Chapter 58 How much can I spend?
Chen Qi got her brother's nod as she wished, and was very proud. She reached out and touched his head, the only part of his body that was not covered in mud.
When he turned around, he secretly stuck out his tongue at his mother.
Zhang sighed.
I was already somewhat persuaded by my daughter, and since it was rare that my youngest son really wanted to go, I finally agreed.
She turned around and went back to the bedroom. After a long time, she took out a heavy old handkerchief and stuffed it into Chen Qi's hand.
"What's this?"
Chen Qi took it and opened it layer by layer, revealing a bag of small change inside.
"No need, mother. I have money of my own."
"This little bit of money is what your father and I saved last year. When we go there, we'll be staying with relatives, which will be very inconvenient. How can we spend their money?"
"I have my own money. Besides, I don't need that much. This is at least... a dozen taels, right? How much can a child spend on writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone?"
"You're so young, you don't understand these things. Although children only need paper and pens to go to school, they still spend money on food, clothing, and other daily necessities. Take this money carefully. If there's any extra, buy some snacks and fruit for the old lady and children at home every now and then. It's a small token of my appreciation. This way, people will gossip less!"
These are the experiences that my mother has gained in dealing with people in Baihe Town over the years, and now she has to teach them to her daughter one by one.
Chen Qi nodded in agreement, but was determined not to accept the money.
I originally wanted to find some money to spend on another expense, but after spending it over and over again, why is the money just getting more and more?
The mother and daughter argued for several times. Finally, Chen Qi picked up a slightly larger piece of silver from her handkerchief bag and weighed it in her hand.
"This weighs nearly three taels. Even if I were a cow, it would be enough to feed him for three to five months, including the old lady and my cousin's share. As for the rest of the silver, mother, keep it for now. I'll come back for it when I've spent it all. Besides, mother knows me best. She's always looking for something after losing it, so she wouldn't be at ease leaving it in my hands, don't you think?"
After hearing this, Zhang felt that it made some sense and finally nodded in agreement.
The family discussed for half a day, and when Chen Qi returned to the Xie family, it was time to light the lamps.
After dinner, Xie Yuduo took advantage of the fact that everyone was there and told the elders about this idea on behalf of Chen Qi.
"Suo'er is about to reach the age where he can start to learn, and Shen Ji, the younger brother of the Shen family, is also going to school. Since they are about the same age, why not let them be companions and look after each other?"
Old Mrs. Wu already knew about this, nodded, and was the first to express her opinion.
"You guys all started going to school when you were seven or eight, and Ruo'er is almost that age now. There's been a lot going on lately, and no one at home has mentioned it, so I can't take care of him. It's hard for you two kids, and I'm still thinking about him. Although we don't expect him to become successful, he still needs to learn some principles, learn some words, and learn to do math. When he grows up, he can at least understand the account books."
At this time, my second uncle, who had never been good at reading account books, lowered his head and remained silent after hearing what my mother said.
According to the previous practice of Xie Yuming and Xie Yuduo, whoever's family has the child will pay for the school expenses.
After all, Yu Shuo is the child of the second wife, so this expense should be paid from the second wife's account.
Second Aunt also thought of this, and before anyone could speak, she took the initiative and snorted coldly.
"Every month, I barely have any spare money. Not only do I have to pay for food and clothing, but I also have to take care of my son and daughter. My daughter-in-law is still bedridden! Now, why would I even want to go to school? Who can afford such a huge expense? It's just learning to read. Hanging out with the shop assistants for a few days will teach me a lot. Why waste the money?"
The old lady glanced at her and slapped the table.
"Which of these brothers isn't my grandson? Since they're all our children, they all have to go to school. Even Yu Zhong and her sisters went with them. You said it's expensive, but let me ask you, Ruo'er hasn't even lived with you. How much has it cost you since he was little?"
Second Aunt was speechless for a moment. Ruo'er was sent to the old lady's house to be raised when he was less than half a year old. He was raised entirely with the old lady's private money.
As usual, my second uncle remained silent.
As mother-in-law and daughter-in-law have been living together for many years, how could the old lady not know what the second aunt was thinking - it was just a matter of money.
"I'll pay for Ruo'er's education. You don't have to keep track of the household expenses. Are you willing?"
When Second Aunt heard the old lady take out her own pocket money, she nodded reluctantly.
"I...didn't say I didn't want to, I just worried it would be hard for the old lady."
"Oh, I've worked hard all my life, so a few years won't make a difference."
The old lady stood up with the help of her cane and turned back before leaving.
"Also, when you bring the younger brother from the Shen family here, he and Ruo'er will live together in the west wing of my house. I will cover all his school expenses. A child should be able to spend a few dollars, so as not to make a fool of himself in front of his relatives."
When Chen Qi heard what his brother said, he quickly stood up and replied.
"My parents are already prepared, how can I let the old lady worry about it?"
Old Mrs. Wu waved her hand, indicating that there was no need to say anything more, and went straight to the Buddhist temple.
Seeing that the plan had been finalized and the west wing of Old Lady Shen Qi had been cleaned up, she took Shen Ji over, showed him to everyone, and then placed him in the old lady's yard to keep Ruo'er company.
Shen Ji and Xie Yushuo are of similar age. They had become good friends since their last meeting, and now they are even more happy together.
Especially Ruo'er, his brothers and sisters were much older than him, and he had no playmates since he was a child. The old lady was fasting and chanting Buddhist scriptures all day long, and he was very bored alone.
Now, he had a friend who could climb trees to catch birds and go to the river to catch fish, and he was extremely happy.
Although the old lady said she would pay, Chen Qi did not take it seriously. She took the money herself and bought books, pens, school clothes, shoes, socks, etc. for her two younger brothers, double the amount of everything.
He also asked Xie Yuduo to greet the school, pay his respects to the teacher, and present the tuition fee, and then arranged for the family's groom to pick him up in the morning and evening.
After more than half a month, everything was arranged.
On the first day, Chen Qi dressed them up neatly and personally accompanied them to school.
When she got home, she took needle and thread and began to sew sachets for them to clear their minds and improve their eyesight.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
Chen Qi thought it was a jade mirror, so she answered. Seeing that no one came in, she put down her needlework and opened the door.
Strange, there is no one at the door.
Just as I was about to turn around and go back to my room, I glanced and saw a bunch of fresh loquats by my window.
Chen Qi was confused and took two quick steps to look around. Then she saw the trembling figure of Aunt Yun walking backwards.
From then on, there would be a knock on the door of the east wing every few days.
When no one answers, there are always more things in front of the window.
Sometimes, it was two fresh peaches. Sometimes, it was a bag of sesame candy, or melon, apple, or honey cake. It was always different.
Aunt Yun still didn't speak to Chen Qi, but she knew and remembered everything in her heart.
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