She hoped to return to the upper echelons of the capital. Over the years, she had worked hard to earn money, hoping to use it to build connections and help Lord Cheng rise through the ranks.
She couldn't rely on her maternal family. She was originally a concubine's daughter who married in place of her elder sister. Her stepmother wouldn't allow her to go back and wished she would stay away from home for the rest of her life.
Her own father wouldn't help her until Lord Cheng achieved something significant.
Now things are better; she has a successful son.
If her son can get into the top tier (or even the second tier) in two years, her father will definitely step up to help.
She will definitely be able to go back then.
...
“I’ve asked the real estate agents these past few days, and there are currently three estates for sale around our village. They’re all about the same size, between 120 and 150 mu. The prices range from 1,500 to 2,000 taels.” On the way back, Gu Shouxin told Cai Xiaolian about the estates.
They had previously agreed to buy a manor for Gu Nian first, and then buy one for Gu Xin after they had earned enough money, followed by houses and shops.
"Do you have the blueprints?" Cai Xiaolian asked.
“Yes, I looked at it, but not very carefully. How about we take Niannian and Xinxin to see it during the New Year? Let Niannian choose which one she likes.” Gu Shouxin said.
"Yes, that's good. This girl is really capable! We've only been here for three months, and she's already earned almost three thousand taels of silver," Cai Xiaolian exclaimed.
"You're amazing too! In both my past and present lives, I've never seen anyone as good at business as you, my wife," Gu Shouxin said sincerely.
"You flatter me! I've never seen anyone as well-read as you in my entire life." Cai Xiaolian cupped her hands and said with a smile.
Once, she saw Gu Shouxin flipping through a book very quickly and jokingly asked him if he had remembered the contents since he was flipping through it so fast.
Then Gu Shouxin memorized half of the book for her. If it weren't for the headache she was getting from listening to it, Gu Shouxin would have memorized the whole book for her.
Not only could he recite it, but he could also explain its meaning to Cai Xiaolian.
Even when his two daughters were practicing horse stance and walking on plum blossom stakes, he would occasionally teach them a few words and explain the meaning behind it.
Cai Xiaolian quite enjoys the time her family of four spends studying and exercising every morning.
Anyway, she is now very confident that Gu Shouxin will pass the imperial examination. She heard that after passing the exam and becoming an official, he will need to make all sorts of favors. Hmm, she needs to work hard to earn money!
By the time we arrived in the village, it was almost dark.
Tomorrow is Lunar New Year's Eve, and every household is bustling with activity as people who work away from home return. I ran into many acquaintances on the way.
After the oxcart took them back to their old house, the couple started walking home. From a distance, they saw a large man loitering at their front gate.
"Haha, it's Nian Nian's Peach Blossom." Cai Xiaolian laughed after recognizing the person.
“Zhang Yungui?” Gu Shouxin frowned.
"That's right, that kid hasn't been home for over a month. I heard he's been working hard at the blacksmith's shop to buy gold jewelry for Niannian! Every time I run into the village head's wife, she gives me the cold shoulder," Cai Xiaolian said speechlessly.
“Niannian is even more unlucky than the two of us. She has no idea what the original owner did! Let’s go take a look!” Gu Shouxin said helplessly.
"Second Uncle Gu, Second Aunt Gu." Zhang Yungui, the big, burly man, greeted them nervously upon seeing them.
He was holding a pretty box in his hand.
"Hmm. Yunnan and Guizhou, is it that Nian Nian is unwilling to open the door to see you?" Gu Shouxin asked.
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