Chapter 60: First Hearing of the Martial Arts Hall and Preparations for the Banquet

That evening, apart from Xu Youliang and his wife, who were still in Lingshan County, the entire Xu family gathered for a reunion dinner. Xu’s father looked at his accomplished children and grandchildren sitting at the table and felt that every bite of food tasted exceptionally delicious.

Xu Weian sat beside Wang Shi, recounting the past few days’ events.

“Mother, you have no idea! These past few days, running around with Eldest Brother has nearly broken my legs.”

Wang Shi chuckled. “Don’t think I don’t know—you’ve all been traveling by carriage. When did you ever need to run on your legs?”

Xu Weian felt completely wronged. Yes, they had carriages, but his eldest brother insisted on personally inspecting every single field. Over the past few days, he hadn’t even had a decent meal.

Xu’s father, however, was pleased to see his youngest son endure some hardships. It would teach him discipline instead of being idle all the time. What he cared about most was the future of his children and grandchildren.

“Yaozu, how have you arranged for Jier and the others?”

“Father, don’t worry. Jier and his two brothers have been enrolled in the county academy, and they can start classes tomorrow. Cai’er has also been placed in a private school.”

Xu’s father nodded in satisfaction.

Xu Nian was also concerned about her younger brothers’ education.

“Have you visited the county academy yet? How do you find it?”

The three Xu brothers were delighted.

“Elder Sister, the county academy here has a massive library! It’s just a pity that we don’t have official scholar status yet, so we can’t enter the library.”

Xu Kang also felt a little disappointed. He and Xu Ji had been eagerly looking forward to entering the library as soon as possible.

On the other hand, Xu Jian didn’t seem to care much. He said, “The coursework assigned by the instructor is already overwhelming for me. I have no interest in any library. But, Elder Sister, did you know that this county academy actually has a martial arts hall? And students who join it can even participate in the martial arts examination! I’ve already decided—I’ll sign up as soon as I get to the academy.”

Xu Kang tried to dissuade him. “You still want to practice martial arts? Have you forgotten your health? Mother would never agree to it.”

“What health issues? I’m strong and energetic enough to take down a bear!”

Xu Jian excitedly shouted, drawing everyone’s attention.

Wang Shi chuckled and said, “Jian’er isn’t wrong. His and his brothers’ health is now just as good as Ji’er’s.”

The conversation soon shifted to reminiscing about the brothers’ childhood.

At that moment, Xu Nian leaned in and whispered to Xu Jian, “Whatever you plan to do, make sure to discuss it with Second Uncle and Second Aunt beforehand. Don’t act recklessly, understand?”

Xu Jian’s enthusiasm instantly faded. If he really wanted to join the martial arts hall, the hardest obstacle would be convincing his mother.

Zheng Shi, noticing her previously boisterous son suddenly quiet down after a few words from Xu Nian, turned to Tian Shi beside her and sighed, “Only Nian’er can keep that little monkey of mine in check.”

Little did Zheng Shi know, her son was actually fretting over how to persuader her.

After the reunion dinner, Tian Shi brought up the topic of hosting a banquet.

“Mother, now that we’ve settled in, I was thinking it might be time to host a gathering for the local ladies. After all, my husband is new to the county office, and we don’t yet fully understand the social circles here. I believe forming connections through the ladies would be a good starting point.”

Tian Shi had already discussed this matter with Xu Yaozu. Although nothing unpleasant had happened since he took office as the county magistrate, he could clearly sense the underlying resistance in the county office. The officials maintained a polite yet distant attitude toward him, making it difficult to integrate. To efficiently carry out his duties and ensure agricultural tasks were not delayed, he needed to familiarize himself with the people in the county office as quickly as possible. And socializing among the ladies was the most convenient way to do so.

Wang Shi didn’t understand much about such matters, but she had the good sense not to interfere with her son and daughter-in-law’s plans.

“You go ahead and decide. If you need me to do anything, just let me know.”

Tian Shi smiled and said, “Mother, as the elder, you don’t need to do anything special. The ladies will surely come to pay their respects to you. If you feel uncomfortable, just give me a look, and I’ll escort them away in advance.”

Wang Shi laughed. “I may not know much, but I’m not that petty. Don’t worry, I won’t embarrass the Xu family.”

“I trust you, Mother. You’re far more capable than I am.”

Looking at her eldest daughter-in-law, Wang Shi couldn’t help but reflect. People truly grow through experience—her once timid daughter-in-law now carried the demeanor of a true household matron.

Zheng Shi also stepped forward and said, “Eldest Sister-in-law, just let me know if you need anything.”

“There is actually something I’d like to ask of you. On the day of the banquet, I’ll be busy entertaining the ladies and may not have time to oversee everything. So, I need you to keep an eye on the kitchen. The food served that day must be impeccable.”

Zheng Shi readily agreed, but Wang Shi, worried that her second daughter-in-law might not fully grasp the importance of the task, emphasized, “Everything our guests eat must be clean and hygienic. If anyone falls ill because of our food, our Xu family will become the laughingstock of Wan Sheng County.”

Hearing this, Zheng Shi grew a little nervous.

Xu Nian reassured her, “Don’t worry, Second Aunt. We’ll keep the menu mostly light and simple. Since fresh vegetables are out of season, we can prepare more vegetarian dishes—it won’t make us look bad.”

The women agreed this was a good idea and immediately began discussing the menu for the banquet.

The banquet was scheduled for three days later. Over the next two days, Tian Shi was swamped with drafting the guest list and other preparations. Zheng Shi, too, made three trips a day to the kitchen, tasting the dishes prepared by the cooks. The garden stroll she had promised Wang Shi had to be postponed.

Fortunately, Xu Nian and Xu Ling stepped in. The two of them accompanied Wang Shi for a leisurely walk around the garden for nearly half an hour.

“Big Girl, your mother told me you’ll also be hosting the young ladies of the officials’ families. Why aren’t you preparing? Instead, you’re here strolling with an old woman like me.”

Xu Nian grinned mischievously, holding onto Wang Shi’s arm. “Grandmother, are you getting tired of me? No wonder people say distance makes the heart grow fonder. I must be appearing before you too often.”

Wang Shi smiled warmly at her granddaughter’s antics, while Xu Ling couldn’t stop laughing at Xu Nian’s playful expressions.

“You cheeky girl! Aren’t you afraid of setting a bad example for your sister?”

Xu Nian wouldn’t accept such an accusation. Did Xu Ling even need her to teach her tricks? That little girl had plenty of her own.

“Hehe, don’t worry, Grandmother. I’ve already made my plans for the gathering. Xiuer went out today to buy everything we’ll need.”

Wang Shi didn’t ask further. Since her granddaughter had already planned it out, there was no need to worry. However, she did offer a piece of advice.

“Now that we’re settled here and won’t be leaving anytime soon, if you meet someone you get along with at this gathering, consider making a friend or two.”

Wang Shi felt that her eldest granddaughter sometimes acted too mature for her age. She attributed this to Xu Nian’s lack of same-age companions.

Xu Nian didn’t reject the idea. She actually looked forward to making friends, but in Lingshan County, she had never really had the opportunity.