Chapter 503 You have talent, so learn more. Unlike me, I'm good at nothing.
Thunder rumbles in winter; could this year be another bad one?
While everyone was lost in their own thoughts, Bai Yinjun's eyes widened instantly.
He didn't want to think about anything anymore.
He'll prove himself to God sooner or later!
I just like... so why is it always me who gets targeted?
Bai Yinjun felt wronged, but he didn't say anything!
His gaze fell on the stone girl in front of him, his eyes filled with vigilance.
The main reason is that he had read a lot of picture books and listened to a lot of operas before, and those girls in the capital always liked to fall in love at first sight.
Anyone like that is definitely after your face!
He doesn't want to!
Tang Xin had also reminded her to hide quickly if any woman tried to see her.
Otherwise, what if a daughter of an official takes a liking to her?
If he submits, he will have no status for the rest of his life; if he doesn't, he might be killed.
The young woman's expression changed slightly, and she couldn't help but glare at Bai Yinjun.
She hadn't seen clearly before, but now that she could see the faces of Tang Dabao and the other boys, her cheeks flushed slightly.
Tang Dabao is a bit dark-skinned, but he is indeed good-looking.
Especially at this moment, his neither humble nor arrogant demeanor has somehow become more pleasing to the eye.
It's rare to find someone who can farm and is also so good-looking.
"I..." Miss Shi wanted to apologize, but she didn't know how to say it.
If what these people say is true, then I definitely have to apologize, because the matter of food is a very important one!
She had only one wish in her life: that all the people in the world could have enough to eat!
She experienced hunger as a child, so she understands the importance of food even more.
"sorry!"
She took a deep breath and then solemnly said, "If it is indeed you who found sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn, then I apologize for what I just said!"
The girl looked to be fourteen or fifteen years old. Although she wasn't as beautiful as a peony, she had a touch of the cuteness of a daisy.
Tang Dabao was stunned when he heard the apology, and hadn't even had a chance to speak yet.
Bai Yinjun, who was standing to the side, quickly said, "We'll accept the apology, but don't even think about the other girls!"
Everyone immediately looked at Bai Yinjun, feeling that there was something more to what the young man was saying!
Miss Shi was almost brought to tears by Bai Yinjun's words, but Xiao Subao spoke up in time: "Miss Shi is a good person, Nephew Yinjun, you mustn't bully her!"
Bai Yinjun rubbed his nose, feeling a little depressed.
However, he nodded nonetheless, his eyes filled with obedience.
Seeing that Bai Yinjun remained silent, Xiao Su Bao said, "It doesn't matter if Miss Shi doesn't know. I met Madam Shi a few days ago when my fourth brother got married. She's a good person!"
Miss Shi was taken aback. She had heard her mother say that a lot of people had attended the wedding of that top scholar!
Moreover, the Tang family are all good people.
Miss Shi felt somewhat guilty and increasingly embarrassed.
Fuman had heard his father talk about Shi Daren before; he was truly a simpleton!
It is thanks to His Majesty and the Empress's discerning eye that Shi Daren was able to secure the position of Minister of Agriculture. Otherwise, someone like Shi Daren, who only knows how to farm, would never have been able to become Minister of Agriculture.
“Miss Shi, please don’t take it to heart. My Su Bao is beautiful and kind-hearted, and very clever and intelligent. Since she said you are a good person, you must be a good person. Today is the Lantern Festival, why don’t you come with us for a stroll?” Fu Manduo blinked his eyes and spoke in a very cheerful tone.
Miss Shi paused, looked at Xiao Su Bao, then at the others, and shook her head. She wanted to go back and tell her father what Tang Da Bao had just said.
My father really went to great lengths to increase grain production.
If my father knew about this, he would probably be happy for several days.
"No need. I heard what Young Master Tang said earlier, and I want to go back and talk to my father about it. The most important thing is to make sure the people have enough to eat as soon as possible!"
Many people around initially thought that this girl Shi was a bit arrogant and domineering, but now, after hearing what she said and seeing the girl's determined eyes, they were all impressed.
