Chapter 004: The Angry Man
Xia was surprised that her sister-in-law listened to her so much, but then her face darkened. She took the clothes that Xie Jian had picked up and cursed her: "You can't even do this little bit of work, Chen Heng, are you doing this on purpose?"
"I didn't mean it." Shen Heng lowered her head and retorted softly. She had to change slowly and then find an appropriate opportunity to let everyone know why she changed.
Xie Jian glanced at the woman who had suddenly started working with a puzzled look, then took out a linen purse from his sleeve and handed it to Xia: "Sister-in-law, I went to the bookstore this morning and paid her 100 yuan."
Xia opened her purse, her frown relaxed, and a smile appeared on her face: "Ajian, didn't you say you were out of ink sticks? Can you buy some?"
"The bookshop owner said that if I could give him five books a month, he would use his ink."
Xia was so happy that the fine lines on her forehead were reduced. "You have to keep your eyes open too."
Xie Jian hummed lightly.
"Uncle." After feeding the sheep, Xie Min came out and saw his uncle, and ran over happily.
Xie Jian patted his nephew's head and looked at his sister-in-law: "Sister-in-law, is breakfast ready?"
"It's ready. Just take it out of the stove and eat it. Chen Heng, go and make breakfast." Xia threw the dirty clothes into the wooden barrel beside the well and turned the windlass to get water to wash the clothes.
Shen Heng responded and followed her uncle and nephew into the kitchen.
Steam was rising from the earthen stove, and the aroma of rice filled the air. Chen Heng opened the lid of the pot, revealing sweet potato porridge. She turned around and took a coarse porcelain bowl from the old wooden cupboard to serve the rice.
When Xie Jian was getting the side dishes, he saw his nephew looking at the woman who was working with curiosity. He couldn't help but look at her as well. It was the first time he saw her so diligent.
Knowing that the uncle and nephew were looking at her, Shen Heng, although a little clumsy, did a decent job, trying her best to gain their affection and avoid being divorced, so as to make her time in the Xie family go more smoothly.
When Xia came in, a table full of breakfast was already prepared. She felt satisfied and her expression became more relaxed.
When the three of them sat down, Xia took out two eggs from the soup pot in the middle of the earthen stove and placed them in front of Xie Jian and his son.
Chen Heng: "..." Then she remembered that she had never eaten eggs since Yuan Yu married into the Xie family. Although Yuan Yu's parents did not like their daughter, they did not treat her badly. After coming to the Xie family, it was not her turn to eat eggs.
Perhaps because Shen Heng stared at the eggs for too long, Xia, Xie Jian, and Xie Min all looked at her.
Ahem, I forgot to act. That's all for now, Chen Heng muttered to herself: Now that I'm here, I should respect the local customs and social rules.
"Chen Heng," Xia said, "no matter how difficult our family's situation, Ajian never gave up studying. He'll be sixteen next year, and he must take the imperial examination. If he passes, you'll be a scholar's wife. After dinner, you and Ajian should go to your parents' home and talk to your father about this." After a pause, she added, "Talk more."
I'm afraid that no matter how much I say, Shen Yu won't vouch for Xie Jian. After all, Shen Yu is going to sever ties with this daughter. Shen Heng glanced at Xie Jian. If she said something like this, Xia Shi would definitely think she didn't want to help. So let Xie Jian go on his own, and nodded.
The Shen family lived in Zhongyi Bridge Alley, near the west gate of Nanming County, a good distance from the Xie family. During festivals and holidays, the two of them would ride in a chariot, which cost three copper coins each. A chariot was the equivalent of an oxcart used by ordinary people. The social hierarchy in the Great Cong Dynasty was extremely clear, and even riding in a chariot had a specialized system, with each person staying in their proper place and not overstepping their bounds.
When Chen Heng first came through last night, she had seen the quiet and deserted streets of the city. The ancient and charming buildings had already made her sigh in admiration. Now, the streets were bustling with traffic and people going to the market. The lively scene made her dazed for a moment. It was like ancient times.
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