Chapter 176, Body Contract
Main courtyard.
"Second brother, what are you laughing at?"
Mrs. Li looked speechlessly at Li Xingnian, whose smile had never left his face since he came out of the old lady's yard.
Li Xingnian put away the smile on his face and said, "I was wondering why Daohua is so powerful!" When he thought of his brother-in-law's embarrassed and uncomfortable expression just now, he couldn't help but feel happy.
It would be fine if the concubine didn't say anything about it, but if she did, especially in front of his uncle's family who was in a tight spot, it would be a bit embarrassing.
Daohua could do it, but she didn't say it in a tactful way, at least to leave some money for her father.
Hearing this, Madam Li also laughed a little, but soon she sighed and said, "I don't know whether this girl's temper is good or bad."
Li Xingnian's face straightened. "Of course it's good. This way, Daohua won't be bullied. The concubine issue is fine, but your second uncle, relying on his elder status, acts like an elder. You and your brother-in-law haven't even spoken yet, and he's already pointing fingers. It's really annoying."
"It's obvious that the three children did good things for the family and added helpers, but when he talked about it, it became a disaster. If Daohua didn't speak up for her and her two brothers, it would be so unfair."
Madam Li was also angry with Yan Zhiyuan, and said with a hint of dissatisfaction, "Second brother used to be sensible, but ever since Wenxiu and the other two went to Wangyue Academy, he's been unhappy and keeps picking on Daohua."
"Hmm?" Li Xingnian frowned. "You didn't mention much about the academy in your letter. What's going on?"
Madam Li then explained everything about the academy quota, and then said indignantly, "The quota was given by the young prince. What does it have to do with Daohua? Why is he blaming my Daohua?"
Li Xingnian's eyes flashed, but without saying anything, he picked up the tea on the table and started drinking.
Is it a problem for the young prince to let Wenjie from the second house and Wenbin from the concubine go to Wangyue Academy to study?
In his opinion, it is not.
If you really ask for it, you will definitely get it.
I'm afraid his brother-in-law also knows this.
Madam Li continued, "Ever since Wenxiu and the other two went to Wangyue Academy and have been so often with the young prince, their demeanor and manners have completely changed. After returning home and standing next to Wenjie and Wenbin, the difference was immediately apparent."
"Before, everyone was about the same. But now, seeing that Wenxiu and the other two are getting better and better, while Wenjie is still standing still, my second brother is naturally unhappy."
Li Xingnian snorted coldly, "Every sip and every bite is predestined. What has his second wife done for Daohua? Why should Daohua treat Wenjie the same?"
After saying this, he paused and said, "My brother-in-law sees this very clearly." He did not let Daohua ask for a quota for his illegitimate son.
Wenjie didn't go to Wangyue Academy. He didn't know if Daohua did it on purpose, but Wenbin didn't go. It was definitely that girl's intention.
I guess my brother-in-law also noticed this, so he didn't say anything.
Mrs. Li smiled and said nothing.
Li Xingnian looked at Madam Li and saw that her face was rosy and her brows were relaxed. Unlike when he came to visit her before, there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. He knew that she was living a very comfortable life recently.
"With you like this, my brother and I can rest assured."
Madam Li smiled. "The children have grown up and know how to protect me as their mother. My second and eldest brothers can worry less about me now."
Afterwards, Li Xingnian stayed at Yan's house for a few days and bought a new farm and shop before leaving.
Mrs. Li only mentioned the fact that Daohua sold wine recipes and that the Li family gave Daohua three farms and a shop in private to Old Lady Yan and Yan Zhigao.
"Daohua is still young, you have to keep a close eye on her," the old lady warned.
Madam Li smiled and said, "I'm afraid you'll have to look after that girl. I can't subdue her. Besides, she only listens to her mother."
The old lady liked to hear this, and the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law talked for a long time with a smile.
As for Yan Zhigao, although he was shocked by the generosity of the Li family, he did not think of getting involved, and the matter was let go.
