The villagers had many speculations about why the Zhao Family and the Han Family went together to the village chief’s house.
Some busybodies were subtly trying to dig out secrets from Zheng Chunhua.
"You people are just idle gossips. Isn’t it just a coincidence? Meng Yao came to find me, and Madam Han accompanied Young Master Han to visit my husband. One before the other, and it becomes some kind of unspeakable affair in your eyes," said Zheng Chunhua laughingly. "Spring is here. Instead of wasting time on gossip, you should till the land more often and apply more fertilizer to ensure a good harvest."
No one believed what Zheng Chunhua said.
But they also knew they couldn’t fish out more information.
If Zheng Chunhua wouldn’t talk, the village chief certainly wouldn’t say a word.
As for the two families involved, the Han Family was not one they could just approach casually. As for that Meng Shi of the Zhao Family, before marriage, she was quite unruly, and after getting married, with her husband’s support, she became much gentler.
But after Zhao Ting’s death, she reverted back to how she was before marriage. No, even more unruly than before.
They dare not court trouble with her.
Early the next morning, after breakfast, Meng Yao organized the family matters and took the well-dressed Zhao Dahe and Zhao Xiaoshu out.
This had been agreed upon before; Zhao Xiaoshu would study with Teacher Wang.
Just in time since Zhao Dahe had finished his exams, he should also report to Teacher Wang about the exam.
As for the six ritual gifts, Meng Yao had bought them in the county town, so she just needed to bring them along.
Apart from these six gifts, Meng Yao also bought some treasures among the four treasures of the study, showing great sincerity.
Zhao Dahe looked a bit envious, "Mother, when I went to school, it wasn’t this formal!"
"Now that you’ve become so accomplished, it’s closely related to Teacher Wang’s meticulous guidance. So, your mother has carefully prepared these; it’s not just a ceremony for accepting a teacher but also a gesture of gratitude," Meng Yao explained calmly.
Zhao Dahe suddenly realized that it was mostly about him. After all, a simple ceremony for Xiaoshu wouldn’t require such grandeur.
Looking at the unwitting smile on Zhao Dahe’s lips, Meng Yao thought to herself, "How could I not know what’s in your mind?"
Zhao Xiaoshu seemed a bit sullen; after accepting a teacher, he would have to leave home.
Although he knew this apprenticeship was different from previous ones.
But thinking about not being able to see his mother and siblings for a long time made him unhappy.
Zhao Dahe flicked Zhao Xiaoshu on the forehead, "When I went to the academy, I was younger than you. I never acted like you, looking like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. You’re a man; you should learn to handle things independently!"
Zhao Xiaoshu said nothing.
Meng Yao’s heart melted as she looked at his slightly aggrieved little face.
"Mother will often come to see you," Meng Yao said.
After all, she often had to go to town, so visiting Zhao Xiaoshu would be no trouble.
Zhao Xiaoshu’s eyes immediately sparkled, "Really?"
Meng Yao ruffled his hair, "When has Mother ever lied to you?"
Zhao Xiaoshu was now happy, smiling from ear to ear.
The petty-minded Zhao Dahe started to recall whether his mother had come to see him when he was studying, only to sadly realize it was only a few visits over several years.
Not what you’d call often.
What to do, he was a little unhappy again.
The carriage quickly stopped in front of Teacher Wang’s house.
Zhao Dahe jumped off the carriage, helped Meng Yao down, and offered a hand to Zhao Xiaoshu.
The gatekeeper greeted them warmly, taking the reins, "These past days, I often heard Master and Mistress talking about Young Master Dahe. If they knew you came, they would be thrilled."
"You sure know how to sweet-talk. Feed Ash for me. We’ll go inside first," Zhao Dahe said.
"Please take your time, Mistress, Young Master, and Little Young Master," the gatekeeper said cheerfully.
Zhao Dahe walked ahead, familiar with the house. At this time, Teacher Wang was in class, so he led Meng Yao directly to the backyard.
They waited briefly at the entrance, then Mrs. Qian came out to welcome them personally.
"Meng Yao, I was just thinking of going to your house, didn’t expect you to come first. Shows how much understanding we have," Mrs. Qian said enthusiastically, linking arms with Meng Yao.
"Since Dahe finished his exams, I thought about coming to report the exam situation to Teacher Wang. Also, about Xiaoshu’s apprenticeship, which should have been done earlier but was delayed due to Dahe’s exams," Meng Yao replied with a smile.
"Dahe, tell your mistress, do you feel confident?" Mrs. Qian asked.
"Mistress, I’m Teacher’s favorite student; how can I not be confident?" Zhao Dahe replied confidently.
"Good boy, I knew you wouldn’t have any problem." Mrs. Qian happily patted Zhao Dahe on the shoulder, "You wouldn’t know, during your exam days, someone couldn’t eat or sleep well, acting like it was their exam. Lost quite a bit of weight in those few days."
Zhao Dahe chuckled, "I’ll wait for Teacher at the front courtyard. Let’s go, Xiaoshu."
"Go on," Mrs. Qian waved them off.
Zhao Dahe led Zhao Xiaoshu away.
Mrs. Qian took Meng Yao’s arm and started walking into the courtyard, "You came at the right time. I’m preparing a dowry for Hong Xing; I need you to help me take a look."
Meng Yao noticed that the maid by Mrs. Qian’s side had changed.
"Is the marriage settled?" Meng Yao asked.
"Yes, it’s with the steward’s son who’s been with me for years," Mrs. Qian said with a smile. "A few years back, I removed their family’s slave status. Now, they have a house in town and are living quite prosperously. Marrying into that family means being the main wife."
Mrs. Qian had been raising Hong Xing as a half-daughter, so naturally, she wouldn’t mistreat her.
"If Sister approves, he must be outstanding," Meng Yao said.
Mrs. Qian shook her head with a smile, "You’re actually wrong! When it comes to the steward, he’s impeccable. If it weren’t for his limited background back then, he’d surely have achieved something. Unfortunately, the son didn’t take after the father. Not good at studying, not cut out for business either. He almost worried the steward to death!"
"He must have some exceptional qualities," Meng Yao said.
Mrs. Qian nodded, "He’s a great hand at farming! Not sure if that counts as exceptional."
"People rely on food for survival, and agriculture is the foundation of food. It’s definitely exceptional!" Meng Yao replied.
"Ever since he took over the lands and fields, the yields have increased significantly," Mrs. Qian stated.
"I guess everyone has their strengths," Meng Yao remarked.
"When that boy came to ask for her hand, I was surprised. You wouldn’t know, he’s quite simple, without a trace of his father’s acumen. His father had been arranging marriages for him years ago. Given their family’s condition, getting a bride isn’t hard. But the boy never seemed content with any of them. Turns out, he had his heart set on Hong Xing," Mrs. Qian laughed.
"What about Hong Xing..." Meng Yao inquired.
"Don’t worry, she’s not being forced at all," Mrs. Qian reassured. "Hong Xing isn’t one to get stuck in a rut. She’s thought it through clearly. So, don’t feel guilty about her."