Bai Qi smiled so much that wrinkles appeared at the corners of her eyes; all she sought was dignity and face.
Back then, passing the imperial examination in Yujing filled her with ecstatic joy, and now, she was experiencing that intoxicating pleasure and happiness once again.
She was filled with pride and treated the students and neighbors with utmost kindness, chatting with them for a long time until the afternoon sun began to set before they reluctantly left.
Seeing the high pile of rice and grain in the courtyard, Bai Qi nodded in satisfaction.
"This gentleman's salary is indeed quite generous, and the grain has piled up like mountains. As for the silver, shouldn't Yujing's wife also hand it over to me for safekeeping?"
Jiang Huaiyu stepped forward and handed her the bulging money bag.
Bai Qi carefully opened the money pouch, counted the silver inside, frowned slightly, and said suspiciously, "Something seems wrong. I heard that the private school's salary is two dou of rice plus one tael of silver per month. I just calculated that we have ten students, so why did you only give me five taels of silver?"
Lately, although Jiang Huaiyu would voluntarily hand over the money he earned from embroidery to her, he would always keep half of it, which made her quite unhappy.
Now she's embezzled the tuition money. Does she really not respect the head of the family?
Jiang Huaiyu lowered her eyes, about to speak and explain.
Bai Yujing spoke first, "Mother, it was I who told her to keep some of the silver in her possession."
Bai Qi glared at him, clearly doubting what she had said.
"Hmph, she's already embezzled who knows how much money she earns from embroidery. How come it's not enough for her to squander?"
Bai Yujing chuckled and replied, “As you know, I have just become a student of the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy. The apprenticeship ceremony and the social interactions with my classmates are expenses that cannot be ignored. The Chancellor holds such a prestigious position that the etiquette must be observed meticulously. The funds provided by the court seem insufficient to meet these needs. That is why I have asked you to prepare additional funds for me.”
Upon hearing about her son's future path, Bai Qi's heart immediately grew heavy.
Without hesitation, she handed the money she had just received back to her son. "Yujing, everything else in the family can be secondary, but your expenses are of utmost importance. Take this money and use it first. If you need more, I will prepare it for you at any time."
Bai Yujing did not refuse, and said gratefully, "Your son thanks you, Mother."
"I am your biological mother, why do you need to thank me?"
Jiang Huaiyu gazed quietly at Bai Yujing, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.
...
After dinner, Jiang Huaiyu went back to her bedroom to sleep, and it was already dark when Bai Yujing slowly walked out of the study.
Jiang Huaiyu was originally leaning against the couch, but when she saw him come, she slowly sat up straight.
"Is my husband returning to the county town tomorrow?"
"Yes, I estimate it will be quite a while before I return. In that case, I won't be able to provide you with round-trip transportation anymore." Bai Yujing's words revealed a hint of reluctance and guilt.
"Why make such a fuss over a mere few miles?"
As Jiang Huaiyu spoke, he stood up and slowly walked over, gently pressing Bai Yujing's shoulder to help him sit back down on the stool.
"My husband, please take a seat. I will now fulfill our agreement."
Seeing her so proactive, Bai Yujing gladly accepted, sat up straight, and remained calm.
"Madam, please use your skillful hands."
Jiang Huaiyu skillfully massaged his shoulders with just the right amount of pressure, and asked softly, "Husband, are you short of money while you're out socializing? I've saved some up here; you might want to take it with you tomorrow in case of emergency."
Bai Yujing had always been very caring towards her, and now he felt her deep affection in return.
Bai Yujing gently shook her head and smiled, "I have a salary from the imperial court, so I'm not short of money. Besides, didn't my mother also give me some silver?"
"But one shouldn't be too stingy when it comes to dealing with the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy..."
Bai Yujing replied with a smile: "You can rest assured about that. I only said that to appease my mother. In reality, the Grand Master is an honest and upright elder, and he does not approve of us giving him gifts."
"I see." Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly.
Bai Yujing turned his head, looked at her gently, and said tenderly, "Madam, the silver in your hand is all earned through your hard work. You have already shouldered a lot of the household expenses. You should keep this silver for yourself and don't worry about me."
A warm feeling welled up in Jiang Huaiyu's heart. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, my husband. I kept this money to accumulate capital for starting a business, so that we can run a relaxed and enjoyable business in the future, have a stable and reliable source of income, and no longer be forced to make a living."
A hint of emotion flashed in Bai Yujing's eyes. "My beloved wife, you've suffered so much."
“My husband has never wronged me,” Jiang Huaiyu shook her head gently. “I have no need to serve my elders, nor can I contribute to the household or farm work. I can only use my intellect to figure out how to earn money.”
After a warm conversation, the two turned off the lights and went to bed.
...
At dawn the next day, after Bai Yujing escorted Jiang Huaiyu and the children to the private school, he took a vehicle along the town's roads to the county seat.
After school, Jiang Huaiyu led Feng Yun and Huiyi home.
After lunch, she took a short nap, and when she woke up, she began to guide Feng Yun and Hui Yi in completing their studies.
Recently, Feng Yun and Hui Yi's learning progress has been rapid, with significant improvements in both memorizing texts and writing.
Since entering the private school, the diligent and studious atmosphere among their classmates has inspired the brother and sister to become even more enthusiastic about their studies.
Jiang Huaiyu observed for a while and, seeing that there were no problems with the children's homework, went out of the room to get some fresh air.
As soon as she stood firm under the eaves, she noticed Xie Wenyin waving her arms enthusiastically at her.
"Second cousin-in-law, could you please come over for a moment?"
Jiang Huaiyu walked briskly to her and asked casually, "What can I do for you?"
Xie Wenyin took out a neatly folded piece of paper from her clothes and handed it to her, saying, "When I came to the courtyard gate, I saw a piece of paper lying on the ground. I wondered if it was something you had accidentally lost?"
Jiang Huaiyu carefully unfolded the paper, and what appeared before her eyes was a lifelike portrait of Jiang Shuqin.
The portrait was originally placed inside a book, but today it has somehow drifted into the dust. Bai Yujing must have forgotten about it by accident.
She couldn't help but ponder: Was his affection for Jiang Shuqin truly so profound that he needed to carry this portrait with him at all times to soothe his longing?
Jiang Huaiyu gently shook her head, "This item does not belong to me."
"Oh? If it doesn't belong to you, then whose is it? Could it be Cousin Yujing's?"
Xie Wenying said, a look of confusion on her face, "But why would Cousin Yujing keep portraits of other women? Second Cousin-in-law, do you know her? And what is the meaning of the words written on this painting?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
