Jiang Yushu was hugged and her body was unstable. She took a half step back and asked with her face raised, "What is that?"
"In the yard, you'll know it when you see it!" As he spoke, Guo Honglei took her hand and walked out, looking energetic and heroic, and responded to Cuimei and Xiaotao's greetings as he walked.
Jiang Yushu followed, feeling very curious, and said with a smile: "You know I'm very curious, but you still keep me in suspense."
"Who's keeping you in suspense?" Guo Honglei said seriously, "I'm taking you to see it, aren't I?"
The master of the house was visiting, and the atmosphere was bustling. Cuimei and Xiaotao were naturally delighted. Their curiosity was piqued, and they followed him, chiming in, saying, "Look, the young master is deliberately trying to make the mistress anxious!"
"What on earth is it?"
In a moment, the three of them reached the main hall door. The others had already gathered in the courtyard, bustling with activity. Jiang Yushu stepped out of the doorway and scanned the area intently.
This time, not only Guo Honglei but also the Peng Changxing brothers and Lin Qin had returned. Peng Changrong excitedly waved his hand, and Cuimei couldn't help but run over.
On the open space, there were several large, bulging bundles piled up, on top of which were two long satin boxes and a roe deer.
But the most eye-catching one is a brown foal!
"Whims~" The foal shook its head, swung its tail, and stamped its hooves on the ground. Its fur was smooth and shiny, and its expression was gentle.
"Ah——" Jiang Yushu was extremely surprised and stunned, staring at the foal intently.
Seeing this, Guo Honglei stared and asked, "How is it? Do you like it?"
Jiang Yushu came back to her senses, nodded rapidly, and asked breathlessly, "Is that pony for me?"
"Yes, it's for you." Seeing his wife happy, Guo Honglei's sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes relaxed, and he looked extraordinarily handsome.
Jiang Yushu beamed with joy, jumping for joy as she said excitedly, "Thank you very much! I love it! Where did you get it?"
The young couple walked side by side down the steps and toward the crowd. Guo Honglei, neatly dressed in military uniform, his sword still untied, explained briefly, "This colt wasn't purchased from outside, but was the offspring of a wild horse and a warhorse that strayed on the battlefield. Because of its small size and docile temperament, it always ran slowly during military training and charges. The steward was disappointed and classified it as inferior, intending to discard it. I happen to know the steward, and he thinks this colt is indeed unsuitable for a warhorse, but it's just right for you to ride."
Jiang Yushu was so excited that she hurried over to the pony and asked, "So, was it given to you by the steward?"
"No." Guo Honglei shook his head and explained: "According to the rules, I have to pay a small amount of money. I bought it." @Infinite good articles, all in Jinjiang Literature City
"It's not easy to come by, thank you for your hard work!"
As the head of the household and his wife approached, the crowd turned and greeted each other.
Jiang Yushu calmed down, suppressed her excitement, and asked with concern: "It's been a while since I came back. How are you guys doing recently?"
"I'm fine, I'm not injured!" Peng Changrong patted his chest to show that he was not lying.
Lin Qin added, "We'd love to come back more often, but unfortunately the Northern Ape is always restless and we can't get away."
"Actually, this visit is thanks to my family. I'm taking the opportunity to ask for leave in the name of giving rewards and thank-you gifts. It just so happens that I'm spending the Mid-Autumn Festival." Peng Changxing said happily.
Jiang Yushu was startled and asked in surprise, "Why do you say it's 'thanks to my family'?"
Guo Honglei explained, "The two hundred taels of silver and the bundles of leather are a reward Lord Cao requested for the Guo family because we donated the ginger paste and kindly took in the wounded. The herbs in the box were stuffed into the box by Lord Cao as a token of gratitude for the Guo family saving his son."
"I see." Jiang Yushu suddenly realized and said with emotion, "I didn't expect to receive so many gifts."
Nanny Pan handed over a packet of silver and said, "This is the reward money from the army. Please take a look, Madam."
Jiang Yushu thought for a moment and said slowly, "The things that were smashed by the Beiqi people last time were not repaired during the busy farming season. Zhou Yan will keep this money and use it to buy new furniture and other items. If there is any surplus, it will be used for household expenses." @Infinite good articles, all in Jinjiang Literature City
"Yes." Zhou Yan took the silver. The more trusted he was, the more respectful and diligent he became, and the more thorough his work was.
As a doctor, Fang Sheng was eager to try the medicinal herbs. After asking for permission, he opened the box and carefully examined it. He said, "These ginseng and bird's nest are both of top quality. Not bad!"
Jiang Yushu, not knowing much about the situation, took a closer look: the left box contained five ginseng roots, the right box was filled with bird's nests. She couldn't help but frown and sigh, "What a waste of money the Cao family has. This thank-you gift is very valuable. If I have the chance in the future, I'll have to find a way to return the favor."
After a busy schedule, she finally had time to get close to the foal. She was very excited and walked around it three times, looking at it carefully.