After Li Xingnian left, Yan Wenxiu, Yan Wenkai, and Yan Wentao also had to report to the academy, while Daohua and Yan Yishuang, the other two, also started classes. Master Shen had returned from his hometown a few days ago.
On the 29th day of the first lunar month, Qin Wu brought Qin Xiaoliu and eight others to Xingzhou.
They didn't dare to keep their host waiting any longer, so they rested at home for one night and then set off.
Looking at the majestic provincial government office, the group was a little hesitant to move forward.
"Fifth brother, are we going to work here in the future?" Qin Xiaoliu asked, pointing at the provincial government office.
Qin Wu shook his head: "This is the government office, and we should be responsible for the backyard. Let's go around to the back street and take a look."
Main courtyard.
Daohua was just about to go to class when she heard Pingtong come in and say that Qin Wu and others had arrived. She immediately sat down and refused to move. She called Wang Maner and asked her to ask for leave from Master Shen.
Seeing her like this, Madam Li didn't get angry. She just smiled and said, "You came quite quickly." Then she looked at Ping Tong and said, "Let Butler Sun take the person to the front to show the master first. If the master says it's okay, then bring the person over."
Pingtong immediately turned around and left.
More than half an hour later, Ping Tong and Butler Sun brought Qin Wu and others to the main courtyard.
"You wait in the yard. I'll go report to the Madam and the eldest daughter."
Qin Wu and others stood silently in the yard with their heads down, not daring to look around.
Soon, everyone heard the sound of the door curtain being lifted, and then the maids brought out the table and chairs. Immediately afterwards, Daohua supported Madam Li and walked out.
"What does the master say?"
Madam Li sat down and then looked at Butler Sun.
Steward Sun smiled and said, "The master tested their martial arts in the front yard and said they were quite good."
Mrs. Li nodded and looked back at Pingtong, who immediately placed the eight indentures on the table.
Seeing this, the rice flowers beside him suddenly widened their eyes.
Madam Li glanced at Daohua, motioning her to be silent, and then looked at Qin Wuba and the others: "Master has already told me and the master about your affairs, and you should also be aware of the purpose of our hiring you, right?"
Qin Wu nodded: "Madam, we are all aware of this."
Madam Li: "That's good. If you want to work in our family, you have to sign a contract. Especially since you are responsible for protecting the safety of the Yan Mansion, this is even more indispensable." As she said that, she signaled Ping Tong to hand the prepared contract to Qin Wuba and his men.
When they heard that they had to sign a contract, Qin Wu and others were a little surprised. This had never been mentioned before, and they held the contract in their hands without reacting for a while.
Seeing them like this, Madam Li smiled and said, "This is the first time Master has hired someone from outside, so it's inevitable that he might have overlooked some things. We are not forcing you to sign a contract. If you don't want to, we absolutely won't force you."
"But you must return the one thousand taels of silver I spent to redeem you from the government office."
Qin Wu looked up at Madam Li, who was graceful and dignified, with a kind expression on her face. He then looked at the rice flowers, who were watching them with wide eyes. After a moment's thought, he said without hesitation, "Madam, we sign."
Working for an official, even if it meant signing a personal contract, was a great thing for ordinary people like them.
Hearing this, Madam Li smiled and gestured for Pingtong to hand over the pen: "Don't worry, we don't want to keep you in the Yan family forever. The contract is only for twenty years. After twenty years, you can go wherever you want."
"Of course, if you think the Yan family is not bad, you can continue to stay in the Yan family."
After hearing this, Qin Wu and others breathed a sigh of relief.
Madam Li continued, "Qin Wu, from today onwards, you will be the head guard of the Yan family. Your monthly allowance is 10 taels, and the others will receive 5 taels each month. I hope you can take good care of the Yan family's safety."
Seeing the moon so high, Qin Wu and others were very excited.
Then, everyone heard Madam Li say, "As for the one thousand taels of silver I used to redeem you, I will deduct half from your monthly allowance to offset it until it's fully paid. Do you have any objection to this?"
Qin Wuba and his men all shook their heads.
Madam Li: "That's good, Steward Sun, take Guard Qin and the others down to rest."
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
