Chapter 130: Father's book is finally a hit!
Because the Grand Master only promoted students this year, and will promote junior students next year, Zheng Ge'er still has to go to the academy to study and take the academy exam next year. Xiao Jingshi was furious when he saw his son's happy look: "If you play around in the academy and do not make progress, I will go and break your legs."
Zheng Ge nodded perfunctorily, thinking to himself, "It's no wonder my father can't catch up with me now."
He actually had a stronger mentality than most people. After being scolded a few times, he quickly went to the academy. After Miaozhen and the others finished these important family matters, they were finally able to rest for a while. From mid-April to before the Dragon Boat Festival, she hardly went out to see patients, and she didn't see many patients at home either. She spent most of her time resting.
I did 20 sit-ups every morning and 20 sit-ups every night, avoided the sun during the day, and ate a light and substantial diet. After about two months, I felt like I had lost some weight.
It seems that only people with free time and no worries can successfully lose weight.
But she will persevere. She doesn't approve of starvation diets and insists on a more natural way of life. If she can lose weight before the Mid-Autumn Festival, she can reward herself with two mooncakes.
Actually, she's not losing weight to please others, but to live a more regular and controllable life. She doesn't want to relax everything now that life is good. If she relaxes her figure now, her medical skills might deteriorate later.
So she only ate a third of a large bowl of fish porridge in the morning, but a boiled egg and a plate of green vegetables were enough for her.
After breakfast, Han Ruozhen came over. She saw that Miaozhen was wearing a willow-yellow shirt with a thin silk gauze over it, and a slender green sash around her waist. Instead of wearing a bun, she had a white jade comb inserted in the middle of her jet-black hair, which was decorated with tiny pearl flowers. She looked elegant and refined, and had a very good temperament.
"Mother-in-law, you look so beautiful in this outfit," Han Ruozhen said sincerely.
Miao Zhen didn't like to show affection in front of the younger generation. This outfit was chosen for her by Xiao Jingshi. The clothes he chose weren't complicated, but the combination made a difference. So when she heard her daughter-in-law's praise, she smiled and said, "You have such a sweet tongue."
Han Ruozhen came not only to pay her respects but also to report on household affairs, including daily expenses for food, clothing, housing, and transportation, as well as the maintenance of the flower pavilion and the cost of purchasing medicines.
Miaozhen looked at the medicine money and said, "The general purchasing is handled by Ping An Purchasing here. Most of it is used for the operation of the pharmacy. The monthly salary of the medicine boy who usually decocts medicine is not paid from the general account. The medicine money in the public account is a special fund for the medical treatment of the master and servants in the mansion. This amount is not much, so just pay that."
"That's fine too." Han Ruozhen only realized after entering the house that the Xiao family had public funds, but each member could earn money. The father-in-law received a salary, the mother-in-law practiced medicine, and even the husband managed the estate. They were all capable people.
However, her mother-in-law kept her personal affairs separate from her official duties. She also didn't try to force any women into her son's life, never put on airs, and never made her daughter-in-law stand on ceremony. She was busy with her own things every day and was more normal than most mothers-in-law. Han Ruozhen was so normal that she didn't know what to say.
After her daughter-in-law finished reporting, Miaozhen told her to go and attend to her own business. She then picked up a book and started reading. Whenever she felt bored with reading, she would put it down for two days and pick it up again, and she would have a different feeling.
After half an hour, Qiu Chan said, "Madam, a total of fifteen number plates were issued this morning."
"Okay, I'll be right there." Miaozhen stretched and began her day's work.
She had initially thought today would be just another ordinary day, but what the person who came to see her said shocked her. The patient was the grandmother of a newborn grandson, whose entire body was golden yellow.
Miaozhen saw that the child was suffering from damp heat in the womb, so she prescribed Yin Chen Di Huang Tang (Artemisia capillaris and Rehmannia Decoction) for both mother and child to take.
