"So you’re Wen Nuan, huh? My mom keeps praising you." Zhao Xiaohua, as usual, is very outgoing.
Wen Nuan isn’t timid either and responds gracefully, "Madam speaks highly of Miss too."
"Don’t call me Miss, it sounds weird. I’m Zhao Xiaohua, just call me Xiaohua." Zhao Xiaohua said, then pointed to Li Changning and introduced, "This is Li Changning, my cousin."
"Nice to meet you, Miss Cousin."
Li Changning waved her hand, indicating for Wen Nuan to call her by name.
"That won’t do, I’m here to serve Madam as a maid, I have to follow the rules." Wen Nuan refused.
Only if Madam tells her not to, she would stop calling her Miss.
Zhao Xiaohua didn’t dwell on this issue as it was merely a form of address. She was more curious about what happened to her mom in the county. Ever since returning, her mom and the others had been busy and hadn’t had time to tell her.
Now that Wen Nuan was here, she could ask her to tell the story.
So Wen Nuan began with how Meng Yao helped her and her brother, recounting everything she knew in detail.
The young girl’s storytelling ability was impressive; Zhao Xiaohua and Li Changning listened intently, afraid of missing anything.
The noise outside reached a crescendo when the banquet started.
The wealthy families from the town weren’t very interested in the country-style continuous feast, and since all intended conversations and gestures of goodwill were done, they didn’t stay for the meal.
As for the gifts they gave, Zhao Dahe, in the spirit of appreciating his teacher, didn’t even touch them and announced in front of everyone that the silver would be used for school supplies, books, and ink for the students.
Mr. Wang couldn’t close his mouth in astonishment.
Though the Qian Family didn’t lack money, seeing benefits for the students without using their silver was a joy for them.
These people felt a bit unwilling in their hearts, but no one showed it openly. Moreover, they didn’t dare underestimate the young Zhao Dahe. This young man, neither arrogant nor impetuous, wasn’t swayed by his early fame. His future potential was immeasurable.
He didn’t accept anyone’s gift and yet offended no one.
Oh well, since he is Mr. Wang’s talented disciple, maintaining a good relationship with Mr. Wang was beneficial anyway.
People began to leave one after another until only the Qian Family’s and Li Family’s carriages were left.
In the village, with Zheng Chunhua organizing, the atmosphere was lively, and no one dared to cause trouble at this time.
Meng Zhu showed signs of fatigue, so Meng Yao quickly assisted Meng Zhu back to the room, setting up a small table to host Mrs. Qian and Meng Zhu.
Checking in Zhao Xiaohua’s room, the three hadn’t eaten yet, so food was arranged for them quickly.
Afterward, Meng Yao and Zheng Chunhua entertained the village women together.
People gradually dispersed by the afternoon.
Meng Yao felt her waist was about to break.
Once everyone was gone, the cooks counted the ingredients. What wasn’t cooked they took away, and what was cooked but uneaten went to the Zhao Family.
The leftover amount was about a table’s worth, which was fairly well-managed.
Meng Yao settled the bill pleasantly, and the cooks quickly tidied up, even cleaning the open space.
Zheng Chunhua said a few words to the cook’s family and sent them off.
"Sister-in-law, take some of the untouched food back." Meng Yao said. For more chapters visit n0velfire.net
Zheng Chunhua didn’t argue, "I’ll take a bit more to properly replenish myself."
Though she said so, Zheng Chunhua didn’t take much, only packed some lion’s head meatballs and braised pork.
The village chief was in an exceptionally good mood today and had a few drinks; he was barely coherent at this point but still held onto Zhao Dahe’s hand, repeatedly reminding him not to forget Shanghua Village when he becomes successful.
Zheng Chunhua forcibly helped him away.
Mr. Wang wasn’t much better; after Mrs. Qian came out from the house, she directed a few students to carry Mr. Wang onto the carriage, with Zhao Xiaoshu accompanying them back.
Originally, Meng Yao wanted him to stay overnight, but Zhao Xiaoshu directly refused.
His second brother was so accomplished, he needed to strive like him, make the most of his time to study, and also have such achievements in the future.
Due to being somewhat worn out, Meng Zhu had Li Baixia take the brokers and leave first.
Song Xiu’er and Zhao Dajiang busily tidied the house, while Meng Yao sat with Meng Zhu for a chat.
"Since Chang’an and Zhenzhen are staying here, you must try to bring them together. Sister Money is very fond of Chang’an," Meng Zhu said with a joyful smile.
"For things , the kids need to be willing; otherwise, matchmaking won’t help. Many madams asked about Chang’an today, so don’t rush regarding his marriage," Meng Yao replied.
Zhao Dahe is the only one, but there are relatives in the Zhao Family.
So these people didn’t just focus on Zhao Dahe. When they learned Li Chang’an was unmarried, they showed great interest.
Even those with sons didn’t spare Zhao Xiaohua.
"Those people..." Meng Zhu shook her head, "I’m only looking at Zhenzhen."
"I’ll keep an eye on them. As long as the children show signs of it, I’ll bring them together," Meng Yao had no choice but to say.
After dinner that night, Meng Yao called Zhao Dahe for a chat.
"What do you think about today’s situation with the Li family?" Meng Yao asked.
"Causing trouble on such an occasion, the Li couples..." Zhao Dahe chuckled lightly, "not worth fearing."
"The most taboo thing is underestimating the opponent. Although the Li couple left disgraced today, you can’t underestimate them. Madam Li dared to bring up your future in front of so many people, at least indicating that the Li Family indeed has the ability to meddle in your prospects," Meng Yao said seriously.
"So many people know about it, do they dare?" Zhao Dahe was indifferent.
"Just because they don’t act now doesn’t mean they won’t act later. You don’t even have a formal title yet. So far, you’re merely the top of the county exams. Tell me, what deterrence does this title have? Apart from bringing you this fleeting glory, what else?" Meng Yao’s tone grew sterner.
Although he hadn’t lost his sense of direction, as a young man, a bit of arrogance had crept in.
Even if they don’t tamper with the prefecture test, what about the academy test?
If they can’t do anything openly, what about secretly?
An impoverished student without any connections could easily have an "accident," and people would simply sigh with regret without investigating why the accident happened.
Meng Yao’s stern words made Zhao Dahe ponder.
"Mother, I..." Zhao Dahe felt a bit ashamed.
"You’re always smart; I trust once you calm down, you’ll know how to proceed in the future." Meng Yao took a deep breath, "You’ve had a long day too, better rest early."
Zhao Dahe murmured assent and turned to return to his room.
Meng Yao stood in the courtyard for a while before turning back inside. With what happened with the Li Family, she knew she couldn’t remain idle either. As Zhao Dahe worked hard, she must also exert effort.