Chapter 136: Spring in Houjiawan
The barren hills in Houjiawan back then had been planned in an orderly manner. Most of them had been included in Su Family's forest land. There were also those with an intelligent mind and also some with spare money. They copied the way Su Family planted some flowers and trees. Therefore, the barren hills of Houjiawan were already colorful. From a distance, it looked as beautiful as the red glow in the sky.
"The lotus in the lotus pond is growing very well this year. Now some small buds have emerged. It's estimated to bloom before the Dragon Boat Festival." The supervisor of Houjiawan followed Eldest Miss to the lotus pond at the foot of the mountain. On the one hand as he introduced with great care: "Not long after the ice melted, a new batch of fish larva was thrown in. They are growing very well now. The day before yesterday, I got someone to catch two fish. Just two months in the water, it's now two fingers wide."
Su Family's lotus pond was excavated in the spring of last year. It was previously over ten mu of tidal wasteland located at the foot of Su Family's mountain forest. After Su Family bought it, they dug out four one mu square ponds and a small lake of about ten mu in size. It was used to raise fish and shrimp and grow lotus root.
After a year of muddling through last year, it had been all set up as soon as this spring began. In order to manage this lotus pond, You Jin had specially entrusted Manager Wu to find a few people who can grow lotus root and raise fish when she entered the capital last time. Now there were four families totalling to thirteen people who were responsible for taking care of the lotus pond.
In spring, the warm wind blew over the ponds that were shimmering silver under the sun . The ponds were lined up in two rows along the river in Houjiawan in an orderly manner. The largest pond was used for planting lotus roots, as well as raising grass carp and crucian carp, and carp. The other two ponds were dedicated to raising river prawns.
The remaining two were located at the water inlet of the pond. The water quality was the best and was used to raise the high-priced mandarin fish. Spring was the time to catch mandarin fish. You Jin and others were far away on the hillside when they watched a group of people busying away in the mandarin fish pond.
"Eldest Miss!" When You Jin arrived, the lotus pond's side was pulling out mandarin fish. A group of six or seven men were half submerged in the water and pulling big fishing nets. The women on the shore were busy loading the fishes into the big wooden barrel. Everyone was so occupied that their feet couldn't get any rest. Still, they were organized and efficient.
One of the men surnamed Zhao who was in charge of taking care of the lotus pond noticed Eldest Miss's arrival. He cheerfully greeted her. The rest of the people also put down their work to say hello to Eldest Miss.
"Everyone has worked hard. Supervisor Hou, remember to tell Auntie He to kill a few more chickens in the next two days for everyone to enjoy. After the busy days are over and the workload becomes idle, arrange everyone to have two days off in rotation." You Jin had always been a generous boss. After all, it was heavy work. If one wanted the horse to run fast, one had to feed the horse well.
Houjiawan now had two rows of green brick and tile houses built at the foot of the mountain and by the lotus pond. They were for the servants who sold their body to Su Family and long-term workers to live in.
Auntie He was originally a widow with three children in Houjiawan Village. Since Su Family established their roots here, she had been cooking three meals a day for Su Family's workers in Houjiawan. Not only was her three meals a day were provided, she can get three silver coin a month. It was easier and earned more than farming.
The food for Su Family's workers was much better than that of ordinary people in the countryside. Every second day, they can taste meat. When everyone heard that the boss was empathetic to the subordinates and gave them holidays and added food, their mouths almost grinned all the way to the back of their heads: "Thank you, Eldest Miss!"
Energized, their hands became more active. After talking with the Eldest Miss, the movements of everyone's hands became faster. In a short while, a large bucket of mandarin fish was filled again. The mule cart on the bank already had one bucket. Once this bucket was full, the driver whipped the mule and headed to the city.
Since Su Family's lotus ponds gained benefits last year, many restaurants and restaurants in Luohe prefecture have chosen to import some fish from Su Family. After all, in Luohe Prefecture, only Su Family raised fish and lotus root on a large scale and both the quality and quantity were guaranteed.
You Jin was simply bought a small shop next to the original Sujiaxiang which was now Liu Family's grocery store and passed the management to Liu Family. It was designated as a consignment point for Su Family's future mountain goods.
