Chapter Fifteen
Yan Zhili didn't discuss the question of whether aristocratic families were too cunning with Yan Shujin. His child would have to deal with those families sooner or later, and he was afraid that if he said too much, they would discover their true attitude.
Although Yan Zhili thought his children were very smart, those aristocratic families were all cunning and shrewd, and Yan Shujin and Yan Qiyu were still young.
Knowing these things, Yan Shujin was already satisfied: "Father, why doesn't Mr. Du become an official?"
Yan Zhili said, "Mr. Du has his own ideas."
Saying this is the same as not saying anything at all.
Yan Qiyu wrinkled his nose and said, "I think Mr. Du will definitely be a good official."
What ordinary people hope for most is to encounter good officials; if they encounter corrupt officials, they will suffer.
Yan Shujin fiddled with her fingers, and at least from her father's attitude she knew one thing: it was indeed Mr. Du himself who didn't want to be an official, not her father who didn't want him to be an official.
Yan Zhili picked up the book on the table, which Yan Qiyu had been memorizing recently: "Let me see how well you've been studying lately."
Yan Qiyu said, "Okay."
Yan Zhili said, "Sister Bao, can you look for any books you'd like to read?"
Yan Shujin agreed, and while listening to her father test her younger brother, she looked for books to read, though she didn't really know what kind of books she wanted to read.
Yan Zhili glanced at it and said, "Would you like to read the travelogue?"
"A travelogue?" Yan Shujin asked, puzzled. "Father, what's it about?"
Yan Zhili said, "Some literati travel and record their experiences. Some of their travelogues record the terrain and other aspects, and they are quite interesting."
Yan Shujin sidled up to Yan Zhili and said, "Dad, I want to see."
Yan Zhili got up to look for Yan Shujin, but was disturbed by the commotion outside. After taking the two children into the study, Yan Zhili had already instructed that no one should disturb them unless it was something important. He opened the study door and saw a maid being stopped at the door.
The maidservant immediately knelt down upon seeing Yan Zhili: "Master, my mistress was awakened by a nightmare and has been crying ever since. Please, sir, go and take a look at her."
Yan Zhili frowned but did not speak.
The maidservant lowered her head and said, "My mistress hasn't been able to sleep well for several days because she is pregnant. Even though we've called a doctor, she can't take any medicine."
Yan Shujin followed and said upon hearing this, "Father, she's pregnant with a little brother. Let's go see him."
Upon hearing this, the maid was stunned. Ever since Liu Qin and the other two returned, Yan Zhili had never been to Xu's courtyard again. Some time ago, Xu sent Yunxiang to give Liu Qin and the others a hard time, but she was beaten up instead and is still recovering from her injuries. Everyone around Xu was afraid of Yan Shujin.
Xu originally planned to wait for Liu Qin to make a mistake while managing the household, and then take the opportunity to regain the power of managing the household from Yan Zhili. However, she did not expect that Yan Zhili would invite people from the palace to manage the affairs of the mansion. Thus, Xu's plan was completely thwarted.
Moreover, Madam Xu noticed that recently, fewer and fewer people in her household were trying to curry favor with her. In the past, whenever the palace bestowed something good, the steward would send a list to her courtyard for her to choose from without her having to say a word. Now, even if she sent someone to ask, the steward would make excuses and wouldn't let her people see it.
Xu knew that things couldn't go on like this. Moreover, her mother had come to see her today and told her something: Yan Chao's ascension to the throne was likely to happen soon, and after that, there would be all sorts of rewards and honors. Yan Zhili was Yan Chao's only younger brother and someone who had worked with him to achieve great things, so he would definitely be granted the title of king.
And what about her? What about the Xu family?
Without Liu Qin, Xu would have no worries. Now that she has Liu Qin and her two children, Xu feels threatened by Yan Zhili's coldness towards her, whether out of genuine love or to show his attitude. She cannot sit idly by and wait for her doom.
Xu specifically asked someone to invite Yan Zhili in front of Liu Qin and the two children.
Through Yan Shujin's attack on Yunxiang, Xu Shi had already judged Yan Shujin's character: impulsive, rude, and hostile towards her. If Yan Shujin were to argue with Yan Zhili or directly confront her maid when she saw her maid go to invite Yan Zhili, it would be a good thing for her.
Ultimately, Xu still looked down on Yan Shujin.
If Yan Shujin doesn't cause trouble, then for the sake of the child, Yan Zhili will definitely have to come. Xu Shi can take this opportunity to do some things to win over Yan Zhili, at least to make her feel guilty. When it comes to the rewards, Yan Zhili will have to say a few words for the Xu family. Moreover, since she married Yan Zhili, it will also benefit Yan Zhili if the Xu family becomes stronger.
If Yan Shujin makes a scene and Yan Zhili can't come, then based on her understanding of Yan Zhili, she will definitely make time to visit her tomorrow. Actually, that would be better for her; Yan Shujin's antics would only highlight her magnanimity.
Yan Zhili replied, "Okay."
Yan Shujin smiled broadly: "Grandma sent a lot of nourishing food. Dad, please have someone give her some. If she eats well, her little brother will grow well."
Yan Zhili felt that her daughter was very sensible. Even though she didn't like Xu Shi, she was still very concerned about the child in Xu Shi's belly: "Xu Shi doesn't lack these things."
Yan Shujin nodded and looked at Yan Qiyu, saying, "Little brother, go tell Mother that I'm going with Father to see my little brother."
Yan Qiyu looked at Yan Zhili and then at Yan Shujin: "Okay."
Yan Shujin waved to send Yan Qiyu away, then followed Yan Zhili to Xu's courtyard: "Father, should we ask the imperial physician to come and take a look at her again? She has a lot on her mind and isn't resting well. Will that affect her little brother?"
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