Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly and turned to the crowd: "Everyone believes that Young Master Bai is exceptionally talented and will surely achieve great things in the future. So, I would like to ask, besides diligence, intelligence, and luck, what other key factors contributed to his success?"
The group looked at each other, and no one answered for a moment.
Bai Qi sneered and said, "What else could it be? It's his innate talent, of course."
Jiang Huaiyu gently shook his head: "As I said, you are only half right. The real key is 'books'. Books are the cornerstone of Young Master Bai's success."
These words shocked everyone. Madam Bai Qi's eyes widened, and she angrily said, "What do you mean? Does this mean my son didn't rely on his own talent, but rather on these dead books?"
Jiang Huaiyu maintained his smile and said calmly, "Madam, please let me finish. Books are the source of knowledge. Young Master Bai's talent is certainly innate, but without the nourishment of books, his talent cannot be fully realized. Just like a sharp sword, if it is not honed, it cannot cut down the enemy."
The old village chief stroked his beard and nodded in approval: "Miss Jiang is right. Young Master Bai is indeed accomplished in his studies, which is why he has achieved what he has today."
Bai Qi's expression softened slightly, but she was still somewhat displeased: "Even so, you cannot belittle my son's talent."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly: "Madam misunderstands. I did not mean to belittle anyone. I just wanted to illustrate the importance of studying. My father also did this for the same reason, which is why he included books in my dowry. He hoped that I could assist the Second Young Master Bai, make progress together, and strive to become the top scholar in the imperial examination in the future."
The villagers could no longer utter a harsh word; they simply looked her up and down with curiosity, and at the heavy boxes of books she carried with her.
A hint of approval flashed in the old village chief's eyes. "Within this radius of dozens of miles, only Miss Jiang dares to use ten large boxes of books as her dowry. Everyone, please do not underestimate these volumes. If any of you have ever supported a student, you will know that some rare and unique books are hard to buy even with gold. Moreover, Supervisor Jiang holds an important position at the Imperial Academy."
Most of the people here are farmers, so they may not fully understand the value of these books.
However, once the old village chief gave it a positive review, they all felt that these books were extraordinary, and their gazes toward Jiang Huaiyu became more respectful.
The old village chief continued to explain, "Imagine, the cheapest book in a bookstore costs at least one or two taels of silver. So, what do you think is the value of these books, Miss Jiang?"
Each book costs one tael of silver, and these ten large chests contain at least several hundred books! That's a value of several hundred, or even several thousand taels of silver!
Once everyone understood the situation, their gazes toward Jiang Huaiyu became even more fervent.
Wow!
The Bai family has truly married a treasure!
The old village chief gave Bai Qi a kind smile: "Sister-in-law Bai, your family has welcomed a virtuous daughter-in-law. Your descendants will benefit immensely!"
Everyone else also praised it highly.
Upon seeing this, Bai Qishi's face turned ashen, and she was secretly furious.
However, since the old village chief had already spoken, it would be too unreasonable for her to stop Jiang Huaiyu from entering. So, she reluctantly said, "Since everyone says these books are precious, then I will accept them and let the bride in."
Jiang Huaiyu calmly said, "No rush, there are still some things that need to be clarified."
"I've already let you in, what else is there to say?" Madam Bai glared angrily.
Jiang Huaiyu's smile vanished, replaced by a solemn expression: "Madam Bai just mentioned wanting to divorce me. Since you are so dissatisfied with me, I think this marriage needs to be reconsidered. We haven't even had our wedding ceremony yet, and the marriage isn't finalized. It's not too late to call off the engagement now."
She is not someone to be molded into shape; how could she allow the Bai family to manipulate her at will? If the Bai family wants to set rules for her, they will have to see how she responds.
Bai Qishi truly longed to divorce her, but before she could utter the words, the old village chief had already advised her: "Child, do not be rash. Marriage is not only a union of two families, but also a union of two clans. How can you easily go back on your word on the wedding day? As the officiant today, I will not allow such a thing to happen!"
He glanced at Bai Qishi with his deep gaze, and his tone softened, "Your mother-in-law spoke wildly just now because she didn't know how valuable these books were, and it was just a moment of anger. How can those words be taken seriously?"
"I……"
"Sister-in-law Bai, you must know that the imperial examinations will be held in Yujing next year. Do you really want to make an enemy of the Jiang family?"
Bai Qi's anger surged in her chest, but she couldn't unleash it. Faced with everyone's gaze, she could only bite the bullet and change her words.
"Yes, it's all because this old woman doesn't know how to cherish things. She said these things in a fit of anger, so they are not to be believed."
Jiang Huaiyu pressed further: "So, what you just said was just a misunderstanding?"
Bai Qi glared at her, her tone slightly angry, "Of course it's a misunderstanding. What are you still standing outside for? Come in quickly, don't let the neighbors laugh at you."
However, Jiang Huaiyu's gaze remained fixed on her.
Bai Qi's face was gloomy, and her tone was unfriendly, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Jiang Huaiyu calmly replied, "I see you look pale. Could it be that you don't truly welcome me into the family? If so, you can simply tell me. My father always taught me not to force others. If the Bai family is not sincerely willing to marry me, I will take my ten boxes of dowry and this letter of recommendation and return to the Jiang family!"
Bai Qi sneered inwardly. Since she had taken the initiative to leave, the Bai family couldn't be blamed!
"If you want to leave, then..."
Before she could finish speaking, the old village chief interrupted, "Miss Jiang, what exactly is this letter of recommendation you mentioned?"
Jiang Huaiyu took out an envelope from her sleeve and slowly said, "In Liangzhou City, there is a retired Imperial Academy Chancellor named Tu. My father once served under him and formed a deep friendship with Chancellor Tu. When I was getting married, my father specially wrote this letter to introduce the second young master of the Bai family to the Chancellor."
Although Bai Qi was completely confused, she was unwilling to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She loudly proclaimed, "Fellow villagers, listen carefully! I have already agreed to let you join the family. You chose to leave on your own, so go back to your Jiang family. My Bai family temple is too small to accommodate such a great Buddha as you!"
"Sister-in-law, please have mercy on me!"
The old village chief frowned and stopped her in time, "Do you know what significance this letter means to Yujing?"
Faced with the old village chief's serious expression, Bai Qi was momentarily speechless and asked in confusion, "It's just a letter..."
“Indeed, it’s just a letter,” Jiang Huaiyu said with a nonchalant smile. “But this letter can make scholars all over the world flock to it, like carp leaping over the dragon gate. Those who obtain it will have their chances of success increased by several times.”
Bai Qi was skeptical. "A letter, really, can it be that magical?"
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