Chapter 119 Chapter 119 Consider It
Just before departure, Zhou started packing their luggage.
This provincial examination was different from the county examination. During the county examination, they could live in their own houses. Except for the lack of cooking, all other things in the house were complete, so they did not need to bring much luggage.
Moreover, they will be staying in the capital for a longer period of time this time, so they have to pack more luggage to take with them.
Zhou was a very thoughtful person and quickly packed their belongings.
While busying herself, she said to Yu Li, "When you get to the city, find an inn to stay in first. After you have rested well, rent a house that is closer to the examination hall. Don't be stingy with money. It's better to rent a house than to stay in an inn. I heard that inns are very noisy with people coming and going, and people can't rest well..."
Zhou asked the people in the alley and heard that there were houses in the city that were specially rented out to scholars taking the provincial examinations. They were all short-term rentals. Most of these houses were close to the examination halls, but the rent was very expensive.
Of course, generally, scholars from wealthy families would buy houses directly in the provincial capital. They could live in their own houses and did not have to stay in inns.
Or you can ask servants to go to the city to make arrangements in advance, so that they can have a place to stay when they arrive in the city without having to worry about where to live.
Zhou felt that there was no need to save money on things that could be solved with money, and she didn't want her two children to suffer any injustice.
Especially Xiaoge'er, she knew that Xiaoge'er was a little picky, even if things were different now, she couldn't bear to let him suffer.
Yu Li listened carefully and nodded, "Don't worry, mother. I know."
When Zhou took out fifty taels of silver to take to her to the provincial capital, Yu Li confiscated it.
Because Yu Li would give Zhou money for household expenses from time to time, plus the money she earned from embroidery, Zhou had more and more money in her hands, and now she was not short of money.
She is willing to spend money on her children because money is earned to be spent.
"Mom, you don't have to give us money. We have money." Yu Li said, letting her keep it for herself.
Zhou looked at her, "Really?"
Yu Li couldn't bring himself to mention the two hundred taels he had just earned from suppressing bandits last month, so he talked about the money Fu Wenxiao had earned, "He made two hundred taels from painting for someone last month."
Zhou's eyes widened in surprise.
Xiao Ge'er actually paints for others? Who has the ability to get his paintings?
She knew that Xiao Ge'er's calligraphy and painting were excellent. It wasn't that no one had asked him for calligraphy and paintings before, but he never had the patience to deal with them, nor did he need to use these things to make money or anything...
But Zhou soon understood.
She looked at Yu Li in front of her and suddenly smiled.
"Mom, what's wrong?" Yu Li looked at her in confusion.
Zhou smiled happily, "Nothing, I just think it's great that Xiaoge can marry you, Li Niang."
She didn't expect that her hasty behavior would actually help Xiao Ge'er find a girl he liked. And this girl was really good, Xiao Ge'er liked her, she liked her too, and she believed that Xiao Ge'er's mother would like her too.
Yu Li paused and suddenly felt a little guilty.
When she returned to her room, there was a strange look on her face.
Fu Wenxiao was packing the books to take to the capital city, and noticed that something was wrong with her face, so he asked, "Li Niang, what's wrong?"
Yu Li looked at him, feeling a little conflicted.
She felt as if she had been deceiving her mother-in-law, which made her feel guilty.
or……
This was the first time that she stared at him so seriously, which made Fu Wenxiao instinctively nervous. He always felt that what was going to happen next was very important to him.
Fu Wenxiao sat up straight without realizing it, and clenched his hands into fists.
After a long while, Yu Li looked away and said vaguely, "Nothing."
Fu Wenxiao looked at her but didn't ask any further questions.
Although he said it was nothing, Yu Li still tossed and turned at night and couldn't sleep.
Fu Wenxiao on the other side didn't sleep either.
He turned slightly to look at her and asked, "Li Niang, what's wrong? Can't sleep?"
In the past, she would have fallen asleep at this time, and as long as no one deliberately disturbed her, she would rarely have trouble sleeping.
Yu Li turned his head to look at him and felt the breathing of another person in the room.
In fact, it was almost a year, and she had gotten used to the sound of his breathing, and it was finally not so unbearable when she went to sleep at night. If she was given a few more years, she should be completely used to his breathing, right?
