Chapter 65 Jiang Ji's Unforgettable Trivial Matters
The moment Jiang Ji touched Ye Li's soft lips, his heart fluttered. He skillfully pried open Ye Li's teeth and moved one hand to Ye Li's back, pressing Ye Li into his arms.
Ye Li's longing was no less than his; at this moment, Ye Li's heart trembled slightly, and she subconsciously snuggled into his arms.
After being separated for more than a month, the two pressed their bodies together, their arms wrapped around each other, their tongues dancing, their breaths mingling, their hearts overflowing with joy, leaving them intoxicated and dizzy.
I just feel so good to have the other person around.
When the long kiss ended, Ye Li's cheeks were flushed and her breathing was unsteady.
He sat on Jiang Ji's lap and noticed the change in Jiang Ji. He smiled smugly and deliberately rubbed against that spot.
Jiang Ji hissed, his expression seemingly a mixture of pain and pleasure.
Knowing that Ye Li was doing it on purpose, he glanced at the iron pot that was already steaming hot; the water was hot.
You can take a shower now.
He said, "Let's go take a bath and try out the new bath beans."
But to his surprise, Ye Li rubbed hard against his lower abdomen again and said, "What's the rush? I haven't finished speaking yet."
This person is so internally conflicted about this matter, which reminds Ye Li of something.
Moreover, the heated pavilion is about to be built, which will be a huge expense.
If we don't get to the bottom of things tonight, we'll have to keep talking about it in a few days.
Ye Li then said, "You're being too formal and too polite."
“We are husband and wife, we share money, debts, and fame, right?”
Jiang Ji: "..."
Why give him a lecture at a time like this?
All right.
Ye Li wanted him to remember.
Remember it vividly.
Ye Li disliked his aloofness.
Although he was pleased, he couldn't help but explain, "I'm a man, I have my pride."
Especially in front of Ye Li.
He has a sense of shame.
"But you don't live off me, and you don't boss me around to show off your status. You've done a great job."
Ye Li first praised him, then asked, half-jokingly, "Since you value this so much, once you pass the imperial examination, your whole family will be under your protection. At that time, will I have to be as insecure and lacking in confidence as you are now, and have to act according to your wishes?"
He had previously refused to reveal his origins because he was worried that Jiang Jizhong would be taken advantage of.
But for Jiang Ji, this accusation was far too serious.
He never had even the slightest thought of it!
He shook his head in denial: "Of course not!"
"Am I the kind of person who becomes obsequious and arrogant once I gain power?"
"Isn't that settled? I'll support you now, and you'll take care of me in the future. We're both contributing to this family, it's just a matter of who comes first."
Ye Li was satisfied, but she snorted and poked his chest with her hand: "If it were me, and I became the husband of a scholar, then this identity would be entirely mine."
“I use this name to bully others and act like a bully, so I won’t be polite to you.”
"..."
Jiang Ji lost his earlier urgency and just found it funny.
"Then I'll try my best to pass the imperial examination and become a scholar, so that you can go out and act like a tyrant."
"Is that what I'm focusing on?" Ye Li asked, dissatisfied.
Jiang Ji grasped his hand and said softly, "I understand what you mean. I will not hold a grudge against you over money anymore."
"Then it depends on your performance from now on, otherwise you'll turn on me after passing the imperial examination."
Ye Li raised an eyebrow.
"...Okay, okay."
Jiang Ji was both amused and exasperated.
He really did remember it!
Ye Li was now completely satisfied. She leaned over and kissed him on the lips, smiling as she said, "Good husband, let's go take a bath."
He changed his expression so quickly, but Jiang Ji was as if he had drunk honey. He loved Ye Li's helpless attitude.
He put his arm around her, first glancing at Ye Li with bright eyes, then lightly licking her lips before pulling away slightly. Ye Li was looking at him with a smile.
A sweet feeling welled up in his heart, and he cupped Ye Li's face in his hands and kissed her again, sucking and licking until she was breathless, before finally letting go.