Currently, Liu Family had long since shut down the noodle stall. Old Man Liu, his wife, his nephew, and his wife's younger brother were responsible for running the two shops. Countless customers came to buy chickens, ducks, vegetables and fruits. Not to mention the large transactions.
You Jin had the heart to help You He, so the profit of the shop was divided into 1:9. At the beginning of the month, the profit of the previous month was given to Liu Family at the beginning of each month. Even the 10% of the month would at least distribute twenty-thirty liang. In the months of important festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, it can still distribute out forty or fifty liang!
Therefore, the life of Liu Family was getting better and better now. Mrs. Liu Qin felt full of energy despite being busy as a bee every day. Toward the daughter-in-law, You He who had given birth to the third generation grandson of Liu Family, she treated her as her own daughter evenmore. No, even better than her own daughter. After all, it was because of marrying her in, their family's life can improve by leaps and bounds!
The parents-in-law were kind. Husband was affectionate with her. The two younger sister-in-laws were also well-behaved and gentle. As for the one-year-old son, he was healthy and adorable. He was too lovable! On top of that, You He's own temperament was generous and polite. Liu Family can be said to be united inside and out. How can the days not be better?
The man who drove the mule cart and pulled the mandarin fish into the city was Mrs. Liu Qin's maternal younger brother. Since he worked with his eldest sister's family, he could get at least two liang salary every month. When there was more, it was four silver liang!
Last year, Qin Da Zhu worked with Eldest Sister for less than a half a year and earned nearly thirty silver liang. Qin Da Zhu was a straightforward person. As soon as the spring arrived this year, he took out all the money he earned last year to rebuild a big and beautiful blue brick house. Now in Qinjia village, who wouldn't be envious when Qin Da Zhu was mentioned!
Thinking of this, Qin Da Yong became even more complacent and worked harder in his work. While humming a little tune that was out of tune, he carefully drove the mule cart. These two big barrels were expensive mandarin fish. He can't cause any bump as it'll be a big loss, if it can't be sold.
After Qin Da Yong drove the mule cart away, the driver of Su Family who was in charge of delivering the goods in Houjiawan was still waiting. Today he will deliver fifty mandarin fish to Juren Liu's home in Luohe Prefecture. Tomorrow it will belong to Lin Family's great master's 60th birthday. Lin Family was going to throw a big banquet. Three days ago, they approached Su Family to make an order for fifty mandarin fish weighing a catty and a half.
Liu Family's shop was only responsible for the delivery of long-term orders and daily retail. Temporary bulk orders like this were delivered to the door by the full-time driver in Houjiawan. This relieved a lot of pressure on the wealthy families' purchasers.
Therefore, as long as the rich families in Luohe Prefecture want to use any ingredients for a banquet, most of them will think of Su Family first. After all, it was convenient!
"This is the last pond of mandarin fish this spring. When the pond opens next time, it will be the shrimp pond next to it in autumn." Supervisor Hou followed the Eldest Miss and told her everything in detail. Su Family's business was getting bigger and bigger. Eldest Miss's schedule was getting busier and busier. Now, she only visits Houjiawan once every ten to fourteen days. Naturally, he had to perform well.
You Jin nodded in understanding. After watching the fishing, she turned to check the growth of the lotus root and talked with the old Uncle Zhang who was in charge of taking care of the lotus pond. Then she ate a few dishes that Auntie He made for her. After a light lunch, she took a nap in the room specially reserved for Su Family in Houjiawan and hid from the hot sun at noon. In the afternoon, she went to the field to check the grain situation. She didn't go back home until the sunset had hid in the horizon.
Back to the female family members of Xiao Family who lived in Su's house. Mrs. Yu and Mrs. Zhao always felt a little guilty for their family of four living and eating for free. Before, they had been helpless because they had no money and no ability to repay Su Family.
When Xiao Lin Feng came to Luohe Prefecture secretly during the New Year, he gave Mrs. Yu all the five thousand silver liang notes he carried with him before leaving. Once Mrs. Yu had the silver, the two sisters-in-law's mind became alive again. After helping with Sujiayan's opening, Mrs. Yu and Mrs. Zhao were having mysterious discussions when they had free time every day. From time to time, they would go to Luohe Prefecture by themselves in a mule cart.