By then...can I be a real couple with him?
As long as they become a real couple, she won't have to leave the Fu family. She really can't bear to leave her mother-in-law...
But, doesn't this seem unfair to him?
She hasn't asked him if he's willing yet. What if he's not willing...she can't force him, right?
Yu Li couldn't help but turn over to face him and move a little closer to him.
Sensing her approaching, Fu Wenxiao instinctively held his breath, almost holding his breath as he waited for her to come closer.
At this time, his hand was held by her, and he heard her say: "I forgot to treat you."
For some reason, Fu Wenxiao felt a little disappointed, and intuitively knew what she wanted to say before.
Unfortunately, he still didn't wait in the end.
After transferring his supernatural powers to him, Yu Li felt a familiar feeling of sleepiness.
She yawned, said nothing more, pulled the quilt together, turned over and went to sleep.
Before falling asleep, she was still thinking about the possibility of becoming a real couple with Fu Wenxiao, and decided to find time another day to ask for his opinion.
**
In a blink of an eye, it’s time to set off.
Early in the morning, Zhou got up to make breakfast for them, while reminding them to be careful on the road and what to pay attention to when going out.
Yu Li listened very carefully. Fu Wenxiao smiled and took a boiled egg, peeled it and handed it to her.
After breakfast, they went out with their luggage.
Zhou saw them off, feeling very reluctant to let them go.
"Mom, we will be back soon." Yu Li said to her, feeling reluctant, hesitant, "How about you come with us to the capital city?"
Zhou: “…”
Zhou was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. Although she was reluctant to leave her two children, she had never thought of going to the provincial capital with them.
She smiled and said, "I can't help you at all if I go, and it will distract you from taking care of me, so forget it."
If she went with him, Fu Yanhui and his sister would naturally follow. The two children are still young, and she would have to take care of Yanhui and the others by herself. How would she have the energy to take care of them?
Yu Li was very disappointed. In fact, she really wanted to take her mother-in-law with her.
With her mother-in-law around, she feels like she has a backbone and she feels at ease doing anything.
Yu Li said goodbye to her mother-in-law reluctantly. When she walked out of the alley, she couldn't help turning her head and looking at her. She was reluctant to turn her head back.
Fu Wenxiao felt very uncomfortable when he saw this.
It was not like this the last time she went to Yuqing County. When he sent her out, she turned back and pushed him into the door, then closed it without any hesitation. She was not as reluctant as she is now.
Until he could no longer see anyone, Yu Li finally turned his head with a look of slight disappointment on his face.
Those who didn't know the truth thought she was going to leave her mother and travel far away.
Fu Wenxiao felt jealous and said, "Li Niang, the last time you went to Yuqing County, you weren't so reluctant to leave?"
"That's different." Yu Li said confidently, "Back then, we were only away for a few days and came back quickly, but this time, we will be in the city for a long time."
She has never been away from home for so long since she came into this world.
Fu Wenxiao was speechless. Even if it took longer, it would only be half a month. It was not like they would not come back.
However, seeing the reluctance on her face, he could only comfort himself. Fortunately, she liked Zhou very much and even had a kind of fledgling complex for her. Even if she stayed in the Fu family for Zhou, he was actually happy.
If she ever decided to leave, he didn't know what leverage he had to keep her.
Be it outstanding looks, prominent family background, unparalleled talent, or the ability to make money, these seem to be nothing to her, nor are they something that can make her heart beat.
Fu Wenxiao sighed inwardly. It was the first time he felt so unconfident in himself.
When the two arrived at the dock, the sky was slightly brighter.
The dock is already bustling with activity.
As soon as they arrived, they saw Mr. Wang coming over quickly and saying happily, "Brother Fu, sister-in-law, you are here. We are waiting for you to get on board together."
Fu Wenxiao apologized, "I'm sorry we're late."
"No, we came early." Mr. Wang said with a smile, "My aunt just arrived and got on the boat."
As he spoke, he led them onto a passenger ship.
This passenger ship was obviously larger than ordinary passenger ships and had more space. There were no other passengers on the ship except them.
This is the passenger ship specially rented by the Yao family to pick up their ancestor and bring him back to the city.
Old Madam Yao is old, so the Yao family naturally puts her first in everything.