Even the old farmer was filled with admiration.
"It's our good fortune that you care so much about farming, young lady. These sweet potatoes are from our own farm, please don't be shy, have a taste!"
As he spoke, the shopkeeper wrapped the sweet potato he had placed by the stove in oil paper and handed it over.
"No...no need!" Miss Shi actually wanted to eat some too, even though they had sweet potatoes at home.
But those were all used by my father to try planting; none of the family members got to eat a single bite!
Before she could refuse, the shopkeeper had already stuffed the sweet potato into the hands of the maid next to the little girl.
"Please accept this. These are all our own things, nothing special." The boss was genuinely happy and truly dared to make a move.
Those in power know the hardships of the people, and a young girl is worried about food; that is enough!
Miss Shi was taken aback. She hadn't expected this. Looking at the enthusiastic boss, she was momentarily at a loss for words.
"Alright, keep it!" Fu Manduo acted like a big sister, smiling as she made a farewell meal for Miss Shi.
Miss Shi paused, feeling as sweet as if she had eaten honey.
"Thank you, sir!" Miss Shi said solemnly, her lips curving into a radiant smile.
The stone maiden quickly left with the sweet potato.
The young men and women didn't stand on ceremony and took all the sweet potatoes from the owner's stall.
The group left, but the boss was very happy to see them off.
But when he finished packing his things, he saw a coin of silver next to the stove.
The silver ingot was small, but looking at it warmed his heart, warmer than the embers in the stove.
There were also scattered copper coins on the side. He grinned, showing his teeth, and was extremely happy.
He left with his belongings.
The people around him dispersed, but he still kept this matter in mind.
Today's events have spread throughout the capital.
However, all of this has nothing to do with Xiao Su Bao and the others anymore!
The group marched in a grand procession toward the bustling street ahead.
Xiao Su Bao and her friends started a shopping spree, since it's just after the New Year and everyone has plenty of money.
When the group arrived at the lantern street, they saw men and women wearing veils standing in front of the stalls, looking at the lantern vendors not far away with great interest.
"This year's riddle is: 'Reunion around the Lantern Festival...' Guess the Chinese character!"
The stall owner's voice was loud, carrying a strange quality.
Little Su Bao's eyes lit up immediately, and she subconsciously said, "It's the period, the period of the date!"
Everyone looked over, but could only hear the voice and not see the person.
Tang Dabao couldn't help but pick up his aunt.
"It was my aunt who called me here!" Tang Dabao shouted proudly.
The boys nodded in agreement.
Fu Manduo even led his men to squeeze in: "Boss, isn't this my good friend?"
"That's right, that's right, Miss is so clever, it's exactly the character '期'!" The shopkeeper smiled slightly and handed over a rabbit lantern.
This year happens to be the Year of the Rabbit, which is quite fitting.
Little Su Bao's lips curled up, and her eyes sparkled.
This is the first lantern I've received.
"Thank you!" The little girl said shyly to the shopkeeper before happily taking the lantern from Fu Manduo's hand.
The lanterns in the capital were made with exquisite craftsmanship. The little rabbit's action of looking up and trying to catch the moon was so lifelike and beautiful.
Little Su Bao loved it so much that she decided to take it back and give it to her mother, who would surely love it.
Speaking of which, I'll be eight years old by the time the New Year is over!
Her mother's appearance had become blurry, but that dream allowed her to see her mother again.
The little girl took a deep breath, but the corners of her lips turned up slightly. If her mother could see that she was alive and healthy, her mother would be very happy.
The little girl thought about it, and a smile involuntarily crept onto her lips.
Tang Dabao and his friends also guessed a few riddles. The shopkeeper quickly wiped the sweat from his brow, saying that if these guys kept guessing like this, no one else would have a chance to play.
Just as the boss was pondering how to get rid of these troublemakers from his stall so they could wreak havoc on others, he heard Xiao Su Bao speak up.
