The skilled widow is busy farming

Chapter 16

Grandpa and the others came back. They came specifically to greet his sister-in-law. After saying a few words, Mrs. Zhou brought gifts to the Li family, books and some supplements to her sister-in-law, put down her things and went back.

The Li family observes filial piety and it is inconvenient to invite Mrs. Zhou to dinner.

Xiu Niang rummaged through the box. In addition to supplements, there were also high-quality brocade fabrics, silk threads and other items. They were all very affordable and could be sold for money or given as gifts.

Silk can also be circulated as currency. Pawnshops collect it, and you can pay it back in exchange for things.

"Grandma, this red ginseng is the best for replenishing qi. You, my grandfather, and my parents-in-law should stew it and eat it. It won't be good if you keep it for a long time."

"I'm old and can't eat such nourishing food. You mother-in-law and daughter-in-law should eat it. Your mother-in-law is not in good health either. She has been hit hard enough after this incident."

"I don't want it. I'm fine. Just keep it. You have to eat it. If you don't eat it, I can keep it for my grandson for future use."

How could my mother-in-law be willing to eat such good food and not let Xiu Niang move?

"Okay, you can use it for many times. It's better than nothing."

"Grandpa, my sister-in-law also brought back some books, which the children can use for their studies."

"Don't be in a hurry to donate to the family to learn. It's better to let the water flow slowly. If you give too much in one breath, it will be inappropriate to feed your appetite. You can keep it for my grandson and we will talk about it later."

Grandpa doesn’t agree to donate again. Don’t do it again and again. There is still a long way to go.

"Okay, listen to you."

"Does your sister-in-law have anything else to do when she comes this time?"

"I need to take my parents with them to the capital to support them. My younger brother is going to take the imperial examination the year after next. I will go to the capital early this year to get used to it. My nephew is also a child. It's time to go to the capital to study and make connections. I also need to bring a few brothers from the clan with me. Let’s go to the capital to make arrangements together.”

They all have the same surname, and the sons of the same clan must be supported if they are to succeed. The sons and daughters of the Zhou family have the responsibility to take care of the younger generations. Only by supporting them from generation to generation can the family prosper. The power of one person and a family is too small, and the power of the clan is greater. big.

"That's right. After counting the days, it's almost time to go to the capital. How many achievements will the Zhou family have this year?"

Grandpa asked about this.

The Zhou family is more prosperous than the Li family, even though the Zhou family's eldest brother is a fourth-rank official in the capital, which is a hurdle, and rising from the fifth rank to the fourth rank is a hurdle.

The grades are divided into Cong and Genuine, with one grade lower and one grade higher, which roughly means the grade of genuine and deputy. The eldest brother of the Zhou family is the fourth grade, which also means that he has a bright future and is expected to move up.

Moreover, the elder sister-in-law's maternal uncle is a second-rank official in the capital. The family clan is not far from Zhoujia Village and is also a prominent family. The eldest brother of the Zhou family is so talented and handsome that he can marry his elder sister-in-law.

Xiu Niang stretched out her finger and said: "Counting my brother, a total of six people went to the capital to take the exam. I heard from my father that if three of them entered the rankings, it would be a great victory. It would be great if two of them could take a further step."

"Well, the Zhou family is prosperous."

Grandpa spoke with emotion.

Don't underestimate the two or three people who make it to the list. They are Jinshi and have a serious reputation. If the Zhou family can run it again and become a county magistrate, it will be no problem. This is a bright official career and will support the entire clan.

If there are more clan members who become officials, the road will become wider and wider. Scholars are elected every three years. If you want to become an official, you have to see if there is a carrot pit for you. If not, just wait.

Many Jinshi did not have official positions, so they could only teach and be tutors in noble families, in order to make connections and hope to have the opportunity to pursue an official career. Being an official was not that easy.

Every year there are officials who are transferred back to the capital from other places as candidates. Those with qualifications, experience and connections have to wait, not to mention scholars with nothing.

