Chapter 44: There is Room For the Poor Daughter
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Chapter 44: New Year's Gifts
With the refugee situation resolved, the students and teachers at the county school received countless expressions of gratitude.
This experience led to some changes at the school. For instance, some students who had previously shown little interest in their studies began to take up their books voluntarily. When asked about their motivation, some said they wanted to study hard and become officials who could help the people and prevent the creation of refugees. Others said they felt that the refugees lived in such miserable conditions that if they didn't study, they could end up like them.
Whatever the reason, these changes were welcomed by Teacher Zhu Chengyu, who was pleased to see the shift.
Since the donation initiative had been started by Yan Wenxiu, Teacher Zhu made sure to show extra kindness to him whenever they crossed paths. One day, Teacher Zhu was walking around the county office and made a point of praising Yan Wenxiu to everyone he met. The people there, knowing about the initiative, eagerly joined in the praise. As expected, when this reached the ears of County Magistrate Yan, it gave him a sense of pride.
Advisor Xiao, who was more informed than most because he had worked with Yan Wenxiu, saw the constant smile on the County Magistrate's face and couldn't help but shake his head. He knew that while the donation initiative was important, the real credit should go to Yan Wenxiu's sister.
The truth was, it was Yan Wenxiu’s sister who had suggested the donation in the first place. Before her suggestion, even Advisor Xiao hadn't figured out how to get the local wealthy families to contribute. While the Yan family’s eldest daughter hadn’t been directly involved in the process, her idea had been key to its success, and therefore, her contribution deserved to be recognized.
Yan Zhigao hadn’t forgotten his eldest daughter, of course. He had noticed her wisdom and clarity during the whole process, and as a result, he had become more tolerant and understanding toward her.
At Songhe Courtyard, Old Madam Yan, the matriarch, was chatting with her three daughters-in-law.
Old Madam Yan: "This donation was handled well. Look at Wenxiu—he's much more cheerful than before. He used to spend all his time cooped up in a room reading. I was worried for him."
Madam Li sighed: "Wenxiu puts too much pressure on himself."
Sun Shi laughed: "Wenxiu is the eldest grandson of the Yan family. With the family’s expectations and the pressure from his father, no wonder he has such a heavy burden. Unlike my own son Wenjie, who’s either causing trouble or playing around all the time."
Old Madam Yan: "Reading books is good, but he can’t just read all the time. What was it that Daohua said?"
Wu Shi smiled and replied: "Balance work and rest."
Old Madam Yan: "Yes, yes! Balance work and rest. He should read for a while, then play for a while. That's the key to success."
Madam Li laughed: "Was that advice from Daohua just an excuse to play?"
Old Madam Yan shot Madam Li a disapproving look: "Nonsense! Daohua has never made me worry about her studies. She said that reading helps one understand reason and knowledge, and with more knowledge in your head, you can face anything."
"When she was a child, I didn’t even think about it, but she was already planning her own studies. Even the teacher—he was such a stubborn old man—he couldn’t help but adore Daohua. The only thing he complained about was that she wasn't a boy."
Wu Shi laughed: "That's because Third Uncle cares about her."
Old Madam Yan: "He cares, but still, he’s a bit too focused on boys over girls. Why can't girls be capable too?"
....
This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com
....
Madam Li paused for a moment upon hearing this, her thoughts drifting. She sighed inwardly, thinking about how society imposes so many limitations on women. Compared to boys, girls had it much harder.
"Grandmother, I'm back!" Daohua's voice suddenly sounded from the door.
Old Madam Yan smiled warmly: "This child is as wild as ever!" Though her tone sounded scolding, her face betrayed her fondness.
"Ah, everyone’s here!" Daohua walked into the room and was surprised to see everyone gathered there.
Madam Li took Daohua’s cloak: "Why are you back so early today?"
Daohua looped her arm around Madam Li’s: "Teacher Qin told us to review the previous lessons since the year is ending. She said we didn’t need to stay in class all day."
Old Madam Yan nodded: "That's good. The weather’s getting colder, and the classrooms are freezing. I’m worried you might catch a cold. It’s fine to study at home too."
That evening, after dinner, Daohua helped Madam Li back to the main courtyard. As soon as they entered, Ping Tong handed Madam Li a letter.
Daohua: "Who’s the letter from?"
Madam Li smiled: "It’s from your uncle. The New Year’s gifts from your maternal family are probably here."
Daohua’s eyes brightened: "Uncle? The one who sends me hairpins every year?"
When they were still in Yanjia Village, Daohua would receive a box of hairpins every year, which made the younger girls in the family envy her greatly.
Madam Li nodded: "That's him."
Daohua eagerly asked: "Let’s see what he wrote!"
Madam Li chuckled as she opened the letter. They both read it together, their heads close.
"Mother, Uncle is really concerned about you."
"Of course, he’s your mother’s brother. How could he not care?"
"Mother, Uncle brought me gifts again!"
"The silk from Fucheng is mostly from the Jiangnan region. The quality is excellent and hard to find here in our county. When the New Year’s gifts arrive, I’ll make you a few new outfits with the fabric your uncle sent."
"Great, make some for me too, and for Grandmother."
"How about your father?"
"..."
The letter from Uncle was filled with nothing more than common pleasantries, but Daohua could feel the affection her uncle had for his sister from the words.
On the third day after receiving the letter, Madam Li’s New Year’s gifts arrived—two full carts of items.
Unfortunately, on the same day, Madam Li and Daohua were out buying New Year’s supplies and weren’t home.
Though Madam Li wasn’t around, Yan Zhigao happened to have the day off.
Upon seeing the generous gifts from the Li family, Yan Zhigao was pleased. Although Li’s family came from a merchant background, they had supported the Yan family with financial aid over the years. Of course, they also benefited from the protection of the county magistrate.
The two families had a mutually beneficial relationship.
Among the New Year’s gifts, there was a large amount of fabric, which Yan Zhigao decided to divide up. Since the different households would be making new clothes for the New Year, he decided to take the best fabrics and distribute them accordingly. Two rolls of fine silk were given to the second household, one to the third, and the rest were sent to Shuangxin Courtyard.
When Madam Li returned, she noticed that the fine silk meant for her eldest daughter and grandmother was missing. She immediately frowned.
(End of Chapter)
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