Chapter 198 World Eight (Twenty-one)
Baoshan's cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly lowered her eyelids. She knew Feng Wenjing had misunderstood something, but for a moment, she didn't know how to explain it.
Shen Yunshan frowned slightly, put down the bamboo chopsticks in his hand, and said in a cold voice: "What nonsense are you talking about? Baoshan is my cousin, it's not your random speculation..."
Not his wife.
Despite this embarrassing situation, Feng Wenjing did not feel embarrassed. He said in a relaxed tone, "So it's not my sister-in-law, but my cousin. It's really Baoshan who is beautiful, like a fairy. Such a beautiful face made me misunderstand. I'm really sorry."
Bao Shan, born in the countryside, had never heard such flattering words praising her appearance. The blush on her cheeks deepened a little, and her face was full of shyness. Her waist was soft and her posture was weak. "Don't make fun of me, Mr. Feng."
After saying that, Baoshan supported Shen Liushi and left this place.
When Shen Yunshan heard Feng Wenjing's words, a chill filled his brows. The villagers were simple-minded by nature; even when complimenting someone, they wouldn't be as glib as Feng Wenjing, comparing them to "heavenly beings" and using such eloquent rhetoric. Feng Wenjing reached for his chopsticks to pick up the pickled vegetables from the dish, but Shen Yunshan grabbed his wrist.
Feng Wenjing was puzzled and looked up at Shen Yunshan.
Shen Yunshan's face was solemn, and his tone was slightly cold, as if warning: "Don't say such frivolous words in front of my cousin in the future.
My cousin is simple-minded, and you will inevitably offend her by doing this."
Feng Wenjing said sincerely, “But I didn’t mean to flatter Sister Baoshan, but every word I said was true.
Sister Baoshan is so beautiful that every student in the academy would recite a few sad poems when they see her.
Shen Yunshan warned, "What sister? Don't try to make connections. You and your cousin aren't even related in the slightest. Don't say something that could lead to misunderstandings."
Feng Wenjing was helpless. Under Shen Yunshan's cold gaze, she could only repeatedly assure him that she would never call anyone sister or younger sister casually in the future.
When Shen Liushi learned that Feng Wenjing and Shen Yunshan were sleeping together, and saw that Feng Wenjing liked to eat the pickled vegetables on the table, she filled a small clay jar with them and gave it to Feng Wenjing to take back to Xiangjiang Academy.
Feng Wenjing immediately felt that Shen Liushi was extremely amiable.
Although Feng Wenjing promised not to tell other students about Shen Yunshan bringing his family members to Luo County.
But Feng Wenjing would go to the Shen family from time to time, always bringing some small things -
Ginseng slices to nourish Shen Liushi's body, and pearl flowers bought from the market.
Feng Wenjing was a shrewd man who coaxed Shen Liushi into great joy. After a few days, she changed her name to Feng Wenjing from "Feng Langjun" to "Wenjing".
Facing the bronze mirror, Bao Shan put on the small and shiny pearl flowers, and bits of luster were scattered among her hair.
The precious fan stretched out its soft hands and gently stroked the pearl flowers among the black hair, and its beautiful eyes trembled slightly.
If she had hastily married someone in the countryside, she would probably have to spend her days taking care of her husband and children.
If her husband had a wealthy family, he could only give her a pair of plain silver bracelets on her birthday. How could he buy such beautiful and exquisite pearl flowers?
Whether in her dreams or now, she has never had the intention of retreating.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the gray robe and Baoshan's brows furrowed as she removed the pearl flower from her hair. Her eyes flickered slightly, as if she were in a state of hesitation.
Shen Yunshan walked up to the treasured fan and asked, "Was it a gift from Feng Wenjing?"
Baoshan nodded slightly.
Shen Yunshan was not a pedantic scholar who was ignorant of the ways of the world. Since Feng Wenjing treated Shen Liu and Baoshan well, he gave Feng Wenjing more advice and guidance in his studies.
But now, Shen Yunshan was a little confused. Baoshan clearly liked the pearl flower, but he put it away.