At first, You Jin only thought that the two of them were idle and thought that it would be good for the two of them to go for a walk if they wanted to. She never thought that they would find her after being occupied for more than a month.
"Auntie, please speak slowly. You say you want to open an academy?" You Jin looked at Mrs. Yu and Mrs. Zhao who were sitting opposite her in disbelief: "Why did the two of you suddenly come up with such an idea?"
She can't really be blamed for being shocked. Her impression was that both Mrs. Yu and Mrs. Zhao were good at housekeeping. However, weren't they both ladies who didn't leave home? Why did they suddenly want to go out and open the door to do business? What's more, the amazing idea of opening an academy for females?
Seeing her startled expression, Mrs. Yu covered her lips and chuckled, "An Academy for females aren't uncommon in the capital. Most unmarried girls from wealthy families in the capital want to study in the academy for females. Rather than studying, it is also to broaden the social circle and also to be able to better choose a son-in-law in the future. Like your Elder Sister Lin Ru. Back then, she was the first graduate of their academy."
"The requirement for female can't compare to male. Not every family can afford to hire a female teacher. If we set up a female academy, it will increase the reputation of Su Family in the wealthy circle of Luohe Prefecture as well as being a source of wealth. Don't you think so?" At the beginning, this idea was brought up by Mrs. Zhao. That's why she can explain it logically.
In fact, You Jin didn't object to this from the start. After listening to the two elders' explanations in turns, she supported the two of them to start a career: "Since Aunties have made up your minds, what do you need me to do?"
Actually, she was also selfish. She knew that Xiao Family was a little prideful. If they were to live and eat at home for free, they must have some unpleasantness in their hearts even if they don't say it on the surface. It was better to let the two elders find something to do and distract the two of them.
Seeing that You Jin didn't object, both Mrs. Yu and Mrs. Zhao smiled in delight: "Good child! Auntie knew you would definitely support us!"
They did have a request when they sought You Jin out. After Mrs. Yu smiled, she said with a little embarrassment on her face: "Your Auntie Zhao and I are both official slaves now. If the academy opens, it's not appropriate to let either of us be the academy head once it opens. We were thinking of you..."
Mrs. Yu knew that this idea was a bit inappropriate. After all, You Jin was still young. It wasn't suitable for her to be the academy head. Still, it was better than them, right?
Hearing what Mrs. Yu said, the expression on You Jin's face changed slightly. That's right, the two aunties were currently official slaves. If someone intentionally pulled this out, there might be a big fuss!
Though she thought of this, her expression soon returned to normal. She grinned: "I am still young. No one will stand for me being the academy head. I have a good candidate. She probably won;t reject me. Auntie feel free to go and prepare the rest. All the money needed can be taken from the public fund. I will definitely arrange the candidate for the academy head."
That person wasn't short of money. But if the female academy was completed, her reputation would rise higher. She wouldn't refuse it.
Seeing how confident You Jin was, Mrs. Yu and Mrs. Zhao believed in her. They unrestrainedly prepared all the staff, things, and venues needed for the female academy.
Chapter 137. Academy Head
"Madam, Miss Su had arrived." Inside the yamen of Magistrate Qin, a servant in soap-colored clothes stood outside the door of the moon gate of the backyard and reported to Madam Qin who was sitting in the garden pavilion admiring the flowers. He was followed by You Jin who had handed over a visit request letter the day before yesterday. Today, You Jin wore a moon white round neck double-breasted brocade thin shirt with a light yellow, twig-flower twining skirt. She wore a cloud bun that was accessorized with a pair of magnolia flower hairpins. She remembered that Madam Qin didn't like little girls dressing up in an old fashioned way. Right now was perfect. Graceful without losing the young girl's vigor.
"Su Family's lass is here?" Although Xiao Family introduced Su Family's lass to her family, she really liked this sensible and capable girl later on. Even though Xiao Family fell, Madam Qin was still willing to meet her. Besides, Luohe Prefecture was far away from the emperor, so she had no worry about it.
You Jin walked up until five steps away from Madam Qin before bowing respectfully and greeted: "Long time no see. Is Madam doing well?"
Speaking of which, the last time she saw Madam Qin wasn't long after the Sujiayan opened. Madam Qin had reserved a table at Sujiayan to entertain guests. You Jin specially made an exception and served four of Sujiayan's limited dishes to Madam Qin and let Madam Qin earn enough face among the ladies attending the banquet.
