Chapter 93: There is Room For the Poor Daughter
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Chapter 93: Gifts
Xiao Yeyang’s decision to stay at the Yan family’s residence stirred the hearts of many officials and wealthy families in Xingzhou City.
The Qian Family
Madam Qian asked Qian Tongzhi, “Do you think we should visit the nobleman tomorrow?”
Qian Tongzhi shook his head. “Unless Master Yan introduces us, it would be rude for us to make an uninvited visit. If we do something wrong, it could upset the nobleman.”
Madam Qian sighed. “You’ve been disingenuous with Master Yan at the prefectural office recently. If he doesn’t hold a grudge, that’s already fortunate. How could he introduce us?”
Qian Tongzhi thought for a moment. “Our family cannot sever ties with the Yan family.”
Madam Qian nodded. “Don’t worry, we women don’t meddle in the men’s affairs. I’ve kept in contact with Madam Li, and I even helped introduce the female tutor to their family. Also, Bilan and the Yan family’s eldest daughter can also interact.”
The Wang Family
Upon learning that Xiao Yeyang was staying at the Yan family’s house, Wang Tongzhi retreated to his study, not emerging until late at night.
Madam Wang went to bed only after he returned. “Don’t worry too much. We’re just doing a service for others. Even if the Yan family has the Young Prince’s backing, they can’t do anything to us.”
Wang Tongzhi shook his head repeatedly. “You don’t understand. They won’t openly harm me, but what about behind the scenes? Now, I can only hope that Master Yan is magnanimous. After all, he’s only been in Xingzhou for a short time. There’s still a lot I haven’t done, and I haven’t reached a point of irreconcilable conflict with him.”
Master Wang turned over in bed. “If Master Yan wants to manage Xingzhou well, he can’t do without your help.”
Wang Tongzhi fell silent for a moment. “I’ve already written to Councellor Du, explaining the situation here. With the Young Prince’s connection, he won’t withhold the riverbank funds anymore. This gives me a chance to show my goodwill to Master Yan.”
“By the way, you should maintain a good relationship with the Yan family’s women. I know you look down on Madam Yan because she comes from a merchant family, but times have changed. You should still maintain appearances in front of them.”
Madam Wang gave him a sidelong glance. “Do I need you to teach me? Don’t worry, as long as it helps you, I’m willing to do whatever is needed, even if it’s pleasing someone from a merchant background.”
Wang Tongzhi smiled contentedly. “With a wife like you, what more could I ask for?”
The Yan Family’s Backyard
Early the next morning, there was a commotion in Daohua Xuan, the Yan family’s backyard.
“Man’er, do you remember the wooden box I bought when we went to the market? It’s about two feet long. Please find it for me.”
After getting up and washing, Daohua’s first task was to instruct Wang Man’er to find something.
Soon, Wang Man’er brought the box. “Miss, what do you need this box for?”
Daohua took the box and replied, “I’m not sure when Xiao Yeyang will leave, but I need to prepare a gift for him. He helped us a lot at the post station before, and gave me a jade pendant. We didn’t have time to properly thank him then.”
Wang Man’er asked, “What are you planning to give him? With his status, he must already have everything he needs.”
Daohua was silent for a moment. “It doesn’t matter what I give him, as long as it’s my small token of appreciation. But I still need to think carefully.”
Clearly, Xiao Yeyang had helped the Yan family a great deal. Daohua’s father’s promotion was almost certainly thanks to him. His willingness to stay at the Yan family’s residence had elevated their status in Xingzhou City.
With his arrival, Daohua’s father would have a smoother time at the prefectural office. There would no longer be times when they were short of capable people, and he had to do everything himself.
Such a huge favor—how could they repay it?
Moreover, on a more pragmatic note, the Yan family needed to maintain a good relationship with this nobleman.
Relationships like this couldn’t be one-sided.
Right now, Xiao Yeyang was likely still willing to support the Yan family because they had helped him before. However, if the Yan family couldn’t reciprocate even a little, if they only took and never gave, the relationship would inevitably fade over time.
Given Xiao Yeyang’s identity, he likely lacked nothing. The Yan family couldn’t offer anything particularly valuable. So, the best approach was to send him something useful.
After thinking it over, Daohua decided to pack three bamboo tubes full of jasmine tea. Xiao Yeyang had mentioned that he liked it, so she decided to give him more.
Perhaps she could also add a ginseng root?
Ginseng was the most valuable thing in her space, and it could be used for health purposes as well.
However, it seems she only just unearthed it. How should this be explained?
Hmm, her village is adjacent to a large mountain, so it’s said that it was obtained from the mountain.
