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The arrival of Li Zhongan was a topic of great interest and anticipation among the people throughout the county.
Even in remote villages like Jiang Village, discussions about the new County Magistrate were common during leisurely conversations after meals.
As winter approached, the days gradually turned colder. Although early winter days were not excessively chilly, each morning brought frosted grass and fallen leaves along the roadside.
Xun Yuanbai was preparing to leave Jiang Village.
The reason being his concern for the medicinal herbs tended by Master Huizhi at the Deyin Temple, prompting his return to check on them.
Furthermore, with the Winter Solstice approaching, the Emperor would conduct ceremonies that required the presence of Xun Yuanbai as a celestial master, necessitating his prompt journey to the capital.
As Xun Yuanbai departed, he bid a reluctant farewell to Song Jingyun, expressing his regret.
It was indeed a pity to part ways with such a fortunate young man. It would have been ideal if they could journey together to the capital.
However, such a scenario was likely impossible.
After all, with Lady Jiang here, the young man would surely refuse to go anywhere.
After sighing for a while, Xun Yuanbai didn’t forget to ask Song Jingyun, “Young man, do you have anything you’d like to tell me?”
Considering the young man’s exceptional fortune, any words of advice from him would undoubtedly be of great benefit.
“Well…” After pondering for a moment, Song Jingyun replied, “Safe travels, Master Xun.”
Xun Yuanbai, “…”
The response was quite courteous.
Since the young man had spoken, his journey would undoubtedly be smooth, a kind of blessing in itself.
“Anything else?” Xun Yuanbai persistently inquired.
After another moment of thought, Song Jingyun said, “In the future, when you have time, could you visit our home more often?”
“Anything else…?” Xun Yuanbai pressed on.
After another thoughtful pause, Song Jingyun earnestly added, “If you ever come directly from the capital next time, could you bring back some snacks or treats from there?”
“Anything else…?”
Seeing the bright gleam in Xun Yuanbai’s eyes, Song Jingyun felt as if he were trying to uncover a treasure from him. His spine chilled slightly, and he hesitantly replied, “Bringing snacks is not necessary…”
Xun Yuanbai, “!!!”
Perhaps he didn’t deserve the young man’s blessings and guidance!
After composing himself, Xun Yuanbai got into the carriage, carrying a pile of Liu shi’s crispy pastries for the journey.
These pastries, filled with minced meat, were crispy on the outside and tender inside, best enjoyed piping hot. As they cooled, the crispy exterior turned even flakier, becoming more delicious with each bite.
On the road, Xun Yuanbai popped a piece into his mouth.
Well, after all, even when making these pastries, it was the young man who helped tend the fire.
—
With Xun Yuanbai gone, life in Jiang Village returned to normal.
The workshops and porcelain kilns busied themselves as usual.
The business at the bamboo workshop and porcelain kiln thrived, leading to increased profits for Jiang Mixia. As the silver inside the small wooden box grew steadily, Jiang Mixia began contemplating buying more land next year.
She even considered expanding into other ventures while having some capital on hand.
“Should we save up to buy more land or explore other businesses?” Jiang Mixia wanted to hear Song Jingyun’s opinion.
However, after asking, she waited for a response but heard nothing from Song Jingyun.
After securing the silver in the box, Jiang Mixia turned around to see Song Jingyun sitting by the bed, deep in thought with head bowed.
Her husband seemed preoccupied!
Jiang Mixia felt a sudden sense of worry.
Since arriving here, Song Jingyun had always been open about his thoughts. This distracted demeanor was something entirely new.
Ever since the incident at the porcelain kiln when they were almost in trouble, Song Jingyun’s smiles seemed to have diminished.
Could it be that coming from a peaceful and harmonious society, he was struggling to adapt to the darker aspects of this society?
Reflecting on this, Jiang Mixia sat beside Song Jingyun, giving him a reassuring pat. “What’s on your mind? You seem lost in thought.”
“Wife.”
Song Jingyun snapped out of his reverie. “I was thinking, should I go to school to study?”
Song Jingyun wants to go to school?
Jiang Mixia was surprised. “Why this sudden decision?”
Using regular traditional characters, with most being familiar to Jiang Mixia, who had learned from the elderly gentleman at the bookshop in town occasionally. Consequently, she could read and write most of the characters she encountered in daily life.
Whatever Jiang Mixia knew, she had passed on to Song Jingyun.
While Song Jingyun wasn’t a scholar per se, he was proficient in daily tasks like reading books and writing letters.
But now, he wanted to attend school…
This decision caught Jiang Mixia off guard, prompting her to inquire about the reasons behind it.
“Is there a particular reason for this?” Jiang Mixia inquired further.
“In the past few days, I discussed it with Master Xun,” Song Jingyun replied. “Attending school and studying could lead to official positions through imperial examinations. Success in the civil service examinations could pave the way for a government career.”
“You want to become an official?”
“Yes.” Song Jingyun nodded. “An official, a high-ranking one.”
“In that case, when faced with situations like the Chai family again, you won’t have to fear,” he remarked.
As a husband, it was his duty to protect his wife and family.
However, Song Jingyun lacked physical strength, couldn’t fight well, and was quite timid. In times of trouble, he often turned to his wife for help.
As a husband, Song Jingyun felt his role was limited.
Despite occasionally encountering unexpected windfalls due to his seemingly better luck, when their family was struggling financially, his contributions were more significant. Now, with the workshops and porcelain kilns thriving and Jiang Mixia earning from her work with Qiu, his minor contributions seemed insignificant.
This realization left Song Jingyun feeling frustrated.
This was why he diligently assisted at the workshop, hoping to show his worth and support Jiang Mixia. However, the incident at the porcelain kiln had greatly shaken him.
Facing situations where others might bully the porcelain kiln or when runners threatened to capture his wife, Song Jingyun felt overwhelmed, helpless, and unsure of what to do. He fervently tried to protect Jiang Mixia, but the sense of powerlessness due to his limited role was incredibly distressing.
Seeking advice from Xun Yuanbai, he hoped to find ways to assist Jiang Mixia better, ensuring her safety and that of their family.
Xun Yuanbai’s solution was the imperial examinations.
To participate in the exams, Song Jingyun needed to study.
To attend school and study.
Upon hearing Song Jingyun’s explanation, Jiang Mixia fell into a moment of silence.
She had thought her husband was naive and carefree, unaware of the harsh realities of the world, expecting him to continue living a carefree life. However, she realized that Song Jingyun had deeper considerations.