The main event is yet to come.
We can't delay any longer.
He locked the courtyard gate. Ye Li first scooped hot water into a wooden bucket. The water temperature was high, so he had to add cold water.
Then he went back to his room to get bath beans.
After some picking and choosing, he picked out one peach flavor and one orange flavor.
After leaving the main room, Jiang Ji had already carried the two buckets of water to the small shed.
As autumn draws to a close and nighttime temperatures drop, the stuffy, poorly ventilated shed finally comes in handy: it can retain some heat.
Even so, showering like this is still cold.
The two didn't delay, their movements as swift as the scents of peach blossoms and oranges that quickly dissipated.
Due to technical limitations, both scents are very faint; the fragrance disappears as soon as you rinse it off after applying it to your body.
But Ye Li was still happy; being able to smell two different scents this season showed how thoughtful Jiang Ji was.
After washing, he cupped Jiang Ji's face and kissed him deeply before wrapping himself in a large cloth and returning to the west room.
The bamboo mat on the kang (heated brick bed) has long been removed, and now a soft cotton mattress has been laid on it.
Even if Ye Li continues to kneel and struggle, her knees will not be left with shocking marks.
However, there are advantages and disadvantages. It's cold, so Ye Li can't lean against the back of the chair with her body exposed like before.
The two of them had to be wrapped in blankets.
Fortunately, the two of them didn't plan to use any fancy poses tonight. After not seeing each other for so long, they naturally wanted to look at each other's faces directly.
Once wrapped in the blanket, the two of them, regardless of who was on top or bottom, could hold each other close and kiss each other's lips.
Moreover, there's no need for any dramatic events; the two, deeply in love, simply want to hold each other and prolong this moment, and prolong it again and again.
There is nothing better in the world.
After the game ended, the two, both satisfied, still held each other and kissed affectionately for a while before drying themselves off and lying down again.
Tired, but excited.
As a result, the two of them slept late and woke up late.
The next day, they were awakened by Jiang Dahe's knocking on the door.
I opened my eyes to a completely dark room.
Ye Li was extremely sleepy, and he hummed twice. Jiang Ji quickly said, "You go to sleep, I'll go open the door."
Ye Li was satisfied now and let herself drift off to sleep again.
Jiang Ji fumbled to get dressed and got off the kang (a heated brick bed). He lit the oil lamp and turned to look at the kang behind him.
Ye Li huddled under the covers, with only the top of her head showing.
He couldn't help but walk over and tuck the blanket down a bit. When Ye Li's face was revealed, just one glance made his eyes light up with a smile.
He gently kissed Ye Li on the lips before leaving the main room to open the courtyard gate.
"Second Uncle, wait a moment, I'll be right there."
Jiang Dahe was overjoyed that he had returned, and hurriedly peeked through the crack in the door into the yard: "When did you get back?"
“I arrived at the South Gate of the city yesterday evening and happened to run into Brother Wen and Brother Liang. They brought me back.”
As Jiang Ji spoke, he unlocked the lock hanging on the courtyard gate, then pulled out the bolt. Before he could even reach out, Jiang Dahe eagerly pushed open the gate and walked in.
It was dark and he couldn't see clearly, but that didn't dampen Jiang Dahe's joy. He patted Jiang Ji's shoulder with delight, grinning from ear to ear.
The day before yesterday, when the messenger came to deliver the good news, he happened to be out.
Upon returning home and learning the news, he was extremely frustrated. He went to the private school to inquire about the situation, only to find that the person who had reported the news had come directly to his home.
Ye Li and Bao Beiyuan comforted him repeatedly, and even brought up Jiang Ji, who had missed the chance to announce the good news.
Moreover, there was the provincial examination to follow.
Jiang Ji is still young, and he has a high chance of passing the imperial examination!
Compared to passing the imperial examination, the news of a scholar's success is a minor event.
