Chapter 732 A Dream of Youth 264
Seeing the bright look in Li's eyes, and glancing at the expressions of the others, Xie Ning knew their choices.
The reason she hesitated to study medicine was because the timing wasn't right yet. There was the Imperial Medical Bureau in the capital, and she wouldn't disrupt her plans.
After seeing everyone off, Xie Ning saw the maid carrying pastries, so she followed her, went into the room on the second floor, climbed onto the couch, rested her head on Chen Wanniang's lap, and closed her eyes to rest.
"Mother, you smell so good."
The incense we use at home is made in winter with a plum blossom scent; it's fresh, light, and very pleasant.
"loquacious."
Chen Wanniang gently tapped Xie Ning's forehead, while Zhang Mama beside her whisked the tea until milky white foam floated on the surface.
"This tea is excellent; Zhang Mama's skills are indeed superb."
Xie Ning smelled the fragrance and got up to ask for a cup. Seeing this, Chen Wanniang tested her, "What is sweet, fragrant and smooth?"
"Sweetness refers to the lingering sweetness, the fragrance should linger in the soup, leaving a pleasant aftertaste; richness refers to the full-bodied flavor; and smoothness refers to the absence of bitterness or astringency. Mother, am I right?"
"Yes, yes, yes."
Xie Ning took a sip of tea, then reached out and took the steamed rice cake from Xie Qi. It was made from rice flour, and it was bouncy, soft, sweet, and had a rich rice aroma.
A spoonful of Xie Ning's favorite osmanthus honey was drizzled on top.
Xie Wangzhi chuckled, then reached out to peel nuts for Chen Wanniang, whispering his plans for the next few days.
He met with some officials, and Chen Wanniang was also busy. Even if she couldn't attend banquets these days, she still had to meet with some ladies from the inner quarters.
Xie Qi's eyes darted around, and seeing Xie Ning leaning against Chen Wan Niang's shoulder with her eyes half-closed, he picked up a red fruit and threw it at the snowball, hitting the wolf right in the mouth.
Qingxu was fiddling with the jade hooks hanging the fine gauze curtains when she was bumped by Xueqiu. She couldn't help but raise her hand and tap its slightly damp head.
"No naughtiness allowed."
"Awooooo~"
A group of people sat by the window on the second floor. Outside, the mountain scenery was hazy, with water mist and light smoke intertwining. Swallows flew in, but were startled down by the soft sound of bamboo bells under the eaves.
Since the decision to establish a girls' school has been made, apart from the Xie clan and some necessary procedures, the most difficult thing to deal with is finding teachers for the schools.
Xie Ning didn't plan to invite a male tutor. Although male tutors were easier to invite, it was still the beginning, and it was best to avoid touching on sensitive areas. Inviting a female tutor, on the other hand, would be much more difficult.
Firstly, this place is remote and there are few famous women here.
Secondly, even if the woman is educated, her family might not necessarily allow her to leave.
After accompanying Chen Wanniang to meet several ladies and young misses, Xie Ning became somewhat quiet. Among those who came to visit, there were some who were well-educated, but none of them were suitable.
She had to consider not only the teacher's knowledge, but also his character.
After all, it was a girls' school. Even if they didn't take the exams to become female officials, Xie Ning still wanted them to gain some knowledge and open their minds, which had been suppressed.
Therefore, she cannot invite a female tutor in to preach about female virtues.
Fortunately, she took a three-month leave of absence, which gave her ample time to visit some well-known and talented women. Whether they were unmarried or already married, Xie Ning personally talked to them before deciding whether to invite them.
Shangquan Town is remote and there are few people around. Xie Ning thought about going to Quanzhou alone, but this idea was quickly abandoned because although she was tall, she looked young and was easily targeted by bad people if she was alone.
In the end, she went with Xie.
Even though she could take on ten Xie Qis by herself, her parents still felt safer with Xie Qi by their side.
Xie Qi shouldn't be too happy about being able to escape parental control.
Moreover, he felt a great sense of loss after returning. His former friends had all gone their separate ways. He had now passed the final exam of the Imperial Academy and could become an official without having to take the imperial examination.
Some of his friends in the town either didn't take the imperial examinations or succumbed to the pressures of life, giving up on the exams and taking up other jobs.
Springtime is enchanting; apricot blossoms are in full bloom on the riverbank, their petals falling onto the boat in the wind.
With a sizzling sound, the aroma of grilled fish filled the air. Xie Ning silently took out his jade flute, intending to play it from a distance to satisfy his craving.
Because they had to observe a three-month restriction, they could not eat meat.
Xie Qi was also tempted, but he couldn't resist, so he skewered all the seasonal vegetables on the boat together and grilled them. His favorite was the grilled tofu skin, which was grilled until crispy, then sprinkled with some seasoning. One bite and his mouth was filled with fragrance.
"Big brother, can I trade my grilled fish for your grilled tofu?" The little boy next to him couldn't resist the temptation; Xie Qi's grilled tofu smelled so good.
Xie Qi was quite proud. He had loved hunting for food with his friends since he was a child, and that's how he developed his amazing barbecue skills. Everyone who had ever eaten his skewers had said they were delicious.
"I can't eat grilled fish right now, but if you want grilled tofu, you can eat with me. There's plenty here." Xie Qi revealed a tray full of grilled skewers behind him.
"Wow!" The little boy's eyes lit up, and he almost drooled.
“But…” the child hesitated, “But Mother said we can’t take other people’s things without permission. If we really want them, we have to exchange them for money or something of equal value.”
"Big brother, do you need money? I have money!"
The little boy looked on expectantly, which made Xie Qi burst into laughter.
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