"Boss, how much is that lantern?" Little Su Bao couldn't help but ask, looking at the lotus lantern at the very back.
The shopkeeper breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "This is our shop's prized possession, it costs thirty taels of silver!"
Thirty taels!
Even though Xiao Su Bao has seen a lot, she still felt it was too expensive.
She looked at the lanterns, and her pretty little face seemed to have made a decision.
"Boss, I want this. Can you wrap it up for me?" Xiao Su Bao asked the boss.
"Of course!" the boss exclaimed happily.
only……
"Auntie, we need to bargain!" Tang Erbao stepped forward, his eyes sparkling as he looked at the shopkeeper.
The boss's heart skipped a beat, and he almost didn't want to talk to the boy anymore.
Little Su Bao is stingy, but she doesn't know how to bargain!
The little girl's eyes lit up instantly as she looked at her nephew, Erbao.
"Young master, we're just a small business owner..." the shop owner said, looking at them with a wronged expression.
However, Tang Erbao's eyes were very persistent, and there was a hint of determination in them.
"Boss, this lantern of yours..."
Tang Erbao's outburst made the shopkeeper momentarily realize that his lanterns were truly worthless.
The shopkeeper paused for a moment before slowly opening his eyes, then said, "Young master, you're better at business than I am. How about I take this shop and leave..."
Tang Erbao scratched his head, his face turning shy again.
"This...this doesn't need to be. My grandma said that one shouldn't be too greedy!" Tang Erbao said seriously.
boss……
Doesn't your conscience hurt?
Thankfully, they were talking inside, otherwise...
The boss felt that he probably wouldn't be able to do any business today.
Take a deep breath; this sound still needs to be made.
"Twenty taels, not a penny less!" The shopkeeper took a deep breath; this time, he really hadn't made any money.
"Thank you, Uncle! You're so kind!" Little Su Bao looked at the shopkeeper with bright eyes, and for some reason, the shopkeeper felt much more comfortable looking at the little girl.
That feeling of frustration dissipated.
"Um... Uncle, you've done good deeds and accumulated merit, so you'll definitely have a big, healthy grandson this year!"
Little Su Bao's words seemed to come out of nowhere, but the lantern seller was slightly taken aback.
If you ask him what he lacks now, it's probably a grandson or a granddaughter!
But his son has been in poor health since childhood. Let alone having a grandson, even after he got married, his wife was practically just a decoration.
The two just divorced last month, how could they possibly have grandchildren!
The boss shook his head, but then felt that something was not quite right!
Why would this young girl say she'll have a grandson this year?
The boss was taken aback. He looked up to look for the girl and the others, but they had already gone far away. He hesitated for a moment, but ultimately did not chase after them.
That's it. Now he just wants to raise his son well. As for grandsons and granddaughters, he won't insist on them anymore!
"Su Bao, what did you see?" Fu Manduo knew that little Su Bao was now learning physiognomy, medicine, and divination from Mr. Wang, but he didn't know about the little girl's abilities.
Xiao Su Bao smiled at Fu Man Duo, thought for a moment, and said, "Hmm, judging from his appearance, he should have a grandson born this year!"
However, the little girl didn't say the rest of what she wanted to say: this man was originally destined to have no descendants, but because he did good deeds all his life, he had a sliver of hope.
When Xiao Su Bao and the others went there, it seemed that they brought them a bit of luck!
Master said that luck is something that cannot be explained or described, but it is most easily felt.
Fu Manduo was surprised, as she knew that the village school in Tangjia Village also taught these things.
Unfortunately, she only glanced at them twice before returning, not liking them much, and those things weren't suitable for her.
“You have a lot of talent, so you should learn more. Unlike me, I’m not good at anything except eating!” Fu Manduo touched her round belly. Although she had lost some weight, she was still rounder than the other girls.
When Xiao Su Bao heard her good friend say this, she immediately took Fu Man Duo's hand seriously and said, "Sister Fu is very good. She is very smart, good at studying, good at needlework, and also good at business..."
