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Lady Luo’s mind raced as she suddenly felt surprised.
Was she perhaps thinking too far ahead?
Although Song Jingyun had topped the provincial exam, he was still just a student at this stage. Considering his age and the fact that he only achieved this status now, it indicated that his success was more likely due to diligence rather than innate talent.
With the upcoming regional exams and final imperial exams ahead, the challenges were only going to get tougher. Standing out would not be an easy task.
In the future, it might be more about helping Song Jingyun secure a government position or some official duties, ensuring his livelihood.
Regardless of the circumstances, knowing that there was a way to repay the favor eased Lady Luo’s mind.
She nodded repeatedly, “That is understandable. Even though Madam Jiang declined, it’s fine not to keep the other items. I brought a 200-year-old ginseng root and a superb specimen of Polygonum multiflorum specifically this time. Both are of excellent quality. Please accept these two items.”
Despite living comfortably as farmers, there were still certain things they lacked, such as these precious medicinal herbs.
In case of any future needs, these items might prove to be quite useful.
“Your kindness is much appreciated, so we will graciously accept them…”
Jiang Mixia did not refuse any further.
Lady Luo chatted with Jiang Mixia and Liu Shi for a while.
Upon learning that Liu Shi and Jiang Youcheng had only one daughter, Jiang Mixia, and understanding that Song Jingyun was their son-in-law, Lady Luo’s smile grew even brighter.
Having an only daughter and seeing the harmonious relationship between Song Jingyun and the family, it was evident that they were all kind-hearted individuals.
Upon hearing about their bamboo weaving and village pottery businesses, Lady Luo nodded in appreciation.
Good deeds lead to good fortune, resulting in a happy and prosperous family with abundant wealth—this was only natural.
The conversation flowed smoothly, and Lady Luo, not holding back, also shared some of the everyday affairs of her own family.
As a result, Jiang Mixia’s family learned more about the situation in Lady Luo’s household.
Minister Cao held the position of Minister of Ministry of civil affairs, and Lady Luo was considered a distant relative. When they met in the capital, it was an instant connection, with both families highly approving of the match. Their marriage was harmonious, and their partnership in Beijing was the envy of many.
However, Lady Luo had been frail, and for many years after their marriage, they had not been blessed with a child. It was only after careful medical attention arranged by the old madame Cao and meticulous care that she finally conceived and gave birth to Cao Jinzhuo.
Cao Jinzhuo was born underweight and remained small and fragile until about a year old when he began to gain some weight and grow chubby.
Despite appearing healthy like any other child his age, able to see, hear, and smile when entertained, Cao Jinzhuo, now at an age where most children start speaking, had never uttered a single word.
People often say that those of noble birth speak later.
But at over a year old, nearing two years of age, not calling for his parents or speaking even basic sounds, Cao Jinzhuo was viewed as somewhat different in the eyes of others.
Despite consulting with physicians and confirming that Cao Jinzhuo had no abnormalities, Lady Luo had her suspicions.
She feared that her son might be mute.
With worries about Cao Jinzhuo and the physical toll of childbirth, Lady Luo had been unable to conceive again. Cao Jinzhuo had become her only child up to this point.
Even if her child truly couldn’t speak in the future, it wouldn’t diminish her love for him.
When Lady Luo mentioned these concerns, she became emotional, and Jiang Mixia and the others offered words of comfort.
Even Song Jingyun, who had mostly remained silent since Lady Luo entered the room, spoke up, saying, “Good omens accompany good people. The young master is surely fine.”
Seeing the reassurance from everyone in the Jiang family, Lady Luo’s smile returned. “I will take the young sir’s words as a good sign.”
After some more conversation, realizing it was time for lunch, Lady Luo stood to bid farewell.
Feeling a strong connection with this family, Lady Luo wished she could stay and share a meal with them.
However, as Lady Luo had come with a retinue of maids, servants, and guards, having lunch at the Jiang family’s home would undoubtedly cause inconvenience.
She had come to express gratitude, not to burden others unnecessarily.
After considering the situation, Lady Luo reluctantly decided against staying for lunch.
Jiang Mixia’s family escorted Lady Luo and the now-sleeping Cao Jinzhuo out.
Before they departed, Jiang Mixia and Liu Shi prepared some local specialties, while Song Jingyun picked a pot of flowers and plants from the yard to give as a parting gift to Lady Luo.
Reciprocity in gifts was customary, and Lady Luo graciously accepted them all.
Watching the carriage depart from Jiang’s Village and gradually disappear into the distance, Jiang Mixia and his family finally returned home.
“Why did you suddenly decide to send a potted plant as a gift to Lady Luo?” Jiang Mixia inquired after returning home. “Is there any particular reason behind it?”
“There’s nothing particularly special about it,” Song Jingyun replied, scratching his ear. “I just remembered this flower that Master Xun mentioned, called ‘Gejiang Flower.’ I thought, ‘Jiang Flower,’ implying speaking. So, I thought by giving this potted plant to Lady Luo, perhaps it might spark some words from Cao Jinzhuo?”
Jiang Mixia remained silent.
A wordplay joke gone awry?
Suppressing his amusement, Jiang Mixia still tried to comfort hers young husband, “Well, let’s consider it as a gesture for good luck.”
Her husband had always been fortunate, so perhaps there was a chance of a stroke of luck?
Even if not, it could be seen as a kind of wishful thinking and blessing.
Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun helped Liu Shi and Jiang Youcheng organize the items brought by Lady Luo.
Liu Shi carefully stored away the precious herbs and fabrics that Lady Luo insisted on leaving, while Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun carried out all the books from the large chest.
The books, bound in thread, felt excellent to the touch, emitting a distinct scent of age and a faint ink fragrance due to their long storage. Flipping through one of them, they could see meticulously handwritten characters, with clear annotations in tiny characters between the lines. Despite the yellowed pages, the ink remained crisp without any smudges, indicating the meticulous care taken in preserving these books.
During this era, although woodblock printing existed, it was not yet widespread. Most books available for sale were manually transcribed, which made books expensive and not easily accessible to the general population.
Therefore, books were indeed considered highly valuable during this time.
Lady Luo’s gift of so many books, especially rare ones, was incredibly helpful.
Just by observing Song Jingyun enthusiastically reading and organizing the books, it was evident how much he cherished these items.
Lady Cao had truly hit the mark with her gift.
After sorting out the books, and with Liu Shi ready with a bowl of noodles, urging them to eat, Song Jingyun, upon hearing the commotion, immediately set down the book he was reading and pulled Jiang Mixia up, saying, “Wife, let’s go, it’s time to eat.”
Jiang Mixia, smiling, “…”