These words struck a chord with him, and his frustration vanished, replaced by joy.
He went to the grave to announce the good news to Jiang Dahai and his ancestors, and then looked forward to Jiang Ji returning home.
Now that Jiang Jizhen is back, he is overwhelmed with joy and doesn't know what to say, he can only laugh heartily.
Jiang Liu was also happy. While pushing the millstone, she asked Jiang Ji about his various activities in the prefectural city.
Jiang Ji answered them one by one, and even went back into the house to bring out the gifts he had bought: a padded jacket and a piece of cloth.
The remaining two bolts of cloth were given to the Ye family.
Upon seeing the gift, Jiang Dahe said, "Why spend this money?" but immediately unwrapped the package and took out the padded jacket inside.
This coat is quite heavy. Although Jiang Ji refused to say exactly how much it cost, he could roughly estimate the price in his mind.
Xiao Ji is willing to buy him such expensive clothes, which shows that he cares about his second uncle!
But this is way too expensive!
He was both happy and distressed. Finally, persuaded by Jiang Ji and Jiang Liu, he put on the coat and tried it on.
It can't be refunded.
Now that our family's financial situation has improved, we no longer need to sell this coat for money.
He'll have to wear it.
The coat is large enough that you can wear another cotton-padded coat underneath, so you won't get cold even on a snowy day.
He stroked the fine fur on the outside, feeling both delighted and distressed about the money: "You can buy any cotton-padded coat and wear it. How can a rough old man like me deserve such an expensive coat?"
Jiang Ji smiled and said, "Second Uncle, you've worked hard for half your life, how could you not deserve such a padded jacket?"
One sentence brought tears to Jiang Dahe's eyes.
Xiao Ji is so sensible!
He wanted to say, as was his habit, that boys were more reliable, but then he remembered the mule cart at home and swallowed the words back down.
Well, Xiao Liu and Yu Ge'er are not bad either.
All the kids in his family are good!
Jiang Liu, who was standing to the side, was surprised to see that he did not say anything that showed favoritism towards boys.
But Jiang Liu wouldn't actively steer the conversation in that direction. She held the piece of cloth and examined it closely, becoming happier with each look.
Winter was approaching, and her mother was planning to make new jackets for her and Yu'er, since the family's financial situation had improved.
But she felt that she had just bought a mule cart and that her old coat was still wearable, so she refused.
But to her surprise, her cousin bought fabric from the prefectural city!
This bolt of cloth is enough to make a new jacket for the mother and her two children!
The remaining fabric can be used to make a small jacket for Xiaomai and Yage'er.
However, since even Xiaomai and Yage'er were already made, and Lige's brother wasn't good at needlework, she simply made jackets for Lige's brother and Jige's brother as well.
This winter, everyone happily wore their new coats.
So she said with great interest, "Brother Ji, have you bought fabric for Brother Li yet? Anyway, winter is a quiet time, and with my mother and Brother Yu working together, we can finish making our two families' coats before winter."
"...I bought him other items."
Jiang Ji shook his head.
"Then you should buy some more fabric. You're a scholar now, you should get a new cotton robe and overcoat."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Dahe immediately nodded: "Yes, yes, you are a Xiucai (a successful candidate in the county-level imperial examinations) or a Linsheng (a student receiving government stipends), so you are going to study at the county school."
"You've brought great honor to our family, so we need to get some new clothes."
Jiang Ji pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay, I'll discuss it with Ye Li."
He and Ye Li also had to fulfill Zengzi's promise to kill the pig and take Xiaomai and Ya Ge'er to the county town to play.
Let's buy some fabric then.
After Jiang Liu finished being excited, he put the cloth down to grind it.
Jiang Dahe refused to go back. He took off his coat and pressed him for details about what had happened along the way.
Of course, we can't forget to mention Bao Beiyuan.
On the day the reporter arrived, Bao Beiyuan had a recurring fever, which only stabilized yesterday morning.
