Capítulo 1315: Chapter 1315: Lady Jiang’s Thoughts

Wang Yongfu had never seen such a scene before; if it were before, he would definitely have been anxiously wringing his hands.

But after sitting down with business over the past year or two, he knew more than before. Plus, ever since Song Chongjin became a Graduate, their family’s status in Qilidun had risen significantly.

Now in the village, who wouldn’t give their family some face? Even when the Lizheng saw him, he had to politely greet him as Brother Yongfu.

Only the Wang Family Patriarch, being an elder and all—

The Wang Family Brothers were naturally not anxious; after all, this County Magistrate was theirs, and they would certainly be included in the welcoming entourage.

Regardless of those few Clan Leaders bickering on the side, they simply pulled the messenger aside and asked, “Where is this Chicheng County?”

Wang Laosan complained, “Why didn’t the Emperor just appoint our brother-in-law as the County Magistrate of Jing County—”

The messenger hurriedly explained the principle that officials have to be appointed to other places.

It was lively at the front.

In the backyard, Lady Jiang and Liu Xiaoqiao had already prepared red sugar eggs, looking at each other still somewhat startled.

After a while, Liu Xiaoqiao softly said, “Third Sister-in-law, do you think our brother-in-law really became an official? From now on, we are relatives of the County Magistrate?”

Lady Jiang felt like she was in a cloud at the moment, but after all, she knew more than Liu Xiaoqiao. Before her mother passed away, her father used to coax her mother into earnestly making money to support him, always promising.

He said that after becoming a Graduate, life would get better, and when he became a Scholar, he would qualify to be an official. If luck was on his side, he might be appointed as a County Magistrate, and then their family’s good days would come.

He said that then they would be the family of officials, standing a cut above others, and so on.

He even coaxed her mother by saying he would earn her a Grant, make her the wife of a County Magistrate, admired by everyone while wearing gold and silver.

He charmed her mother into a trance, willingly supporting the whole family with her flesh and blood.

Therefore, hearing Song Chongjin was appointed as County Magistrate, Lady Jiang was more emotional than Liu Xiaoqiao.

It’s said that when one person achieves the Dao, even the chickens and dogs ascend to heaven.

If Song Chongjin, their brother-in-law, truly became a County Magistrate, their family’s good days have arrived.

Thinking so, a deep joy appeared on Lady Jiang’s face.

She thought far ahead; now that the head of the family, Wang Laosan, is eager to cultivate two more scholars.

Jinshao is still young, so let it be, but Jinpan had already been praised several times by the private school teacher. With this uncle Song Chongjin ahead, Jinpan’s path would presumably be much smoother.

Then looking down at Jinhua beside her, she was already of marriageable age. Over the past six months, since Song Chongjin became a Graduate, many had come to propose to her.

All were families with decent backgrounds and good reputations. Their children were either capable or scholarly.

She had thought about settling Jinhua’s marriage soon, but never imagined that now that their family would be relatives of a County Magistrate, the previous suitors became less suitable.

She feared that Jinhua might have even better prospects in the future, perhaps marrying into a better family.

Lady Jiang and Liu Xiaoqiao’s thoughts were naturally unknown to the men in front.

Several Clan Leaders were red-faced, arguing fiercely, almost to the point of fighting. Eventually, the Lizheng, to keep the peace, decided that all three Clan Leaders would go, along with him and the three Wang Family Brothers, making seven. After thinking it over, good things come in pairs, he secretly wished to include his own son to leave a good impression on Song Chongjin.

But after pondering, he did not open his mouth and instead selected Jinguan.

A total of eight people, after tidying up, were to follow the messenger to the town to welcome Song Chongjin and his party back home.

The messenger, surrounded by the Wang Family Brothers, was parched from speaking but endured for the promised reward.

Finally, as they were about to set off, he sighed with relief.

The Wang Family, being long-time business folks, were naturally smooth operators. After briefly retreating indoors, Wang Yongfu handed the messenger a purse, saying it was to share in the joy.