"You lass, you are the most polite!" Madam Qin amusedly chastised. She motioned for You Jin to sit down and talk: "I hosted a banquet last time and haven't thanked you for your great help! It's rare for you to drop by. We can have a good chat together."
You Jin smiled slightly, sat down according to Madam Qin's wishes, and talked with her for a long time before explaining the purpose of today's visit.
"I was saying that you lass are the most sharp-witted. I was thinking that you only came to talk to me because you missed me. Never thought that you came prepared purpose." Madam Qin grinning complained: "You dare to think. I'm just a woman though. How can I be an academy head?"
Although she declined, it would be a lie to say that she wasn't moved. Madam Qin herself was well-educated. So she naturally knew that an academy head was a respectable figure in the cultural circle. If the female academy was successfully established, then she will be the most respectable woman in Luohe Prefecture!
No matter how one put it, Su Family was a family of nouveau riche. A country household that had only made a fortune for a few years. If this matter succeed, fame will naturally follow. But if it fails, then she will be reduced to a laughstock for Luohe Prefecture's noble lady circle, no? Thinking about it this way, it seemed a little uneconomical. She was doing fairly well now. Although those wives from the martial arts family alway wanted to keep away from her, it was better than being stepped on and laughed at in the future, wasn't it?
You Jin also knew that this matter was quite risky. It was understandable that Madam Qin wasn't willing to. It would be a lie to say You Jin wasn't disappointed from being rejected so directly. The smile on her face was slightly dropped. Still, she didn't lose her sense of propriety and responded with a smile: "Madam, please consider it again. I will come to bother Madam in a few days. At that time, I'll ask Madam for a definite answer then?"
Seeing her say this, Madam Qin couldn't outright refuse. So she nodded and agreed, "Sure, then I'll think about it more carefully."
Although she said this, her heart was already settled on refusing. She was just saying this to save everyone's face.
After talking to Madam Qin for a quarter of an hour, You Jin left.
"Madam, isn't what Su Family's Miss said very good? If you become the academy head, Madam's reputation in Luohe Prefecture will definitely go up to a higher level, right?" Madam Qin's attendant watched Su Family's Miss's figure disappeared from the other side of the moon gate before doubtfully asking.
Madam Qin suppressed the smile on her face, picked up the teacup, and took a sip of tea before answering: "Whether this matter can be done or not is another matter. If it succeeds, it's fine. But if it's not, then where will I put my face in the future?"
It was better to maintain the current status quo than to be ridiculed in the future!"
Attendant Qin was a little worried: "But what if Miss Su invites those families' madam to be the academy head?"
Those martial families' madam were Madam's rival. If they were invited to be the academy head, then wouldn't it be a slap to Madam's face?
"Those few are all idiots. If Su You Jin has some brains, she wouldn't do such a thing." Madam Qin still had confidence in this point. Even if she doesn't take this hot potato, it's still impossible for those stupid women to have this opportunity.
Seeing Madam say this, Attendant Qin had nothing to say. This chapter had been turned over to a new page in the Qin Manor.
You Jin also knew that there was no result from Madam Qin's side. So she had to find another method and find another candidate.
"Have to have talented fame and reputation. And have to be willing to take up the post. Who else is there?" Sitting in the carriage, You Jin frowned. Contemplating hard for a long time and there was no better candidate. She closed her eyes and sighed heavily. Alas, life was so difficult!
After thinking about it, You Jin finally had no way. So she asked someone to collect a list of female relatives of all famous and talented wealthy families in Luohe Prefecture. Then she planned to choose the most suitable person from them and request them.
"Miss, why don't you drink a cup of tea and rest." Qiu Fen came in with a cup of thorn rose honey tea. She carefully placed it beside You Jin and persuaded softly: "You have been staring at it for a long time. Be careful of your eyes hurting."
You Jin put down the list, sighed heavily, took a sip of warm tea, and put it down again. She spoke: "It's really hard to choose the candidate!"
In fact, it wasn't that Luohe Prefecture didn't have talented and respectable candidates. She had asked someone to send an invitation. Before she could she the person, she was sent away. After returning from Madam Qin and that old Madam Wei empty-handed, You Jin really felt a little chip to her confidence.
