Chapter 223: He Deserves Better
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The girl began to cry. Yuan Jiaqi said what needed to be said before hurriedly heading to the government office without showing any compassion. A lady nearby approached and helped the girl up from her crouched position.
“Have you given up?”
“No, I haven’t given up. I want to marry him. If he can’t get through this, I’ll go to his house and talk to his wife.
“You’re so stubborn. You’ll regret it one day.”
“I may have had some reservations, but when I saw his wife, I knew my chance had come. She doesn’t deserve him. He deserves someone better.” My goodness, if Qiao Mai were here, she would burst into laughter.
She’s not good enough for him? What about you, girl?
It’s funny; why do people always look for balance in appearances?
Qiao Mai might have an average appearance, but she has exceptional skin. Who among the girls can compare to her in that regard?
Furthermore, does she make money?
Does she have her space?
Does she know martial arts? Unless an immortal appears, Qiao Mai’s the belle of this place.
Even in areas like the arts, calligraphy, music, or painting, she’s not afraid of anyone. In her past life, she loved classical culture. She dabbled in calligraphy, musical instruments, and other things. How can you say she’s not good enough for him?
Qiao Mai excels in every aspect. If anyone’s not good enough, it’s him, Yuan Jiaqi. Hmph!
Moreover, between spouses, there’s no need for discussions of “worthy” or “unworthy.” What matters is that they love each other, get along comfortably, and work together to build a happy life. There’s no need for complications.
Qiao Mai didn’t go straight home; she headed to the mansion and found Old Mistress Wang to share her grievances.
“Grandmother, can you believe it? Right after I arrived, I saw two women. He sure knows how to attract attention. Back when he wasn’t an official, there was Widow Chen from the neighborhood and a chubby girl from Tiannan Town, but now that he’s an official, they’ve all come flocking.”
“Jiaqi is not that kind of person. You should put this matter behind you. Besides, which official doesn’t have women sent to them? If he doesn’t accept them, that’s the end.”
“I also know he’s not that kind of person, but it still gets tiresome. Those young ladies are quite something. They know he has a family with children, but they still flock to him. How can they have so little shame?”
“People are like that. The more something is out of reach, the more they desire it. And some people will do anything for their own gain. He can’t control their actions. You can’t blame him for it. “I don’t blame him; I’m just frustrated.”
“Haha, you’re jealous.”
Looking at the sky outside, she got up and prepared to leave. Olf Mistress Wang trusted her to go home on her own but was wary of her issue with Yuan Jiaqi.
She didn’t want to return, and now she had a reason to stay with Qiao Mai. She insisted on going to Lucky Garden, leaving Old Master Wang behind in the city.
Qiao Mai had to put away Dong Zhao in her space. She acted as a carriage driver, taking the old lady back to Lucky Garden. What a hassle!
As soon as they arrived home, Assistant Qiu from the broker center came over. Qiao Mai had someone bring him to the old lady’s residence.
“Madam Qiao, Old Mistress Wang.”
“What brings you here at this hour?”
“Madam Qiao asked me to look for Ling’er’s teacher.”
“Tell me more.”
“She used to be a nanny in the palace. As she got older, she left the palace and wanted to join her relatives in the north. However, she found out her relatives were no longer there, so now she’s got nowhere to go. She didn’t want to become a slave or maid in a wealthy household and wanted to find a suitable place, so she came to inquire at our firm.”
“How old is she?”
“She’s in her mid-thirties. She’s gentle and virtuous in appearance but assertive in her actions. She used to be a disciplinary nanny in the palace.” “Has she been married?”
“No, and she doesn’t want to get married. She hopes to find a family that can care for her in her old age.” “Where is she now?” “She’s at our firm.’ “Let’s go and see her.”
“I want to go too!”
Old Mistress Wang wanted to go as well. Qiao Mai had to bring her along.
Inside the center, a lady dressed modestly in plain clothing sat in a chair. She remained motionless from the moment Assistant Qiu left until they returned.
Old Mistress Wang cried softly, “Aren’t you Nanny Jin, who served Concubine
Yuan?”
Recognizing an acquaintance, the lady approached and greeted the old lady with a deep bow.
“This servant pays her respects to Old Mistress Wang.”
“Oh, I heard you were from the palace and thought I might know you. How have you ended up here?”
She whispered to Old Mistress Wang, “You know they say that serving a prince is like serving a tiger. Serving a concubine is the same. I’m getting old. I don’t want to live in fear anymore. Do you have something for me in your household?”
“Yes, it’s for my granddaughter. She’s six years old. We want to hire someone to teach her to read and write, as well as various other skills. If you agree to teach her, I will be relieved.”
Nanny Jin bowed to Qiao Mai, “Greetings to you, madam.”
“You’re too polite. With your knowledge of reading and writing, you must come from a family of scholars, right?”
“Well, you could say that. My family’s fortunes declined, and I happened to be chosen as a palace maid when the palace was recruiting young ladies. I spent twenty years there, and everything changed when I returned home. I decided not to stay there and came out into the world.”
Qiao Mai assessed her and was satisfied.
“Alright, since you’re a familiar acquaintance of my grandmother, come back with us. We can discuss the details at home. If you’re dissatisfied, you can leave.”
Qiao Mai turned to Assistant Qiu and handed him a silver ingot. “Thank you!”
“You’re too kind.”
Upon returning home, Qiao Mai had someone call for Ling’er, and she entertained Nanny Jin in the living room.
“I imagine you’ve heard about our family’s situation from the agency?”
“Well, Assistant Qiu briefly mentioned it.”
“Good. We have one daughter at home and raised her rather delicately. But she still needs to learn proper manners and etiquette. Even though women don’t take the imperial exams, they must still acquire essential knowledge.”
“I can do that.”
“I hope she develops good daily habits, sharp discernment, and the ability to distinguish right from wrong.”
Nanny Jin shook her head, “Some children can be molded into better people, while some have a natural disposition. Some are receptive to advice, while others may appear agreeable but feel uneasy. Some children believe they’re always right. These can be guided to a certain extent, but teaching… well, it varies. Some can be taught, and some can’t.”
Thinking about Lu Ruxin, Qiao Mai sighed, “I see. Let’s start with meeting the child. ”
Ling’er was summoned. She didn’t want anyone to carry her; she ran to the old lady. Upon entering the room, Nanny Jin took a liking to her instantly.
What a spirited child. She’s a delight to be around.
“Mother, did you need me?”
“Yes, you wanted to learn to read and write, right? Mother has hired a teacher for you.”
Ling’er looked around the living room. Besides her mother and great-grandmother, she spotted a stranger. She walked over to Nanny Jin.
“Excuse me, are you the teacher my mother hired?”
“Yes.”
“What can you teach me?”
“Everything except martial arts.”
“That’s great! Ling’er pays her respects to you!”
As long as it’s not martial arts, she’s willing to learn anything.
“Haha, it’s fated for you to be her teacher. Nanny Jin, why don’t you stay?”
“Alright, it’s a deal!”
Qiao Mai nodded. “Now, let’s discuss your treatment at my home. You’ll receive fifty taels monthly, two sets of clothes for each season, and all other expenses the same as ours. How does that sound?”
“Could you add one more thing?”
“What?”
“A retirement plan.”
“That’s fine. As long as you’re willing to stay in my home, your terms won’t change.”
“Deal!”
There were no formal contracts or documents, only trust between the parties..
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