"Brother Cao, haven't you thought about what you'll do after you enter officialdom?"
Cao Zhi had never really thought about it. Although everyone took Zhang Zai's four famous quotes as their life goal, he was a very pragmatic person and felt that he couldn't do it.
—To establish a moral compass for heaven and earth.
He was still pondering why a person is a person, where he came from, and where he should go.
—To establish a life for the people.
He himself is still struggling to make a living.
—To continue the lost learning of the sages.
There are still several books on the imperial examinations that I haven't fully understood.
—To usher in an era of peace for all generations.
It seems this life will never be peaceful.
After hearing his words, Shen Qingque fell into a deep silence.
He now seems to understand the saying "great wisdom appears as foolishness".
He patted Cao Zhi on the shoulder. "Brother Cao, are you busy tonight? If not, why don't you come to my residence for a few drinks?"
Cao Zhi immediately straightened his back; this was a crucial moment to build a good relationship with his brother-in-law and future father-in-law!
He'd go! Even if his own house were on fire right now, he'd still go!
To Cao Zhi's surprise, Shen Qingyu was also at home.
Shen Qingyu took leave from the Tzu Chi Foundation. With her younger brother and Yongle's wedding date drawing ever closer and no woman in the house to manage things, she returned to arrange her brother's wedding.
When she saw Cao Zhi, her cheeks flushed slightly for a moment. Then she nodded to him, greeted him, and went inside to get busy.
Cao Zhi's dark face was also flushed, but his dark skin made it difficult to tell. However, his shy and timid expression revealed his true thoughts at a glance.
Mr. Shen seemed like a very old-fashioned person, but he was actually quite reasonable; otherwise, he wouldn't have insisted that his daughter divorce such a family.
He had also heard his son mention this scholar, who seemed like a very good kid. He thought about his own daughter, who was also well-read. If it weren't for their family's poor social standing, they wouldn't have been able to let that Fang Wencai have such a good chance!
That works too, but it would be even more perfect if he could marry into our family!
That night, the moon and stars shone brightly, and the two sat in the courtyard, drinking and chatting happily.
While pouring wine for Cao Zhi, Shen Qingque discussed the current disaster situation in Yunzhou with him.
Cao Zhi scratched the back of his head. He also wanted to go to Yunzhou, even though his strength was limited. However, while some were working hard at the front, others needed to guard the rear. He thought it best to just do his own job well.
“Brother Cao, your literary talent is outstanding. I have a favor to ask of you.” Shen Qingque raised his hand and offered Cao Zhi a cup of wine.
Cao Zhi's throat bobbed as he thought to himself, "Even if there's a razor blade in the wine my brother-in-law is offering, I'll drink it!"
"Speak!" He downed the wine in one gulp, then placed the glass on the table with a look of resignation. "If Brother Chen speaks, I will go through fire and water for you!"
"No need for that. I just think you have excellent writing skills and would like to ask you to write a fundraising article."
Right now, we need to provide disaster relief and maintain the army. Judging from the emperor's intentions, he might even want to dig a canal. Where will we find the money?
Therefore, those powerful families have to bleed money.
Upon hearing that he was merely asked to write an article, Cao Zhi breathed a sigh of relief. Fueled by the alcohol, he waved his hand and said, "Bring me pen and ink!"
The servant waiting nearby immediately went to fetch pen and ink.
Shen Qingyu sat in her own courtyard for a while, then went to her younger brother's courtyard to ask them what they needed.
Deep down, she knew it was just an excuse; she simply wanted to see someone.
Under the moonlight, the man stood in the courtyard, his back slightly bent, his brushstrokes flowing like dragons and snakes, exuding a majestic aura. Every now and then, he would take a small sip of wine, pausing to organize his thoughts before quickly resuming his writing.
The courtyard was completely silent, except for the chirping of crickets.
Shen Qingyu walked to Shen Qingque's side. Her younger brother tilted his head slightly and said to her, "This time, it was your sister who chose the person herself, so you must seize the opportunity."
A blush quickly spread across Shen Qingyu's face, and then she turned her face away.
Does she... really deserve it?
The world was telling her that women were worthless. Could a divorced woman like her really be worthy of a promising scholar like a compiler in the Hanlin Academy?
Perhaps sensing her worry, Shen Qingque whispered in her ear, "Sister, I've asked around. Brother Cao has no great ambitions; he'll probably just be a compiler in the Hanlin Academy for life. He came from humble beginnings, while you are the apple of the eye of the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. What's wrong with that?"
Shen Qingyu also knew that she could not belittle herself. Others might look down on her, but she herself could not!
She took a deep breath and nodded to her brother.
"I know, don't worry. Also, you need to focus on preparing for your wedding now. You said you'd oversee the renovation of your courtyard yourself, so don't blame me if Yongle doesn't like it."
When his fiancée was mentioned, Shen Qingque couldn't help but feel shy.
“I’m keeping an eye on it, no need for you to worry, sister.”
Although Princess Xuan had previously tested him by mentioning marrying into the family, she had no intention of making things difficult for the Shen family or embarrassing them.
Both sides are within the capital city, so going home is easy.
He had also visited the Prince Xuan's residence and knew that Yongle was in a difficult situation with such a small place. Her elder sister suggested that their courtyards be combined, since she didn't live at home much these days.
But he refused.
After selling a manor and buying a small courtyard from a neighbor, they opened up the courtyard and began renovations to provide Yongle with the best possible living environment.
Although he is not capable enough now, he will work hard to become a high-ranking official and get a bigger mansion for Yongle to live in!
Seeing her younger brother's expression, Shen Qingyu felt good; the little bean sprout had grown up.
She wanted to give her younger brother and best friend a perfect wedding!
Then, Yongle invited her out to choose her wedding dress.
Although it's possible to have someone come to your home to customize a service, Yongle prefers the process of browsing and looking around outside.
She called Song Yaozhu, who arrived late because she had vomited so much bile that morning.
Granny Qin advised her not to go out, but she felt restless at home. Being cooped up inside, she couldn't stop feeling the smell of her vomit.
Xie Liwei wanted to stay with her, but she ruthlessly abandoned him.
They're always together, and she wants to get some fresh air too!
“I knew you were pregnant when you were chubby back then, and it turns out you were!” Yongle teased her.
Song Yaozhu's eyelids drooped as she took a sip of tea, looking listless.
"I wish you and Young Master Shen a son, and many children and grandchildren."
When Yongle saw her half-dead state, he was so frightened that he immediately covered his ears.
"I won't listen! This is practically a curse! You're only a few months pregnant and you're already vomiting like this, I don't want to get pregnant!"
After saying that, he asked her in a low voice, "Do you have a way to avoid having children? It can't be that Xie Liwei is really infertile, can it?"
Seeing the gleam in her eyes, Song Yaozhu knew she was up to something, but she didn't hide it from her and told her about the contraceptive device.
Knowing is one thing, but whether you can actually buy it is another.
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