Chapter 23: Entering the County Office’s Inner Courtyard

When the two men heard that a single cotton-padded jacket cost 800 wen, they hesitated, ready to back out.

Xu Nian immediately followed up, saying,

“If you think it’s expensive, and he thinks it’s expensive, then your sincerity is the most valuable thing.

Today, for the sake of your filial piety, I’m making a huge sacrifice—anyone who buys two jackets will receive an additional one for free!”

The onlookers, who had been watching the commotion, instantly surged forward. In Beijiang, an 800-wen cotton jacket could be bought in any clothing store, but getting a free one along with it? That was unheard of!

In the blink of an eye, the two men who had originally been at the front were squeezed to the outer edges of the crowd.

“Is it really free? I’ll take two!”

Xu Nian pulled out three jackets, bent down, and handed them to an elderly woman.

“Granny, I conduct business with honesty. Second Uncle, collect 1,600 wen for Granny’s three jackets.”

“Got it!”

“Everyone, you saw it—just like that, three jackets are already gone. If you want to buy, act fast!”

Those who had initially planned to take their time inspecting the jackets quickly made up their minds.

“I’ll take two!”

“I want two as well!”

“I’ll buy four—do I get two extra ones?”

Xu Nian smiled. “Of course! The more you buy, the more you get!”

In no time, Xu Nian’s stall became the highlight of the street.

Standing to the side, Xu Fugui was grinning so widely from collecting money that his eyes were barely visible. His eldest niece was truly impressive—just look at that pile of jackets, nearly sold out already!

Even the shopkeeper from the fabric store across the street came out to watch the scene, fuming. That girl’s loud selling tactics had taken away all his customers!

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He turned to the shop assistant standing next to him and scolded,

“What are you staring at? Starting tomorrow, you’ll stand at the shop entrance and shout like that!”

The shop assistant looked miserable. He didn’t know how to come up with catchy sales lines! If he had known earlier, he would have taken notes!

Xu Nian, however, didn’t concern herself with others’ joys or sorrows. All she knew was that the cotton-padded jackets in the cart were completely sold out.

Out of the original 68 jackets, only two remained after selling and giving some away. Even those last two were bought by the cosmetics stall owner.

Since there were no more jackets left to give away, Xu Nian only charged the shop owner one tael of silver. The delighted shop owner even gifted her a small piece of hand cream in return.

After packing up and retrieving the donkey, they realized it was still not yet noon.

With money in hand, Xu Nian pulled Xu Fugui along to purchase various household necessities.

Once they had bought everything they needed, they didn’t rush back to the village. Instead, they took a detour to the county office. Xu Nian planned to deliver more silver to Tian Shi.

At the County Office

After parking the cart at the back gate of the county office, Xu Fugui didn’t step forward. Since the back courtyard housed the womenfolk, it would indeed be inappropriate for him to enter.

Xu Nian, carrying a slab of pork fat, knocked on the side door of the rear courtyard.

An elderly maid opened the door, and after Xu Nian stated her identity, the woman led her inside.

Upon entering, they passed through a long corridor. On the right side was a stone archway, and with just a glance, Xu Nian guessed it led to a back garden.

After turning left and walking less than a hundred meters, the old maid stopped.

“Through this door is the Assistant Magistrate’s courtyard.”

“Thank you, Granny.”

As Xu Nian stepped inside, the entire courtyard was quiet. She looked around—it had three main rooms and two side rooms, with a rather cramped layout.

She called out twice but received no response. Not wanting to enter uninvited, she waited for a moment. Soon, the sound of footsteps approached, and she turned to see Tian Shi carrying a bowl and dishes.

Tian Shi had just finished preparing food in the main kitchen. When she saw her eldest daughter standing in the courtyard, tears immediately welled up and rolled down her cheeks.

“Mother, it’s only been a few days, and you already miss me this much?”