After the three of them boarded the boat, they were taken to Old Lady Yao.
When Old Lady Yao saw the two people coming together, she felt a little uncomfortable no matter how many times she saw them.
She muttered in her heart, a man like the prince of the Zhenguo Duke, she never thought that he would get married one day, and the one he married was not one of those dignified and quiet noble ladies in the capital, but a special girl like Li Niang, who had nothing to do with being dignified and quiet...
When she saw Fu Wenxiao and Yu Li sitting together, he smiled gently, his eyes always paying attention to the appearance of his wife beside him, and Mrs. Yao felt relieved again.
Never mind. People will change.
It’s nothing that the once unkind Master Fu has become an affectionate and loving husband.
Old Madam Yao really liked Yu Li and was happy to see her. She had someone bring over the specially prepared snacks and invited her to come and eat.
Every time I see Yu Li eating, I feel easily satisfied and have a sense of happiness that comes from being alive.
Mr. Wang said with a smile: "Aunt, since you like my sister-in-law so much, why not adopt her as your granddaughter?"
It was also the first time he saw his aunt like someone so much.
Mr. Wang thought about it and couldn't help but glance at Yu Li who was eating snacks. He thought to himself that Brother Fu's wife must be excellent, and his aunt really had good taste in liking her.
The expression on Old Madam Yao's face froze, and then she saw Fu Wenxiao looking at her.
She quickly recovered and said, "Don't talk nonsense. You can't just recognize a granddaughter casually."
"How can I recognize her randomly?" Mr. Wang didn't care. "If you like her, just recognize her."
In Mr. Wang’s mind, his aunt is the wife of the emperor’s tutor Yao Zhengqian. With such an identity, who would refuse to adopt a godson?
At this time, Yu Li also stopped eating snacks and looked at Old Madam Yao curiously.
Granddaughter?
What is that? Why do you recognize it?
Old Madam Yao was a little embarrassed and said hurriedly, "Mother Li, don't listen to his nonsense! How can someone recognize a granddaughter just after meeting her? Things like recognizing relatives should be more serious..."
The more she spoke, the more embarrassed she felt and she didn't know how to explain it.
This girl is the daughter-in-law of Princess Yuan'an. Does she have the nerve to acknowledge her as her granddaughter?
Yu Li didn't think much about it, nodded at her, and continued to eat snacks.
The snacks made by the Yao family were delicious. She was so immersed in eating the snacks that she didn’t really pay attention to their conversation.
At this time, Fu Wenxiao poured her a cup of tea to help her relieve her greasy feeling.
She turned her head to look at him, did not refuse, picked up the tea and drank it.
The boat had already started, and a few people chatted with Old Madam Yao for a while. Mr. Wang then took Fu Wenxiao to discuss calligraphy, while Yu Li continued to chat with Old Madam Yao.
The main reason was that she hadn’t finished the snacks on the table.
Mrs. Yao saw that she really liked it. Her mouth kept moving like a little animal, and she couldn't help but smile.
Now that I'm older, I like this kind of well-behaved and pretty child. When I see her eating, I have the urge to eat a few bowls of rice myself.
In fact, if she was not the daughter-in-law of Princess Yuanan, she would really like to adopt a godson.
Madam Yao smiled and said, "I have several chefs in my mansion who can cook a lot of snacks and dishes. When we get to the city, I'll ask them to cook for you."
Yu Li said happily: "Thank you, old lady."
Then the two of them started chatting casually, with Old Lady Yao asking questions and Yu Li answering them.
Old Madam Yao had originally only asked tentatively, wanting to know about Fu Wenxiao's situation. She had not asked anyone to investigate Fu Wenxiao, nor did she know how he had ended up in a small county town in the south, and had adopted the alias Fu Wenxiao.
I just didn't expect this girl to be so honest. She would answer whatever I asked.
When Old Madam Yao heard that Fu Wenxiao had been in a coma for more than half a month last year and that Yu Li had married him to bring him good luck, she was stunned.
Prince Fu seems to be in a miserable state.
However, when she saw Yu Li in front of her, Mrs. Yao suppressed this thought.
How miserable is Master Fu? It is such a blessing for him to marry a wife like Li Niang.
The ship set out in the morning, and because of its fast speed, it arrived at the city in the evening.