The grandmother was also an official's wife, the mother of a judge in the Court of Judicial Review. That judge's surname was Zhan, so when this old lady Zhan asked Miaozhen, "I heard that your second son has married the daughter of the Liu family, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy?"
"Yes." The tea ceremony was already set, and the tea ceremony was about to begin, so she had nothing to hide.
Grandma Zhan asked, "I wonder if it's the eldest daughter or the third daughter who has been chosen?"
Miaozhen frowned: "Is there a problem with this?"
Seeing that Old Madam Zhan hesitated to speak, Miaozhen couldn't help but say, "Since there's no problem, you can go to the side room to wait for the medicine and take it back."
Old Mrs. Zhan hurriedly said, "Lord Xiao is my son's superior, so there are some things I can't keep quiet about. As for the third daughter of the Liu family, she is alright. Although she is plain-looking, she has a good reputation. But the eldest daughter of the Liu family once wanted to elope with someone."
"What?" Miaozhen didn't think the Liu family were those kinds of people at all. Since recovering from her illness, Old Madam Liu had become a kind and open-minded person and had a good relationship with Miaozhen.
Grandma Zhan said, "I wouldn't dare to talk nonsense. This is something only very close people would know."
Miaozhen looked at her: "Since only someone very close to you knows this, you must also be someone very close to you. So why do you say that?"
Grandma Zhan was surprised by Miaozhen's words and quickly said, "I also didn't want to see you being kept in the dark."
...
When Old Mrs. Zhan returned home, she had someone prepare the medicine. She then had someone take the medicine for her child and complained, "This Mrs. Xiao's medical treatment is really expensive; the consultation fee is quite high."
The Zhan family was originally a family of farmers and scholars in Wuxi. However, the old lady's son passed the imperial examination a few years ago, and the family had become destitute in order to support his studies. They are only now getting better.
Although the family can afford servants now, which is much better than before, it still can't compare to others in terms of wealth.
She said she didn't regret what happened today. The Liu family was just like hers back then, a farming and scholarly family in Wuxi. They owned some land, and even though Old Madam Liu's husband died early, they were not as well off as her. However, her son passed the imperial examination early, and the Liu and Zhan families were no longer the same.
The granddaughter of the Liu family married into the family of the Chief Justice of the Court of Judicial Review, but her eldest grandson died in obscurity. They were a perfect couple back then.
Just then, someone outside said, "Grandma, Madam Liu has sent over some more clothes."
Old Mrs. Zhan scoffed, "Who wants to wear clothes that their family has worn before?"
The servants of the Zhan family exchanged bewildered glances. Wasn't this something Old Madam Zhan had personally come to ask for? Why had she come now, and why was it so difficult to say anything? But most of the servants were from the capital and knew that Old Madam Zhan was unpredictable, so they dared not ask any further questions.
After the servants left, Madam Zhan opened the bundle and saw that it contained clothes that were about 50-60% new. She knew that the Liu family was still treating her like a beggar, just like in previous years. It was one thing before, but now that her son had become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), they were still treating her this way.
Then don't blame her for saying those things to Madam Xiao. The marriage alliance between the Xiao and Liu families is generally unlikely to change, but once the man has a thorn in his heart, which woman will get the better of him?
When Xiao Jingshi returned home that evening, he noticed that Miaozhen wasn't as lively as before. Seeing that she seemed preoccupied, he assumed it was because she was trying to lose weight, and quickly looked at her, asking, "Zhenzhen, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing, let's eat. After we finish eating, I have something to tell you." Miao Zhen thought about it and discussed it with Xiao Jingshi. For now, only the two of them knew about it. Tomorrow, she would go directly to Madam Liu's house to ask her.
Some things are best left unsaid, but others must be. For example, when the Han family initially thought they were to be betrothed to the Ning'an Marquis's family, they simply came to inquire, thus avoiding a lot of trouble.
