Chapter 118 Daughter-in-law
After Xiao Jingshi was appointed to his post, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Aside from everything else, moving was incredibly troublesome. While there are many moving companies nowadays, in ancient times, moving was entirely done by animal-drawn carts and manual labor, resulting in the loss of many belongings each time they moved.
"Finally, we can all be together for a good New Year. We spent last year in the capital, but unfortunately you weren't here. Now our whole family is reunited," Miaozhen said with a smile.
Xiao Jingshi asked her, "You're prone to getting headaches, would you like some stewed pears to drink?"
"Hmm. Come to think of it, I used to stay up late a lot when I was a kid, and I was so eager to learn medicine as quickly as possible, afraid that I wouldn't have the chance later. As a result, some of my health problems weren't apparent when I was young, but they've all shown up now," Miaozhen said with a smile.
Xiao Jingshi pointed to his eyes: "I'm the same way. Outsiders may see that I'm fine, but my eyes get dry very easily and become very uncomfortable."
“Many minor ailments are like this; they’re not serious illnesses, but they’re still very bothersome,” Miaozhen sighed.
Xiao Jingshi replied, "It's good that I have you; you take such good care of me every day."
"You too, knowing I'm afraid of those burglars, you come back to keep me company every night."
The two praised each other, and Miaozhen explained the reason: "Do you think the Han family is helping us so much because of Zhao-ge? Last time, Madam Han specially brought Miss Han over, and I noticed it. There's no reason for this. Our daughters are so precious; how can we just take them to someone else's house?"
Xiao Jingshi laughed upon hearing this: "You should take a good look at Miss Han. If she's not good, we'll find an opportunity to repay the Han family for their recommendation. If she is good, we'll make a decision as soon as possible."
“That’s what I think too. You should also thank your sponsor this time. The more we interact, the more contact we’ll have,” Miaozhen said.
Xiao Jingshi nodded: "It's settled then. I'll go to Zhao Ge'er's place first to see how his essay is going. That kid is more pleased with himself than me when he heard that I passed the imperial examination for the position of Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."
“Alright, there will be entertainment and drinking at the Marquis of Yun Jian’s residence for three consecutive days. I’ll go tell Sister Fu this good news.”
The couple went their separate ways. When Fu Jie heard that her father had been appointed as the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, she was overjoyed: "You, my father, and my brothers are all staying in the capital. I can finally say that I have a family back home."
Although Sister Fu is also very strong, who wouldn't want to have a support system? Even for Miaozhen herself, whenever something happens, her parents always rush to the Xiao family to discuss matters very quickly.
"What do you want to eat or drink? If it's inconvenient to prepare, just send someone back to tell me, and I'll have someone deliver it to you discreetly. By the way, is your hair easy to wash? Do you want me to help you wash it?" Miao Zhen thought about how she herself had been having a bad headache due to the many things that happened during the New Year these past few days, and her daughter's condition was even worse now that she was pregnant.
Sister Fu quickly said, "You came here to have fun, how can I let you do this? Besides, there are quite a few people at home now, come on, I'll take you there."
Today's banquet was for relatives and friends. Besides Miaozhen, there were also people from the Ning'an Marquis's residence, relatives from Madam Ming's family in the capital, and many relatives from the Zhao family. When she and Fu'er arrived, the people from the Ning'an Marquis's residence were already there. Fu'er whispered to Miaozhen, "They're usually the last to arrive, why did they arrive so quickly today?"
Not only did Lady Ning'an come today, but her daughter-in-law and daughters also came.
Second Madam Zhao quickly introduced them, and after everyone greeted each other, Madam Ming asked, "So, does this mean our family can stay in the capital?"
"That's right, we were quite surprised when we heard the news. To be honest, we were even afraid to open many of the boxes," Miaozhen said with a smile.
Guo Ying, the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Ning'an, was fourteen years old this year. She looked extremely dignified, but her chin was often unconsciously raised slightly, showing that she had a rather airy demeanor. She remembered what her half-sister had said, wanting to marry her off to Xiao Jieyuan, and her face flushed slightly.
Over there, Madam Ming was still exchanging pleasantries: "Why didn't you bring the two young masters along?"
“My eldest son will be taking the imperial examination in February. His father said he needs to cram at the last minute, saying he’s been slacking off. He’s been calling him to the study to write an essay. My youngest son was taken outside by his uncle to play with firecrackers. I think he’ll be sent to the academy after the New Year, so I’ll let him play for a few days,” Miaozhen said with a smile.
Lady Ning'an then chimed in, "Madam Xiao, I heard that your eldest son is already the top scholar in the provincial examination in Southern Zhili. Will he pass the imperial examination this time? You will be overjoyed if that happens."