Guo Honglei stayed by his side the entire time, carelessly stroking the colt's mane and giving it a serious warning: "Although it's docile, it's still an animal after all. You must be careful with it. Stay away from it until you're familiar with it."
"Know!"
From the beginning to the end, Jiang Yushu deeply hated the many rules and constraints such as "male superiority and female inferiority, three obediences and four virtues". Occasionally, when she was in the mood, she inexplicably yearned for the unrestrained energy of "galloping on horseback in the world". She once rode a horse for a trot against the wind, which made her feel particularly refreshed.
From now on, I have a horse of my own!
Jiang Yushu was delighted. She tentatively rubbed his mane and praised him, "How can he be thin? He's obviously quite strong."
"that is!"
"It's so docile. It's not afraid even with so many people around it." The foal was clean and docile, standing obediently. Cuimei and Xiaotao also liked it and touched it again and again.
Guo Honglei smiled. "Compare it carefully to the warhorse we rode back, and you'll understand. It's not only skinny, but also too docile, with no fierceness at all."
Peng Changrong nodded in agreement, "But it's just right for Madam to ride, it's stable."
Jiang Yushu bent down slightly, looked into the colt's eyes, her eyes bright, and said happily, "For me, war horses are majestic, but they're scary to ride. This one is better! Hey, how old is it?"
"I heard it's just over seven months old and only needs to be fed grass. Training has already begun in the army." Guo Honglei also bent down, and the two of them huddled close together, teasing the foal side by side. He whispered, "Once the baby is born and you've fully recovered, you should be able to ride it."
Talking about this in public? Jiang Yushu glanced at him with annoyance, but didn't say anything. She straightened up and said energetically, "From now on, there's a new foal in the family. We have to make room for it in the stable. It must be hungry and thirsty after traveling so far, so we need to prepare clean water and fodder."
"Okay!" Zou Gui led the colt and caressed its back lovingly. "Don't worry, I will take good care of this little thing."
Guo Honglei raised his eyebrows, sighed deliberately, and whispered, "I also came all the way back, and you didn't even offer me food and drink first?"
Jiang Yushu quickly turned around, smiled awkwardly, and apologized, "Ahem, sorry, I was too happy. Second Young Master, please, come in and take a seat. Let me pour some tea and apologize."
"No need to pour tea and apologize." Guo Honglei's eyes were bright and he said sternly, "Just remember, this won't happen again."
"Of course, of course!"
The couple smiled at each other. When they entered the main hall, Jiang Yushu poured a glass of warm water. Guo Honglei drank it all in one gulp and asked in confusion, "I didn't see my third brother when I came back. I heard from Zhou Yan that Azhe has become the village gentleman?"
Jiang Yushu smiled, "That's right! Aren't there dozens of village heads from other villages in July? I asked him to be a teacher temporarily, teaching him my experience in growing new crops. As a result, he taught the children and also helped them learn. Gradually, it became a routine. During the slack season, he taught them for an hour every day, teaching them the Hundred Family Names, Thousand Character Classic, and Three Character Classic, and helping them learn to recognize characters."
"This... was his own decision?" Guo Honglei was surprised and could hardly believe it.
Jiang Yushu took a sip of tea and said, "Of course. My third brother is fifteen years old now and is becoming more and more sensible. He runs a private school with no tuition fees and teaches with great care, earning him the respect of the villagers."
"Good, very good!"
"My third brother has always been a gentle and shy person since he was young. I never expected him to be a teacher!" Guo Honglei was very pleased and stood up and asked, "Where is the private school? Let me take a look."
Jiang Yushu led the way, "It's nearby, follow me."
Peng Changrong and others knew that the third young master had been timid since childhood, and were secretly surprised. A group of six or seven people went to the private school together.
As dusk falls, smoke rises from the kitchen as every household prepares dinner.
On the way, Jiang Yushu asked softly, "You hurried back to the camp last time, and I didn't have time to ask. I wonder who Lord Cao is? Judging from the thank-you gift from the Cao family, it's worth a lot."
Guo Honglei replied, "He is the deputy commander of the Heqin Guard. He has lived in Xicang for generations and is a hereditary military officer. I believe his family is wealthy."
Jiang Yushu was puzzled and asked blankly, "What kind of official is a deputy commander?"
"I mainly supervise military discipline on weekdays." When faced with a hurdle, Guo Honglei naturally supported his wife.
Jiang Yushu nodded, "Oh, so he's in charge of discipline."
Seeing this, Peng Changrong, who was following behind, also reached out his hand, intending to support Cuimei.
Cuimei was embarrassed and dodged, "What are you doing? I can walk by myself."
"Well, go ahead and support me. We won't watch." Lin Qin smiled. Peng Changxing teased his brother, "You two have been engaged for six months. It will be next spring at the latest or the end of the year at the earliest. Get the wedding done as soon as possible so Changrong won't miss you day and night."
"Brother! Stop talking." Peng Changrong quickly stopped him with a look.
Peng Changxing and Lin Qin were arm in arm, laughing.
Cuimei blushed, spat, and walked away quickly.