"What have you been up to these two days, lass? Why don't you come to talk to this old lady?" With the support of Xiao Lin Ru, Mrs. Song walked to the door of the parlor with a cane. She cheerfully asked when she saw troubled You Jin: "Could it be that this old woman is annoying?"
When You Jin heard that it was Mrs. Song who came, she stood up at once and walked to the door to stand on Mrs. Song's left. She smilingly replied: "Old Ancestor's words really hurt You Jin. I have been occupied with some matters these last two days. I also heard from Elder Sister Lin Ru that old Ancestor didn't sleep well these two days, so I didn't dare to disturb old Ancestor's peace easily."
Since You Jin changed to addressing Mrs. Yu and others as Aunts, she also followed Xiao Family and called Mrs. Song the same. Now the whole Su Family called her that way. To clueless outsiders, they would assume she was the biological old Madam of Su Family!
As she sat at the top of the parlor with the support of the two children, Qiu Fen perceptively served Mrs. Song's favorite silver needle pekoe. Mrs. Song sat down and waved her hands to make the two children sit down too: "Don't be so rigid. This old lady didn't come to make you uncomfortable."
At her words, You Jin and Xiao Lin Ru looked at each other and smiled. They sat down beside Mrs. Song.
"I heard that you are looking for the female academy's head recently. From the dark circles under your eyes, things aren't going well?" Mrs. Song asked slowly after taking a sip of tea.
Seeing her asking this question, You Jin smiled meekly and admitted her lack of ability: "Currently there are some problems. There are people who are interested, but they aren't willing to take up the position."
In fact, You Jin knew the reason. From the perspective of those families in Louhe Prefecture who have been rich for several generations, Su Family was just a nouveau riche who had just washed their legs and rushed ashore. Especially for those from a scholarly family. That's why they won't join the excitement. One, Su Family had no credit or rank. Two, their ancestors were unknown. Why should they use their good reputation to compensate with Su Family if a loss occurs?
Mrs. Song patted You Jin's hand on the table with a kind smile and said, "Good child, tell old Ancestor which family's noble you have set your eyes on."
Although she had left Luohe Prefecture for nearly twenty years, there was still some affection between the older generation in Luohe Prefecture. Her life had ups and downs. Now in old age, she had nothing to ask for as long as the children lived well. There was no harm in throwing away this old face?
Although You Jin didn't know Mrs. Song's intentions, she still obediently told her favorite candidates: "One is the madam from Magistrate Qin's family. The other is the madam from Luohe Prefecture Fu Academy's Academy Head Wei's family. There's also old Madam Liu from Luohe Prefecture's military cavalry Liu Family. The first two had refused directly."
After listening to You Jin talking about the three candidates, Mrs. Song looked at You Jin with admiration in her eyes: "Child, you have a bold mind and dare to do it. It's just that they aren't stupid. As soon as you step out of their manor, they investigate the details of your background. They are just like the most beautiful peacock and cherish every feather, How can they bet with you on this?"
As soon as You Jin heard this, she gently pulled Mrs. Song's sleeve and begged her like a spoiled child: "Good old Ancestor. I know my words hold no weight but there's no other way. If you have any trick up your sleeve, quickly tell me?"
Mrs. Song's words were direct. She wasn't a fool either. Old Ancestor rarely came out of the east compound house where she lived today to look for her. And she was asking this and that. Meaning there must be some way she can help her get out of her predicament.
"Okay, okay, you lass. You love to pester this old lady more and more, don't you?" Mrs. Song was a little dizzy from being shaken like this and quickly took her hand. She replied: "Since you have seen the first two and they had clearly refused, there is no need for us to put our hot face on their cold buttocks. As for the state cavalry, Liu Family, I will make a trip and see if this old lady's face still has some use!"
"Old Ancestor?!" You Jin and Xiao Lin Ru exclaimed at the same time. Mrs. Song didn't like to go out the most. Since returning to Luohe Prefecture, she had hardly gone out. She didn't even go to Xiao Family's ancestral tomb in Luohe Prefecture. Saying, as the mistress of the family, she didn't do a good job and didn't have the face to see the ancestors of Xiao Family. Now Mrs. Song actually proposed to help You Jin to ask for help!
