Chapter 33: Romantic Encounter
Father leaned shyly and timidly into Mother’s embrace…

Jiang Qingshi did not particularly enjoy currying favor with the powerful and influential, but he was well aware that if he were to pursue an official career in the future, he would inevitably have to interact with such people and situations. He could not afford to be a bookworm isolated from the world. Seeing the sincerity in Wei Fengling’s eyes, Jiang Qingshi felt moved. Over the past few days, Wei Fengling had taken good care of him. Despite the significant difference in their social status, Wei Fengling had never acted with the arrogance of a wealthy young master.

Coincidentally, he had not told Guilan exactly when his exams would end. Returning a day later, he thought, would not worry her.

Wei Fengling was overjoyed to see Jiang Qingshi agree. He hastily ordered a servant to pack Jiang Qingshi’s belongings and invited him to ride in the carriage back to the Wei residence.

Upon entering the Wei estate, Jiang Qingshi realized how narrow his worldview had been. Without the guidance of the servants, he felt he would have gotten lost. The estate was adorned with layered pavilions, carved railings, and jade inlays. Though it lacked the refined elegance often associated with scholars, every corner bore traces of extravagant spending. Despite his humble demeanor, Jiang Qingshi harbored a quiet pride within. At that moment, his palms grew slightly sweaty, yet his expression remained composed, unwilling to let others detect his unease.

The servant led Jiang Qingshi to the guest room, where a meal and hot water had already been prepared. A fair-faced maid presented him with a set of brand-new clothes.

“Young Master Jiang,” she said, “our young master mentioned that you must be weary from your journey and specifically instructed us to ensure you freshen up before attending the banquet.”

With a quick glance, Jiang Qingshi could tell the clothing was of considerable value. Though Wei Fengling appeared carefree, he was surprisingly thoughtful. Not only had he arranged for new clothes, but he had also carefully chosen his words to preserve Jiang Qingshi’s dignity.

In truth, such precautions were unnecessary. Jiang Qingshi was not one to mistake kindness for condescension. While he valued his pride as a scholar, he was not overly sensitive or fragile.

After bathing and changing, dusk had begun to settle. Jiang Qingshi stood before the mirror and saw a man in a blue round-collar robe, his posture as straight as a slender bamboo. Though he appeared somewhat lean, he carried an air of innate integrity. Jiang Qingshi glanced briefly and looked away, knowing deep down that this was merely a borrowed moment in time. The road ahead was long, and he must not lose himself in such fleeting illusions.

As he stepped out, he saw the courtyard illuminated with lanterns. The evening breeze rustled, causing the Octagonal Lanterns to sway gently. The wind lifted the wide sleeves of Jiang Qingshi’s robe. A maid holding a lantern waited at the door, her face lighting up with admiration at the sight of him. “Young Master Jiang,” she said, “our young master asked me to escort you.”

Jiang Qingshi’s expression remained unreadable as he gave a slight nod. The maid did not dare delay and led the way with her lantern. Following her, Jiang Qingshi passed through an arched gate when suddenly, laughter and playful shouts echoed. Two figures, one in pink and the other in green, came running toward him. The one in pink collided directly into him. Frowning, Jiang Qingshi reached out to steady her, then immediately released his hold and stepped several paces back.

The young woman, realizing her carelessness, hurriedly covered her face with her round fan. When she saw that the person who had steadied her was a man, she lifted her head, about to scold him, but her words caught in her throat as her eyes fell upon Jiang Qingshi’s face.

Seeing the woman shielding her face with a round fan and glaring at him with evident annoyance, Jiang Qingshi instinctively recoiled further. Judging by her attire, she appeared to be a wealthy young lady, and the arrogance in her eyes suggested he ought to tread carefully.

“Are you alright, miss?”

The young woman in pink suddenly flushed, shaking her head rapidly behind her fan before lowering her gaze and darting away.

Her maid in green, who had been accompanying her, hastily scurried after her.

