Chapter 32: Changsheng Gets Angry, First Discussion on Women’s Education

Guan Qingrui turned around when he heard a voice behind him. Upon seeing Xu Nian, he exclaimed in surprise, “Your Highness!”

Luo Jin’an turned and saw Xu Nian looking directly at him. He immediately walked toward her.

“Why have you come back?”

Xu Nian felt conflicted but still handed him the rabbit. “This is for you. It should help with your cold.”

Luo Jin’an noticed something off in her expression and was about to ask when she suddenly shoved the hand warmer she was holding into his hands as well.

“Thank you, Young Master Mu. Farewell.”

Luo Jin’an’s expression changed. He grabbed Xu Nian’s wrist before she could leave and said coldly, “Everyone, step away.”

Guan Qingrui, seeing the Prince’s dark expression, immediately pulled the still-bewildered Mo Yu with him and headed up the mountain.

County Magistrate Wu, realizing the situation, also gave a respectful bow and left with his advisor.

Once everyone was gone, Luo Jin’an released Xu Nian’s hand.

“Why did you call me Young Master Mu?”

Xu Nian muttered inwardly. Did I call him wrong? But she still put on a smile and said, “Changsheng, is that better? Uncle Wang is waiting for me. It’s not polite to keep people waiting.”

Luo Jin’an scoffed, “That smile looks awful. Take the hand warmer with you and go.”

Xu Nian let out a sigh of relief and quickly turned to run off.

At that moment, Luo Jin’an’s expression was no longer as gentle as before.

“Mo Yu.”

“I am here.”

Still watching Xu Nian’s retreating figure, Luo Jin’an asked, “What did you say to Miss Xu?”

Mo Yu replied honestly, “I offended Miss Xu and apologized for it.”

Luo Jin’an rubbed his forehead and instructed, “Find out where Miss Xu is staying and prepare suitable gifts for a visit tomorrow.”

Guan Qingrui wanted to say something but, seeing the Prince’s expression, decided to keep his mouth shut.

---

Xu Fugui saw Xu Nian running back and asked anxiously, “Why are you in such a hurry?”

Xu Nian grinned. “I didn’t want to keep you all waiting in the cold.”

Hunter Wang laughed heartily. “Your uncle and I are tough-skinned. We won’t freeze that easily.”

Chatting and laughing, they drove the donkey cart toward the county town. Xu Nian quickly put the earlier incident behind her. She was just the daughter of a low-ranking official—she couldn’t even control her own fate, let alone anyone else’s.

Upon reaching the county, Xu Fugui accompanied Hunter Wang and his companion to sell their game, while Xu Nian took two rabbits and headed for the county office.

This time, Madam Xu, who answered the door, was noticeably warmer than before. Xu Nian followed the familiar path into the courtyard.

When Tian Shi saw her daughter, she was overjoyed. But upon hearing that Xu Nian had gone to Ling Mountain with Hunter Wang, she immediately gave her a good scolding.

“Mother, I had my second uncle with me. What’s there to worry about?”

Tian Shi tapped Xu Nian on the forehead. “Your second uncle just spoils you too much.”

Tian Shi actually had something important to discuss with Xu Nian, so her daughter’s visit came at the perfect time.

“I was just about to head to the village to find you. You arrived at just the right moment.”

Seeing the constant smile on her mother’s face, Xu Nian became curious.

“Five days from now is Old Madam Mei’s birthday banquet. I’ve heard that she adores young and lively girls. The wives of the county officials are all bringing their daughters to attend, and I thought I’d take you as well.”

Xu Nian was extremely intrigued.

“Mother, who is this Old Madam Mei?”

It wasn’t her husband or children that made Old Madam Mei impressive, but rather her maiden family.

Her father had once been the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, meaning he was the prince’s teacher. It was also rumored that he had tutored the current Prince of Zhenbei.

