The two chatted and laughed. Jiang Jiuniang had her maid bring over more white powder to Qin Shi to apply to her face to make her look sick. She also wrote down a prescription to replenish qi and blood and had someone prepare the medicine. Just as she finished making the arrangements, Xiao Doudou arrived.
He had just finished showering when he arrived; his hair was still wet, and most of his clothes were soaked through. It was clear he was very worried about Qin's condition.
"Third...Third Aunt, how is my mother?"
He stood not far away, not daring to look at Jiang Jiuniang at all, his gaze fixed on the teacup beside him, feeling extremely guilty.
The wicked woman he had previously cursed not only didn't make things difficult for him, but was also willing to help him save his mother. He didn't know how to face Jiang Jiuniang.
Jiang Jiuniang guessed what he was thinking and didn't bother arguing with a child. She immediately tried to coax him, saying, "Luckily you came in time. You're mostly fine now, but your mother is very weak and needs to take good care of herself. Otherwise, she might develop a chronic illness. You've suffered these past few days. Go eat something first, and then come see your mother."
Little Bean was so moved that he didn't know what to say. He had treated his aunt so well before, but his aunt not only wasn't angry with him, but also praised him for doing well, and even cared that he hadn't eaten, telling him to eat first.
His heart ached terribly, and although he tried to hold it back, he couldn't control himself and burst into tears, sobbing, "Waaah, I was wrong, Auntie. I shouldn't have called you a bad woman. You're a good person, and I'm the bad one, waaaah... People outside have been bullying me and my mother. I can't do anything right, and I even made my mother sick. It's all my fault..."
Seeing him howling like this, Jiang Jiuniang knew he was genuinely remorseful. She said, "It is a great virtue to know one's mistakes and correct them. From now on, you should study hard with your teacher and acquire a skill so that you can have a place to stand when you go out in the future. Do you understand?"
"Can...can I still come back to listen to the teacher's lessons?"
“Of course you can!” Jiang Jiuniang smiled with exceptional kindness. “Your mother is so ill, how can you bear to take her out to suffer?”
"No, no, I don't want to!"
Little Bean shook her head vigorously, afraid that if she spoke too slowly, she would have to go out and suffer again.
The next day, Xiaodoudou obediently went to school. When she saw Xiangxiang and Jiangluo, she sincerely apologized, saying that what happened before was all her fault and that she had made her sister worry.
Xiangxiang and Jianglu were just children, and they didn't know how Xiaodoudou could change so quickly. But seeing that Xiaodoudou had apologized to them, there was no reason not to forgive her. Xiangxiang said to Xiaodoudou, "I was wrong too. I am the younger sister and I shouldn't have hit my brother."
Jiang Luo hurriedly followed up: "I was also wrong. I shouldn't have helped Xiangxiang bully you."
The three little ones made up just like that, and the old man was happy to see it. He encouraged them to help each other catch up on the lessons that Little Bean had missed in the past few days.
After changing her mindset, Xiaodoudou felt that studying was not so difficult to accept. Anyway, it was better than living in fear outside. She even gradually became interested and could answer her teacher's questions by drawing inferences from one instance to another, which earned her praise from her teacher.
The matter concerning the three children has finally come to an end, and Gou'er's results have also come out. As expected, Gou'er passed the exam and achieved excellent results, ranking first.
This was an achievement that none of Lei Zi and the others had attained. However, they knew that Gou'er was not only smarter than others, but also worked harder than others, so it was only natural that he achieved good results.
In addition, Jiang Jiuniang was a good mother, and during the two years she was away, she continued to teach him knowledge and writing skills, and he grew up very quickly.
His family was overjoyed and wanted to celebrate for the dog, but he refused.
The dog said very seriously, "I want to take both the provincial and metropolitan examinations. We can celebrate together once I pass both!"
Although he came in first place, Gou'er was not proud at all, because he had received the best resources since he was a child. He was first taught by Mr. Kang, and later by other famous teachers. His parents also personally guided him on his trips, which broadened his horizons and improved his knowledge. He was luckier than most children, so coming in first place was nothing special.
His dream is to achieve the highest honors in all three categories, surpass his own limits, and bring glory to his parents and himself!
Therefore, there's nothing to be proud of in getting first place in this minor prefectural examination.
"That's ambitious!"
Lu Laoda patted Gou'er on the shoulder and praised him, then said to Jiang Jiuniang, "Third sister-in-law, since Gou'er has greater ambitions, why not do as he wishes? It's just that our parents aren't at home, so it won't be very lively. We can celebrate together after he realizes his ambitions."
Jiang Jiuniang nodded: "Alright, I've been busy lately, so let's wait for more good news and then have a big celebration!"
Jiang Jiuniang's face was full of smiles. Her son had made her so proud, and she had to respect his choice.
Xiangxiang and a few other children stood at the back and whispered to Xiaodoudou, "Brother Doudou, did you see that? My dream is to be as outstanding as my brother!"
After reading for a few days, Xiaodoudou understood some things. Seeing how much Xiangxiang admired the dog, she couldn't help but pour cold water on her: "But women are not allowed to take the imperial examinations, so no matter how outstanding you are, it's useless."
"Hmph, who said that? The Emperor is so powerful, he certainly wouldn't restrict women's development!"
Xiangxiang stood with her hands on her hips, holding high hopes for the emperor.
Princess Jinlan, who was standing next to her, fell into deep thought upon hearing this. Yes, her father was the emperor. What was there that her father couldn't do?
Why shouldn't women be allowed to take imperial examinations or do what they like?
She was a princess, but she didn't think she was inferior to any man.
When I get back, I will talk to my father about this matter and ask him to give it serious consideration. The country is short of talent right now, so why not include women?
While the children's emotions were fluctuating, the imperial army sent to attack the Eastern Court was about to set off.
This time, Lu Baichuan and Qin Jian, along with some lower-ranking officers, were again sent to assist them, and they were scheduled to depart in three days.
Zhuzhu has no military achievements and therefore no military rank for the time being. She doesn't need to set off with the main army; she can wait until Jiang Jiuniang and Ruozheng leave together.
It directly saves you the trouble of traveling.
Jiang Jiuniang is definitely going to the battlefield, but things at the medical school haven't been settled yet. She needs to arrange everything before she sets off, and the emperor is very supportive of that.
The medical school is still under construction. It should be completed and open for business by the time they return from the war.
The day before Lu Baichuan and Qin Jian left, a small farewell banquet was held at home. Old Man Lu, Madam Sun, and Lu Lao Er, who lived on the estate, returned and brought back a large amount of grain and fodder.
Although a batch of provisions had already been sent ahead before the march, they still needed to carry some more with them in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
As usual, Jiang Jiuniang gave her a lot of bottles and jars, all of which could save lives in critical moments.
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