Jiang Qingshi paid no mind to this minor incident. Following the maid’s guidance, he arrived at the banquet where Wei Fengling introduced him to the county magistrate. Amid the lively atmosphere, Jiang Qingshi sipped a few cups of wine. His alcohol tolerance was poor, and after several rounds, he was already feeling unsteady.

Yet, accustomed to maintaining composure, he sat upright despite his intoxication, careful not to let others notice anything amiss.

Wei Fengling, observing the faint blush on Jiang Qingshi’s cheeks, knew he was drunk. Just then, a servant hurried over with a message for Wei Fengling. After hearing it, Wei Fengling instructed the servant to support Jiang Qingshi and escort him back to his room. Not entirely at ease, Wei Fengling decided to accompany them.

Though dizzy, Jiang Qingshi still refused the servant’s assistance, but his steps were already unsteady. He wondered if he was hallucinating—how else could he possibly be seeing his Guilan?

“Husband, how did you end up drinking like this?”

Lin Guilan stepped forward, directly taking Jiang Qingshi into her arms. She offered an apologetic smile to Wei Fengling beside them. “Young Master Wei, I’m sorry for the trouble.”

“It’s no trouble at all,” Wei Fengling waved it off cheerfully. “Nian Chen’s genuine nature only makes me feel we’re even more alike. And this must be Miao Ge’er, right?”

Jiang Zhimiao, unexpectedly addressed, gazed at the lavishly adorned uncle before him and nodded obediently.

“Come here, let uncle hold you.”

Wei Fengling’s hand, adorned with thumb rings, reached out and lifted the small Jiang Zhimiao. Once hoisted up, Jiang Zhimiao’s dark eyes couldn’t help but fixate on the colorful array on Wei Fengling’s hand. It wasn’t due to any lack of exposure—those gems were simply too large and dazzling!

Noticing Jiang Zhimiao’s fascination with his thumb rings, Wei Fengling assumed the child liked them and casually slipped off a handful of the hefty rings, stuffing them into Jiang Zhimiao’s tiny palm.

“Miao Ge’er, do you like these? Here, you can play with them!”

Jiang Zhimiao: …

Heavens! What kind of sudden fortune is this!

Lin Guilan was equally stunned and hurriedly pushed the solid handful of rings back toward Wei Fengling. “Young Master Wei, these are far too precious. Miao Ge’er is just a little child, barely bigger than a palm—how could he possibly handle such things?”

“They’re nothing rare,” Wei Fengling dismissed with a nonchalant expression. Seeing Lin Guilan’s firm resolve, he insisted on pressing a smaller one into Jiang Zhimiao’s hand. “This small one isn’t worth much. Let the child play with it. Sister-in-law, please don’t refuse—we shouldn’t be so formal with each other, right?”

Sister-in-law?

Lin Guilan glanced at her dazed husband. When had her husband become so close with the son of the richest man in town?

That small thumb ring was quite valuable too. Lin Guilan wanted to return it, but Wei Fengling had already set Jiang Zhimiao down and agilely leaped several steps away: “Sister-in-law, I’ll have the servants take you both back to your room to rest. Tomorrow they’ll escort you out of the estate. Until we meet again!”

“Wait!”

Wei Fengling turned his head but remained cautious, fearing Lin Guilan might try to return the thumb ring to him!

Lin Guilan gritted her teeth. She had been hesitating whether to speak, but she wasn’t the type to keep words bottled up, so she blurted everything out: “Young Master Wei, last time you sent our family so many fine gifts. Although we’re country folk, we may be poor but our spirits aren’t weak. I don’t want to take advantage of your generosity. I’m just a farmer’s wife, not as clever as city folk, but I happen to be skilled at making pastries and tea drinks. Today I didn’t set up my stall, instead I specially prepared some things to bring for Young Master Wei. But when I entered the Wei estate, I saw how magnificent everything was. At first I worried my gifts might seem shabby, but then I remembered my husband often tells me ‘the gift may be small, but the affection is great’. After all, this represents our family’s feelings toward you. I’ve already given the items to your household staff. I hope you won’t think poorly of them. But now you’ve given Miao Ge’er such an expensive gift – we owe you even more now.”

