Qing'er, Qing'er."
It was the first time that Mu Wanqing saw her mother so excited and exposed. She was shocked. "What's wrong?"
Madam Mu held up a postcard with a big smile on her face. "It's from the Du family, inviting you to attend the lotus viewing party."
"Lotus viewing party?" Mu Wanqing looked confused.
Madam Mu's voice was extremely excited. "I have inquired about it. It is said that the Du family holds several activities every year. In spring, there is azalea appreciation, in summer, there is lotus appreciation, in autumn, there is chrysanthemum appreciation, and in winter, there is plum appreciation. Each event is a grand event in the city. Invitations are hard to come by. Those who can be invited are all well-known figures in the city."
Mu Wanqing raised her eyebrows slightly, "This is considered an upper-class social activity. The Du family has put a lot of effort into it." They rely on this to build relationships with all parties and all walks of life.
Madam Mu's mouth twitched. This was her first reaction?
Shouldn't she be proud and honored to be invited? This proves that she has a certain status in Liangcheng.
"I will prepare some beautiful clothes and jewelry for you. You can't let others outshine you."
She was inexplicably excited and completely thrilled.
When her daughter reached the marriageable age, she was worried that she would not be able to appear in the right social occasions and would not be able to choose a son-in-law who was suitable in all aspects.
Now, all the powerful and noble families in the Xiliang area will participate. Are you still worried about not being able to choose the right one?
Mu Wanqing saw through her thoughts at a glance and was speechless. Why was he still thinking about marrying her off?
However, for a traditional woman like Mrs. Mu, getting married is a must, and taking care of her husband and children is also a must.
Nothing is more important than marrying into a good family.
Even though she has already started a business and gained some experience, she still thinks so.
This is caused by thousands of years of secularization, and an individual alone cannot change this mindset.
Mu Wanqing had hinted at this several times before, but was always ignored.
She was too lazy to say more. In the end, she had the final say on whether to get married or not, and who to marry.
"No need for jewelry, I have them. I'll choose the style of clothes."
“Okay, okay.” Madam Mu went to prepare excitedly.
On this day, Mu Wanqing brought her entire family to attend the ceremony in their best clothes. The road leading to the Du Mansion was packed with carriages, one after another, blocking the road and making it move very slowly.
Even though the summer is hot, everyone still works hard.
Mu Wanqing leaned lazily against the wall of the car. There was ice in the corner. It wasn't very hot, but she just felt it was a waste of time.
She poured a glass of iced sour plum soup and drank it sip by sip.
Madam Mu II looked at her sitting in an awkward manner and her eyebrows twitched slightly. "It's ok for you to be so lazy at home, but you can't be like this when you go out. You still have to pretend to be lazy when you are outside."
Otherwise, how can you find a rich husband?
Mu Wanqing responded perfunctorily, "Don't worry, I know my limits."
Madam Mu Er became even more worried after hearing this. "Don't quarrel with others outside. As the old saying goes, it is a blessing to suffer a loss..."
Mu Wanqing interrupted impatiently, "How about we not go? I have a bad temper and I can't control it once I get provoked. I even dare to cheat the Fifth Prince."
Madam Mu II: ...
She can't control this child anymore, her father should take care of him!
But she felt even more powerless when she thought that her husband always listened to her daughter, and if her daughter said the sun was setting in the east, he would never say it was setting in the west.
"You were young before and couldn't control your emotions, but it's different now. You are the patriarch of the Mu family. Your every word and action affects the fate of the Mu family. You should restrain yourself. Think about the Mu family, your parents and family before you get angry."
When Mu Wanqing heard this, she sat up straight immediately. "Mom, let me tell you the truth. I don't really care whether the Mu family is good or not. No one I care about can cause trouble for me. If anyone dares to do so, I will beat him to death."
She took control of the Mu family, firstly to restrain their words and deeds, and not to let them cause trouble and harm her. After all, this was an era where if one person committed a crime, the entire family would be punished.
Second, pick some helpers to help her with the work.
Even if she does nothing now, the commission from each store is enough for her to live a comfortable life.
"It's the Mu family that needs me, not me who needs the Mu family. With my abilities, there's no place I can't go."
"You..." Madam Mu had no way to deal with her. For every sentence she said, Mu Wanqing would say ten more, and every sentence made more sense than hers.
"You're a little too proud. This is not good. You should be more humble and low-key, even if you have to pretend."
Mu Wanqing said willfully, "No, life is short, and no one knows what natural disasters or man-made disasters will happen tomorrow. I want to enjoy life in time and live as I please."
Mrs. Mu Er thought about the sudden confiscation of property and exile, and felt that Mu Wanqing's words made some sense, but this was not okay. She was living like an alien now. "How can you get married like this?"
After finally saying this, Mu Wanqing immediately perked up, "Isn't it all over if I make my husband's family listen to me?"
Madam Mu Er suspected that there was something wrong with her ears. "What? What did you say?"
Mu Wanqing has a strong personality and she absolutely cannot find a strong man. How can the two of them live together if they keep forcing each other?
"I can make the entire Mu family obey me, so why can't I make my husband's family obey me?"
What he said was so reasonable that it was impossible to refute it.
Mrs. Mu was in a daze, and it seemed that there was some truth to it.
She couldn't help but imagine her daughter's husband's family being dragged to work and earn money. Does it seem feasible? !
Mu Wanqing glanced at her indifferently, the corner of her mouth raised slightly, done.
After stopping and walking along the way, they finally arrived at the Du family. There was a couple standing at the gate of the Du family. Upon closer inspection, they were the eldest daughter of the Du family and Jiang Tongzhi and his wife.
When Miss Du saw Mu Wanqing, her eyes lit up, "Sister Wanqing, you look so beautiful today."
"Thank you." Mu Wanqing bowed to the two of them with a brilliant smile, "I think so too."
Miss Du was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter. This girl is so cute.
"Sister Wanqing, Madam Mu, it's hot outside, please come in." She took one by one and personally accompanied them in, walking slowly all the way and introducing the scenery of the mansion.
The scenery of the Du Mansion is picturesque and full of flowers.
Mu Wanqing was accustomed to Suzhou gardens, so it was not surprising to her. She responded with a few words, neither humble nor arrogant, and was very graceful and elegant.
She was casually browsing the scenery, when suddenly, her eyes fixed and she froze.
"What...is this?" Did she see it wrong?
Miss Du looked in the direction of her hand. "The kapok tree came from the Western Regions. It was presented by merchants a few years ago. The flowers are as white as jade. We planted it in the garden for viewing. It's quite beautiful."
Enjoy? It's simply a waste of natural resources! Mu Wanqing danced with excitement, ahhh, cotton.
Suddenly, a voice rang out, "Where did this country bumpkin come from? He doesn't even know about Kapok? And he's still so excited. It's really unpresentable."
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