Li Xiangkang went to the prefectural city to take the exam, and everyone in the Li family who needed to be busy got busy too.
Only Yan Qingqing was listless; like most parents of students preparing for the college entrance examination, she was somewhat anxious.
Although she said she didn't care whether Li Xiangkang did well or not, she couldn't possibly not care in her heart.
She watched Li Xiangkang grow up step by step, from a dirty little child to a handsome young man, and she devoted a lot of effort to him.
In other words, Yan Qingqing genuinely treated her like a son; no mother doesn't want the best for her son.
Not to mention Yan Qingqing's worry about Li Xiangkang, even Yuan Huiniang was worried.
As the eldest sister-in-law, she had watched Li Xiangkang grow up when he was only four years old. Moreover, Li Xiangkang had never traveled far from home.
Li Xiangping was quite carefree; there was a lot to do in the fields. After all, this was the first year of cotton planting, and there were many things to keep him busy with.
In addition, many agricultural officials from other places also came to learn, and he was the official in charge of receiving them.
Therefore, Li Xiangping is busier than ever, leaving early and returning late every day, and going straight to sleep as soon as he gets home.
So much so that Yuan Huiniang began to complain that he didn't care about the people and things in the family.
That day, Yuan Huiniang couldn't hold back any longer and went to Yan Qingqing to complain.
Yan Qingqing found it unusual and immediately perked up. This was the first time in a long time that Yuan Huiniang had complained to her.
Yuan Huiniang said aggrievedly, "Mother, do you think my husband is always so busy?"
In the past, when he came back, he would tease Jinxiu and Jinqian.
Now I can't even find him anymore.
He didn't even bother to check on his fourth brother's important trip to the prefectural city for the exam.
Do you think my husband might change his mind?
At this point, Yuan Huiniang became somewhat worried. She had gained a lot of weight since giving birth, and although she survived the difficult childbirth, the wound would never heal.
Could it be that Li Xiangping is disgusted with her?
The more Yuan Huiniang thought about it, the more likely it seemed.
He couldn't help but start crying in front of Yan Qingqing.
Yan Qingqing had originally intended to joke with her, but seeing her condition, she was shocked. Could Yuan Huiniang be suffering from postpartum depression?
That would be troublesome.
Yuan Huiniang's personality is quite different from Yan Qingqing's. Yan Qingqing is the kind of person who is strong-willed and will never be depressed, whether in terms of mental fortitude or how she views things.
But Yuan Huiniang was different; she was personally trained by Yan Qingqing.
She seems to handle things decisively now, but in reality, she is not strong enough inside. Moreover, Yan Qingqing always takes the lead in everything, so she has not experienced much hardship.
In addition, she started dealing with family matters right after giving birth and completing her postpartum confinement period, so it's not impossible that she might have become depressed.
Thinking of this, Yan Qingqing looked at Yuan Huiniang and said, "Huiniang, don't worry, if the eldest dares to do anything to betray you, I will break his legs."
Yuan Huiniang felt a little better after hearing this. As long as her mother-in-law was on her side, Li Xiangping wouldn't dare to do anything out of line.
Yan Qingqing was also thinking to herself whether she should set some family rules for the sake of family harmony.
With many children in the family, there will be many grandchildren in the future, and inevitably some unfilial descendants will do outrageous things.
Furthermore, their family is now thriving, so there are a few family rules that are inevitable.
Yan Qingqing thought about it more and more and felt that it was necessary. Finally, she looked at Yuan Huiniang and said, "Huiniang, it's time for our family to set family rules. Do you have any good suggestions? Let's discuss it together."
Yuan Huiniang was still grieving when she heard Yan Qingqing say that she wanted to set family rules, which left her somewhat bewildered.
She simply couldn't keep up with her mother-in-law's pace; why was she already setting family rules?
Besides, she's the daughter-in-law, so it's not appropriate for her to voice this opinion.
However, Yan Qingqing had already made up her mind. Looking at Yuan Huiniang, she said, "I've given you the opportunity. This is the best chance to get to the top."
Think about what you expect of him, and you can bring it up during this family rule session.
Don't say your mother doesn't love you; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
This is a family rule, and once it's set, everyone in the family, including myself, must abide by it.
Anyone who dares to disobey will be punished according to family rules, and in serious cases, may even be expelled from the family.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Huiniang immediately perked up and forgot all her sadness. She quickly stood up and said, "Mother, please wait for me for two days. Let me go back and think it over carefully."
After saying that, he was so excited that he took Du Ruxiu and left.
Yan Qingqing found it somewhat amusing. Look at people, they just need fighting spirit. Once they have fighting spirit, they forget everything else, so what is there to be depressed about?
However, Li Xiangping's matter also served as a reminder to Yan Qingqing. She needed to give Li Xiangping a heads-up, reminding him that no matter how busy he was, he couldn't neglect Yuan Huiniang. Over time, the couple's feelings would fade, which could easily lead to problems.
Thinking about this, Yan Qingqing felt that she was becoming more and more like an old woman.
Not only do they have to support their family, but they also have to plan for the future of each child.
Now she also has to worry about whether her son and daughter-in-law's relationship is harmonious. She feels that even her own mother doesn't worry about this much.
However, Yan Qingqing was serious about setting family rules. She immediately asked Ruyi to bring her a pen, ink, paper, and inkstone, and wrote down whatever came to mind.
Then he instructed Ruxue, "Go and tell Ada that if the young master returns, he should come to me."
Ru Xue quickly agreed upon hearing this.
Yan Qingqing picked up her pen and wrote down several family rules in a row.
After dinner, Yan Qingqing was about to rest when Li Xiangping returned, reeking of alcohol.
Yan Qingqing immediately frowned. No wonder Yuan Huiniang was angry.
Seeing that Yan Qingqing was unhappy, Li Xiangping cautiously asked, "Mother, what do you want to see me about?"
Yan Qingqing glanced at him and said, "How much have you drunk? You reek of alcohol. Aren't you afraid of bothering Hui Niang and the child?"
Li Xiangping quickly sniffed himself and then chuckled, "I drank a bit too much today. I'll wash myself properly when I get back. The main reason is that a few agricultural officials from Nanyang Prefecture came, and I'm in charge of receiving them."
Upon hearing this, Yan Qingqing's face darkened immediately, and she reprimanded, "Boss, remember that you are an agricultural official. Your future development lies in agricultural work, not in these eating and drinking activities."
Do you know if any of these people are the emperor's spies?
Your methods for increasing production have already been submitted, so why has the Emperor not responded yet?
Don't let your dreams of promotion and wealth fail, and you bring trouble to your family in the process.
Yan Qingqing's words were harsh, showing no mercy to Li Xiangping, but they were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head, sending a chill down his spine.
He sobered up considerably immediately and was no longer dizzy.
Instead, she stammered out "Mother," looking just like a wronged young wife.
Yan Qingqing couldn't bear to look at him like that, so she quickly waved him away.
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