Xiao Jingshi finished his meal with trepidation, and then Miaozhen told him about the day's events. As an official of the Dali Temple, he quickly asked, "Does Old Madam Zhan have a grudge against the Liu family?"
“I’ve already had someone investigate. Not only are the two families not enemies, but they’re also old friends. In fact, Madam Zhan is Madam Liu’s cousin. Such things are only known to close relatives, but I still think it’s best to go and ask them in person,” Miaozhen said.
Xiao Jingshi couldn't help but say, "Go ask them, even if they did it, they definitely won't admit it."
"Then what do you suggest? Even if the engagement is really called off, it has to be done clearly and explicitly," Miaozhen said.
Xiao Jingshi knew his wife was kind and unwilling to wrong others, but some things may seem plausible but are not without reason. He advised Miaozhen, "You should hold back for now. I'll borrow some people from my son-in-law to investigate carefully. Then you can go and ask them."
Miaozhen thought her husband's suggestion was good, so she said, "In any case, you should investigate quickly, and I will try my best to ask around so that we can resolve this matter as soon as possible."
Xiao Jingshi knew that Miaozhen didn't want to keep things to herself, so he said, "Don't worry, I'll find out more."
“Jingshi, have you considered that if you inquire like this, the Liu family will find out? They might think we don’t trust them? I think we should ask the Liu family first. If they have a guilty conscience, they will definitely punish a group of servants who know the truth. Then we can just wait and see. A gentleman should walk the straight path to stand between heaven and earth.” Miaozhen initially thought Xiao Jingshi’s idea was good, but later she thought it wouldn’t work.
“You’re right. Why would the Liu family make a move for no reason?” Xiao Jingshi said.
The next morning, Miaozhen went straight to the Liu family. She found Old Madam Liu and asked her to invite Madam Liu over. After dismissing the servants, she told Old Madam Zhan what she had said the day before: "I am a straightforward person, especially when it comes to this kind of thing. I don't believe what outsiders say."
Madam Liu was so angry she was practically dizzy: "These people! Our Liu family has been helping them for years, but we never expected them to stab us in the back!" Madam Liu was also crying with anger: "They're just talking nonsense and twisting the truth!"
"Sigh." Miaozhen sat to the side and sighed, neither saying whether she believed it nor disbelieved it.
Madam Liu thought that she had taken the initiative to arrange this marriage, and Madam Xiao was indeed a good match. After hearing these rumors, people came directly to her door to inquire.
"Madam Xiao, I won't lie to you. The Zhan family and my family used to be old friends, and our two families were originally about the same. But later, my son passed the imperial examination at a young age and was favored by his mentor, so he married my daughter-in-law. My daughter-in-law is quite good at managing the household, and we live a pretty good life. A few years ago, Lord Zhan passed the imperial examination, and the Zhan family moved to the capital. At that time, the Zhan family was indeed interested in marrying my granddaughter, but my health is really not good—" Old Madam Liu said, talking about her illness.
Miaozhen also knew that she had cured Madam Liu herself, and she expressed her understanding. Then she heard Madam Liu say, "Although I am not a snob, who would not want their granddaughter to marry better? So I politely declined the Zhan family's marriage proposal, and that child passed away a few months later."
Madam Liu quickly added, "Yes, our He'er has always stayed at home and never leaves the house. This is an undeserved disaster. Just because the Zhan family proposed marriage and we didn't agree, she's now trying to ruin my son's marriage."
"From what I've heard, your family has truly suffered an undeserved misfortune." Miao Zhen herself had been slandered by Lu Shi'an before, so she knew that some people spread rumors without any basis, and she was already somewhat convinced.
Madam Liu quickly replied, "To be honest, my daughter was very happy after meeting your son, and even drew his portrait herself, every stroke of which was filled with admiration."