Seeing that they were about to reach the capital, Old Madam Yao asked Yu Li, "Mother Li, where are you going to stay? If you don't mind, you can stay at my house."
Before Yu left, Mr. Wang said, "Aunt is right. Brother Fu and his wife should go live with me. It's quiet there and you can have a good rest there."
He knew that Fu Wenxiao was in poor health, and he didn't want to burden his younger brother Fu.
Places like inns are messy and it must be uncomfortable to live in.
Yu Li didn't want to trouble them, so he said, "No, let's stay at the inn first and then rent a house tomorrow."
"Rent a house? Do you mean rent a house near the examination hall?" Mr. Wang asked as someone who had experienced it.
He had taken the exam this way back then and was very familiar with the process.
"Yes."
"Oh, there's no need to go through so much trouble. My aunt's house is quite close to the examination hall. It only takes 25 minutes to get there by carriage. Why don't you just stay at my aunt's house?"
Mr. Wang invited them strongly and wanted to take them both with him.
Yu Li was a little hesitant. Although he felt that Mr. Wang was right, it was never good to disturb others.
At this time, Fu Wenxiao held her hand and said, "No need, we can just stay at the inn. If you really need us, we will come to bother you."
Yu Li glanced at him, but did not pull his hand away, allowing him to hold it.
Upon hearing this, Old Lady Yao and Mr. Wang didn't know what to say.
When the boat arrived at the city, they got off the boat and saw a middle-aged man dressed as a steward walking towards them with his servants.
They came to Yu Li and Fu Wenxiao and bowed to them. The steward asked respectfully, "Are you Mr. and Ms. Fu from Shanping County?"
Old Madam Yao and Mr. Wang looked at him in surprise, and both were a little confused.
The steward was dressed very decently, and at first glance he was a servant of a wealthy family. The family behind him must be either rich or noble, and of good status.
Why do they seem to be waiting here specifically for Fu Wenxiao and the others?
Old Madam Yao was a little confused. Wasn't Master Fu now the son of a traveling merchant?
Or has the Fu family actually been taking care of him secretly?
Over there, after confirming the identities of Fu Wenxiao and the other man, the steward said with a smile, "I am the steward of Xuan Mansion. Young Master Xuan specially sent me here to pick you up."
Then he told them that a resting place had been arranged and asked them to go over.
Yu Li was stunned for a moment, but soon understood.
No wonder when she left Yuqing County last time, Xuan Huaiqing asked her when she would go to the provincial capital, and a few days ago, Boss Tu also confirmed the departure time with her.
It turns out he was waiting here.
Fu Wenxiao was only surprised for a moment, but he also understood the reason.
He looked at Yu Li and asked, "Mother Li, do you want to go?"
Yu Li nodded, "Then go." Since Xuan Huaiqing had already arranged accommodation for him and sent someone to pick him up, it would seem bad not to go.
After deciding to follow the Xuan family's steward, the two went to say goodbye to Old Madam Yao and Mr. Wang.
Old Madam Yao and Mr. Wang were both unable to react. Mr. Wang was fine, but Old Madam Yao was horrified.
When she recognized Fu Wenxiao last time, she guessed why Fu Wenxiao appeared in the Southland, and wondered if he came for the Zhennan Army. But now, she learned that General Xuan of the Zhennan Army was actually on good terms with Fu Wenxiao, and knowing that they were coming to the capital, he specially sent someone to pick them up and arrange accommodation for them.
Old Madam Yao couldn't help but ask, "Mother Li, how do you know General Xuan?"
"The old lady also knows Young Master Xuan?" Yu Li was surprised, and then thought of Old Lady Yao's identity. It seemed normal for her to know Young Master Xuan.
So she told her about how she had saved Xuan Huaiqing before.
Old Madam Yao was really stunned at this moment.
She found that she was wrong. Xuan Huaiqing might not know Fu Wenxiao, nor did he know his identity. He had someone arrange this just to repay Yu Li for saving his life.
"Madam, we're leaving first." Yu Li said goodbye to Madam Yao.
Fu Wenxiao also nodded to them and said goodbye.
Old Madam Yao came back to her senses and said hurriedly: "Once you are settled, you must come to my place to play. You can't refuse this time." She said this specifically to Yu Li.