"Why not?"
Bao Shan wrapped the pearl flower in a handkerchief and replied softly, "Such a delicate item cannot be worn every day.
When the New Year approaches, or when Cousin Yunshan graduates from high school, I will wear it in my hair again, to prevent the pearl flower from losing its luster after years of wearing it."
Hearing this, Shen Yunshan's eyes trembled slightly, and a slight pain came from his heart.
He examined the treasured fan carefully. The women of Luo County all had jingling bracelets on their bodies, but the treasured fan was dull and plain.
Now, I am even reluctant to wear a pearl flower every day.
Shen Yunshan didn't understand women's minds, but he believed that every woman wanted to show off her beauty to the fullest.
This is the natural way of heaven.
The same goes for the precious fan, and the reason she is so simple and elegant is not because she doesn't want to, but because she can't.
Shen Yunshan clenched his fingers slightly and said nothing more. However, in the next few days, Feng Wenjing discovered that Shen Yunshan went to bed much later than before.
Shen Yunshan copied books for others and received some wages.
Shen Yunshan used the wages to go to the market and bought two pearl flowers.
It looks like a hibiscus flower and is exquisitely crafted. When the breeze blows, the petals of the hibiscus flower will tremble in the wind.
The pearl flower was wrapped in a handkerchief and presented to Baoshan.
After Bao Shan lifted the veil, she saw two silver pearl flowers. Her beautiful eyes were filled with surprise. She asked softly, "Where did these come from?"
Shen Yunshan said calmly, "I copied a scroll for someone, but he didn't have any extra money, so he used the pearl flowers to pay off his debt. You're the only one in your family who could use them."
Baoshan's eyebrows were curved and there was a faint smile at the corners of his lips.
Shen Yunshan said casually, "You now have more than one pearl flower. You don't need to keep them in the box anymore."
Baoshan replied softly, casually placing the hibiscus-shaped pearl flower in her hair and asking, "Cousin Yunshan, what do you think?"
The beauty is like a jade lotus, with a natural fragility. Now with the flowers as a contrast, she looks even more gentle and charming.
Shen Yunshan's gaze passed lightly over Bao Shan's beautiful face, and he said vaguely, "It's okay."
Shen Yunshan had been staying at Xiangjiang Academy recently due to his heavy workload, rarely returning home. Feng Wenjing, on the other hand, had been coming more and more frequently. Although Feng Wenjing was born into a wealthy family, he lived a life of luxury, accustomed to feasting on delicious food.
Now he has become fascinated by the farm dishes made by Shen Liushi, and comes to Shen's house every day.
Shen Liu took the opportunity to ask Feng Wenjing about the Xiangjiang Academy.
Speaking of the recent quiz, Feng Wenjing grabbed the dried persimmon cake from his bowl, his face clear of worry. "I used to be at the bottom of the class, but now with Yunshan's guidance, I've made a lot of progress. I'm sure I'll rank much higher than last time. Why should I be stuck in the academy studying so hard?"
Feng Wenjing added, "In my opinion, Yunshan doesn't need to study so hard. Every time the Confucian Master gives a quiz, no one else's essay is more worthy of his favor than Yunshan's."
Hearing that Shen Yunshan was also so popular with the teacher at Xiangjiang Academy, Shen Liu's face was full of joy, and she passed the persimmon cake to Feng Wenjing.
Seeing this, Feng Wenjing continued to talk about Shen Yunshan's "deeds": "Since Yunshan entered Xiangjiang Academy, his reputation has spread far and wide, and he is quite envied by his classmates..."
As the sky gradually darkened, Feng Wenjing stood up and said, "I left Xiangjiang Academy for another reason: I wanted to find a servant to accompany me to the capital to take the imperial examination."
Shen Liushi knew that Feng Wenjing was busy, so she didn't want to keep him any longer. She just packed a few dried persimmons and gave them to Feng Wenjing to take with him.
Baoshan lowered her eyelids and asked softly, "Mr. Feng mentioned finding a book boy. Does that mean everyone who is taking the exam needs to prepare for it?"