Little Su Bao rattled off a whole bunch of things, making everyone laugh.
Tang Dabao thought of something and said with a smile, "Auntie is right!"
Fu Manduo heard Tang Dabao's voice, turned around and glared at him.
Just now, this guy was looking at other girls!
Fu Manduo is no longer a child; she knows that she and Tang Dabao will definitely get married!
Putting everything else aside, I just can't get over the fact that I'm allergic to other people.
The two families have grown closer in recent years, and my father has even asked my maternal grandmother about his feelings.
Thinking of this, Fu Manduo got angry again.
She glared at Tang Dabao, clearly annoyed.
Tang Dabao...
He scratched his head, looking completely bewildered. Had he done something wrong?
The boy looked at Fu Manduo with a confused and somewhat helpless expression.
Fumanduo pulled Xiaosubao to another stall, and the two little girls were having a great time, taking turns buying each other flowers and hairpins.
By the time they got back, everyone was exhausted.
With the Lantern Festival over, the New Year celebrations are officially over.
Then Qian started working on her own courtyard again.
I must say, this courtyard is really nice. It has five courtyards, which is more than enough for the whole family to live in.
Besides, there are plenty of pavilions and waterside terraces inside, but cleaning and tidying them up would take a lot of time.
So Qian took Sun Cuihua and Wang Xiuer to their new home.
Because Qi Meng had to take care of the child, Qian Shi wouldn't let her come over.
Because Tang Si was newly married, Qian Shi also did not let her daughter-in-law come over.
Just as Qian Shi came over to tidy up, Gu Xi also arrived.
Not only Gu Xi, but also Qi Meng, the third son's wife, with a big smile on her face but a bit mischievous, was behind the little girl.
The two stood at the door, and Qi Meng called out to Qian Shi, "Mother, I've brought some helpers to help us with the work!"
Madam Qian couldn't help but ask, "You're here! Where's the child?"
Qi Meng scratched her head and said with a smile, "I've left the child with my dad!"
The Qian family...
I wonder how my father-in-law is feeling!
Gu Xi stood to the side, looking slightly nervous.
Mrs. Qian looked at her youngest son and daughter-in-law, whose faces were slightly pale, with a sense of helplessness.
"I already told you both to rest, and you don't need to do this heavy work!"
Qian said with a hint of helplessness.
"Mom, I can do physical labor now, look how much better I am!" Qi Meng blinked at Qian Shi and immediately started to act cute.
Seeing this, Madam Qian could only tap on Qi Meng's forehead.
Wang Xiuer's eyes widened instantly; she had learned something!
Gu Xi paused, biting her lip lightly. She glanced at her sister-in-law and Madam Qian, then walked to Madam Qian's other side and carefully tugged at Madam Qian's sleeve: "Mother, you cook well, you can help with the cooking!"
Other families have servants, but since they haven't bought any maids or servants yet, they have to do all these things themselves.
Looking at the large courtyard, Madam Qian took the matter to heart.
However, these things still need to be planned and arranged later.
With more people, there's a lot to eat, wear, and use, and we don't know if the family's income will be enough.
Mrs. Qian thought she would discuss it with her children later, and if things didn't work out, she would still need to acquire some properties in the capital.
Thinking about this, Mrs. Qian couldn't help but regret buying such a large house.
That's a real waste of money...
Mrs. Qian sighed, mentally calculating how many flowers the family had used.
After a busy day, as evening approached, a person stood dawdling at the door.
He glanced inside again and again, drawing stares from passersby who assumed he was a thief in the alley.
Just as Tang Yu took a deep breath and was about to go inside, the Qian family came out.
After a busy day, Mrs. Qian didn't want the children to cook at home and decided to go out to eat instead.
"Brother, you're here, why didn't you come in?" Madam Qian's face was calm, but there was a hint of surprise on her lips.
Tang Yu got married and now lives with his wife at her home. He saw Qian Shi, and she looked different from before.
Considering his current status, he took a step back before saying, "I heard you were tidying up the yard, so I came to take a look!"
