Xu Lanting was very confident in Xu Lanyin and said confidently, "Grandma, these conditions are not too high. My sister is looking for someone as good as that."
Old Mrs. Xu said, "What do you know, little guy?"
Xu Lanting snuggled into her arms and said coquettishly, "Of course I understand. Don't worry, grandma. Those people look down on my sister, but my sister looks down on them too. My sister will find someone from the provincial capital in the future..."
He secretly listened to the conversation between Qin and Xu Lanyin.
The little girl's childish talk made the old lady laugh again. She whispered, "Oh, don't let this word get out. People are laughing at this girl so much now. If you spread the word that she's looking for someone from the provincial capital, they'll laugh their teeth off too."
Xu Lanyin rolled her eyes. How could she be so bad? Even looking for someone from the provincial capital was a joke. In her previous life, she hadn't even looked at a doctoral student, who was the equivalent of a Jinshi or Shujishi in this era.
Look at the frail Xu Lanting. After several months of recuperation, he's feeling better, but still can't move much. He's six years old this year and desperately wants to go to a private school, but there aren't any in the nearby villages. There are some in town, but they're more than a quarter-hour walk away, and the roads aren't easy to navigate, so he can't go.
Xu Lanyin thought that she had to find an excuse to go to the capital and take him to see a good doctor.
That day, no one from the Xu family's second branch dared to leave the house. Qin was embroidering, her "Flower Bear Picture" almost finished. Xu Lanting sat at the table, writing large characters, which Qin had taught him.
Xu Lanyin was thinking about opening a teahouse. She wanted to create a unique teahouse, promote a different kind of chess, and make it famous... But she was a little lacking in confidence. She knew that the small town of Pingnan wouldn't be able to achieve the desired results... Perhaps, moving to the provincial capital would be a better option.
Besides, she needed more money. She didn't know what the blackroot grass had any magical uses, but she was reluctant to sell it...
Zhao Wu didn't come home that night; he was on duty at the government office. He came back the next night, bought some braised pork and three books, and looked apologetic.
Even Constable He knew about his visit to Liu the matchmaker's house, so they wanted to clear him out and say that he had helped Xu Lanyin make this joke. Xu Lanyin's reputation became even worse, and no good family would be willing to marry her.
Zhao Wu felt very sad after hearing this, and felt that he had caused trouble for Xu Lanyin because of his impulsiveness.
He bowed deeply to Qin and Xu Lanyin respectively, then picked up his bowl and ate in silence. He mumbled even when the Xu family spoke to him, and after dinner he went straight back to his room.
Xu Lanyin washed the dishes and said to Qin, "Mom, I'm going to go see Zhao Wu."
Qin had already treated Zhao Wu like her own son. Seeing him upset, she knew he had admitted his mistake. She nodded and said, "Tell him that what happened has already happened. Being upset won't help. Just treat it as a lesson."
Xu Lanyin took the key, opened the door of the west wing and walked in.
Zhao Wu was reading under the lamp.
Xu Lanyin smiled and said, "It's rare that you're reading a book."
Zhao Wu said ashamedly, "Sister, I'm sorry. I didn't realize I hurt you. Uncle He said I was not smart and didn't use my brain when doing things. Grandpa Tang said it was all because of not reading enough. Reading makes people wise, so I bought a few books and will study more in the future. Now I know that reading is as important as practicing martial arts."
Xu Lanyin smiled. Constable He, despite his rough appearance, was quite amusing in his conversation. She sat down across from him and read three books: The Book of Rites, The Analects of Confucius, and the Complete Works of Zhu Ziyang, the renowned Neo-Confucian philosopher.
No matter what the purpose is, liking to read is a good thing and should be encouraged.
Xu Lanyin felt that she had made a mistake too, not reminding Zhao Wuduo to study. She thought that since he couldn't possibly pass the imperial examination, it would be better for him to use his limited time to practice martial arts, which would also allow him to gain experience through practice.
She said, "Then you should make more time for reading from now on. I wish you in advance that you can wield your pen to bring peace to the world and your sword to catch bandits. However, society is also a classroom. If you slowly savor it and summarize your experiences and lessons, you can also learn different knowledge. Look at Uncle He, he is very insightful. You must read according to your situation and read for your benefit, so that you can integrate and apply what you learn..."
Zhao Wu nodded and said, "Sister, you know so much. I will study hard and do my job well." Then he lowered his head and stammered, "Sister, your reputation is getting worse. What should I do?"
"It's nothing!" Xu Lanyin laughed and said, "You look sad, but the situation is not as serious as you think. My reputation has always been bad in this area. I can't find a good marriage even if you say those things or not. When our family conditions are better and you have made a name for yourself, we can find a good marriage far away..."
Zhao Wu was so moved that his eyes turned red. He said, "Sister, you are so kind to me. I got into such a big trouble, but not only did you not blame me, you also comforted me."
Xu Lanyin smiled and said, "You call me sister, so of course I have to be nice to you."
Zhao Wu looked up at her and said, "Sister, if you really can't get married in the future, I will marry you. I mean what I say!"
The slightly childish face was full of sincerity and solemnity.
Xu Lanyin laughed out loud, making it seem like she had to rely on him if she couldn't get married.
Zhao Wu blushed, feeling extremely embarrassed, and muttered, "I'm telling the truth, what's so funny.
Xu Lanyin said angrily, "How can it not be funny? What you said is a joke. Do I, your sister, have such a hard time? You are willing to marry me, but I am not."
Zhao Wu was very hurt and said with a pout, "Sister, do you dislike me so much?"
Xu Lanyin knocked him on the head and said, "I don't dislike you. You are my brother, we are siblings, we can't talk about marriage. Don't worry, sister, I will find a good man, and you will find a good wife too."
She really wanted to say that she would not marry if she couldn't find a good man, but she was afraid that Zhao Wu would say she was "picking up a bargain", so she didn't say more.
Zhao Wu's troubled heart finally relaxed, and he smiled, "Sister, I will work hard and be your support. From now on, I will take time to study every day and think twice before doing anything..."
Xu Lanyin nodded and whispered, "Also, that promise is too heavy. Don't make it lightly in the future. Love and marriage are matters that concern a lifetime and cannot be replaced by momentary impulsiveness or passion."
Zhao Wuyi thought Xu Lanyin doubted his sincerity, so he hurriedly said, "Sister, I am telling the truth. I am not lying to you."
Xu Lanyin smiled and said, "You are still young. When you meet the girl you love in the future, you will understand what I mean."
Zhao Wu muttered, "I'm only a few months younger than you."
Xu Lanyin said, "I matured early..." She didn't want to continue discussing this issue, and asked, "How is Captain Zhang treating you now?"
Zhao Wudao, "On the surface, he looks the same. Uncle He told me that the more he behaves like this, the more careful I have to be."
The two talked until very late, and Xu Lanyin got up only when she heard Qin coughing in the yard.
Zhao Wu immediately grabbed Xu Lanyin's arm and said, "Sister, do you think I can practice martial arts? I want to share my success and joy with you."
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