"Old Ancestor, I can worry about things outside. The most important thing for you now is to take care of your health, otherwise the two uncles can't be at ease in northern Xinjiang, right?" You Jin responded without a second thought and rejected Mrs. Song's idea. She knew that Mrs. Song had always held her head high all her life. How could she make her pull down her face and beg for help because of them young people when she was old? When she rescued them back, she didn't want his family to live their whole life in the shadows of others and looked at other's faces. How could she aggrieve the oldest elderly in the family like this now?
Xiao Lin Ru also had the same thought. Old Ancestor had always been a high-ranking person. How can she pull down her face for Mother and Eldest Aunt's matter? If the Mother and the others knew about it, how would they feel! Although she didn't voice it out, she nervously looked at Mrs. Song, secretly hoping that she would change her mind.
Mrs. Song patted the hands of the two children who were looking at her nervously and said with a smile: "You don't have to act like this. Although this old woman is old, I know what I am saying. You can be reassured. I'll handle the state cavalry's side. I've made up my mind. You two don't need to persuade me anymore."
The boat had set sail. You Jin and Xiao Lin Ru have no choice but to resign to fate and let Mrs. Song go.
Chapter 138 Chapter 138
In the solemn and respectful small Buddhist hall, the sound of wooden fish's 'dongdong' slowly and rhythmically sounded. The curling white smoke in the Buddhist hall made people who walked into this small room immediately smell a thick and reassuring sandalwood scent.
The servant who came to deliver a letter was standing outside the door. Through the pane, he could only see the back of old Madam kneeling on the futon. Unconsciously, he relaxed his movements, for fear that any movement would disturb old Madam's interest in worshiping Buddha.
The attendant standing behind old Madam was the first to spot the servant standing outside with his head poking in. She signaled to the little maid standing nearby before quietly walking out of the Buddhist hall. She led the servant to a distance away from the Buddhist hall to a corner twenty steps away. She lectured in a hushed voice: "You're seeking death? You clearly know that this is the time for old Madam to worship the Buddha. Why aren't you doing your job in the front yard and coming to the backyard instead?"
"Nanny, even if this little one had the guts of a bear, I don't dare to disturb old Madam's peace. But a letter was handed in from the front, saying that it was for old Madam." The servant let out a 'hehe' before apologizing to Attendant Liu. One must know that Attendant Liu had been with old Madam for decades. Even their family's official was brought up by Attendant Liu. Among Liu Manor's servants, her status stood out. Even the misses and young masters in the manor would show some kindness to this attendant when they saw her. Let alone him, a small errand boy from the front yard?
Irked, Attendant Liu patted the kid on the head and said, "You kid, aren't you muddled? You know old Madam doesn't like to see visitors the most. Why do you send whatever cat or dog's letter?" Their old Madam was the most honorable old Madam in Luohe Prefecture. If anyone of any status can see her, she might as well set up a booth outside to tell fortune!
The domestic servant wasn't mad from being patted. He only grinned and apologized: "Attendant, I'm certainly not being muddled. Where could I get the gut to disturb old Madam's peace. The person who handed the letter also handed this in. Saying, old Madam would understand at a glance." While talking, he took out a small red jade fan pendant from his pocket. The middle part of the fan pendant was hollowed out and a small "英" character was engraved on it.
As soon as Attendant Liu saw it, she snatched the red jade fan pendant over, held it in her hand, and looked at it carefully. Although her expression hadn't changed, she still had some doubts in her eyes. The word on this red jade fan pendant was part of old Madam's name. It seemed to be the fan pendant that old Madam loved very much when she was still in her boudoir. She remembered old Madam gave it away later? Could it be that person came back?
Thinking of this, Attendant Liu's eyes changed. She took the letter from the servant who had been smiling apologetically: "Fine. You go now."
Holding the letter and the token, she turned around and entered the Buddhist hall.
"What's the matter?" Although old Madam Liu was reciting Buddha script with her eyes closed, Attendant Liu's movement of exiting and returning didn't escape her.
Seeing that old Madam was about to get up, Attendant Liu hurriedly stuffed the things in her hands to the little maid next to her and stepped forward to help her up. Then the two walked slowly to the couch by the window. Attendant Liu helped her to sit down and took the pagoda flower honey water brought by another little maid. Only then, she brought up the matter just now: "There is a letter from outside for you. This came with the letter."