No, he just...
"Oh, right, your sister-in-law is here too. She's at the entrance, going out into the alley to buy food, worried you might be hungry!"
When Tang Yu spoke of his wife, his eyes were filled with admiration.
He had never lied to her, and he knew all about his previous wives.
Because his wife was good, and also because he knew that some lies, once told, would require a hundred or a thousand more to cover up.
He had mentioned this before the wedding.
"Since you're here, why didn't you let your sister-in-law go in earlier!"
Ms. Qian frowned slightly and couldn't help but walk quickly outside.
As soon as I reached the alley entrance, I saw Tang Yu's wife carrying a food box, followed by many other people carrying similar food boxes.
“Since you’re here, sister-in-law, just come in. There’s no need to go to such trouble!” Madam Qian quickly offered her help.
Yang Xingyue smiled sincerely and said, "It's no trouble at all. I'm going to eat anyway, so there's no need for you to be so polite with me!"
Yang Xingyue is very beautiful and gentle; she's a good match for my uncle!
Because the Qian family was busy, the two of them never really got along.
"Of course I don't want to stand on ceremony with my sister-in-law. Since you're here, why don't you come and sit in my yard? Come visit me more often in the future!"
Without any pretense, Madam Qian reached out and took the food box from Yang Xingyue's hands, a smile on her face.
Yang Xingyue paused, but the corners of her lips curled up slightly. This Qian family woman was indeed different from the women in the capital.
At least it looks much better to me!
While Yang Xingyue was in a daze, she felt something in her hand.
She looked down and saw her husband's hand.
“Master…” Yang Xingyue was slightly taken aback, somewhat surprised.
"Let's go!" His eyes were gentle, as if some emotion was passing through them.
Yang Xingyue's lips curved into a wider smile, a smile that was different from the usual proper smile of a noble lady, but now contained a hint of sweetness.
She liked Tang Yu. When he saved her, she thought he was really handsome, as if she had come for him.
He saw that he was almost humiliated, but he felt no disgust at all.
Yang Xingyue even remembered asking Tang Yu after she was rescued whether she should drown herself in the river.
What did Tang Yu say?
He said, "I have a younger brother and sister-in-law who are very capable. My brother died, and she single-handedly supported the family and even the village."
My sister-in-law once said: "Women are no weaker than men, otherwise there would only be men in the world. Women shouldn't belittle themselves; being alive is always better than being dead!"
He talked a lot about his younger siblings, and at that time Yang Xingyue admired Qian Shi.
She also discovered Tang Yu's unspoken affection and his undisguised gaze.
In the Great Shang Kingdom, widows were allowed to remarry, and many even married their brothers.
As a woman, Yang Xingyue felt she would definitely grieve for Tang Yu, after all, he was really a good person.
But his sister-in-law didn't...
She was curious about what her younger brother's wife looked like, whether she was vulgar and ugly, but how could someone he could like not be good?
"Watch your step!" Just as Yang Xingyue was lost in thought, a gentle male voice came to her ear.
She looked over, a smile playing on her lips, her eyes filled with tenderness.
"Hmm, husband..." Yang Xingyue suddenly called out.
Tang Yu was taken aback and almost looked up at her.
Since their marriage, she's always called him "Master," so why...?
"My sister-in-law is so kind, I like her very much!" Yang Xingyue said gently, her eyes showing no trace of pretense.
Tang Yu paused slightly upon hearing his wife's voice. He told her they were husband and wife, but it was more like they were bound together.
He couldn't bear to watch her fall into the abyss, so he pulled her out.
He couldn't bear to watch the person he had worked so hard to save die again; he simply couldn't do that.
Tang Yu loved doing good deeds all his life, and this time, he did one such good deed and found himself a wife.
"Hmm...you're doing well too!" Tang Yu looked at Qian Shi, who was smiling and talking with her daughter-in-law in front of her, and a hint of relief suddenly flashed in her eyes.
As long as she's doing well, that's all that matters. I want her to be doing well too!
