He Shitou was still thinking too simply. He Tiantian shook her head, worried that the child might be cheated in business in the future.
She analyzed for He Shitou, "Shitou, horses from the Western Regions may be cheap, but the journey is long and arduous, with too many uncertainties. Even if you buy a horse, how will you bring it back?"
He Chun nodded in agreement, "That thing doesn't understand human nature like a dog, so it'll probably be difficult to deal with."
He Shitou also realized. Right, his idea was indeed rather impractical.
It's a bit of a shame, but for now, this is the only way.
Zhao Yan encouraged him, "Shitou, it's not possible now, but that doesn't mean it won't be possible in the future. When you and Xiaohe make money and raise more and more horses, you can go to the Western Regions to see for yourself. It will broaden your horizons; their horse-breeding techniques are far superior to ours."
He Shitou's hope was rekindled. "Brother Yan, you're right. I will definitely work hard from now on!"
"Keep it up!" Zhao Yan patted He Shitou on the shoulder.
He Tiantian then asked some questions about the selection exam for Wanzi next year, as the county's girls' academy would begin enrolling students after the New Year.
This was the first time the county had opened such a facility, and the monthly maintenance fee was only half a tael of silver.
This was much cheaper than Bailu Academy, so families with decent means would send their daughters there.
The assessment content had already been posted. The assessment of the three primers was just the most basic; the rest included arithmetic, poetry, geography, and so on.
Maruko has already finished studying the three primers and is now starting to study more advanced texts such as "Standards for Being a Good Student and Child" and "Thousand Family Poems".
Of course, she only touched upon the most basic aspects of "Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art".
I'm afraid the exam will be very difficult, and then I'll be completely lost.
The thought of her child's education caused He Tiantian, who was usually calm, to feel a little anxious.
"Sir, I'll need your help teaching Maruko in the days to come. The county academy will probably start enrolling students three months into next year, and then it will depend on Maruko herself."
Zhao Wanzi is very interested in reading, and of course, she also has a certain degree of confidence.
She said firmly, "Mother, don't worry, I will definitely work hard."
Zhao Yan chimed in, "Auntie, Wanzi does have a real talent for studying."
If Wanzi were a boy, he probably wouldn't have turned out so badly. It's just a pity that according to the system of the time, women were not allowed to participate in the imperial examinations.
After finishing our meal and having a great chat, it was already late at night.
Everyone had things to do the next day, so they got up to say goodbye.
For the past few days, Hong Erniang has been sleeping in the same room as He Tiantian. Mingzhu, with her small body, sleeps between the two of them.
This simple and down-to-earth life made Hong Erniang feel very content.
She lowered her voice and chatted with He Tiantian, "Little sister, when will your chicken farm be finished?"
He Tiantian thought for a moment, "Probably in about ten days."
It was supposed to be a business partnership, but she was only responsible for providing the money and the venue. She was also very indifferent to the details.
"Why don't we go take a look tomorrow? Otherwise, we won't be able to see it once we get back to the city."
Hong Erniang was actually quite curious about the chicken farm, wondering if it was the same as the one she had seen in the city.
I've seen a lot in the village these past few days. Although the people here lead ordinary lives that are a bit tough, they are busy from morning till night, and it seems like they are living a fulfilling life.
Anyway, it's more interesting than her watching the shop all day long.
When there was no business, she would sit in the shop bored and eat sunflower seeds until her lips were raw.
As winter approaches, it gets light later.
The villagers of Changfeng Village always get up to clean up when it's just getting light.
Tidy up the yard, do laundry, and make breakfast for the whole family.
Little Mingzhu has never liked sleeping in late; she gets up earlier than the chickens and goes to bed later than the dogs. Once she's awake, the adults have to wake up too. After getting her ready and feeding her, they figure she'll play for another hour before going back to sleep.
But once adults get up, they can't go back to sleep.
He Tiantian muttered, "I wonder what happened at the mine last night. I'll go check on Sister Yulan today."
"Alright, alright, I'll go with you. Let's hurry up," Hong Erniang urged.
The two of them hadn't eaten breakfast, so they headed out one after the other.
In the courtyard, He Shitou was chopping firewood. In the kitchen, Wanzi was tending the fire, and Xiao Lü was cooking.
Only He Chun had some time, so He Tiantian entrusted Mingzhu to her father's care.
It was still quite dark outside, and my eyes needed time to adjust.
Following the route she remembered, He Tiantian pulled Hong Erniang toward Yulan's house.
The two houses are quite far apart, requiring you to cross a whole village to get there.
As we passed many village houses along the way, we could hear the sounds of sweeping and chopping wood coming from inside. I wondered if anyone kept chickens or ducks, which were already clucking and chattering impatiently.
The whole village was incredibly lively.
When He Tiantian arrived at Sister Yulan's house, she knocked on the door and waited for quite a while before someone opened it.
It wasn't an adult who opened the door, but Liu Shuixian.
"Narcissus." He Tiantian asked, somewhat surprised. "Is your mother home?"
Liu Shuixian, still half-asleep, suddenly woke up and greeted, "Auntie, my mother went to the mine last night and hasn't come back yet."
"What? You stayed home by yourself all night?"
Liu Shuixian nodded.
Well, I guess yesterday's events were too urgent, and Sister-in-law Yulan didn't have time to think about these things.
He Tiantian then suggested, "Shuixian, why don't you come to my house with me? Wanzi said she made something delicious and is waiting for you. Besides, our house is at the entrance of the village, so your dad and mom will see it as soon as they come back."
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