Madam Yang's brows furrowed involuntarily, her face clouded with worry. She sighed and said softly, "Second sister-in-law's words make a lot of sense. From my observation of women from wealthy and powerful families, it's true that very few are as ignorant about such matters as we are..."
As soon as she finished speaking, her gaze swept lightly across Bai Qishi's face, as if searching for her resonance.
Bai Qishi largely agreed with Jiang Huaiyu's views, but still harbored some doubts.
She herself had never touched a book in her life, yet she still managed to get by, and Yang and Xie Wenyin also lived a fulfilling life.
If daughters don't need to participate in the imperial examinations and rise above others like men, is it really necessary for them to study?
Jiang Huaiyu gently stroked Huiyi's head, her smile warm: "Girls don't need to study as deeply as boys. Besides understanding principles and cultivating character, the most important thing is to learn financial management and social skills. They should be able to handle household chores properly and be poised and confident in interpersonal interactions. These skills will accompany them throughout their lives. If they can master them, they will be respected wherever they go, which is also an honor for the Bai family."
She smiled slightly and then asked, "Mother-in-law, sister-in-law, what do you think?"
Yang had never considered these things before, but after being enlightened by Jiang Huaiyu's words, she suddenly understood and completely agreed with her point of view.
In this world, no mother doesn't long for her daughter to have a good life. The reason she asked Jiang Huaiyu to teach Huiyi needlework skills was simply to hope that her daughter could master a skill to be independent, so as not to be looked down upon in the future.
However, she was still short-sighted and had not deeply considered the true meaning of Jiang Huaiyu's words.
With a face full of eagerness, Yang had completely forgotten her usual awe of Bai Qishi. She pleaded, "Mother, I think my second sister-in-law is absolutely right. Please allow Huiyi to study with Fengyun as well. If they can both achieve something, it will surely bring you great honor."
Bai Qi sneered and scolded, "Look at you, so easily deceived by sweet words, you've forgotten your own surname."
However, she ultimately did not refuse again, only glancing at Jiang Huaiyu with a complicated expression. Although she did not like this daughter-in-law, she had to admit that her daughter-in-law came from a prominent official family in the capital, and her own vision and perspective were indeed not as far-sighted as hers.
Bai Qi pondered this in her heart for a moment.
Then he slowly began to speak: "Huiyi can delve into books, but she should not neglect her needlework skills. I haven't yet noticed the obvious benefits of reading, but learning a skill is always a safe bet, and she will never starve."
Upon hearing this, Madam Yang finally breathed a sigh of relief, and Huiyi's little face blossomed into a bright smile, like a spring flower in full bloom.
Bai Qishi's gaze fell on Jiang Huaiyu, and her tone softened slightly, a rare occurrence for her.
"Now that both children are with you, you'll have to put in more effort."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and nodded, her expression resolute. "I will definitely do my best and hold nothing back."
After the meal, Yang cleaned the main room thoroughly and personally brewed a pot of fragrant tea for Jiang Huaiyu before hurriedly returning to work in the fields.
Xie Wenyin walked out of the house with her and couldn't help but mutter, "Sister-in-law, how come you were bribed by her too?"
She was filled with resentment. These past few days, her cousin Yujing had been taking great care of Jiang Huaiyu, leaving her no opportunity to get revenge. She had been hoping to teach Jiang Huaiyu a lesson today.
Unexpectedly, not only did her aunt favor Jiang Huaiyu, but even Madam Yang began to show her affection.
Aunt and Madam Yang have always treated Jiang Huaiyu coldly, haven't they?
How could their attitude have changed so drastically in just two days?
Over the years, Ms. Yang witnessed Xie Wenying's growth firsthand. Xie Wenying always took meticulous care of her, and the two had a close and intimate relationship, like sisters.
She sighed softly and said earnestly, "Wenyin, it's not that I deliberately didn't speak up for you, it's just that your second sister-in-law really hasn't done anything wrong. Besides, aren't the things she promised already being prepared in full swing?"
"So far, not a single copper coin has been seen, yet you have all been completely bewitched by her!"
Madam Yang sighed again, her tone tinged with helplessness: "Making a living is not as simple as farming, where you can see immediate results just by swinging a hoe. When she has made a fortune, those benefits will eventually come to us. Why are you so concerned?"
A pang of bitterness welled up in Xie Wenying's heart, and her tone was reproachful: "It seems that my eldest cousin's wife has forgotten those private conversations we used to have!"
She remembered that the two of them had exchanged countless complaints about Jiang Huaiyu in private, but now, facing Yang's attitude, she felt a deep sense of betrayal.
Yang looked somewhat embarrassed. She explained, "But I've entrusted my two children to my second brother's wife for education. How could I forget such a kindness..."
"Her kindness is kindness, but mine is just dog shit?" Xie Wenyin said coldly. After speaking, she quickened her pace and walked straight ahead, quickly leaving Yang Shi far behind.
Watching Xie Wenyin's retreating figure, Madam Yang could only sigh, shake her head, and hurriedly chase after her.
...
In the afternoon, Jiang Huaiyu patiently guided two children in their studies in the spacious main room.
The two children probably knew that this learning opportunity was very precious, so they were both very focused, especially Huiyi, whose attitude towards learning was extremely serious.
As the sun gradually sets in the west, time quietly slips into dusk.
Jiang Huaiyu watched them intently as they completed their homework, only allowing them to rest after the last stroke was finished.
She strolled outside, wanting to stretch her tired muscles, but unexpectedly saw Bai Yujing returning from outside, and she stood there dumbfounded.
Bai Yujing walked lightly to her side. Seeing her worried expression, he asked with concern, "Madam, did you feel tired after teaching the two children to read this afternoon?"
Jiang Huaiyu was at a loss for words.
If she hadn't seen the painting that morning, she would have accepted his concern without a second thought, and might even have secretly rejoiced at having such a kind and gentle husband.
But having already discovered the painting, she felt a strange sense of resistance.
Whenever she recalls the inscription "Shuqin" on the painting, her heart aches involuntarily.
"It's alright."
Jiang Huaiyu waved her hand somewhat dejectedly, trying to avoid his gaze.
However, Bai Yujing did not notice her strangeness and still smiled as she reached out to take her hand. "The sunset outside is as beautiful as brocade. Let me accompany you for a walk. By the way, I also have some things I want to tell you."
Jiang Huaiyu was pulled tightly by him, but the sweet feeling from that morning had vanished without a trace.
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