The messenger felt a hard little piece inside, realizing it wasn’t Copper Coins but Silver.

Judging by the size, it was at least two taels.

In Shiqiao Town, this was considered a generous gift.

The messenger was elated, smiling broadly, thinking that this Lord Song’s in-laws were indeed considerate and generous.

After tidying up, they brought out the Wang Family’s carriage, surrounded by layers of villagers outside the Wang Family’s compound.

As they came out, everyone began chatting noisily.

“Brother Yongfu, did Master Graduate Song truly become the County Magistrate?”

“Brother Yonggui, your family is really prosperous now!”

“Brother Yongping, we are brothers. If any good things come up, remember your brother—”

“Lizheng, are you going to welcome the County Magistrate back? This is a huge celebration for the whole village; we must go too—”

…

The noise was like a boiling pot of porridge.

Ultimately, the Lizheng, with some authority, managed to smooth over the situation with a mix of cajoling and intimidating until the crowd dispersed, and then hurried towards the town.

Though Lizheng and his group left, the villagers were reluctant to disperse.

With Song Chongjin becoming the County Magistrate, such a happy event was something they wanted to partake in.

The women who got along well with the Wang Family started slipping into the Wang Family compound, seeking Lady Jiang and Liu Xiaoqiao to understand the situation better and gain some insight.

How would Lady Jiang and Liu Xiaoqiao know what was going on? How did he pass the exams?

Under questioning, they could only reply vaguely.

People came asking in waves, and Lady Jiang and Liu Xiaoqiao couldn’t hold them all back, until Liu Xiaoqiao, looking at the sky, came to her senses.

When they bring people home, they need to have accommodations ready; the courtyard behind, as well as the neighboring courtyard, must be prepared for them.

Otherwise, the family would return merrily, only to find that the living arrangements were unprepared, which would surely offend them.

Liu Xiaoqiao was more decisive than Lady Jiang and could spare their face when necessary, saying they needed to tidy up the house and were too busy to entertain neighbors, but would invite everyone once the County Magistrate returned.

Those quick to take the hint offered to help tidy up.

Liu Xiaoqiao decided to accept help from two diligent and clean women who were close to the Wang Family, gently escorting others out.

With four or five people, they first carried out the bedding to air, and then swept and dusted the windows and tables.

Being nimble, they quickly tidied up the house.

The two courtyards, usually tidied by Lady Jiang and Liu Xiaoqiao every ten days or so, were not dirty, just needed the dust blown away, windows opened, front and back aired out.

As they worked, the two women made cheerful conversations.

Over the past year, Jinhua had enough to eat and adequate nutrition, and had grown taller.

She had gained weight, her hair had darkened, and her complexion improved, showing the grace of a young maiden.

Additionally, since Lady Jiang intended to find her a marriage match, Jinhua had been confined at home to do some chores or help organize collected mountain goods and no longer had to work in the fields.

With adequate food and clothing, her skin turned fairer, and wearing clean, unpatched clothes, she was already a standout girl in Qilidun.

On occasional outings, when she encountered boys of similar age, each looked at Jinhua with reddened faces, barely daring to say a word.

At this moment, Jinhua, knowing that Song Chongjin and the others were returning, was also pleased.

She knew Wang Yongzhu liked jasmine flowers to be placed in the house, so she brought back some jasmine bloom with green leaves from the old house, adding a lot of color to the house.

The two women watching Jinhua had their eyes brightened, “I say, Yonggui’s wife, your Jinhua has become more charming now, she must be quite the young lady.”

“That’s right, I remember she’s turning eleven this year, and will be twelve next year, right? It’s time to discuss marriage for her.”

Lady Jiang replied, “It’s not as easy to settle on a match now.”

“Why is it not easy to decide?”

“Because now, she’s no longer what she was before,” Lady Jiang said. “Speaking of which, she’s the County Magistrate Madam’s niece, after all, deserving a proper match.”

“””