The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 136: Burst You (12)_1

Chapter 136: Chapter 136: Burst You (12)_1

Lady Zhu smiled from ear to ear as she piled eggs and meat onto her plate.

Lady Kong picked up a slice of meat that was half fat and half lean and passed it to Pei Wenli, "Husband, eat more meat!"

Pei Wenli knew she didn’t eat the white fat, so he picked out a piece that was all lean meat and gave it to her.

Seeing their affectionate interaction, Lady Zhu brought up the topic of great-grandsons again.

Lady Kong lowered her head and blushed as she said, "Husband needs to prepare for the exam, studying late into the night by lamplight. He’s also striving to pass the spring examination in one go!"

"Achievements are important, but so is having children!" Lady Chen was only able to lecture Lady Kong on this matter.

Pei Wenli seized the opportunity to speak about his wish to attend the county school, "My teacher can write a recommendation letter to ensure my admission to the county school. The examinations are only three months away, and although my teacher says my knowledge is good, my essay writing still falls short. The magistrate has already served six years and might be reassigned. My teacher said if we get a new magistrate next year, we don’t know what will happen. He suggested I attend the county school and seek guidance from the two esteemed teachers there, so I can refine my essays and avoid stumbling when the time comes!"

The lively atmosphere of the family meal quieted down all at once.

Attending the county school meant having to pay a significant sum for tuition. Seeking guidance from a teacher also meant giving gifts, and living expenses in the county town would also add to the cost.

"Didn’t the teacher say you could pass!" Lady Chen asked anxiously. If the grandparents were reluctant to provide the money, she feared it would have to come out of her own private savings.

Pei Wenli pondered, "Our teacher, after all, only has the title of Scholar. The two teachers at the county school are Graduates, and their knowledge is superior. Also, considering the likelihood of a new magistrate next year, our chances aren’t that great."

The entire family was earnestly hoping he would pass the examination, bring glory to the family, and ideally climb the ranks and become wealthy. How could they not win?

Lady Zhu looked to Old Pei, "Old man! What do you say?"

Old Pei slowly put down his bowl, "Since there are only three months left, you should go study at the county school! We can’t lose the big picture by saving a little here!"

A glint of a smile flashed in Pei Wenli’s eyes as he was about to make a promise.

Lady Zhu cut him off and said to Lady Chen, "Didn’t you save over twenty taels of silver for Dalang’s education and examination? Now’s the perfect time to use it for Dalang’s expenses!"

Although she had anticipated this, Lady Chen still choked up, unable to catch her breath for a moment. But she knew in her heart that if she didn’t honor her word after her private savings had been revealed, this mother-in-law could make her life unbearable. Unless Dalang achieved scholarly honor and she rose in status, the mother-in-law would not dare touch her again.

Lady Chen agreed, her mind buzzing, not quite catching her eldest son’s reassuring words.

When she took out the ten taels of silver, her heart bled. Even hearing that Pei Wenli would move to the county school, and Lady Kong would return to the village, ultimately placing her daughter-in-law under her control, didn’t bring her any sense of relief or happiness.

When the couple returned to the town, Madam Fang and the others were closing up shop, ready to go home.

Thinking of those rumors, Lady Kong approached with a smile and a slight bow, "Second Aunt!"

Whenever Madam Fang faced the literate and sensible Lady Kong, she felt somewhat ashamed and flustered, hastily responding and greeting her.

"I haven’t seen you since Mid-Autumn, and Da Ya has grown so much taller!" Lady Kong’s gaze fell on Peiqin, smiling tenderly.

Before, they had barely tasted white flour and struggled to have enough food, but these days they’ve been well-nourished, and not only Peiqin but also San Ya, Si Ya, and Pei Wendong had all shot up in height.

Madam Fang, busy every day, hadn’t paid much attention. But upon hearing this, she took a closer look at Sister Peiqin and her siblings, "They really have grown taller!"