After Jiang Shuyun and her group set off for Beijing, the excitement surrounding Jiangjia Village gradually faded, and everyone went back to their usual routines. Life goes on, and no one can live it for you, right?
Although Jiang's father was worried, he knew that life had to go on, and there were still six months until the results of the imperial examination were released.
That day, after dinner, Jiang's father called Jiang Shuheng and his wife over to talk.
"Father, Mother, is something the matter?"
Sister-in-law Jiang thought for a moment. Ever since her second brother passed the imperial examination, she had been very cautious and had not done anything out of line.
Since her grandfather passed away, the Lin family has lost its backbone, and everyone is looking out for themselves, which has led to quite a few embarrassing situations.
Jiang's sister-in-law is now afraid. She can't rely on her own family, and if her husband's family doesn't tolerate her either, she will really have no way to survive.
"I called you all here today because there's something I need to tell you."
Jiang's father glanced at his eldest son, who was also in his thirties.
"Father, please tell me."
Jiang Shuheng had a guess in his mind what his father was going to say, as he had briefly mentioned it before.
"Shuheng, you're almost thirty now, as I've mentioned before."
The imperial examination was not the only path to success. If one path is blocked, then another should be sought; one cannot stubbornly persist down a dead-end road.
"Father, I understand and I get it."
Jiang Shuheng took a deep breath. Although he was mentally prepared, he still felt a little disappointed when the day actually came.
"Father, Mother, I've caused you both so much worry. The matter of my studies, Wanru's affairs, and the children—I'm truly ashamed to face you."
From now on, I will try my best to support my family. I can't guarantee I'll be able to shelter you from the storm, but I'll try my best not to hold you back.
Jiang's wife was a little confused. She didn't understand why her husband had suddenly given up on the imperial examination.
"If you have the will, you won't fail. Your wife and children are your responsibilities. Starting tomorrow, you will officially take over the school."
"I understand, Dad. I will try my best."
Jiang Shuheng was actually a little flustered. For so many years, besides studying, he had only listened to his father. He was still somewhat uncertain about taking on responsibilities on his own.
“My dear daughter-in-law, you’ve been married into the Jiang family for over ten years now, and you did quite well at first. But, I don’t know when it started, you seem to have gone mad, doing things that no one can understand.”
You are now a mother of four. From now on, you and Shuheng should discuss things together at home, learn to support your family, and set a good example for your children.
Also, all of these children are your own flesh and blood. Try your best to treat them equally and don't let them suffer emotional wounds or resent you for the rest of their lives.
This time, Jiang's mother didn't speak harshly, but patiently explained things to her. Whether she could accept it or not depended on whether she wanted to live a good life.
She had said these words countless times, until her lips were practically worn out.
"Mother, I understand, I will."
Jiang's sister-in-law didn't actually listen to everything, but she agreed first because she was afraid of upsetting her mother.
"In a little while, I will divide up the family's money and belongings, and you can decide how to spend them yourselves. Although your father and I were with you when the family was divided, and you were responsible for taking care of us in our old age, you also received the lion's share of the family property."
However, since we are still able to work, we won't stay with you for now; we'll live on our own. You can keep the school's income yourselves. As for the land at home, your father and I will take five mu of paddy fields, which will be enough for our needs. The rest is yours.
Shao Qin and the others are getting older; you all need to take responsibility for yourselves. Sons getting married and daughters getting married—these are the responsibilities of parents.
Jiang's mother told her everything she could think of. From now on, the two of them would live on their own. Granny Xing would help with household matters, so they wouldn't worry about anything else. They would learn to let go and live comfortably for a few more days.
Sister-in-law Jiang was surprised that the accident happened so suddenly. How could she suddenly be in charge of the household? It felt a bit unreal.
She secretly pinched herself; it really hurt. It seemed she wasn't dreaming; it was real.
Jiang's mother went back into the house and took out a wooden box, along with some cloth and other items needed for social obligations.
"You can manage these tens of taels of silver as you see fit. I won't interfere with how you spend it. And don't tell me when you run out of it."
Your father passed the imperial examination and became a scholar over ten years ago. Even though I wasn't in good health before, I still insisted on growing vegetables and cooking. Now that the school is yours, you are responsible for cooking, growing vegetables, and so on.
Jiang's mother placed the items on the table; this amount of silver was enough for them to support their small family.
"Shuheng, the school is in your hands now. Whether it's teaching the children to read and write or preparing meals for them, you must do it better than me. You cannot ruin the school's reputation. Otherwise, you should no longer be descendants of the Jiang family."
Jiang's father's words were already quite harsh; he was afraid they would go astray and do something unforgivable. If that happened, Jiangjia Village would truly be unable to tolerate them.
"Father, I understand."
Jiang Shuheng made a guarantee, knowing the seriousness of the matter. A person without the protection of their family becomes a rootless duckweed; what way can they survive?
Jiang's father and mother left together. Jiang Shuheng looked at Lin Wanru, his eyes fixed on the boxes and things on the table. It was unclear how much of what his mother said had been heard.
"Wanru, let's go back inside and talk."
"Huh? What are we talking about?"
Jiang's sister-in-law was a little confused. What was there to talk about? From now on, she would be in charge of everything and everything would be up to her.
"Let's go back inside first."
Jiang Shuheng picked up the box and the things his mother had given him, followed closely by his sister-in-law, and went into the house.
"Wanru, did you understand what your mother said?"
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