Wei Fengling hadn’t expected Lin Guilan to say such things. He was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter: “Sister-in-law, my family wasn’t always wealthy either. Our ancestors accumulated their fortune by running small market stalls. Actually, what you mentioned earlier was just a simple gesture for me – I even had my servants handle most of it. But today, sister-in-law, you’ve genuinely been thinking of me. Well then, you two are truly sincere people. I’ll go taste what you’ve made right now!”

Before Lin Guilan could respond, Wei Fengling had vanished like a wisp of smoke. Lin Guilan sighed and looked down at Jiang Zhimiao, who was holding the glittering golden thumb ring, unconsciously swallowing hard.

But under his mother’s stern gaze, he obediently extended his small hand and voluntarily surrendered the treasure.

Lin Guilan couldn’t help but chuckle, her deliberately stern expression softening.

“Alright, you can keep it for now. We’ll find an opportunity to return it to Uncle Wei later.”

Jiang Zhimiao nodded eagerly like a pecking chick, carefully tucking the golden ring into his clothing. Though he knew his parents’ nature meant they would definitely return it to Wei Fengling eventually, this Young Master Wei was truly a generous and good man!

“Wife…”

Jiang Qingshi’s hair was disheveled, his cheeks flushed red. His long eyelashes fluttered as he slowly lifted his eyes to look at Lin Guilan. Jiang Qingshi normally never drank alcohol – partly because it wasn’t his habit, and partly because the family couldn’t afford to buy wine.

The last time Lin Guilan had seen her husband drink was on their wedding night. One cup of wedding wine hadn’t affected her, instead making her more nervous, but her husband had immediately developed rosy cheeks and slowly raised his eyes to look at her, his gaze already showing signs of intoxication. That single glance had instantly imprinted itself on the rest of her life.

Impulsively, she had embraced her husband, and together they had fallen into the Red Phoenix Perfumed Curtains…

“Husband, you know how poorly you handle alcohol, yet you still drank.” Lin Guilan teased quietly, “If I hadn’t come today, you would have embarrassed yourself again.”

The servants of the Wei residence were quite perceptive. Seeing Lin Guilan standing motionless, they thought to themselves that this woman, with her slender arms and legs, surely couldn’t manage her tall and long-limbed husband. Two servants exchanged glances and were about to step forward to help…

Suddenly, Lin Guilan simply bent her knees and, with a swift motion, scooped up Jiang Qingshi, who was a head taller than her, into a horizontal carry. At the same time, she turned her head back with a dashing flair.

“Miao Ge’er, keep up!”

Not to mention those two servants, even Jiang Zhimiao rubbed his eyes hard in disbelief.

Was he hallucinating?

Did he just see his mother princess-carry his father?

Mom, did you pick up the wrong script?

Jiang Qingshi, who had been muddled by the alcohol, suddenly felt his feet leave the ground. He slowly lifted his gaze, and what he saw startled him… Was he so drunk that he was hallucinating? Why did it look like his feet were floating in mid-air!

Jiang Qingshi rubbed his eyes and only then realized that his entire body seemed to be off the ground.

He tilted his head and caught sight of Lin Guilan’s delicate profile. It was then that he realized he had actually been picked up by his wife!

In front of everyone…

“Guilan…” Jiang Qingshi’s voice carried a hint of barely noticeable awkwardness. “We’re in someone else’s home. This isn’t very appropriate. Put me down…”

“What’s the big deal?” Lin Guilan, who was always straightforward, gave Jiang Qingshi a puzzled look. “Husband, I know your alcohol tolerance all too well. Look at you, you’re already stumbling when you walk. Don’t try to act tough in front of me.”

Jiang Qingshi chuckled helplessly, then obediently… wrapped his arms around Lin Guilan’s neck.