Having said that, he personally had someone lead Miaozhen to Liu He's study. Miaozhen observed the furnishings; this Miss Liu had indeed read extensively about calligraphy and painting, as the furnishings were very elegant, showing that she was a meticulous person. Her calligraphy was excellent, and her paintings were superb. Miaozhen felt somewhat ashamed; Zheng Ge'er wasn't even that good.
After leaving the Liu family, Miaozhen told Xiao Jingshi about it and showed him the painting that Miss Liu had drawn: "Look how handsome our Zheng-ge'er is in her painting."
"Is our tiger cub really that good-looking?" Xiao Jingshi examined the painting closely.
Miaozhen laughed and said, "It's just that your child isn't angry even though you dislike him. He's always happy. Actually, he's quite a handsome young man outside."
As she spoke, she couldn't help but lean her shoulder on Xiao Jingshi's. Xiao Jingshi stroked her hair, sighing inwardly. If it were him, he would definitely investigate first, and if he found any clues, he would certainly call off the engagement. His wife always handled things this way, always making people feel comfortable.
Just like her, Xiao Jingshi kissed her hair bun.
Naturally, he also kept an eye on the Liu family. Old Madam Liu was definitely not going to swallow this insult. After Liu Jijiu returned, she told her son, "I'm really afraid that killing the rat will hurt Yu Ping'er, but I will find out the truth about this matter."
Upon hearing this, Liu Jijiu couldn't help but frown: "How could this be? Madam Zhan is really..." As a scholar, he couldn't say anything unpleasant.
Madam Liu sneered, "She thought the Xiao family would break off the engagement without considering right or wrong, or that they would humiliate our He'er in the future. She's deliberately trying to make He'er suffer. I've been sending her clothes and fabrics every time to help her out, but I never expected to raise such an ungrateful child."
The man wouldn't understand any of this; he would only blame his daughter for being indecent. If the Xiao family really broke off the engagement, his daughter would be blameless. Even as the daughter of the chief minister, it would be difficult for her to marry. After all, the Xiao family was no ordinary family. Madam Xiao had an excellent reputation, and Lord Xiao had a powerful background. If they said anything, his daughter might not even have a chance to survive.
Grandma Zhan was surprised to see Grandma Liu. As always, she had tea served and greeted her with a smile, "Old sister, what brings you here?"
"How can I come to your door? I'd like to ask you, why are you slandering my He'er in front of Madam Xiao?" Old Madam Liu said bluntly.
Madam Zhan was surprised that Madam Xiao, that fool, would act so unpredictably. She stammered, "How could I say that? You must have misheard me."
Madam Liu said disdainfully, "If you dare to do something, you should dare to take responsibility. If Madam Xiao hadn't been so open and honest and personally come to ask us, we wouldn't have known that you were slandering us like this behind our backs."
But Madam Zhan refused to admit it even in death. A woman like her, who had been a widow and managed the household for many years, would deny everything she had done, so no one could do anything about it. But if she did admit it, it would give them grounds for gossip.
Seeing that Madam Zhan was still feigning illness, Madam Liu really felt like a toad crawling on her foot—it didn't bite, but it was disgusting. In a moment of panic, Madam Liu said, "I'm going to say something I shouldn't, but the family's decline and strange occurrences, the death of your eldest grandson, and the future setbacks in your son's career are all your fault."
Judge Zhan was originally a third-class Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination), and was normally assigned to a post outside the capital. However, because of their family friendship, Chief Minister Liu specially asked someone to help him stay in the capital. His term will expire next year, and if the Liu family doesn't take care of him, the Zhan family may not be able to stay in the capital to serve as officials. This is also the result of Madam Zhan's own actions.
After speaking, Madam Liu left. Madam Zhan waited until she was far away before collapsing to the ground, muttering, "My grandson loves you so much, yet you despise him. Why should I let you have an easy time?"
...
Xiao Jingshi had sent people to follow Old Madam Liu all the way, so he naturally heard these words and felt quite sympathetic towards the Liu family.