Yu Li naturally agreed.
As Mr. Wang was reluctant to leave, Yu Li and Fu Wenxiao got on the carriage sent by the Xuan family and left.
Old Lady Yao took a look and got on the Yao family's carriage with Mr. Wang.
On the way, Mr. Wang said in surprise: "Aunt, I didn't expect that my sister-in-law actually saved General Xuan. It seems that my sister-in-law is quite powerful."
He naturally knew Xuan Huaiqing.
After all, he is the only grandson of General Xuan. If nothing unexpected happens, the Zhennan Army will be handed over to him in the future.
The Zhennan Army is stationed in the south, and its camp is near Shanping County. However, the Xuan family also has a house in the provincial capital, and Xuan Huaiqing usually returns to the provincial capital when he has nothing to do.
Because Xuan Huaiqing often went to the military camp, people in the city seldom saw him.
Madam Yao sighed, "Indeed."
She didn't expect that Yu Li had actually saved Xuan Huaiqing, and found that she still underestimated her.
Putting aside her incredible strength, perhaps saving people was just a piece of cake for her, and she did not take it to heart. On the contrary, the people she saved were indeed extremely grateful to her.
She had also been saved by Yu Li, so she could naturally understand Xuan Huaiqing's desire to repay his kindness.
This girl does have a unique charm, otherwise she wouldn't have captured the heart of a man as arrogant as Master Fu and willingly become "Fu Wenxiao" to protect her.
**
The carriage drove into a quiet house.
After the car stopped, Yu Li and the other person got out, looked around, and found that the environment here was indeed very good.
The steward stepped forward and said with a smile, "Mr. Fu, Ms. Fu, dinner has been arranged. Do you want to eat first or go wash and change clothes first?"
"Let's eat first." Yu Li said. She was hungry.
The steward led them to a hall, and soon maids brought in a lot of food.
Looking at the amount of food, you can tell that someone specifically gave instructions.
Yu Li couldn't help but ask, "Is Master Xuan here?"
The steward bowed and said, "Our young master has been out of town recently. If you want to see him, you will have to wait for a while."
Xuan Huaiqing's whereabouts have always been secretive, and it is difficult for the manager to be too clear.
Yu Li said "Oh" and asked, "Is there anyone else living here?"
"No, there are only two of you. This is something Young Master Xuan specially arranged for us to do. Normally, no one will come to disturb us."
After the steward left, Yu Li and Fu Wenxiao had dinner together.
Yu Li ate and talked, "I didn't expect that Master Xuan had already arranged it. Should we pay him?"
She didn't expect Xuan Huaiqing to have made such an arrangement, and considering that Fu Wenxiao was a scholar who was going to take the provincial examination, the house he arranged for her was very quiet.
Fu Wenxiao couldn't help laughing, knowing that she didn't want to trouble others or take advantage of others.
He laughed and said, "He might not accept it."
"That's right." Yu Li felt that Xuan Huaiqing was not such a stingy person and would still accept her money. She thought about it and said, "In this case, next time he asks me to fight bandits, I will give him half of the reward."
This was the only way she could think of to repay Xuan Huaiqing's kindness.
Although she had saved Xuan Huaiqing, she really didn't think that the life-saving grace could make up for it. Even if she didn't go there at that time, Boss Tu would have gone into the mountains to look for him, and Xuan Huaiqing would have to suffer more.
After dinner, it was already late, so the two went to wash up.
There are servants in this house. They don't have to do anything. Just give an order and the servants will do it properly.
Naturally, there would not be the same chaos that happened during the county examination when they first moved into the house in the county town.
Yu Li felt very relieved. She didn't have to worry about anything and was quite satisfied.
She sat there, letting Fu Wenxiao help her wipe her hair, and said, "Although the servants in this house are very good, I still miss my mother a little."
Fu Wenxiao smiled and understood what she meant.
She was not used to being served by those people. Earlier, when a maid wanted to wipe her hair, she seemed unwilling to do so and finally came back from the bathroom with wet hair.
He gently wiped her hair and felt that she was like a small animal that recognized its home and only recognized the "family" it lived with, and was very resistant to outsiders appearing in her territory.
He is currently considered her "family". She saved his life, so it is natural for him to do things for her.
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