Well, what was a grown man being so fussy about?

Having such a wife was truly his blessing!

Jiang Zhimiao trotted along behind on his short little legs, feeling for the first time that his parents were the true love, and he was just an accident…

He watched clearly as his father, cheeks flushed and face tinged with shyness, wrapped his arms around his mother’s neck and then slowly nestled into her embrace…

Jiang Zhimiao also rubbed his eyes hard.

Had his father completely given up resisting?

My delicate, fragile father and my bold, domineering mother?

If he wrote a story like this, he wondered if it would sell…

The next day, Jiang Qingshi had already sobered up. Looking at the exquisite robe he wore and the antique furnishings around him, he felt a momentary daze. No wonder everyone yearned for a life of luxury—such wealth and opulence truly could intoxicate a person. He had only spent a single day in the Wei residence, yet he already felt as if he had been tainted by the seductive allure of this extravagant household.

“Young Master Wei truly prepared everything meticulously.”

Lin Guilan had never seen Jiang Qingshi like this before. The most properly dressed he had ever been was during their wedding. Although the clothes back then were newly made, the fabric couldn’t compare to the one Young Master Wei had prepared for Jiang Qingshi. Wearing this outfit, her husband truly resembled the elegant young masters from those storybooks.

“Indeed, my dear. This day feels like stolen time to me,” Jiang Qingshi said, snapping out of his reverie. “Although the wealth and luxury here are pleasant, they can never compare to the stability and comfort of our humble home. Come, my dear, let’s return to our own home.”

“Mhm!” Seeing her husband constantly cherishing their little family of three, Lin Guilan didn’t say it aloud but felt immensely pleased in her heart. “This Young Master Wei treats our family exceptionally well. Since we have nothing worthy to gift him, I brought some homemade snacks. But upon entering the Wei residence, I realized how magnificent it is—even the imperial palace might not surpass it! I almost felt too embarrassed to present my humble offerings, but then I thought, since I’ve already brought them, why hesitate? It’s the thought that counts!”

Jiang Qingshi nodded. “Though I haven’t interacted much with Young Master Wei, I’ve observed that despite his… flamboyant attire, he’s genuinely sincere. It goes to show appearances can be deceiving.”

“Mhm…”

Lin Guilan felt it improper to gossip behind others’ backs, but her husband’s description was so accurate she unconsciously lowered her voice.

“Husband, the first time I saw Young Master Wei, I was startled. Though he’s a man, he resembled a walking Eight Treasures Box—from afar, he looked like a strutting, colorful rooster. But he’s truly kind-hearted! He even gave Miao Ge’er such an expensive gift and refused to take it back no matter how I insisted…”

“Nian Chen, sister-in-law!”

Lin Guilan jumped in fright. Speak of the devil! Had they been caught gossiping so quickly? Did Young Master Wei have eyes and ears everywhere?

Unable to mask her guilt well, Lin Guilan stiffened nervously as Wei Fengling—dressed in even more dazzling robes today—bounded toward them enthusiastically.

Ever since Wei Fengling gifted Jiang Zhimiao the gold ring, the boy had genuinely grown fond of this wealthy uncle. If there’d been any pretense initially… it was now entirely sincere!

“Uncle Wei!”

“Aiyah, my dear Miao Ge’er!”

Wei Fengling adored Jiang Zhimiao too. Seeing the toddler waddling toward him, he immediately scooped him up, lifted him high, and couldn’t resist planting a kiss on the child’s chubby cheek.

“How is Miao Ge’er so delightful? Other children are often grubby and noisy, but our Miao Ge’er is just lovable!”

Jiang Zhimiao scratched his head sheepishly, thinking how his mature soul within this childish body certainly had its advantages.

“Brother Wei, we were just preparing to leave.”

Amused by his wife’s guilty expression, Jiang Qingshi stood up, shielding her to give her a moment to compose herself.

