Chapter 255: Not Even a Single Sign
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
After listening to Qiao Mai’s words, Nanny Jin couldn’t help but regard her as the mistress of the house.
As the rainy season passed and September arrived with pleasant weather, Qiao Mai spent her days reading and occasionally going for a walk.
Most of the time, she sat in front of her family’s store, observing the people of Tianshui Town and the passing merchants, listening to their conversations.
She tilted her head and watched the business at Liu Hail s place, but something felt amiss.
Coincidentally, Liu Hai returned after making a food delivery and saw Qiao Mai waving at him. He quickly wiped his hands and hurried over. “Cousin, is there something you need?”
“All those girls sitting at the school’s entrance, who are they?”
“Oh, those girls? Hehe, they are young ladies interested in your two young scholars. Fifteen-year-old scholars are quite attractive. Many families come to see them.”
Qiao Mai’s expression darkened. “Didn’t I say they will not be engaged until they are eighteen?”
“They just want to get acquainted with the brothers. What if those brothers take an interest in them?”
“Such nonsense. Call my servants and have them chase those girls away. That’s an academy, not a place for romantic encounters.”
Qiao Mai called a few of her employees from the store to go and remove the girls.
However, while they were doing so, Qiao Mai noticed a familiar figure among the girls.
Why is she here? At that moment, Miss Mu noticed her and awkwvardly smiled.
She signaled Miss Mu to come over, and she obediently walked over, accompanied by two maids, with her coachman not far behind.
Upon seeing Qiao Mai, the coachman felt a sudden pain in his chest.
“You, a county princess, what are you doing with them? Why haven’t you returned to the capital?”
“The capital is so boring. This place is more interesting.”
“Are you pursuing my son because I won’t befriend you?”
“Is that not allowed? I’m just one year older than him. Is that not acceptable?” “Are you still a county princess?”
“Without a doubt, I have full authority over my marriage. I see your sons are both good. Can’t I be your daughter-in-law if I can’t be your friend?”
Qiao Mai was speechless. When did the Ming Dynasty become so open-minded?
A county princess was pursuing a young scholar.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes, I fell in love with this place and your family. That’s why I want to live here for a long time. This is the only way.”
“Fine, do as you wish as long as my son likes you. But don’t mention your identity to them, or I’ll send you back to the capital immediately.”
“Got it.”
Miss Mu sat across from her, and Qiao Mai ordered a glass of sour yogurt for her while giving her a scrutinizing look, like a mother-in-law sizing up her future daughter-in-law.
“Did you move here?”
“Hehe, nothing escapes your sharp eyes. I bought a piece of land here, and my house is under construction. However, I’ve also rented a residence.”
“I don’t oppose your pursuit of my son, but remember, they are twins. I won’t tolerate any attempts to come between their brotherly relationship.”
“I’m a good woman.”
“You don’t look like one. People say you have schemes, but they also say you’re not that naive.”
Even the maids and servants around Miss Mu remained silent, filled with respect for Qiao Mai, who had displayed her formidable qualities.
Especially the man who served as both her coachman and protector. He bowed from a distance towards Qiao Mai, acknowledging her superiority.
In the evening, Qiao Mai dined with her grandmother.
“Grandmother, do you remember the girl who visited our house last time?”
“Oh, what happened to her?”
“She didn’t leave and decided to stay in Tianshui Town.”
“What a stubborn girl.’
“She said she wanted to be my daughter-in-law.”
Old Mistress Wang’s mouth hung open in surprise. “Is that even possible? Even if she’s willing, the Duke’s family won’t agree.”
Old Master Wang listened to the story and was puzzled. His wife quickly filled him in.
“Acting on impulse like that and compromising the reputation of the Duke’s household. She even dared to confront Fengyun at the entrance. She doesn’t behave like a county princess at all.”
“That’s right. She blends in with those girls. Luckily, I spotted her.”
“It’s really hard to say for the youngsters. If it were me, I would disagree. It’s just too absurd. The Duke will certainly not be willing.”
“I think this girl is sincere. As long as she genuinely cares for my son, having a county princess as a daughter-in-law wouldn’t be bad. It’s all up to her willingness. ”
“Just go along with their craziness then.”
That night, Qiao Mai sat in her courtyard to enjoy the cool breeze. It had been a while since Yuan Jiaqi returned home.
She sent someone to call the Fengyun brothers.
Once they arrived, she served them tea.
“Please have a seat. Mother has something to discuss with you.”
The two brothers sat politely in front of Qiao Mai. “Please go ahead.”
“Lately, there have been many girls waiting for you near the academy, isn’t that
SO
The brothers blushed. “We’ve been focusing on our studies and haven’t paid them any attention.”
“Right. You are fifteen years old now. If you like someone, feel free to tell me, and we can make arrangements in advance.”
“No, Mother, we’re still too young and not thinking about this.”
“Really?”
Qiao Mai stared at their faces and sensed that the boys genuinely weren’t interested in those girls.
“Mother will find someone to replace you as soon as possible. If you want to pass the imperial examinations, you must put in extra effort.”
“Yes, Mother, we’ll work hard.”
“It’s getting late. You should go rest.”
After sending them away, Qiao Mai raised an eyebrow and used her spiritual awareness on Feng’er. In no time, there was some movement.
“Brother, why don’t you tell Mother about your relationship with Miss Mu?”
“Everything is still in the early stages. What’s the point of discussing it now? If she cares for me, she’ll wait. Besides, it’s not time for engagement yet. It’s too early. ”
“She’s older than you. You can’t keep her waiting forever.”
“We’ll see after the imperial examination. We can’t compete with her social status. Did you see how she dressed? She’s obviously from a wealthy family. I’m just a poor scholar. I have no right or qualifications to pursue such a woman.”
Qiao Mai realized that Miss Mu had already set her sights on her elder son, acting quickly.
Since they’re not in a hurry, there’s no need for her to be in a rush either. However, should she start preparing the betrothal gifts?
Thinking about her three sons, Qiao Mai felt a mix of headache and anxiety. While it was a happy occasion, it also brought her worries. Once her three daughters-in-law entered the family, dealing with the betrothal gifts would be a challenging task.
For a woman from a commoner’s family, it was manageable, but for someone like Miss Mu, her betrothal gift could potentially bankrupt the family.
It was essential to start preparing early. She sighed.
In the blink of an eye, it was October, with clear autumn skies. Yuan Jiaqi had returned home from County She.
“My lady, the weather is pleasant. How about we stay in County She for a few days?”
“Has the workshop been completed?”
“Yes, you guessed right.’
“You’re in a hurry. Building it a year in advance means it will remain unused.”
“We can use it as a warehouse first. Next year, we can start tapping the pine trees. ”
“Yes, we’ll have to wait until the year after next to harvest pine resin.”
“Okay, I will tap the pine trees first. We’ve invested so much silver in it, and it’s time to start getting returns.”
“Is it too early? I want to think about how to best use the pine oil from all those forests.
When Yuan Jiaqi returned home, he felt incredibly comfortable, as everything went his way. No wonder his wife didn’t want to leave home. If he didn’t want to leave, it was even more reason for her to stay.
To check on the workshop, Qiao Mai accompanied him to County She.
The workshop was located just outside the county, on a small piece of wasteland Yuan Jiaqi had put to good use.
All the land contracts were in Qiao Mai’s name. Although it bothered her slightly, Yuan Jiaqi was an official now and couldn’t have any commercial transactions in his name. So she bore this responsibility..
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