After a while, the group arrived at the simple private school. It happened to be the end of the school day. Looking in from the window, they saw:
Guo Hongzhe sat upright at the head of the table, his back straight; there were nearly twenty students, of varying ages, heights, weights, and sizes, carrying all kinds of book bags. They all behaved themselves well, bowed, and said goodbye to the teacher.
The young man was very polite and earnestly instructed: "The Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon, so you can take two days off. Go home and remember to review your lessons. Don't slack off."
"Yes." The students were eager to go home, but they left the private school step by step. Only after they were far away did they dare to chase and play.
Hu Gang, who always accompanied him as a servant, accidentally glanced at the window and immediately reminded him, "Master, look!"
Guo Hongzhe was startled and turned around, instantly filled with surprise and joy. "Second brother? You and sister-in-law, why are you here?"
Jiang Yushu replied cheerfully, "Your second brother was very happy to hear that you were honored as a teacher, so he came to see you specially."
Guo Honglei strode into the private school with his head held high and surveyed his surroundings. With a feeling of satisfaction, he patted his brother's shoulder vigorously and said loudly, "I just saw that the students respect their teachers and are polite. You, as a teacher, have taught them well. This is very good!"
"No way? Alas, I have no achievements. It was thanks to the villagers that they did not despise me that they sent their children here to start their education. Fortunately, my sister-in-law agreed and persuaded the head of the village, so I was able to get this place to run a private school." Guo Hongzhe was humble in words but happy in his heart when he was praised by his brother.
When Guo Honglei heard this, he felt even more relieved. He patted his brother's shoulders again and again and praised him endlessly.
Hu Gang shouted from the side, "Our private school is waiving tuition fees, and the students' families are so grateful that almost all of them have sent Mid-Autumn Festival gifts. They're all fruits and vegetables, including dozens of melons. They're so heavy, I'm worried I can't lift them all. Brother Lin, Brother Peng, please give me a hand."
"Here it comes!" Lin Qin and the Peng brothers came together and worked together to move the holiday gift back home.
The men walked into the yard carrying bags on their shoulders. Madam Pan and Zhou Yan's wife were counting the leather rewards from the army. They looked up and asked in surprise:
"Huh?"
"How did you bring back so many fruits and vegetables? How long will it take to eat them all?"
Hu Gang was proud of it and explained it again.
"I see. The student's family knows etiquette and understands the teacher's hard work, so they are willing to send holiday gifts." Aunt Pan smiled and asked her family to put the fruits and vegetables into the cellar.
Jiang Yushu was afraid of heat when it was warm and cold when it was cold. She was tired and sweating, so she went back to her room to change clothes.
Nanny Pan watched her walk away, then quietly pulled Guo Honglei aside. Frowning, she asked worriedly, "Young Master, you're such a jerk! Why didn't you give me any other gift? You actually gave me a horse! How dangerous!"
"It's okay. The colt is very docile."
"No matter how docile, they are still animals! My wife is pregnant. If she were to be...it would be so dangerous!"
Guo Honglei was very patient and comforted her, "Don't worry, I've already told her that she can only learn to ride a horse next year. Now I'm just keeping her."
@Unlimited good articles, all in Jinjiang Literature City
Nanny Pan disagreed, shaking her head repeatedly, sighing, and suggesting, "Don't give dangerous things next time. Wouldn't it be safer to give jewelry?"
Guo Honglei also sighed. "But in my opinion, between jewelry and ponies, she prefers ponies." After saying this, he strode back to his room. "I'll go see what she's doing."
"Why?"
"Young Master—"
Nanny Pan couldn't call him back. She watched Guo Honglei walk away, feeling helpless. She sighed, "Oh, what a hassle. He won't listen to my advice."
Zhou Yan's wife shook a piece of fox fur and whispered, "Why are you so confused? The young couple is very affectionate, and the young master is obviously trying to please his wife."
Nanny Pan, buried in the fur, suddenly burst into laughter, her mouth wide open. She explained, "How could I not see it? I understood it immediately. I just think women shouldn't learn to ride horses. It's both dangerous and unbecoming. If the old lady were here, the young master would definitely be scolded!"
At night, the candlelight in the east room flickered.
"Hard?" Guo Honglei held the person in his arms, lightened his strength, frowned, and stroked back and forth with his palms.
Jiang Yushu's belly was slightly protruding, "Yeah."
"It's been four months, why isn't your pregnancy showing yet?"
Jiang Yushu thought for a moment and said, "It'll probably take a while." The two of them were rarely together, and she was worried. After hesitating for a moment, she couldn't help but ask, "What do you think if it's a daughter?"
Guo Honglei was stunned at first, then he smiled and replied seriously: "Then we will have the apple of our eye!"
"...Yes, the apple of my eye." Jiang Yushu nodded quickly.
Guo Honglei was in a good mood and asked without hesitation, "If it's a daughter, how about naming her Mingzhu or Baozhu?"
The author has something to say:
Guo Mingzhu... Guo Baozhu...
What do you think, little angels? 【doge】
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