“But the gift you gave Miao Ge’er is far too valuable. I’ve been pondering it and feel it’s inappropriate, yet I worried about misplacing it if left unattended. We were about to visit you before departing…”

“Ah, Brother Wei, I’m not here for you.”

Wei Fengling, still holding Jiang Zhimiao with one arm, firmly nudged Jiang Qingshi aside with the other.

Jiang Qingshi staggered in bewilderment.

Why! Why did everyone seem to think they could just push him around!

“Sister-in-law, I came for you.” Wei Fengling fixed his burning gaze on Lin Guilan.

Lin Guilan had never been stared at so intensely by a man before. Combined with her recent gossip about Wei Fengling—and being someone who couldn’t conceal her thoughts—she retreated nervously under his enthusiastic advance.

“Hmm… What brings Young Master Wei to me?” “Yesterday on my way back, I was dragged by some fair-weather friends to drink again…” Wei Fengling scratched his head, “Ended up completely drunk and unconscious, so I didn’t get to eat what you brought, sister-in-law. But after you spoke with me yesterday, I had the servants bring it to my room. This morning, sobered up from the hangover, I saw it right away and, since I was hungry, I opened it and tried some…”

Wei Fengling’s preamble was dragging on too long… Lin Guilan nervously swallowed: “And then?”

“In my life… I’ve never tasted anything so delicious!” Wei Fengling’s face flushed red with excitement, “I tried every single one, and that’s why I rushed here to find you—luckily you hadn’t left yet!”

“Young Master Wei, you flatter me. It’s just some rustic snacks, hardly worth any silver,” Lin Guilan finally breathed a sigh of relief. “If you like them, I can make more for you next time.”

“Not enough!” Wei Fengling grew even more urgent, “Sister-in-law, your food is so delicious—how can you be content with just a small stall at the pier? I have an idea: come open a shop in the county town, and I’ll provide the storefront!”

Lin Guilan was taken aback. Even opening a shop in the town was beyond her wildest dreams, and now Young Master Wei was suggesting she set up in the county town? To her, it sounded like a pipe dream.

Lin Guilan waved her hands repeatedly: “Young Master Wei, how could that be! You’ve already been so kind to our family. I’d prefer to rely on myself and build the shop step by step.”

“Sister-in-law, you misunderstand,” Wei Fengling hurried to explain. “Although Nian Chen and I met during the county exam, don’t forget—I’m no scholar. My family is in business, and though I’m not particularly talented, I manage an entire street of shops. I, Wei Fengling, am no benevolent saint; I’m not offering you a shop out of pity for your family’s situation. Sister-in-law, after all I’ve said, haven’t you realized? It’s truly because your food is so, so, so incredibly delicious! I wish I could eat it every day! And I see a business opportunity in what you make. If you sell in the county town, I guarantee it’ll be a huge success! Though I’d invest initially, it’s not a charity—once you start earning, I’ll take a share of the profits!”

Now Lin Guilan understood. Truth be told, Wei Fengling’s reasoning did make sense. This way, it wouldn’t feel like she was taking advantage of the Wei family… But this was a major decision, and she instinctively glanced at Jiang Qingshi.

Jiang Qingshi looked at Lin Guilan encouragingly: “Wife, follow your heart on this matter. Don’t worry about me. Even if you open a shop in the county town, I can take care of myself at home.”

Jiang Zhimiao also looked at his mother. Though he longed for a better living environment, such important decisions were for his parents to make.

Hearing this, Wei Fengling cut in anxiously: “What kind of talk is that, Nian Chen? If sister-in-law comes to the county town, how could I let you stay home alone in an empty house?”