However, after the Crown Prince ascended the throne, Mei Taifu retired and returned to his hometown. Throughout his life, he never took a concubine, so he had only one son and one daughter. Despite his high status, he arranged marriages for his children with partners of relatively modest backgrounds—Old Madam Mei herself had only married a county school instructor.

Besides her prestigious maiden family, Old Madam Mei had two formidable mamas by her side, both of whom had served as court attendants in the imperial palace.

This was precisely why the county officials’ wives were eager to bring their daughters along—because the Fan family had established a private school for girls, and the two mamas were the ones in charge of teaching etiquette and propriety.

Ever since their journey to Beijiang, Tian Shi had been thinking about teaching her daughter proper manners. Now that such a golden opportunity had presented itself, how could she possibly pass it up?

Although Xu Nian wasn’t particularly interested in such matters, she figured that since she was living in ancient times, she should try to integrate into this society.

Seeing her daughter agree, Tian Shi was overjoyed. She had been worried that Xu Nian, being used to her freedom, might resist.

“Nian’er, why don’t you stay in the county town for the next few days? That way, I can take you shopping for some clothes and jewelry.”

Xu Nian thought about it for a moment but ultimately declined.

“Mother, since we’re attending a birthday banquet, we should bring an appropriate gift, shouldn’t we? Though we have some money, we can’t afford anything too extravagant. I was thinking of bringing one of my potted plants—it’s unique and might make for an interesting present.”

This suggestion truly struck a chord with Tian Shi, as she had been fretting over what birthday gift to prepare.

With that settled, Xu Nian decided to return to the county office in two days.

After leaving the county office, she headed to the designated meeting point to reunite with Xu Fugui.

What she didn’t know was that her departing figure was clearly seen by County Magistrate Wu as he returned to the back courtyard.

He vividly remembered that wrapped-up, bear-like appearance. Even her walking posture was identical—there was no way he could mistake her for someone else.

Picking up his pace, County Magistrate Wu headed straight to Qingsong Courtyard, which was where he and his wife resided.

Madam Shen was puzzled. Did the sun rise from the west today? Her husband had actually skipped visiting Concubine Qiu’s courtyard.

When County Magistrate Wu saw his wife’s indifferent demeanor, he awkwardly rubbed his nose. Lately, he had indeed been neglecting her.

“Does my lord have something to discuss?”

Sitting beside her, County Magistrate Wu spoke softly, “What kind of question is that, my dear wife? This is our room—where else would I go?”

Madam Shen let out a light snort, choosing not to argue with him.

After a moment of hesitation, County Magistrate Wu asked, “Have you ever met the daughter of Assistant Official Xu?”

Madam Shen found the question strange. Why was her husband suddenly inquiring about this? But she still answered, “No, I’ve only heard that she came by once to deliver something. She doesn’t live in the county office—apparently, she stays in the village with her grandparents.”

She then asked, “My lord, why are you asking about this?”

County Magistrate Wu waved his hand dismissively. “I was just curious, so I asked.”

Madam Shen chuckled, “You’re not the only curious one. I’ve been quite intrigued myself. I heard from Madam Tian that the long-life vegetables and greens that have taken the county by storm were all grown by Miss Xu.”

“But it seems I’ll be able to meet her in a few days.”

“Oh? How so?”

Madam Shen rolled her eyes at him.

“My lord, you truly have a short memory. Have you forgotten? In five days, it will be Old Madam Mei’s birthday banquet. Madam Tian would never miss the chance to bring her daughter along.”

County Magistrate Wu slapped his forehead as he suddenly recalled the event.

“Madam Tian must be attending such a gathering for the first time. Make sure to look after her and her daughter that day.”

Madam Shen scrutinized him with a suspicious gaze.

Worried that his wife might misunderstand and create unnecessary trouble, County Magistrate Wu quickly explained, “Don’t overthink it. Just do as I say. Who knows? That Miss Xu might turn out to be our benefactor in the future.”

Madam Shen inwardly rolled her eyes. My husband is getting more and more obsessed with this.