Meng Yao politely declined the County Magistrate’s kind offer, "The children said they want me to join them for dinner when I get back."
"Well, then I won’t keep Madam Zhao any longer. During the exams, if you encounter any trouble that’s not due to a mistake on your side, I can make decisions on your behalf," said the County Magistrate.
"Thank you very much, County Magistrate," Meng Yao replied courteously.
Ren Zi’an looked at Meng Yao reluctantly, so Meng Yao had to say, "After your second brother finishes the exam, if the County Magistrate agrees, I’ll come back to get you."
Ren Zi’an then broke into a smile, "Mother, I’ll wait for you. During second brother’s exams, if you have time, you can also come to see me."
"Alright," Meng Yao agreed.
Apu escorted Meng Yao out the door as Ren Zi’an was already recounting the recent days’ life at the Zhao Family to the County Magistrate.
With animated gestures, anyone could tell that Ren Zi’an was genuinely happy.
Ren Zi’an’s happiness also made Ren Zhong happy. Ren Zhong only had one son, and his greatest wish was for him to be happy. Unable to resist his son’s wishes, he sent him to the Zhao Family as a temporary solution. Now, it seemed that staying there long-term might not be a bad idea.
Although Madam Meng was a rural woman, from what her son described, it was evident that she was not a simple countryside woman.
She was wise and instructive.
"Master, how can life in the countryside be better than in the county town? The young master is ultimately wronged by staying in the countryside," Apu said with a bitter face.
"I don’t think so. Apu, haven’t you noticed how happy Zi’an is?" Ren Zhong said.
"The young master is still young, and naturally happy with someone to play with. Master, what concerns this servant is that the young master might be influenced and, in the future, used by those with hidden motives, which would restrain you," Apu expressed his worry.
If that family took advantage of this opportunity to win over the young master, it could become a future hidden threat.
If they acted recklessly using the master’s reputation, it would damage their family’s reputation as well.
Ren Zhong was silent, as Apu’s concerns were not unfounded.
However, Ren Zhong quickly dismissed this thought, "Apu, let’s not bring this up again. I’ve long been accustomed to the warmth and coldness of human relationships, and in terms of assessing people, I still have confidence. Madam Zhao is not such a person!"
Although Ren Zi’an was young, he was intelligent from a young age.
He understood everything that Apu said.
Therefore, he was very angry.
"Apu, I won’t allow you to speak about mother !" Ren Zi’an growled like a little beast, "Father sent the silver, but mother didn’t use it. Moreover, mother doesn’t just play with me every day. I have to do my homework daily with my brothers and sisters, and exercise. Father, mother even taught me boxing, and praised me for doing well. I’ll show you!"
Ren Zi’an demonstrated earnestly, showcasing the military boxing that Meng Yao taught him.
Ren Zhong also had some knowledge of boxing, seeing the intricacies as an insider, while outsiders would only find it entertaining.
Although his son’s moves were immature, Ren Zhong still recognized the brilliance of the form, particularly its powerful close-range effectiveness.
Truly, Madam Zhao was no ordinary person.
Ren Zhong had no intention of probing into Meng Yao’s past, but his inner evaluation of her increased significantly.
"Father, how did I do?" Ren Zi’an eagerly asked after completing his routine.
"Very good," Ren Zhong praised.
"Mother also said I was good, and that if I practice every day, I’ll definitely become a great general in the future," Ren Zi’an said happily.
"Oh? You want to be a military general in the future?" Ren Zhong asked.
Ren Zi’an hesitated, "Isn’t that allowed, Father?"
Ren Zhong pursued the path of a civil servant, and although he hadn’t planned his son’s future, subconsciously, he didn’t want his son to become a military general. After all, the battlefield is full of dangers, and a slight misstep could lead to injury, or worse, losing one’s life.
He had only one son, and frankly speaking, couldn’t bear the thought.
However, Ren Zhong did not want to dampen Ren Zi’an’s enthusiasm, "Of course not. But to become a great general, you can’t just know how to box. You must practice the sword, spear, and other weapons. It will be very tough! Moreover, a general can’t be a brute; they must study military tactics."
"Mother also told me that, so I’m studying military tactics with brother Xiaoshu. Mother told us many stories about great generals!" Ren Zi’an said with a bit of pride.
Ren Zhong slightly opened his mouth; Madam Meng even knew military tactics?
Meng Yao: No, no, no, she didn’t understand them; she just memorized and recited them, then told them stories about the Three Kingdoms.
Was she really just a rural woman?
But from what he had someone investigate, Madam Meng did indeed grow up in the Meng Family in Shanghua Village of Fengyang Town.
As for her background, although it was intriguing, Ren Zhong felt it didn’t affect Madam Meng.
"Father, can you bring mother to live with us?" Ren Zi’an asked Ren Zhong eagerly.
Ren Zhong returned to his senses, "Zi’an, do you really like her?"
Ren Zi’an nodded vigorously, "I like her."
Ren Zhong pondered, he had sworn never to remarry, which was a promise to his late wife.
Due to his awkward status, he married late, and his wife had poor health. He was even prepared to adopt a child from a collateral line. But his wife insisted on giving him a child despite the hardships, and eventually, she became pregnant.
During the pregnancy, he was constantly anxious, but fortunately, everything turned out well.
He thought that heaven had finally shown compassion, compensating him.
However, when his wife was in labor with Zi’an, she had complications. He insisted on saving the mother, but his wife begged him to save the child, saying she knew her health well, and even if she survived, she couldn’t always be with him. She hoped their child could accompany him for a long time.
He endured the heartbreak and agreed with his wife’s wish.
At the same time, he made the decision never to marry again.
But now, Zi’an needed a motherly figure, and Madam Meng was a widow with many children. Perhaps, he could make a deal with her?
He would help support her family, finance the children’s education, and provide her with security.
In exchange, she would give Zi’an motherly love.
Ren Zhong patted Ren Zi’an’s head, "This matter, I have to discuss with her. If she agrees, I will bring her back. How about that?"
Ren Zi’an’s eyes sparkled, "Father, you’re not lying?"
"Not lying, as long as your mother agrees," Ren Zhong said firmly.
Apu was stunned with his mouth wide open.
After the lady passed, many people tried to propose matches for the master, although their statuses might not have matched their master’s, they were at least young maidens, youthful and gentle.
That Madam Meng, not that there was anything wrong with her, but he still felt she wasn’t worthy of the master.
When Meng Yao stepped into the inn, she sneezed several times forcefully. Even though she quickly covered her mouth with a handkerchief, the sound was quite impactful, attracting the attention of many.
Meng Yao awkwardly smiled and hurried upstairs.
Meanwhile, Zhao Ting, with a full beard, was also sneezing repeatedly. He rubbed his nose, wondering if those who were tailing him hadn’t given up and were cursing him behind his back.
Should he consider changing his appearance? With this full beard, he not only got rice stuck in it while eating, but even sneezed spit all over, which was quite disgusting.