Miaozhen laughed and said, "I wouldn't dare think that way. He's still young. I'm already relieved that he was lucky enough to pass the provincial examination."
Lady Ning'an nodded secretly. The Xiao family was clearly well-off; otherwise, the Marquis of Yunjian wouldn't have been so eager to marry into the family. Furthermore, both father and son had passed the imperial examinations, and Lady Xiao was young and open-minded.
Miaozhen had no idea that the Marquis's family was thinking this way. She saw that the Lady of Ning'an was quite friendly. Anyway, everyone was just sitting here listening to the opera, chatting and laughing for a bit before going home.
Lady Ning'an gave Second Madam Zhao a definite answer, so Second Madam Zhao went back to discuss it with her husband. She thought of using a woman to control the Xiao family, but Second Master Zhao thought that civil officials had never married into noble families. In the past, when the Xiao family married their daughter to them, it could be said that they had resolved a grudge, but if they married a noble family now, the civil officials would probably have to sever ties with their family.
With the Xiao family in trouble, Zhao Rui lost an arm.
Master Zhao then asked Marquis Yun to help exchange betrothal letters between the two sides and quickly arrange the marriage, and even secretly released the news to the outside world.
Mrs. Han had heard about it, of course, and she was saying to Grand Secretary Han, "I wonder what's going on with the Xiao family?"
"Isn't his family inviting us over tomorrow? Go and test them out, and you'll see." Grand Secretary Han was a very patient person; he never gave up until the very last moment.
Mrs. Han nodded. There was nothing she could do about it. Even for the daughter of a high-ranking official, it wasn't easy to marry a man who was perfect in every way.
The next day, Miaozhen also prepared a small opera troupe and invited the Xu family, the Cheng family, and relatives and friends from the capital. Since Grand Secretary Xu did not come, he sent his son Xu Fan instead. The Han family was represented by Mrs. Han, her two daughters-in-law, and her daughter.
Miaozhen accompanied Zhang Shi to entertain the guests. She saw Han Ruozhen dressed in a green long coat with a snow-white skirt sprinkled with silver, and a fox fur vest over it. She looked very scholarly.
"Miss Han, do you have any dietary restrictions? Please tell me what you like to eat," Miaozhen said with a smile.
Han Ruozhen shook her head: "Thank you, Madam, I don't have any dietary restrictions."
Not having any dietary restrictions indicates good health. Miaozhen also noticed that she could drink several cups of wine at the banquet without any unusual symptoms, suggesting she doesn't have an epilepsy or similar illness. Health is the foundation of everything. If one agrees immediately based solely on a family background, it will be difficult to break off the engagement once it's finalized.
Mrs. Han picked up a cherry and put it in her mouth, then asked with a smile, "What have you been doing these days?"
"I have sons studying at home, so I haven't gone anywhere except to my daughter's house." Miaozhen's period hasn't come yet these past few days, and she's afraid she might be pregnant. Although Xiao Jingshi said to let nature take its course, Miaozhen is already thirty-five years old this year. Could she possibly have a baby with her daughter at the same time?
Contraception was very difficult in ancient times. This couple was already very careful, but they still got pregnant sometimes.
Mrs. Han thought to herself that the Xiao family didn't seem to know much about these things, so she gave Third Madam Han a look. Third Madam Han then privately asked Miaozhen under the pretext of asking for medicine, "I heard that your family and the Ning'an Marquis's family have become in-laws?"
“Absolutely not! My son is about to take the imperial examination, how could I say such a thing?” Miaozhen frowned and quickly denied it.
Grandma Han whispered, "I didn't mean to offend anyone, but I was just thinking that your husband is now the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review..."
"How could I blame you? I should thank you for telling me. I only met Lady Ning'an once, how could such a thing have come to light?" Miaozhen thought the Han family was quite good; if there was any misunderstanding, they immediately sent someone to clear it up.
Grandma Han San got the news she wanted and breathed a sigh of relief. On the other side, Marquis Yun Jian also talked to Xiao Jingshi about the marriage alliance. Xiao Jingshi thought to himself, "If it weren't for Zhenzhen being so good, my own marriage would have been ruined. Why would I need you to arrange it?"
Besides, aside from the fact that Zhao Erlang's matter will eventually come to light, how could their family possibly be willing to form a marriage alliance with a noble family?
Therefore, Xiao Jingshi immediately refused: "My lord, our eldest son is already engaged, but he has to take the imperial examination now, so it's not good to tell him and distract him."
The reason for the refusal left no room for negotiation, and since Zhao Ge'er was already engaged, Marquis Yun Jian couldn't say anything more. Marriage is all about mutual consent, and the Xiao family wasn't a small, insignificant family that could be easily manipulated.