Feng Wenjing nodded slightly: "When you are going to take the exam, you must have a book boy by your side to help carry your book box and do some odd jobs.
However, there are also students who do not bring their own servants, but instead bring their own personal maids..."
After saying this, Feng Wenjing quickly shut up when he looked at Baoshan's eyes which were as clear as water.
There is no need to tell Baoshan in detail about the dirty things that happened when she had a personal maid with her.
Upon hearing this, Shen Liushi asked anxiously, "How much money does it cost to find a book boy?"
Feng Wenjing pondered for a moment and replied, "About half a tael of silver a month, but food, clothing, housing and transportation all need to be arranged separately."
Shen Liu murmured to herself: "Since everyone is like this, Yunshan must also find a book boy to accompany him."
Thinking of the time when he had asked Shen Yunshan if he could help find a servant, and Shen Yunshan gently refused, Feng Wenjing knew he had spoken out of turn and quickly added, "Even if there is no servant, it's okay."
But although Shen Liushi was a widow, she did not want to be inferior to others in every way.
Therefore, since Shen Yunshan entered the private school, Shen Liushi has purchased all the book bags, pens and inks that others have.
Seeing this, Baoshan lowered her slender eyelashes, a look of deep thought flashing in her eyes. She gently comforted Feng Wenjing, "Before it gets dark, Mr. Feng, hurry to the market, lest all the good book boys are picked up by others."
Feng Wenjing then left in a hurry.
Shen Liu took out the bag of money she had saved. She had already regarded Baoshan as a member of the Shen family, so she did not hide it from Baoshan.
Shen Liushi untied her purse and poured out all the copper coins inside.
"Help my aunt count the number, is there enough to find a book boy?"
Baoshan moved his fingers slightly and counted carefully. The money was barely enough.
Before Shen Liushi could smile, Baoshan frowned slightly and said softly, "Cousin Yunshan is going to the capital to take the imperial examination. He will need to spend a lot of money. He must save some money for emergencies."
If I find the servant, I will have no spare money.
Shen Liushi really showed hesitation on her face, and said in a deep voice: "I thought wrong."
The precious fan moved softly, putting the copper coins back into the purse. She comforted Shen Liushi softly: "Aunt, don't worry. Didn't Mr. Feng say that it wouldn't be a problem even if there is no servant accompanying him. Besides, cousin Yunshan is an outstanding scholar. It's not like others can be on par with him just by bringing one or two servants."
Having said that, Shen Liushi was still worried.
Although it was a small matter whether or not to look for a servant, if other students brought servants with them, and Shen Yunshan was alone, he would probably be laughed at by others.
Shen Liu naturally didn't want to, and those vague gazes were focused on Shen Yunshan.
But when she heard Bao Shan mention Feng Wenjing's words, Shen Liushi's heart moved slightly——
Not all students at Xiangjiang Academy have servants with them. Some also have personal maids.
Shen Liu sighed softly: “If I find a personal maid, the expenses required on the road will be much less than that of a book boy.
But Yunshan never liked women approaching him casually, and if the maid had a bad heart and didn't care about Yunshan's hard work in studying, it would be a shame.
Instead, it will disturb Yunshan's mind and will only backfire."
Baoshan placed the filled money bag in Shen Liushi’s hand, looking respectful and docile: “Don’t worry, aunt, you can always find someone who knows you well and stay by your cousin Yunshan’s side.”
Shen Liu looked at Baoshan. Her niece was so beautiful that she would be a sight to behold, not to mention in Luo County, even in the capital.
And I want to find someone who knows me well. Who can be as gentle and considerate as Baoshan?
Shen Liushi didn't want Baoshan as a servant to take care of Shen Yunshan's food, clothing, housing and transportation, but she wanted a caring "book boy" to serve as a facade, to prove that Shen Yunshan was not inferior in any way.
After thinking about this, Shen Liushi asked, "Baoshan, are you willing to be your cousin's book boy?"
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