“Cough, cough, cough…” Jiang Qingshi couldn’t help it; his handsome face turned bright red from coughing. “Brother Wei, after all, you are a scholar—there’s no need to be quite so blunt…”

“Our family has many vacant houses, I can rent them to you at a low price—just pay me back once you start earning!” Wei Fengling waved his hand dismissively. “I know Nian Chen is a man of pride, so I won’t insult you by offering free lodging. But having grown up learning from my father, trust me when I say: if your wife agrees to open a shop in the county town, silver will flow into your pockets like a rushing stream! Moreover, Nian Chen, the prefectural examination and Academy Exam you’ll take later are far more challenging than the county exam. Living closer would make it convenient for you to study at my place! After all, I’ve little hope left for my own prospects—I’d rather wholeheartedly support you, Nian Chen. At least that gives me something to look forward to!”

 

Lin Guilan had initially felt somewhat hesitant, but upon hearing it would benefit Jiang Qingshi, her hesitation vanished instantly: “Alright, then we’ll do as Young Master Wei says! But I also know that without your help, I wouldn’t be able to open this shop even in a donkey’s year. I don’t want to take advantage of you—when we start making money, you should take a larger share! Let’s put it clearly in writing!”

“Fine, all of that can be discussed,” Wei Fengling replied, his mood lifting further now that his goal was achieved. “Then you should hurry home these next couple of days to pack up. I’ll also get the shop and courtyard ready within the next few days. Nian Chen has to take the prefectural examination in April, so we can’t afford any delays!”

All the way back, Lin Guilan still couldn’t believe what had just happened. Was she really going to open a shop in the county town?

Something she had never even dared to dream of before was now about to become a reality?

The ox cart took nearly half a day to return to Fanjiazhuang. The village wasn’t particularly large, but it wasn’t small either—gossip spread quickly, and soon every household would know about any news.

Fanjiazhuang didn’t have many educated people, and Jiang Qingshi was somewhat of an oddity there. The news of him spending over ten days in the county town had already spread throughout the village.

As Jiang Qingshi drove the ox cart back into Fanjiazhuang, he felt like all the villagers were staring at him.

Lin Guilan, holding Jiang Zhimiao, also noticed the unusual glances from those around them, but she paid them little mind. After all, they would be moving away in a couple of days—why bother with these people? Although there wasn’t much to pack at home, they couldn’t just leave without a word. They still needed to say their goodbyes to some of the closer neighbors and friends.

A few elderly women were chatting by the roadside, cracking melon seeds. When they spotted the ox cart approaching from a distance, they immediately stopped their chatter and stared intently at the vehicle. Lin Guilan felt uncomfortable under their gaze but managed a polite smile in their direction.

“Oh, Mrs. Jiang, so your husband is a Scholar now, eh?”

These village women were truly shallow and ignorant. Becoming a Scholar required passing multiple levels of examinations—it wasn’t something easily achieved. But then again, none of them had husbands who were scholars, so it was understandable that they wouldn’t know. If she hadn’t married her husband, she wouldn’t have known how difficult it was to become a Scholar either.

“Aunt Liu, you don’t become a Scholar after just one exam!” Lin Guilan explained with a smile. “There are still the prefectural examination and the Academy Exam to take after that!”

The women couldn’t comprehend such details. They never believed Jiang Qingshi could become a Scholar in the first place and had only asked to mock the couple. Hearing Lin Guilan answer them so earnestly made them find it even more amusing. They exchanged knowing glances, as if their suspicions had been confirmed.

Jiang Zhimiao felt uneasy under the old women’s stares. Even as the ox cart moved farther away, he suddenly overheard their whispered comments.

“That Mrs. Lin must be under some spell cast by that pretty boy…”

“I think so too! In all my years, I’ve never seen a man relying on a woman to support him. That pretty boy from the Jiang family has no shame…”

“Who knows what they’ve been up to all these days in the county town? Thinking they can actually pass the exams—I bet they just went to have fun for a few days, copying city folks, and now they’re putting on airs when they come back…”

“Honestly, both husband and wife are quite good-looking. I heard they also have many connections in the county town…”

Jiang Zhimiao burned with rage upon hearing this. Without questioning how he could hear those gossiping women from such a distance, he broke free from Lin Guilan’s embrace, his small hands gripping the edge of the ox cart as he shouted at the elderly women.