Seeing her shameless daughter, Tian Shi wiped her tears and laughed. “Who’s missing a little troublemaker like you?”

Pulling her daughter inside, she scolded, “And you, standing outside in this cold weather—why didn’t you come in and warm yourself up?”

Xu Nian looked around the room and replied, “It’s not that cold, and I just got here.”

The furniture inside was complete, but the two teacups on the table seemed out of place compared to the rest of the room.

“Mother, why haven’t you gotten a proper tea set? What if a guest comes? This doesn’t look good.”

Hearing this, Tian Shi felt a bit embarrassed. She couldn’t help but recall how the Magistrate’s wife had subtly mocked her the last time she visited.

Xu Nian could tell from her mother’s expression that her time living in the county office had not been smooth.

Tian Shi didn’t want her daughter to worry about these matters, so she changed the subject and asked about things at home.

When she learned that her daughter had come to town with her second uncle to do business, Tian Shi felt a pang of sorrow.

She couldn’t help but think of the daughters of the county magistrate and the assistant magistrate—both dressed in luxurious clothing, living pampered and privileged lives. Meanwhile, her own Nian’er had to go out and make a living, exposing herself to the public eye.

Seeing her mother tear up again, Xu Nian was puzzled. Hadn’t she just been talking about happy things?

To distract her, Xu Nian brought up the topic of Xu Ji’s potential enrollment in the county school.

Unexpectedly, Tian Shi became even more worried upon hearing this.

It turned out that with the magistrate’s recommendation, a student could be admitted to the county school. Both Xu Yaozu and Tian Shi wanted their son to attend, so Tian Shi had gone to visit the magistrate’s wife. Unfortunately, despite her efforts, she had yet to receive any response.

Xu Nian’s eyes lit up. If her brother could enter the county school, it would indeed be the best outcome. After all, the resources there far exceeded those of the village school.

Her mind worked quickly, and she immediately understood where the problem likely lay.

“Mother, don’t worry. Just do as I say, and I guarantee I can get my brother into the county school.”

Qingfeng Hall

A young maid leaned in close to whisper in the ear of a well-dressed woman. “Madam, Granny Xu has just returned from delivering the message.”

The woman nodded slightly, her brows furrowing in thought.

This was Madam Shen, the wife of the county magistrate. Ever since the assistant magistrate, Xu, had taken office and his wife moved into the back courtyard, she had barely had a good night’s sleep.

All because of Magistrate Wu—one moment, he wanted her to befriend Madam Tian, and the next, he told her to hold back and do nothing.

She simply didn’t understand. How could a mere assistant magistrate pose any kind of threat to her husband?

She had observed for a few days and concluded that Xu, the assistant magistrate, was just an ordinary scholar from a humble background. His family had no stable assets, and his wife’s family provided no support either. Someone like him wouldn’t make it far in his official career.

Just as Madam Shen was about to take a break from her thoughts, the maid re-entered.

“Madam, Madam Tian is here. She said the assistant magistrate’s daughter sent some food and wanted to share it with you.”

Madam Shen’s lips twitched. Surely, Madam Tian wouldn’t be so uncultured as to bring her pork fat?

Granny Xu had already reported that the assistant magistrate’s daughter had carried a slab of pork fat into the courtyard earlier. Could Madam Tian really be here to gift her pork fat?

Pressing her fingers to her temples, Madam Shen sighed before saying, “Let her in.”

When she saw Madam Tian carrying a tray, she secretly exhaled in relief. As long as it wasn’t pork fat.

“I hope I’m not disturbing your rest, Madam. I must admit, I’m rather shallow—when I saw my daughter bring back something I’d never seen before, I thought I should bring some for you to try as well.”

Madam Shen found this curious. The last two times Madam Tian had visited, she had kept her head down and barely spoken. Yet today, she seemed like an entirely different person.

“Thank you for thinking of me, Madam Tian. In that case, I must give it a proper taste. Come, have a seat and join me for tea.”