"Let's go in and take a look!"
Yang Xingyue looked more cheerful, with a hint of tenderness in her eyes.
Such days passed extremely quickly. Every day, the Qian family busily tidied up the courtyard, and Xiao Su Bao and the other children would often go over to help.
Sometimes the children would make a ruckus and turn the yard into a mess. In a fit of anger, Qian would chase them away, but after a few days, the children would run away again.
After a while, Qian got tired of dealing with them altogether.
When spring arrived and the weather warmed up, the yard was almost completely tidied up.
Their main purpose in coming here this time was to check for any omissions or deficiencies. After all, there were so many courtyards, and Qian Shi planned to temporarily tidy up the courtyards where the children would live.
Those extra courtyards will be kept for the time being.
She was really distressed about the money; almost half of the account books and silver sent from Tangjia Village during the New Year had already been spent.
You know, they also have coal this year, which made them quite a bit of money.
Looking at the somewhat empty courtyard, Madam Qian was a little worried.
She was just thinking about buying some inexpensive tables and chairs when someone from the palace arrived.
Madam Qian looked at Steward Xu with curiosity in her eyes.
"Madam Tang, His Majesty and the Empress have said that Princess Fu'an does not yet have a princess residence, which is unfair to the princess."
His Majesty and the Empress bestowed this house opposite the Tang family's courtyard upon the princess. Everything here is almost tidied up; Madam, please take a look and see if there's anything else to fix.”
A hint of a smile appeared in Steward Xu's eyes.
Qian was taken aback, but a smile immediately appeared on her face.
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" Madam Qian hurriedly led her family and luggage to express her gratitude.
“Madam Tang, there’s no need for such formalities. Princess Fu’an is the first princess of a different surname in our Great Shang Kingdom, and His Majesty and the Empress truly adore her,” Eunuch Xu said with a smile.
Xiao Su Bao stood aside, took ten taels of silver from her purse, and handed it to Steward Xu.
"Thank you, Grandpa Steward!" Little Su Bao said with a smile to Steward Xu.
Steward Xu accepted the offer with a smile, feeling happy inside, but still said aloud, "Your Highness, please don't call me 'Grandpa,' I can't accept that!"
Little Su Bao's eyes were clear, yet tinged with a hint of confusion.
With a smile in his eyes, Eunuch Xu said, "Princess, it's best if you just call me Eunuch Xu. Otherwise... it will make you a laughingstock!"
He spoke his last sentence in a low voice, but his eyes were full of sincerity: "This is good for the princess, and it's good for me too!"
Upon hearing this, Little Su Bao obediently called out, "Grandpa Xu!"
Eunuch Xu smiled and took out a cloisonné gold bracelet from his pocket.
The bracelet looked beautiful; it was a gold-threaded openwork bracelet, inlaid with sparkling, round gemstones, each one more beautiful than the last.
"This bracelet is a gift for the princess. I hope the princess will not find it a small token of my appreciation!" Eunuch Xu was a man without roots. In the palace, he only showed respect to His Majesty, the Empress, and a few princes and princesses.
Outside, many people would call him the Ninth Prince, but at this moment, the way he looked at Xiao Su Bao was as if he were looking at his own granddaughter.
Little Su Bao saved the Emperor and Empress, so they are his benefactors. The Emperor and Empress also like Little Su Bao, so he likes her too.
He's just His Majesty's dog; whatever His Majesty says is good, he says it's good too.
“Master Xu…I…” Little Su Bao subconsciously looked up, but instead of looking away, she looked at Madam Qian.
With a clear understanding, she smiled and said, "I cannot refuse a gift from an elder, please accept it, Su Bao!"
Little Su Bao then obediently accepted it.
She said in a very soft voice, "Thank you, Grandpa Xu!"
Xu Gonggong was speechless. Just as he was about to correct her, he saw the little girl run away.
Eunuch Xu...
"The child is naughty, father-in-law, please don't take it to heart!" Madam Qian said with a smile in her eyes.
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