On the other side, Fu Jie'er came over and, upon hearing what Third Madam Han had said, added, "I was also planning to tell you about this. Now that we've brought it up, it's a good thing. Please don't agree. Guo Ying is indeed a good person, much better than my second sister-in-law, but the Ning'an Marquis's Mansion is no longer as good as our Yunjian Marquis's Mansion, let alone someone like my brother, a son of an official and a top scholar."
"Your words may sound a bit materialistic, but that's what marriage is all about," Miaozhen said with a smile.
"The Han family didn't immediately overturn the table after hearing about this, which shows they are quite sincere," said Sister Fu.
Miaozhen said, "Yes, we agreed to offer incense during the day on the Lantern Festival and then perform a ritual to ward off illness together in the evening."
Daughters from wealthy families rarely show their faces in public. Moreover, the Han family is the lineage of a prime minister. As long as they are of good character and well-educated, they are already quite good.
Fu Jie'er smiled and said, "Mother, I'll ask the young master if he has any information about the Han family, and I'll tell you then."
“With you all here, I have much less to worry about. Let’s split up then, and I’ll visit you at the Marquis’s residence after the Lantern Festival. Now that you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t travel,” Miaozhen said.
"I couldn't wait to come back and feel more at ease. Being a wife is really tough, even though it's not bad." Sister Fu said, holding her waist, as if she had something to say.
It was also said that after Marquis Yun returned, he told Zhao Er and his wife that Xiao's eldest son was already engaged, while Zhao Erlang was dispensable. He was currently serving in the Five Armies Commandery, and although he wasn't as successful as his younger brother Zhao Rui, he was doing quite well, so naturally, he wouldn't insist. However, Zhao Er's wife hadn't expected that Xiao's son was already engaged. She was also cunning, and it was several days later that she mentioned this matter to the Lady of Ning'an Marquis. Although her words were tactful, the implication was that the Xiao family hadn't taken a liking to the daughter of the Ning'an Marquis's family.
Although the Ning'an Marquis's Mansion is now declining, it is still a first-rank marquis's mansion. Its ancestors made great contributions in the past. How could it be slighted by the Xiao family? Moreover, it involves her daughter. The Ning'an Marquis's wife slammed the table and said, "You brat, how dare you deceive me?"
She hadn't expected Second Madam Zhao to cause trouble, after all, Second Madam Zhao had also contributed to the marriage, and had even asked Marquis Yunjian to intercede on her behalf.
Seeing her stepmother's reaction, Second Madam Zhao feigned sadness: "Yes, to be fair, I also think the Xiao family is quite good. Who knew these people had such high standards?"
"The imperial examination is just around the corner, and I will definitely find a scholar for your sister to take this year's exam," said Lady Ning'an.
Soon it was the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. Bai Ri Miaozhen, along with her younger brother and sister-in-law Zhang Shi, accompanied by Zheng Ge'er, went to offer incense. Zhang Shi said with distress, "Xin'er wants to come along, but she is too young. Seeing her crying like that, I can't bear it."
“It’s the temple fair today, you’re right not to take her. Otherwise, if the servants weren’t careful, she might get kidnapped, which would be terrifying. Later, you can send someone to buy some nice things at the temple fair for her to play with when you get back,” Miaozhen said with a smile.
Zhang thought about it and agreed, especially since there had been three murders in quick succession, which was no joke.
It's certainly better to be in the capital. Before, she was just the daughter of a scholar from Pengze, with limited experience. Now, she's in the capital, associating with high-ranking officials and noble families. Her clothes and jewelry have improved significantly, and she's even become a better person overall.
Last time she was homesick, her aunt's daughter, Xiao Xi, said, "It's so good to see the world in one's lifetime. To be honest, if you go back, there will be plenty of people to fill your vacancies..."
Madam Zhang stopped thinking about these things and thought of her aunt, who spent most of her years with her husband in office and rarely felt sad or melancholic.
As they spoke, they arrived at the Han family's residence. Mrs. Han and Han Ruozhen boarded the carriage, and after everyone had gathered, they headed towards Fahai Temple. Today was the fifteenth, and as expected, there was a temple fair, and the crowds were enormous. Miaozhen had them all ride in sedan chairs, while she walked up herself.
"I usually sit at home all the time, and it's a relief to get out and about today. Mrs. Han, you should go up first, I'll come find you later." Miao Zhen really wanted to move around a bit.
Mrs. Han smiled and said, "It would show your sincerity to go up yourself. Ruozhen, you accompany Mrs. Xiao for a walk. I've always been weak, so I'll go up first."
Unexpectedly, Mrs. Han was so generous. Miao Zhen smiled and looked at Han Ruozhen, "Then I'll have to trouble Miss Han."