Seeing the red jade fan pendant that had remained unchanged even though it had been decades, old Madam's calm eyes flickered slightly. She asked, "She is back? It seems that that old thing didn't die in the capital and returned to Luohe Prefecture alive instead." Although she uttered old thing, the joy in old Madam Liu's eyes couldn't be hidden from Attendant Liu.
Attendant Liu, who handed the letter to Madam Liu, was also overjoyed. Old Madam was getting older and the people back then were getting old or gone. If it was truly that old friend returning to Luohe Prefecture , there was still a share of missing and concern even when things were different now. Being able to meet and talk to each other can be regarded as fulfilling a regret from the youth!
Three days later, in Luohe Prefecture's state cavalry Official Liu's manor.
"Honored guest, please this way." The servant of Liu Family bowed his eyebrows respectfully and lowered his hands. He took small steps to lead the way and winding around until he reached the backyard of Liu's manor where a signboard with the words 'Fushou Hall' was hung before stopping. Attendant Liu, who had been ordered by her master, was waiting at the gate of the courtyard long ago.
Seeing the servant bringing someone over, she went up to bow: "I haven't seen you for many years. How are you?"
After the news of Xiao Family's mishap spread to Luohe Prefecture, old Madam sat in the Buddhist hall all night without sleeping. Now seeing that she was fine, Attendant Liu's eyes were red: "Old Madam got up in the morning and coughed. This old servant tried to persuade her to stay in and wait. If not, she would have already come out to welcome you long ago ."
"I haven't seen you for many years, Yu Jia. You have aged a lot." If the person sent the letter in wasn't Mrs. Song, who was it? The two stood outside by the moon gate and chatted a bit. Attendant Liu stepped forward to support Mrs. Song and with a small pause every three steps to the Fushou Hall. Only a few Liu Family's servants were left behind looking at each other. Everyone was at a loss as well as puzzled.
The servant who led the way was still in shock of Attendant Liu's respect for the not-so-luxurious-looking elderly. he heard the visitor call Attendant Liu by her boudoir name. What was up with the nostalgic smile on Attendant Liu's face? While going out, he was thinking about whether he had neglected the distinguished guest when he was leading the way just now. He pondered about it over and over again and was finally sure that he hadn't before breathing out a sigh of relief. If he offended old Madam's distinguished guest, he no longer needed to mingle in Liu Manor.
Back to Fushou Hall. Wearing a deep purple dress with ten thousand blessing patterns and sichuan figured satin headdress inlaid with jade on her forehead, an old woman was sitting on the couch with the help of a maid. When she heard movement outside, she immediately put on her shoes again and stepped on the ground. Just in time for the people who came in from the outside to arrive. The two old friends who had been separated for decades looked at each other speechlessly through a bead curtain.
Attendant Liu knew that old Madam wanted to talk to her old friend at this time, so she signaled the other maids standing in the room. All the servants quietly walked out one after another. Shortly later, only the two of them.
"We've been apart for forty years. Never thought we could meet again here." Standing outside the bead curtain, Mrs. Song spoke first. Sighing slightly as her eyes reddened a little: "Chen Ying, how have you been all these years? "
Old Madam Liu, who was called 'Chen Ying', also had reddened eyes and replied, "No matter how bad it was at the beginning, it's all better now. How has Elder Sister Song been these past few years?" The two sat on the couch. One left, one right, they chatted. As they remembered the youthful years back then, they also lamented how the time flew. The years weren't forgiving.
As for Xiao Lin Ru who accompanied Mrs. Song to Liu's residence today, she was taken to the side hall by Attendant Liu and was served tea and snacks. A maid was left waiting outside the door. Only then, Attendant Liu came back to the corridor outside the main hall, in case old Madam required someone to serve at any time.
Xiao Lin Ru sat in the side hall with restrained clothes and folded hands. She didn't lose her ladylike demeanor at all. Her words and deeds reflect good upbringing. Nor did she look around. This made the servants of Liu Manor very curious. What was the background of these two guests? From their attire, they didn't look like the master of a wealthy family. However, this young woman with a married woman's hairstyle was very dignified. Truly strange!
