Chapter 96: There is Room For the Poor Daughter
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Chapter 96: Quotas
Daohua followed Yan Zhigao and Madam Li as they led Li Xingnian into the door. The group chatted as they walked toward Old Madam Yan's courtyard.
"Younger sister, how did you all think of planting watermelons? And to think you’ve done such a good job of it," Li Xingnian asked Madam Li.
He was a businessman and had traveled north and south over the years, so he knew that watermelons were difficult to grow.
As they passed Yan Family's shop when entering Xingzhou, he had taken a look at the watermelons on display. They were remarkable—better in appearance than those he had seen in the capital.
Madam Li smiled. "It was Daohua, this clever girl. Last year, she planted two acres of watermelons at our old home, harvested some seeds, and when we bought the farm, there was some empty land. She just decided to plant them there."
Li Xingnian glanced at Daohua, who was walking closely beside him, her demeanor warm and friendly. His eyes were filled with amusement. "You’re quite bold, aren’t you? Weren’t you afraid it wouldn’t work out?"
Madam Li glanced at Yan Zhigao and chuckled. "We were worried about that too, so we didn’t tell anyone at the time. Please don’t be upset, master."
Yan Zhigao waved his hand. "I trust you to handle things at home. No need to inform me about everything."
Li Xingnian continued, "Lucky you! If you hadn’t planted the watermelons, there’d be no harvest now."
Madam Li nodded with a smile. "Who can say otherwise? But the successful harvest was also thanks to Old Madam’s support and the hard work of the third brother."
Upon hearing this, Yan Zhigao smiled more brightly.
Daohua trailed behind the adults, listening to their conversation without interrupting. Seeing how happy Madam Li was when talking to her brother from her maiden family, Daohua couldn’t help but feel happy as well.
Although her mother had kept in touch with her family through letters, they rarely met in person, so it was no wonder her mother was so joyful.
Soon, the group arrived at Old Madam Yan’s courtyard.
Li Xingnian greeted Old Madam Yan, and after exchanging pleasantries with Yan Zhiyuan and Yan Zhiqiang, they all sat down to chat.
"Second uncle, have some grapes," Daohua said with a smile as she placed a plate of chilled grapes in front of Li Xingnian.
Looking at the large, round, dark purple grapes, Li Xingnian laughed. "These grapes are rare, I must try them." He picked one up and ate it.
"Mmm, they’re so sweet!"
Old Madam Yan chuckled. "I think they’re even more delicious than watermelons."
Li Xingnian ate another grape and then pushed the plate toward Daohua. "You young ones love these things. I’ll just try a few."
Daohua blinked in surprise, then smiled widely as she pushed the plate back toward him. "Second uncle, go ahead and eat. These grapes were grown by me."
Li Xingnian raised an eyebrow. "You can grow grapes too?"
Daohua tilted her head proudly. "I can grow a lot of things."
Li Xingnian laughed. "You’re not shy, are you?"
Daohua stared at him. "What’s there to be shy about? I’m just telling the truth." She pushed the plate toward him again. "Second uncle, please eat. Though I didn’t grow many grapes this time, there will definitely be enough for you to eat until you’re full."
This time, Li Xingnian didn’t refuse.
His family had eaten grapes before, but they were rare and expensive. With so many children in the house, he could only have one or two at a time. He had never really had a chance to eat as much as he wanted.
"Well, second uncle will enjoy some of Daohua’s luck then."
Yan Zhiyuan observed the interaction between them and smiled. "Look at Daohua, she’s so close with her second uncle."
Hearing this, Madam Li glanced at Yan Zhiyuan and smiled. "Perhaps it’s because Daohua hasn’t seen her uncles much before. She’s enjoying it now."
Daohua, seeing that Li Xingnian really enjoyed the grapes, added, "Second uncle, when you head back, I’ll send you some more, and you can let Eldest Uncle, Eldest Aunt, Second Aunt, and my cousins taste them too."
Li Xingnian replied, "That sounds great. Your cousins have been looking forward to your visit to the capital. The last time you came, it was such bad timing."
Daohua smiled. "No worries, I’ll visit again next time."
At that moment, Yan Zhiyuan spoke again, "Daohua, take it easy. Didn’t you say you were going to make wine from these grapes? Don’t end up without any grapes left."
Li Xingnian didn’t pay much attention to the hidden meaning in Yan Zhiyuan’s words. Instead, he looked at Daohua in surprise. "You can make grape wine?"
Daohua smiled without admitting she knew how, "I don’t know, but I can always learn."
Yan Zhiyuan interrupted, "Xingnian, you hear that? Grapes are such a precious thing. You can’t let Daohua waste them. You should persuade her."
Li Xingnian glanced at Daohua, who was pouting, then looked at Yan Zhigao and Old Madam Yan with a smile. "With my brother-in-law and the old madam here, how could I possibly interfere?"
"However, I do know a bit about grape wine. If it can really be made, it would definitely be very profitable. Not to mention, noble families would surely flock to it."
Daohua nodded eagerly. "Exactly! Our family doesn’t have much to show off, but when Xiao Yeyang comes again, I’ll serve him the grape wine. It won’t be too shabby." Grape wine was a rare item in ancient times, making it quite a novelty.
At her words, Yan Zhigao and the others turned their attention to her, surprised that Daohua had thought of this idea.
Li Xingnian’s expression shifted slightly as he asked with a smile, "Will that nobleman really come again?"
Daohua thought for a moment before replying, "He promised me he would, so he should come."
Li Xingnian nodded. "Then it would be good for you to prepare some fine things to entertain him."
Daohua agreed wholeheartedly. "Exactly, grape wine is a fruit wine, not too strong, perfect for entertaining Xiao Yeyang."
Just as she finished speaking, Ping Tong, who had been by Madam Li’s side, hurried into the room. "Master, Madam, the Young Prince has sent someone with a gift for the Old Madam and the eldest daughter as a token of thanks."
Yan Zhigao shot up immediately, then, realizing his reaction was too strong, sat back down, and the others weren’t much better—they were all a bit excited.
Daohua, however, was surprised. "Xiao Yeyang is sending a gift to me and grandmother?"
Madam Li immediately asked, "Where are they?"
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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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Ping Tong replied, "They’re waiting outside."
Yan Zhigao said, "Please bring them in quickly."
Soon, a middle-aged man, who seemed to be in charge, entered with a brocade box.
The man first bowed to Old Madam Yan and Yan Zhigao before speaking. "The Young Prince said he really enjoyed the vegetables and fruits sent by the Old Madam. This is the gift the Young Prince prepared as a token of his thanks." He handed the gift list to Madam Li.
Madam Li took it and passed it to Old Madam Yan.
The man then looked at Daohua and extended the brocade box toward her. "This is the Young Prince’s order for you."
Curious, Daohua took the box and, without hesitation, opened it on the spot.
Inside were three envelopes.
When Yan Zhigao saw the envelopes, his eyes sparkled with excitement.
Daohua opened one of the envelopes and, upon recognizing that it was an admission letter from Wangyue Academy, her face immediately lit up. She ran to Old Madam Yan’s side with the letter in hand. "Grandmother, Xiao Yeyang got Eldest Brother, Third Brother, and Fourth Brother spots at Wangyue Academy!"
(End of chapter)
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