Yesterday evening, Bao Beiyuan wanted to return to the city, but he was not allowed to.
Now that Jiang Ji has returned, he asked Jiang Ji to go and check on Bao Beiyuan.
Jiang Ji should comply.
To be honest, given Bao Beiyuan's relentless drive, Jiang Ji felt that he was bound to get into trouble sooner or later.
Fortunately, she fainted at home this time; otherwise, I don't want to think about the consequences.
When Jiang Ji and Jiang Dahe arrived home, the rooster had already crowed for the third time.
During this time of year, even during the off-season for farming, every household gets up.
Liang Erxiang had already prepared breakfast.
Bao Beiyuan also got up.
However, being in an unfamiliar place, and with Jiang Yu, a young man of marriageable age, at home, he could only sit in the house in a daze.
Now that Jiang Ji has arrived and he sees an acquaintance, his face, which has just recovered from a serious illness, finally regains its radiance.
Liang Erxiang and Jiang Yu were also very happy to see Jiang Ji. Liang Erxiang wanted to set out a meal, and Jiang Ji agreed.
The group sat down at the table and began to eat and chat.
The meal passed quickly, and as dawn broke, Jiang Ji, still thinking about Ye Li, prepared to go home.
Bao Beiyuan hurriedly followed.
The two walked along the deserted village path. Bao Beiyuan's joy was not diminished. He put his arm around Jiang Ji's shoulder and said with a smile, "Brother Ji, well done! Now I have a scholar brother too!"
"Since you acknowledge me as your brother, then I'm going to start giving you instructions."
Jiang Ji raised an eyebrow.
Upon hearing this, Bao Beiyuan's smile faded slightly.
He was delirious with illness at the time, so he asked Ye Li to help him with his fortune telling.
Now that he's clear-headed, he has no intention of going back on his word.
Look at Brother Ji next to him. His parents passed away before him, leaving behind two younger brothers. Yet, he passed the imperial examination at the county level in just six years, which can comfort the spirits of Uncle Jiang and Aunt Jiang in heaven.
And him?
He was sixteen when his father passed away.
They also have money in hand.
He punished himself for six months, and almost lost his life in the process.
It's true that people are inferior to each other.
He won't be able to pass the imperial examination to become a scholar.
But starting a family was his father's dying wish, which was much simpler than passing the imperial examinations.
He also wanted to comfort his father's spirit in heaven, so that his father could close his eyes in peace.
So he took a breath and said with a smile, "Go ahead and draw, draw well. I'm hoping you and Brother Li will draw a beautiful love story for me, so I can also have a sweet and loving time."
"Okay, Ye Li and I will start looking now. What kind of person are you looking for?"
Seeing that he had no intention of backing down, Jiang Ji quickly pressed his advantage.
Bao Beiyuan immediately replied, "Don't mind what I have. I have no elders to rely on, and I have no land or house."
"You can't be lazy; you have to help me make drinks. You can be a little temperamental, but you have to treat me sincerely."
"You've actually thought about this?" Jiang Ji asked in surprise.
"Of course, I'm serious."
Jiang Ji was now truly relieved: "Okay, I'll definitely find it for you."
"Then you and Brother Li will sit at the main table," Bao Beiyuan said with a grin.
Jiang Ji's gaze softened considerably when Ye Li was mentioned.
He looked in the direction of his home and quickened his pace.
Ye Li should get up by now.
Ye Li did indeed rise.
He took a nap and his fatigue subsided considerably. When Jiang Ji brought Bao Beiyuan back, he was sitting in front of the stove, tending the fire.
Jiangmai and Jiangya, the two little bees, were filtering the soybean pulp again.
So Jiang Ji and Bao Beiyuan washed their hands and went to help.
With the four of them working together, they quickly filtered a bucket of soybean dregs.
Jiang Ji went to the stone mill to change the bucket.
Bao Beiyuan stood in front of the kitchen, glanced at Jiang Liu, and secretly admired her.
