Chapter 1494: Brother Feifei Side Story (Part 2)
In next year’s children’s examination, Brother Feifei came first. Because of Brother Feifei’s age, others didn’t think much of his achievement, and even Brother Feifei himself didn’t pay much attention to it.
Elder Wang looked at Brother Feifei’s calm face and suddenly felt that opposing Brother Feifei’s study trip abroad was a mistake. If he had let Brother Feifei compete six years ago and win first place, he would not have been as calm as he was now.
Yueyao looked at her son and said with a smile, "Feifei, this is just the beginning. Next year you will have to take the township exam, so you must prepare well."
Brother Feifei nodded and thought for a moment before saying, "Mother, I remember Mr. Min is very good at predicting exam topics. Mother, it would be great if Mr. Min could give me some guidance." Brother Feifei had confidence in himself but also knew his shortcomings. A teacher like Mr. Min, with over twenty years of teaching experience and familiarity with the examination process, was invaluable. If he could get Mr. Min’s guidance, his chances of success would increase significantly.
Yueyao was delighted to hear Brother Feifei’s words and said, "Yes, I will certainly invite Mr. Min over." During the years Mr. Min was with the An family, Yueyao had a good relationship with him, and even if she couldn’t invite him over, Yueyao was confident she could ask for his advice for Brother Feifei.
Brother Feifei looked at Yueyao and said, "Thank you, Mother." Having been away for six years, he deeply understood how fortunate he was. There were many talented people in the world, some even better than him, but not everyone had the opportunity to study in such a good environment or receive guidance from outstanding teachers.
Yueyao chuckled, "Silly child, there’s no need to thank me. We won’t celebrate your first prize grandly, but a family reunion dinner is fitting for the occasion." Yueyao had already sent someone to invite Kexin back.
Kexin was now seven months pregnant, and both the midwife and the Imperial Physician said the baby was a girl. Kexin and Brother Minmin were both pleased with this news; having both a son and a daughter was considered fortunate.
Receiving the news, Kexin asked her maid to help her to the main room, where she shared the news with Zhuang Ruolan, who smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.
Beside her, Brother Jiejie’s wife, Lady Shi, laughed coquettishly, "Second sister-in-law, congratulations on your brother’s first place in the exam!" Her words sounded like congratulatory remarks, but there was a slight sarcasm beneath the surface. For a twenty-year-old to compete alongside twelve or thirteen-year-olds, it was indeed embarrassing.
No stranger to the sarcastic undertone, Kexin smiled and replied, "Thank you, sister-in-law." She refrained from arguing with Lady Shi in front of her mother-in-law, valuing her own dignity.
Zhuang Ruolan seemed oblivious to the tension between the sisters-in-law and cheerfully advised, "Since you’re pregnant, be careful on the road." More daughters-in-law often meant more troubles and disputes.
Kexin respectfully excused herself and left.
Back in the courtyard, Ah Cha grumbled, "You’re too kind, my lady, letting her bully you like that!" Brother Jiejie was used to being lazy and wasn’t ambitious. By the time it was suitable for him to marry, he was merely a Scholar, making it challenging to find a suitable match. However, Lady Shi’s father and Ma Peng were both Palace Graduates in the same year and had maintained a good relationship, which was why Ma Peng set this marriage. Although Zhuang Ruolan knew of Lady Shi’s spoilt nature back at home, she also knew that this marriage was beneficial for Brother Jiejie, so even if she didn’t like Lady Shi, she didn’t refuse the match.
Since joining the family, Lady Shi had the most difficulty accepting Kexin. Not only did their in-laws favor Kexin, but even her husband adored her. In contrast, Lady Shi felt her own situation was a struggle full of bitterness and tears. Thus, Lady Shi would occasionally make jabs at Kexin.
Kexin waved her hand and said, "She’s just taking verbal advantage; she doesn’t dare do anything else; let her be." Kexin understood why her mother said more sisters-in-law meant more disputes. Before Lady Shi joined the family, everything was peaceful, but ever since, there had been intermittent conflicts.
Kexin had no time to argue with Lady Shi, as she was busy thinking about what gift to choose for Brother Feifei. Kexin had a generous dowry, and their daily expenses were the best quality. Because Kexin spent her own money, Zhuang Ruolan didn’t interfere, but Lady Shi was jealous.
The next day, since Brother Minmin had to work, Kexin took her children back to her family’s home by herself. Upon arriving at the An family home, she saw her third sister-in-law accompanying her mother in conversation.
Ping Xinrong, seeing Kexin approach, warmly called out, "Elder sister." Having been married for three years, Ping Xinrong lived more comfortably at her in-laws’ than in her own home. Grateful for her good marriage, Ping Xinrong also treated Yueyao with great filial piety.
After chatting for a while, Ping Xinrong found an excuse to tend to household duties and tactfully left, knowing Kexin must have personal matters to discuss with her mother.