Afterward, she took several bottles of self-made wound medicine, the kind she used to save Zhao Ergou earlier. Since the medicinal ingredients were all grown in the space, the hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effects were excellent.
Boys tend to be more mischievous, and they often get hurt, so it’s just the right time to use it.
She filled the wooden box and, feeling satisfied, said, "Let’s go to Grandma's courtyard."
Breakfast was laid out in the old lady’s courtyard. When Daohua arrived, the Yan family was already there, including the guests, Xiao Yeyang, Dong Yuanxuan, and Zhou Chengye.
After greeting the elders, Daohua sat beside Xiao Yeyang and asked, "Why are you all up so early?"
Xiao Yeyang glanced at her and said, "Do you think everyone is as lazy as you? I wake up at the Mao hour every day, practice martial arts for an hour, eat breakfast, and then I have to start my lessons."
Hearing this, Daohua secretly thought, life as a royal child isn’t as easy as it seems, with so much to learn.
After breakfast, Xiao Yeyang took the initiative to bid farewell to Old Madam Yan, saying, "Grandmother, we’ll be leaving soon, please take care of yourself."
"What?!" Daohua looked surprised. "You’re leaving today? Can’t you stay a few more days? I haven’t treated you to hotpot yet."
Seeing her reluctant expression, Xiao Yeyang, unusually patient, explained, "I’m studying at Wangyue Academy. I took a leave of absence these past few days, so I can’t delay too long."
Daohua quickly asked, "Is Wangyue Academy far from here? Will you come back in the future?"
Xiao Yeyang glanced at her, paused for a moment, and then said, "I’ll come, I’ll come eat the hotpot you mentioned."
Hearing this, Daohua immediately smiled, "Since you’ll come back, I won’t keep you any longer."
Seeing how quickly Daohua changed her attitude, Xiao Yeyang was speechless.
Suddenly, Daohua turned to Xiao Yeyang and said, "Wangyue Academy, why does that name sound so familiar?"
At this moment, Yan Wenxiu spoke up, "Wangyue Academy is the top of the Four Great Academies in the North." Not long ago, he had considered applying there, but unfortunately, the spots were already filled this year.
He had heard that there were still some available spots, but those were reserved for the children of influential families. Although his father was a fifth-rank magistrate, he was still far from being on par with the top noble families.
When Yan Wenxiu said this, Daohua remembered that Madam Li had sighed about her son’s education, saying it was delayed because of her.
At this thought, Daohua hesitated, glancing at Xiao Yeyang. Then, she quickly looked away, silently telling herself not to push too far since he had already helped their family enough.
"Pa!"
Xiao Yeyang once again knocked Daohua’s head with the fan handle, "If you have something to say, just say it, stop hesitating."
Meanwhile, Defu stood speechless, gazing at the sky. He knew his master had nearly blurted out the four words "Come beg me."
Yan Wenxiu wanted to go to Wangyue Academy, and he didn’t believe that Young Prince Xiao couldn’t see it. He was clearly waiting for Daohua to ask for his help.
Daohua glanced at Xiao Yeyang’s expression, worried it might be awkward for him in front of everyone. After thinking for a moment, she tugged at his sleeve and led him aside. Once he was there, she softly said, "My eldest brother is very learned, my third brother has noble character, and my fourth brother is a martial arts prodigy."
Xiao Yeyang, interrupting her with an irritated tone, said, "How can you say such things? I wouldn’t even dare say I’m learned or a martial arts prodigy. You have quite a thick skin."
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This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com
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Daohua smiled awkwardly, thinking, isn’t this just to try and get some help, so I exaggerated a little?
At this point, the carriage was ready, and the guards came to report. Xiao Yeyang gave Daohua a cold snort and didn’t say anything further, turning to leave.
"Wait!"
Daohua quickly called out to him.
Xiao Yeyang raised an eyebrow and turned around. Just when he thought Daohua was going to ask him to help her family, she took a wooden box from the maid and handed it to him. "A gift, for you."
Xiao Yeyang looked at the plain wooden box in his hand, silent for a moment.
Daohua, seeing his unimpressed look, quickly said, "It’s something good inside. Consider it a thank-you gift for the jade pendant you gave me."
At the mention of the jade pendant, Xiao Yeyang glanced at Daohua’s waist and asked, "Why aren’t you wearing the jade pendant I gave you?"
Daohua laughed, "It’s too precious, so I kept it safe. I let my mother keep it for me."
Xiao Yeyang gave her a few more looks and said, "You should wear it, so you won’t be bullied again." Then, he turned to bid farewell to Old Madam Yan and left the Yan family.
(End of chapter)
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