“Don’t you dare speak about my parents like that! You vicious-tongued old hags!”

Jiang Zhimiao’s unexpected roar carried remarkable force, startling the women so badly they dropped the melon seeds they’d been eating all over the ground.

Both Lin Guilan and Jiang Qingshi were taken aback. Lin Guilan quickly pulled her son close. “Miao Ge’er, what’s wrong? How could you hear what they were saying from so far away? While it’s good that you’re speaking clearly now, you shouldn’t casually insult others.”

Jiang Zhimiao glared at the elderly women with reddened eyes until they disappeared from view, then looked up to explain to Lin Guilan.

“I… I can read lips,” Jiang Zhimiao fabricated. “They were saying bad things about father and mother. I won’t let anyone speak ill of my parents!”

To his surprise, Jiang Zhimiao discovered that after that powerful shout, it felt like he had suddenly cleared some internal blockage – his speech had become suddenly clear and fluent.

Having been with Jiang Zhimiao day and night, Lin Guilan was most aware of his changes. Her mouth fell open in astonishment. “Miao Ge’er, you’ve improved tremendously.”

Noticing that his father driving the cart was also looking at him strangely, Jiang Zhimiao suddenly felt he might have been too unrestrained. He mustn’t let his clever father notice anything unusual.

“I…” Jiang Zhimiao deliberately feigned weakness, his eyes misting over. “I… was angry! Won’t let them bully… father and mother!”

Lin Guilan paused momentarily, then held Jiang Zhimiao even tighter.

“Good child, let them say what they want. Anyway, our family is doing better and better – nothing refutes their words more than our continuous improvement! No matter what they say, don’t bother with them. You’re at the age where you’re growing taller. If you stunt your growth because of such trivial matters, your mother would be very sad.”

Jiang Zhimiao lifted his small face and nodded obediently while nestling in Lin Guilan’s embrace.

He definitely needed to behave well in front of mother! But! Next time he’d curse every single one he encountered!

Father and mother were gentlemen, but he, Jiang Zhimiao, was not!

He wouldn’t let anyone slander his parents!

[Due to the host’s recent rapid progress, the [Eavesdropping Ear] skill has been unlocked!]

He had almost forgotten he had a system!

That explained why he could suddenly hear conversations from so far away.

These past few days of accompanying his mother to the county town had made him walk steadily and speak clearly. He hadn’t expected the system to provide additional benefits! This skill seemed quite useful sometimes – at least he could hear when people spoke ill of his father and mother!

Moreover, the system only mentioned unlocking the [Eavesdropping Ear] skill, without mentioning that his sudden fluency in speech was due to the system.

So that meant his speaking ability was truly his own achievement?

Even better! From now on, whenever anyone spoke ill of his father and mother, he, Jiang Zhimiao, would charge forward and give them a proper scolding!

Although quarreling was the lowest form of revenge, he was still too young now. Once he grew up, he would definitely not let those people off! For now, he’d vent his frustrations by cursing them out.

“Miao Ge’er knows how to stand up for us now,” Jiang Qingshi said with a smile in his voice. “It shows our Miao Ge’er is a filial child.”

“Of course, our Miao Ge’er is the most sensible,” Lin Guilan affectionately patted Jiang Zhimiao’s head. “Although I feel terribly indebted to Young Master Wei for all his help, moving to the county town really is better for your father’s and Miao Ge’er’s future.”

Jiang Zhimiao obediently nodded. In front of his parents, he always put on a docile appearance, determined to maintain his good child persona to the end!

“As long as our Miao Ge’er is happy in the future, he can do whatever he wants. I won’t force him to study either,” Jiang Qingshi glanced back slightly. “Wasn’t all my hard work meant to give you two a better life?”

Lin Guilan was somewhat surprised, not expecting such words from her husband. She stroked Jiang Zhimiao’s head and looked at her husband’s lean yet sturdy back.