After the adults resolved the matter, the children remained completely unaware. Miss Liu continued to play the zither and paint at home, and Zheng Ge'er returned from the academy in a simple manner.
Miaozhen breathed a sigh of relief. Only she and her husband knew about this matter; they hadn't even told their daughter and daughter-in-law. If you tell too many people about something, it's bound to leak out.
July arrived quickly. After July, Kun-ge resumed his work. Miao-zhen suddenly remembered her younger brother Xu Jian: "I remember that Jian-ge can also participate in the provincial examination this year, right?"
Xu Kun laughed and said, "Sister has a good memory. Big brother should be taking the provincial examination this year."
"If only I could pass the exam," Miaozhen prayed.
After July, Miaozhen took Han Ruozhen and Zhang Shi to the temple to offer incense. Han Ruozhen said, "No one dares to go out during the Ghost Festival. Now it's August, and it's the season for the provincial examinations. The incense in the temple is really strong."
"That's right, I also want to contribute some money for your uncle and Zhao'er's funeral. If they can both pass the exams, they won't have to suffer the hardship of studying so hard." Miao Zhen's desire for the imperial examinations is truly infuriating.
Han Ruozhen also had her own unspoken grievances. Her husband spent all his time reading in his study and would only come to their room when he wanted to be intimate with her, clearly showing how much he valued his future. This was originally a good thing for someone like her who hoped for her husband's success, but sometimes seeing her in-laws being affectionate made her feel a little lonely. After all, she would only have more time to spend with her family after her husband passed the provincial and imperial examinations next year.
Fortunately, Xu Jian, who was exactly thirty years old, finally passed the provincial examination. Xu Erpeng was so happy that he set off sixty-six strings of firecrackers. Just then, he had been writing books for half his life, and one of his books, "Xu Niangzi's Detective Stories", became a hit. The story tells the story of Xu Niangzi, a female doctor during the Wu Zhou period, who solved many cases and was eventually given an official position by Wu Zetian.
After the book became a hit in the capital, many people discovered that Xu Erpeng was Miaozhen's biological father, and some even mistook Miaozhen for the female knight-errant Xu. Even the clueless Zheng'er, upon returning from school, asked Miaozhen, "Mother, were all of Father's cases at the Dali Temple orchestrated by you? You can even kill bad guys directly with silver needles, right? Mother, where's your Thousand-Mechanism Box that fires silver needles?"
Miaozhen was both amused and exasperated: "I don't have that ability."
It is impossible for a person to write about things outside their own cognitive scope. Her father wrote about Lady Xu based entirely on his own prototype and her medical treatment experience. However, the Lady Xu in her father's writing was a woman with excellent martial arts skills and a very upright character. As a woman from a poor family, she married into a prestigious family with five surnames and seven noble families. Unexpectedly, her husband, who seemed to be a virtuous and upright man, was actually a man of different social status. After Lady Xu exposed her husband's family for harming people, she was forced to leave her husband's family and embark on the path of a wandering knight.
These journeys should be the travels of her father. The descriptions are vivid. During her travels, Xu, the heroine, robbed the rich to help the poor and helped the government solve cases. After the government reported her deeds, Wu Zetian appointed Xu, the heroine, as an official.
What's remarkable is that the ending didn't involve dumpling-making. When Xu's husband came to her door, she resolutely refused to change her mind. Later, she became a famous female prime minister, lived to be a hundred years old, and finally attained immortality. Her life was truly unique and beautiful.
This book contains many elements of crime-solving, officialdom, medicine, travel, family feuds, and Taoist cultivation. It is not only read by women, but also by many men, who all praise it highly.
As a result, not only did her father become famous all over the country, but she was also mistaken for the female knight-errant Xu, and when she went out to see patients, she was called "fairy nun".
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Author's note: Would you like to read Grandpa Xu's book?
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