Back to Mrs. Song and old Madam Liu. Behind closed the door, the two talked for about half an hour. Only then, the wooden door of the main hall can be heard opening from the inside with a squeak. Old Madam Liu and Mrs. Song came out one after the other. .
"I'll trouble you on this matter." Mrs. Song slightly nodded at old Madam Liu. Afterward, she walked out of Liu's manor with her granddaughter who had come to her side to support her.
Old Madam Liu stood in the yard and watched Mrs. Song departed before returning back with the help of a maid to the inner room to rest. Half lying on the couch, she enjoyed the maid gently kneading to her shoulders. She sighed: "I'm old and useless."
The maid knew that old Madam wasn't talking to her, so she didn't respond. She focused on carefully controlling her strength to massage old Madam.
Mrs. Song personally took action. The problem of choosing the academy head was indeed resolved.
The female academy was located in the inner side of the city east in Luohe Prefecture. Not far from Fu Academy and on Jiazi Alley. It covered an area of about five mu. Inside were classrooms, dormitories, canteens, tea rooms, courtyards, and other facilities. All were fully equipped. The main subjects to study were qin, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry and songs. The elective subjects were dance, riding, needlework, tea art, and flower art. Each subject had a full-time teacher. Mrs. Yu, Mrs. Zhao, You Jin, and Third Master Huang worked together for a good few months before finally gathering the famous teachers from Luohe Prefecture and northern Xinjiang before the Dragon Boat Festival.
The opening day of the female academy was set on the fifth day of May.
Although it only opened on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, the recruitment and sending out invitations for the opening day had already started in early April. All the respectable families in Luohe Prefecture received invitations from Erya Female Academy. At the beginning, almost everyone scoffed at it and thought it was nonsense. Later, from an unknown source, there was news that the person who served as the academy head was old Madam Liu from state cavalry Liu Family!
What kind of person was old Madam Liu? The only old Madam in Luohe Prefecture with a third-rank mandated title. After losing her husband thirty years ago, she raised two children by herself. One of them later became the highest-ranking official state cavalry in Luohe Prefecture. She had another son, who was employed in the Hanlin Academy in the capital. Her only daughter married into Junwang Manor and became a Wangfei! If it comes to the most honorable woman in Luohe Prefecture, it was really old Madam Liu.
But old Madam Liu hadn't attended any banquets since five or six years ago. Unforeseen, this little-known Erya Female Academy was able to invite old Madam Liu this time! Although it was unknown if the news was true or not, they all had the intention to send their daughters to Erya Female Academy when hearing this news. After state cavalry Liu Family's three concubine-born daughters signed up, those in Luohe Prefecture who followed the trend were too many to count in an instant. Within three days, 127 people had signed up.
On the fifth day of May, Erya Female Academy officially opened its doors. Early in the morning, young ladies from various families wore uniform dresses with the words 'Erya Female Academy' embroidered on their chest and all arrived at Erya Female Academy in carriages or sedan chairs. One hundred and twenty-seven female students plus Su Family's three sisters(You Yin, You Zhu, You Bao) and You He's two sister-in-laws in Liu Family, it was a total of 132 people. After the preliminary examination on April 27, they were divided into five groups. Today was both the beginning of school and the first day of class.
As for the honorary academy head, old Madam Liu, she also came to Erya Female Academy a quarter of an hour before the auspicious time. Together with Mrs. Song, Mrs. Yu, Mrs. Zhao, and others, old Madam Liu took a small sedan chair to visit the female academy.
After the visit, old Madam Liu went to the class where one of the concubine-born granddaughters was located and said a few words. Slightly tired, she got into the sedan chair with the support of Attendant Liu and went to the female academy hall to meet those parents who came to visit and said a few words before saying goodbye to everyone with a smile. After getting into Liu Manor's carriage, she left.
The parents of those students were a little shocked when they saw old Madam Liu actually appeared. They were even more puzzled when they saw the people from Erya Academy talking and laughing beside old Madam Liu. They were puzzled. Who exactly was Erya Academy's people? They heard that they were just a nouveau riche from the countryside? Why were they so familiar with old Madam Liu? Internally, the parents were half full of doubts and half warning themselves to have a good relationship with the owner behind Erya Academy.