He often grinds glutinous rice flour.
He knew how hard this job was.
Jiang Liu, a seemingly frail woman, actually managed to do it for half a year; that's truly remarkable.
Soon, Ye Li finished preparing breakfast.
Jiang Ji took the grinding rod and told Jiang Liu to go eat.
Jiang Liu didn't stand on ceremony this time, washed her hands, and went to the kitchen.
Bao Beiyuan had already eaten, and with nothing else to do, he stood under the shed watching Jiang Ji grind grain.
Ye Li had something to say to him, and came out of the kitchen carrying a bowl: "I asked Brother Sheng to pass on a message to you before, asking you to rent a shop. What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Bao Beiyuan scratched his head: "If we open a shop, business might not be as good as it is now."
His regular customers were used to him delivering goods to their homes.
If he opened a shop, people might not want to make this errand.
“But it’s too hard for you to do it all by yourself. Why don’t you find a helper? They can just help you with the deliveries.”
Ye Lidao.
“Hmm…” Bao Beiyuan was tempted.
Indeed, after he got the stove, he was always terrified when he pushed the wheelbarrow alone, fearing he would fall.
If someone helps him hold on, he can save a lot of effort.
"Then I'll go back and ask Brother Sheng."
If you do this kind of work for half a day, someone will do it for ten coins a day.
It won't cost much.
Ye Li was relieved to see that he had agreed.
After breakfast, Jiang Liu happily went home.
Having obtained the fabric, the mother and her two children started making cotton-padded clothes that very day.
Bao Beiyuan wanted to leave again, but Jiang Ji and Ye Li refused, telling him to rest for another day until he was completely recovered before returning to the county town.
With nothing to do, he eventually took Jiangmai and Jiangya out to cut grass.
Of course, Jiang Mai hung the slingshot on his waist.
Jiang Ya didn't carry a large purse.
They can come back quickly if the lawn is cut fast.
At this time, the villagers knew that Jiang Ji had returned—Jiang Dahe was swaggering around the village in a rabbit fur coat, praising Jiang Ji's filial piety to everyone he met, so that morning, every household came over to sit for a while.
They carried bundles of firewood or bunches of vegetables, none of them empty-handed, though the items were not valuable.
The gifts were small but the sentiments were deep, and Ye Li couldn't refuse, so she accepted them all.
Ye Liang and Ye Wen also arrived during this time.
Yesterday they only cut corn stalks and hadn't transported them home yet. So when they arrived, they put down a pig's hind leg, and without resting, immediately drove the oxcart to the fields to get to work.
At noon, Ye Li stewed the whole pig's hind leg.
A huge pot, filled with meat, radish, tofu, and sweet potato noodles.
He was a good cook, and everyone ate so much of the stew that they didn't even look up, and their belts loosened three times before they still couldn't finish it.
The rest will be saved for the evening.
After lunch, Ye Wen and Ye Liang went to the fields again.
Jiang Ji wanted to go too, but the two brothers refused, insisting that he stay home and help Ye Li fry tofu puffs.
Bao Beiyuan then led Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya out again.
The slingshots failed to work in the morning, so the three of them went up the mountain to try again.
This time, Jiang Ya carried his large purse, which he filled with some dates, intending to eat them when he got hungry.
Soon, only Jiang Ji and Ye Li remained in the courtyard.
After a lively morning, things suddenly quieted down. Ye Li stood in front of the courtyard gate, watching Bao Beiyuan, Jiang Mai, and Jiang Ya walk away, and couldn't help but stretch.
Seeing this, Jiang Ji said, "You rest first, I'll cut the tofu puffs and skewers."
“You’ve never cut big skewers before, let me do it.” Ye Li shook her head.
"Hmm...why don't you take a look at my notes from this trip?" Jiang Ji pointed to the main room.
Ye Li's eyes lit up when she heard this.
Oh right, he forgot about this precious treasure.
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