“Yes, as long as our Miao Ge’er is happy.”

After discussing it, Jiang Qingshi and Lin Guilan decided to move to the county town the day after tomorrow. Though they didn’t have many belongings, they needed to take all the things Lin Guilan used for her stall. Lin Guilan was a sentimental person, and having lived alongside their neighbors for so long, she felt quite reluctant to leave.

Watching his father and mother busily preparing, Jiang Zhimiao felt a surge of emotions. Although he didn’t particularly like this place that ostracized his parents, he had lived here since transmigrating, growing from a babbling infant to a child who could run and jump. Reflecting on it, he felt a real sense of accomplishment.

Though he wasn’t even three years old yet, he felt full of energy, probably because of his mature inner self.

Jiang Zhimiao walked through the small bamboo grove beside his home. The lush forest and tall bamboos guided a gentle breeze as he strolled leisurely on his short legs, feeling as though he had transformed into a refined scholar from classical poetry.

Before he knew it, he reached the end of the grove and discovered a small stream beside it. The water gurgled softly, and several women—young and old—were washing clothes on the rocks by the stream, seemingly gathered there to chat. Seeing people there, Jiang Zhimiao thought about heading in another direction.

“Hey, have you all heard about that pretty boy from the Jiang Family?”

Jiang Zhimiao immediately pricked up his ears, whipping his head around and narrowing his eyes dangerously as he stared at them.

“Oh, I heard it from the Jiang Family’s second sister-in-law,” said a young woman who appeared unmarried. “They say Lin Guilan and Third Brother Jiang were secretly involved even before they married, which is why they tied the knot so quickly…”

“Sister Qin, I know you young girls all think Jiang Laosan is handsome, but listen to your elder sister’s advice,” a woman who looked about thirty interjected. “When marrying, you can’t just marry a pretty face. Can good looks put food on the table? Life isn’t sustained by looks. Actually, Lin Guilan’s family was quite well-off—they ran a tofu shop. I heard her brother and sister-in-law treated her well too. They didn’t agree with her marrying that pretty boy from the Jiang Family, but she stubbornly insisted and even ended up falling out with her family over it…”

“Exactly, look at that pretty boy from the Jiang Family—does nothing all day but read those useless books, putting on airs to take exams in the county town, yet he still hasn’t managed to earn even a Scholar title,” another woman chimed in. “I heard from the Jiang second son’s wife that Jiang Laosan was kicked out precisely because he was a freeloader. The Jiang Family had been worrying about how they’d support him for life, but then along came Lin Guilan, this gullible fool, who snatched him up like treasure in a panic. The Jiangs were only too eager to dump this burden. But this Lin Guilan must be out of her mind—so pretty and capable, yet willingly slaving away to support a grown man like that. Isn’t it shameful? Once a woman’s judgment goes, it’s truly frightening… Ouch! Who’s the blind fool hitting me?”

The woman turned angrily to see a child no bigger than a radish standing behind her, eyes wide and glaring furiously, clutching a handful of small stones.

“Who are…”

“Isn’t that Jiang Laosan and the Lin girl’s child?” An older woman who had been silent spoke up timidly, tugging at the previous speaker’s sleeve. “Changbao’s wife, I’m afraid the child heard what you just said…”

Changbao’s wife shook off the woman’s arm defiantly, fearless.

“Did I say anything wrong? Your father is a kept man—useless and can’t even watch his own child properly. Letting such a little one run around alone, not afraid he’ll get lost… Ouch! Why are you hitting me again?”

“Don’t you dare speak about my parents!” Jiang Zhimiao glared at her angrily. “My father will pass the imperial exams and become an official someday! What do you ignorant women know? All you do is gossip! I’m perfectly healthy and sound-minded—how could I get lost!”

The women exchanged uneasy glances, whispering among themselves.

“If I recall correctly, this Jiang child isn’t even three yet. How can he speak so clearly? He’s more articulate than my five-year-old son…”