Marriage is not something that can be settled overnight; both parties need to consider each other's circumstances.
Mu Yi'an explained the situation, and then she left the rest to her.
It's almost the end of the year again, time to start preparing New Year's gifts.
Manager Wei and Accountant Song were in charge of the affairs of the shop and the estate, while Mu Yi'an only needed to look at the general ledger.
With the wages of long-term workers and apprentices, and even New Year's gifts being taken care of, Mu Yi'an's life was much easier.
She found a clothing store and entrusted them with the responsibility of making her new clothes for this year.
Cotton was only used to make linings; there were seven people in the family, and they had quite a few linings.
Fortunately, there were other maids in the household who could sew.
"Shuyun, I now realize that it's really comfortable to have someone to take care of you."
Otherwise, with seven people in my family, just sewing clothes would kill me.
"That's because my wife is capable and can earn money. Otherwise, how would we afford to buy servants?"
Jiang Shuyun quickly praised his wife, saying that if it weren't for Yi'an's ability to earn money, they wouldn't know what kind of life they would be living.
"Why are you being so sweet-talking today? Are you using honey as a compliment?"
"Whether it's been coated with honey or not, you'll know once you taste it."
Jiang Shuyun blew out the candles, pulled Yi'an to bed, and went to discuss whether or not honey had been smeared on her lips.
Time flies, and the end of the year is here.
Mu Yi'an will also be returning to Jiangjia Village for the Spring Festival this year, and the two younger children will also be going back to pay respects to their ancestors.
This time when I went back, I took Steward Li and his family with me, leaving Manager Wei and Accountant Song to look after the house.
The journey back from Northwest China was truly arduous, so let's not make things any more difficult.
Zhao Wu accompanied them with several guards, Fang's wife with Mianhua, Wei San with Yunduo, Jiang Mo, and Jiang Yan also followed.
With the family matters settled, and only Xu Wu's family remaining on the estate, Jiang Shuhe returned with his family.
After returning from the Northwest, he did not go back to the village to visit his parents.
He was heartbroken because of what his siblings had done.
He felt he hadn't let his brothers and sisters down; he brought all the money he earned as a farmhand home to help his parents support the family.
Later, when his family's financial situation improved, he began to consider getting married.
After the family divided their property, he still received a considerable amount of money as a filial offering.
He couldn't understand how his own family members could bully his wife and children while he was away.
His employer rewarded him with 1,500 taels of silver for his trip to the Northwest. He wouldn't squander the money; he planned to buy a shop in the prefectural city after spring and rent it out.
My two children are still young and won't be able to go to school for another two years, so there's no rush to spend the money.
There were quite a few of them, and they traveled back by boat together, so they weren't lonely.
Especially the two younger ones, who can play with Jiang Shuhe's two children, won't be too noisy.
Shao Rong, in particular, seemed to have springs strapped to his feet; he was never still for a moment.
One minute they want to watch birds, the next they want to watch fish, and then they want to play hide-and-seek...
Shao Ke, on the other hand, was quiet and stayed by her sister's side, not liking to run around.
Sitting on the boat, the ride was leisurely and swaying, but it wasn't too difficult.
Upon arriving in the county town, Mu Yi'an and her family first went to their house there to tidy up before visiting their parents at the Mu family home.
With Butler Li around, Mu Yi'an and the others didn't need to worry; everything was arranged perfectly.
The elderly couple who were looking at the house were quite excited to see the entire family of the owners return for the first time.
After Mu Yi'an and the others finished washing up, Wei San rented a spacious carriage from a carriage rental shop.
The family, carrying gifts, visited the Mu residence.
"Yi'an, you're finally back. Shao Ming, Shao Yun, Chu Yue, Shao Rong, Shao Ke, it's so good that you're all back."
Seeing her daughter's family all together, Mu's mother felt joyful, and tears involuntarily streamed down her face.
"Mother, I'm back. Why are you crying?"
Mu Yi'an looked at her mother, feeling a pang of sadness; it had been almost two years since she had last seen her.
"Mother is happy, very happy."
Mu's mother took Yi'an's hand and made her sit down next to her.
Looking at his grandchildren, Mu's father was happy; the children were growing up so well.
Shao Ming was already beginning to resemble a young man, and his every move exuded the air of a scholar.
Shao Yun, on the other hand, looks physically strong, and he walks with a brisk and agile gait.
Chuyue looks very lively, but she also has the demeanor of a young lady from a wealthy family.
The two little ones, with their chubby faces and cute appearances, are truly adorable.
Mr. Mu felt that the children in the Yi family were all well-educated.
"Mother, aren't my second brother and the others coming back this year either?"
“He’s not coming back. He said Lord Zhao has given him a mission, and he’s worried about your second sister-in-law coming back alone with four children.”
They sent a housekeeper and delivered New Year's gifts. It seems they're doing well.
Mother Mu knew they were doing well and was relieved. Although she wanted them to come back and the family to reunite, her future was more important.
"Ziyi, the autumn imperial examinations are next year. How confident are you?"
"Brother-in-law, my skill level is still a bit lacking. I'll try again next year, and if I'm lucky enough to make the list, I'll be among the bottom few."
Mu Ziyi still has a good understanding of himself; it all depends on his luck next year.
"In the imperial examinations, luck is also a part of ability."
Relax, don't be nervous.
Jiang Shuyun has shared all the experience she could and helped as much as she could; the rest is up to him.
“I know, brother-in-law. The summaries you gave me were very useful and helped me a lot.”
I'm in a good mood. Whether I pass or not, I won't know until after the exam.
Mu Ziyi wasn't in a hurry; he was only in his twenties, so there was nothing to rush.
Not all scholars can pass the imperial examination with flying colors. If he doesn't pass this time, he can try again for three more years. If that still doesn't work, he can go back to the county town to attend a school. He can't keep taking the exam forever.
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