"What remains is to see if my brother-in-law can seize this opportunity. It will be time for you to go to the capital again next summer. I have already said hello to my sister-in-law."

Brother-in-law Li Heng bowed to Xiu Niang.

"Second sister-in-law, I have made you worry and embarrassed."

"Fool, we are all a family. You have fame and I have face, so I can take advantage of you."

"I'll do my best."

"You are not allowed to go with my brother because you have to mourn for your second brother. You have to stay for a year. People in the noble family are very particular about rules and etiquette. If you are caught wrong, it is a matter of official reputation, so you are allowed to observe the mourning. When you go to Beijing, you can also choose to marry. You don't have to worry about the rest, I will take care of it myself." Xiuniang gradually began to have the say in the family.

"Yes, I listen to my elders and sister-in-law."

Li Heng was noncommittal. With his second brother gone, he would have to take on the responsibilities of the family. Obtaining the honors and being named on the gold medal list was what he had to accomplish.

"Your sister-in-law has worked hard for you. You should know what to do. Don't get involved with a girl with a foreign surname. If you let me know, I will break your legs."

The old man raised his eyes and looked at his grandson.

"Yes. My grandson will keep it in mind."

The Li family was ambitious and had requirements for their children and grandchildren to marry. It was impossible for Li Heng, who was famous and famous, to marry an illiterate peasant woman.

The sister-in-law was able to get in because the conditions were different at the beginning. The eldest brother was not wealthy when he married his wife, and he could not take the official path. When getting married, it is important to be well-matched.

The eldest sister-in-law's family is not considered wealthy, but her parents are upright and polite, and she is not a poor family in the village. The eldest sister-in-law is upright and kind, and she is honest, tolerant and does not care about anything, which is a good quality for an eldest sister-in-law.

There are two brothers in the Li family. As the eldest sister-in-law, she cares about everything and cannot be tolerated. She will not suffer even the slightest loss. There will be fights in the future.

Grandpa and grandma are very picky. After Xiu Niang was married, the relationship between the two of them was very good. The elder sister-in-law did not compete with others and was straightforward and kind. Xiu Niang reciprocated her love and protected her in every way. Private money.

This is two good things combined into one, and character is the key.

Xiuniang handed a set of books in the box to Li Heng, "My sister-in-law gave this to you. You can take it to the house. These notes were also given to you by my elder brother."

"This is so precious. My second sister-in-law would like to say thank you for me."

Li Heng's face was full of surprise. This was something that could not be bought with money. It was the Jinshi Notes that the eldest brother of the Zhou family had found.

"Brother Rui and brother Qun, these belong to you two. Brother Rui, take your brother to study."

"Yes, thank you, second aunt."

"Be good, keep an eye on your brother for me."

Li Rui nodded vigorously.

"Qing'er, this is yours. I brought you a piano and asked grandma to teach you."

"It's great. Wow, it's so beautiful. Look, Mom, Aunt Zhou gave it to me."

Li Qing hugged Qin happily, like a baby bump.

"Put it down quickly. Don't drop it. It's very expensive. You have to learn your skills. It's all money."

The sister-in-law kept shouting and took the piano over.

"I know, I'm not lazy."

Li Qing pouted, took the handkerchief and wiped the piano carefully. She was busy now and had to learn brocade weaving. In her spare time, she had to practice etiquette and rules, copy books and practice calligraphy. She had daily arrangements.

I have to practice the rules when I get up early in the morning. I practice for an hour and eat before going to school.

He was slapped on the back of the head with his busy foot, and was asked by Xiu Niang when he came back. He couldn't let go of any knowledge, especially Shiji and Zizhi Tongjian.

It's impossible to be lazy. Even if you don't rush for the exam, you still have to study hard. Master knows how to do it, but it hurts.

"There are still good materials here. I'll make two clothes for Qing'er after the filial piety period."

"You don't need to be so fancy at a young age. Just leave it for now. You can't keep the good stuff, so don't move it."

The mother-in-law glared at Xiuniang, and she chuckled.

(End of this chapter)