Han Ruozhen was actually a little nervous, but she had read Xiao Zhaozhi's articles, and last time her brother invited the young master Xiao to the mansion, she secretly listened to him play the zither and admired him greatly. Not to mention that her mother, Madam Xiao, was also a heroine; she accompanied her husband to Xuanda and personally went to the battlefield to help treat the soldiers.
Therefore, she helped Miaozhen up the mountain, and felt somewhat happy.
Miaozhen kept talking to her the whole way: "What books do you read at home, young lady?"
"I only know a few characters." Han Ruozhen couldn't very well claim to be a great reader in public.
Miaozhen patted her hand: "When I look at you, I can tell you're a smart girl, and you must be well-educated and reasonable. I went to school for several years when I was young, but I didn't study much after that because I was studying medicine."
When Han Ruozhen heard Miaozhen say this, she didn't deny that she had read books. She even shared the books she had recently read with Miaozhen. Miaozhen nodded repeatedly as she listened. Halfway there, someone suddenly started chasing a thief. When Zheng Ge'er saw the thief rushing towards them, he dashed over like an arrow. The onlookers applauded when they saw Zheng Ge'er catch the thief in no time.
Zhengge handed the person over to the nearby patrolman before coming over and saying, "Mother, you've been frightened."
Miaozhen took two candies containing almonds from her purse and gave them to him: "Here you go."
Zhengge'er loves sweets, but Miaozhen often doesn't let him eat too many for the sake of his teeth. Before she transmigrated, she especially loved almond or walnut candies, so she always carried them with her.
Zheng Ge'er took it and walked forward with a grin. Han Ruozhen felt that it looked a bit ridiculous. Miaozhen understood this feeling. It was like in their hospital's pediatrics department, where they saw many handsome young men who were 1.8 meters tall, but it turned out that they were still wearing Little Genius watches in sixth grade.
This young man, Zheng, is not yet fourteen years old, but he is very tall, almost as tall as his eighteen-year-old brother. He has grown exceptionally fast, but he is still a child at heart. The other day, when Xiao Jingshi wanted to send him to the academy, he cried until his pillow was wet.
"What's fashionable in the capital these days? We've just arrived, so we don't know yet. Miss Han, tell me about it," Miaozhen said with a smile.
Han Ruozhen was very eloquent: "The things that are popular in the capital all come from Jiangnan."
Miaozhen then told her some interesting stories about her medical treatment. Han Ruozhen was very supportive. After arriving at Fahai Temple, the two of them were covered in sweat. They went to the meditation room to change their clothes and then went to worship Buddha.
After spending the day together, we went back in the afternoon.
Upon arriving home, Xiao Jingshi saw Miaozhen smiling and couldn't help but ask, "How was it?"
"Miss Han is very well-mannered, speaks with great insight, and talks eloquently, with the air of a hermit." Miaozhen asked many questions that were not in line with the usual routine, but Han Ruozhen was unexpectedly intelligent.
Many mothers-in-law do not want their daughters-in-law to have too high a status or too much knowledge, but Miaozhen is different. She greatly admires insightful women and smart people who can see things clearly, as they are always better than those who are obedient and muddle-headed.
That evening, she went out for a walk to ward off illness. When she returned, Miaozhen was about 60-70% convinced. She said to Xiao Jingshi, "Tomorrow I will go to the Marquis of Yunjian’s residence to ask Fu’er. If everything is alright with the Han family, then it will be settled."
"Okay." Xiao Jingshi nodded.
Miaozhen laughed and said, "I just thought she was already a very good person, so there was no need to keep thinking about someone better and keep picking and choosing."
Xiao Jingshi liked this about Miaozhen; she knew when to stop and seized what she could, unlike others who were overly ambitious. He looked at his wife and said, "In that case, you go to the Marquis of Yunjian's residence tomorrow, and I'll have someone send Zheng'er to the academy."
"Sigh, now that you've suggested sending him, I'm a little reluctant." Miaozhen usually has Zhengge'er accompanying her wherever she goes.
Xiao Jingshi laughed and said, "It's alright, I've already made arrangements. The academic atmosphere there is quite good. Our son can now take the exam in Shuntian Prefecture. Once he becomes a student, I'll hire a tutor for him at home."
Miao Zhencai nodded slowly.
Just as she nodded, Miaozhen's stomach rumbled. Xiao Jingshi smiled and went out to instruct the kitchen to prepare chicken noodle soup. When he came back in, he deliberately put his head on her stomach and said, "Wife, is that the baby moving? Be good."
"You must have been spying on me yesterday," Miao Zhen said hastily, pushing him away.
Because she had recently been researching what happens to pregnant women with heart problems, she put a doll on the bed to pretend to be a patient and give her injections, but he overheard her.
Seeing her like this, Xiao Jingshi laughed heartily: "Isn't it good to play house with you?"
Miaozhen couldn't be bothered with him; how dare he laugh at her!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
