After a rain, there is some coolness.
Xu Jiang and Cao Shu worked tirelessly, purchasing materials and building the shed, completing the donkey shed and the backyard before the Great Heat. They also kept up with the New Edition of Mathematics, finishing its binding the day before the donkey shed was finished.
After returning from delivering the books to the Imperial College, Xu Jiang couldn't wait to go see the donkey shed.
The donkey shed was built with stone walls half a man's height on either side, providing ventilation. Wooden beams connected to the stone walls supported the green tile roof. A wooden fence was installed at the front, with two stone troughs carved into the fence, one for each donkey and one for each horse. The floor inside the shed was raised three inches to prevent water accumulation during rainy days, and the trenches were widened and deepened to connect to the underground drain outside, making it easier to flush waste.
Xu San gathered up the broken bricks and wood, clapped his hands, and asked Xu Jiang, "Master, how do you like the donkey shed?"
"Good, good." Xu Jiang praised it endlessly. While Lou Yunchun was away, she secretly said a comparison, "It's much better than the one we built before."
It is both sturdy and beautiful, spacious inside and easy to clean.
Xu Jiang gave a thumbs up and said, "Third brother, you are now ready to start your apprenticeship." The donkey shed was designed by Uncle Cao and built by Xu San. He had only been an apprentice for less than a year, but he had already done it quite well, which showed that he had put in a lot of effort.
"It's still too early. I've only learned the basics from Uncle Cao. If I really want to learn well and thoroughly, I have to work harder." Xu San spoke much more steadily than when they first met. I think it was because he was getting married and was going to be a father.
"Third brother will definitely not be worse than Uncle Cao in the future."
Xu San couldn't help laughing when he was praised.
Uncle Cao, entering the courtyard with Liang Mo, picked up on this remark and generously praised him, "He's becoming more and more impressive. Scholars have a saying that goes, 'The pupil surpasses the master.' If Xu San studies hard and works hard, by the time he's my age, he'll definitely be better than me."
Xu San's heart was filled with joy, but he said modestly, "Master is Master. Even if I study for another twenty years, I still can't catch up with him."
Everyone laughed and the whole house was filled with joy.
Xu Jiang saw Liang Mo and Uncle Cao stacking the remaining bricks and wood next to the doghouse and asked, "Are you preparing to build a new den for Uncle Jackal?"
Liang Mo nodded. "I see there are so many materials left, and just piling them up is taking up space. So I discussed with Uncle Cao about building it a new nest so it can have a good place to recuperate when it comes back."
Xu Jiang stared at Liang Mo and felt that she had not made a mistake in choosing him. This child was kind and sincere, diligent and studious, a rough diamond. Even if he did not choose to study and take imperial examinations, he would still achieve something in the future.
She happily said, "Okay, then I'll make one for Uncle Jackal as well."
Thinking of Uncle Jackal, Xu Jiang had an idea, and he said, "We can take him back in a couple of days. Also, I want Guard Zhu to talk to Uncle Jackal's owner and see if he can be hired out to us so he can settle down in the bookstore."
"Really?" Liang Mo said happily, "If we can really hire her back, then this nest will be the right one."
Seeing him happy, Xu Jiang was also happy, "Then I'll leave the nesting to you."
Liang Mo happily arranged the materials, "Okay, I'll make sure it's comfortable!"
The yard was repaired, and Xu Jiang's burning heart was also healed. She looked radiant and energetic. Neighbors came to check on the progress from time to time. Shopkeeper Wang was the most diligent, and he would help out in his spare time. This was also a good medicine to soothe the anxiety she had been feeling for these days.
The fans painted by Xu Jiang were finally delivered. The paintings were tailored to each family's preferences, revealing their intentions. The neighbors were delighted to receive the fans and returned the favor with gifts, mostly food.
Food is the most important thing for people, and this is a rare thought.
Xu Jiang made up her mind. As the work at the Imperial College had just been completed, she would set up a banquet and invite them to come over to relax and have some fun after the shop was cleaned up.
"Sister Xu, Brother Hu is here." Lu Zhen came to the bookstore with Uncle Cao every day these days. He would hold the books and Yue Nu tightly and would sit in front of the desk for a whole day.
The students and scholars who came to buy books always loved to tease him and debate with him. Although he was immature, he had his own little logic and his language was childlike and innocent, which often made people laugh.
Xu Jiang let him be, treating him as a small auspicious animal, and kept him in the shop to bring joy and attract people.
"Boss." Hu Xu appeared from behind Lu Zhen, patted his head, and walked into the yard. He then greeted Uncle Cao and the others. Seeing that the donkey shed was already built, he smiled and said, "You said you'd take advantage of today's day off to help, but you didn't expect it to be finished already."
A few days ago, he heard that Xu Jiang's bookstore had been set on fire, and he rushed here anxiously. After seeing Xu Jiang was safe and sound, he felt relieved. In the past few days, he also came here whenever he had time, but the history bureau was busy, so even if he wanted to help, he would not have the time.
He stared at the donkey shed and couldn't help but sigh. This was his chance with her. One step late, every step late.
"You've arrived just in time," Xu Jianglang said with a smile. "I've already finished my work at the Imperial College, and was just about to find you to discuss the rules for publishing the collection. Your coming here will save me another trip."
"Then I'm lucky."
Xu Jiang asked him to go back to the inn and sit down first, then she took out a jar of cold perilla drink from the water tank and asked Yin Yin to pour it into bowls and send them to Uncle Cao and the guards outside.
She brought three bowls into the restaurant and drank with Hu Xu and Lu Zhen.
Hu Xu hurriedly stood up to answer it, and Lu Zhen also helped to clear the table.
Xu Jiang moved Lu Zhen aside, and he obediently held the book to make room for the two of them so as not to disturb their conversation.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two began to talk about business.
"We are publishing this collection of essays. Should we use ordinary engraving or hire someone to write the plates? Does Zhuchun have any opinions?"
"Master Lu has taken on this matter. After the boss typeset and distributes the materials, I will deliver it to him." In addition to engraving on copy paper, the plate can also be directly cut out, typeset, and ruled, and then the printed content can be written on the plate and engraved.
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