BXBX NOVEL Chapter 63 - 63: What a Pity
Holding a wooden box, Miss Wang found her father, Wang Zongsheng.
He was a middle-sized man with average looks, somewhat plump, and without a beard.
“Father, take a look at this,” She said, opening the box and showing it to him.
“What is this?”
“Your daughter found a piece of clothing while out shopping. This is incredibly valuable. You’ve mentioned how tough times are for my aunt in the palace. I’m wondering if this clothing could help her?”
Only then did Wang Zongsheng carefully examine the clothing. “Wow. What kind of fabric is this?”
Wang Jiaru held up the clothing with both hands. “We don’t have this fabric in the Great Ming Dynasty. This clothing has an extraordinarily novel design. When worn, it’s as magnificent as a fairy. If Auntie wears it, could she gain favor with the Emperor?”
“No matter how beautiful a piece of clothing is, it’s merely temporary.”
“But don’t forget that Auntie has no offspring. If she captures the Emperor’s attention, having a child or two by her side would be beneficial.”
Wang Zongsheng looked at the clothing thoughtfully. “Our family is declining gradually. Your grandpa and I had no choice but to settle here. It’s been over ten years. But what about your Auntie? I feel like this isn’t a reliable plan.” “Then let’s use this clothing to build connections. How about getting a good job for my brother in the Capital? If not, we could sell it and make some money?” “From what you’re saying, did you buy this clothing?”
“A friend’s. I liked it, so I paid a deposit. This dress is worth a fortune. Father, you should make good use of it.”
“Why is it so expensive?”
“Just the fabric alone is worth that much, not to mention the embroidery on top. It’s all double-sided embroidery.”
“Well, let me think about it.”
“Oh, and one more thing. Grandpa is just idling at home, right? How about I find him something to do? That way, he won’t be bored all the time and drive Grandma crazy.”
“Huh? Tell me, what job?”
“One of my friends needs a scholar. Why not have Grandpa go there to teach?” “Teaching?”
“Yes, that family’s lady is skilled in cooking and can get fresh fruits. Grandpa enjoys both of those things. He could have delicious meals and fruits teaching at her place. Isn’t that a great idea?”
“Will he agree?”
“He’s not doing much anyway. He could go there for a change of scenery. If he feels homesick, he can come back and stay for a few days. Going back and forth would keep him from getting bored.” “You can talk to him about it. I’m not going. I’m afraid he’ll beat me up.”
“Alright, then what about this dress?”
“Keep it here.”
After Wang Jiaru left, Wang Zongsheng stared at the clothing in a daze.
The Wang family in Wei City was a branch of the Grand Master Wang’s family in the Capital. If the main branch flourished, the others would thrive too.
The Wang family had always been united. Even if the ladies weren’t favored in the palace, the Emperor never mistreated them. So, the branch supported the main family strongly.
He was willing to buy this dress and send it to the main family. As long as they prospered, their branch could go further.
Whether the dress would be sent to the palace or handled differently was up to the main family.
He immediately wrote a letter, instructed his trusted aide, sealed the box, and sent it overnight to the Wang family in the Capital.
In the backyard, an elderly man with grey hair sat while reading a book. When he saw his granddaughter, he put down the book.
“Ruler, why do you have time to visit your grandfather?”
“Hehe, Grandpa, you always complain about being bored at home and having nowhere to go. I found you a job. What do you think?”
“Tell me about it first.”
“I have a friend whose husband wants to hire a scholar to teach her three sons, who are eager to learn.”
“I won’t go. If they want to study, they should find a teacher. Not me.”
“You’re so knowledgeable. If you don’t take in disciples, who will inherit your wisdom? It’s a shame.’
Wang Jiaru sat across from him, resting her chin on her hand as she persuaded the old man.
“I’m old. I’ve taught both older and younger students. It’s tiring. I won’t go.” “Grandpa, do you know where all the fruits I offer you come from?”
“As soon as you mention it, I know they come from that family.”
“Exactly. Their fruit supply is consistent, and they offer a variety of snacks. If I didn’t visit them for some time, many different foods would appear on her menu.”
“Even so, I won’t go. When the time comes, you can buy from their house.”
“I also have a lot of things to do, you know?”
“Did you go to their house this time?”
The old man stood up immediately. “Who said I’m not interested? Bring them to me quickly.”
He said while swallowing, and Wang Jiaru continued persuading.
“Grandpa, I haven’t told her who you are yet. You can go incognito to teach. Experience the local customs and live a different life. When you’re bored, come back home. If you’re bored at home, you can return there. Isn’t that great? You can eat well and relax. Go to check it out. If it doesn’t suit you, come back, alright?”
The old man was tempted. “When should I go?”
“Maybe after the new year. She’ll send some fruits to our house before the year ends. If you’re satisfied, you can go. If not, you can decline. How about that?” Wang Jiaru was cajoling him like a child, and the old man stroked his white beard and nodded.
“Alright, I’ll go with you when the time comes.”
“Okay, let’s go, Grandpa. Come to my yard and taste these snacks, especially the roasted chestnuts. They’re so delicious. I couldn’t stop eating them in the carriage.”
“You have no ladylike behavior at all. Look at your mouth. It is all black. You’re always sneaking food.”
“Hehe, come on, Grandpa.”
In her courtyard, Wang Zihan was busy eating. As soon as he heard his sister was back, he rushed over. Seeing so many snacks, he couldn’t control himself.
When Wang Jiaru arrived with their grandfather, he already had a mouth full of black crumbs.
Wang Jiaru arranged all the food she brought to the table. The old man tasted each one.
“Granddaughter, did you notice that these peanuts taste as if they were freshly dug from the ground?”
“They do. Otherwise, how would her business be thriving? Her goods are always so fresh. She knows the art of preservation. Even though she doesn’t say it, I know it. Who doesn’t have survival skills?”
“These chestnuts also taste as if they’ve just fallen from the tree, exuding a natural sweetness. I’ve tried the quail eggs. As for these roasted sweet potatoes…”
The old man pried one open and examined it. “Our local sweet potatoes usually have a white flesh and a stringy texture. But these sweet potatoes have yellow flesh. Roasting them releases oil, and they’re incredibly sweet. This young lady has some skills.”
“Of course. Someone chosen by your granddaughter must naturally stand out.
Oh, and there’s this.”
She quickly brought out a box of rice cakes and set it in front of the old man.
“Grandfather, give them a taste. These are rice cakes she made in the autumn. They’re delicious, but you can’t eat too many, or you might face constipation.”
“You little rascal.”
Although the old man said so, he still took one and took a bite.
“Mmm, it tastes good.”
“Delicious, right? She’s skilled in making all sorts of things. If you were to teach, you might have great rewards. Your granddaughter also wants to share in your glory and eat more good stuff.”
“You two are just gluttons, always thinking about food.” “We’re only following in Grandfather’s footsteps.”
“Haha, you’re inheriting the culinary spirit of our Wang family.”
The first snow of the north fell softly in mid-November.
Qiao Mai was unusually staying inside and hadn’t gone to her stall. During the day, she nestled on a warm bed, embroidering. At night, she played with Ling’er in the space.
With this weather, a hotpot was the most appropriate meal.
Thinking about the spicy and flavorful taste, Qiao Mai couldn’t help but swallow. She was just about to get up and prepare the ingredients for the hot pot when there was a knock on her courtyard gate.
From the window, she saw Jiaqi get the floor. An elderly man with a basket on his back stood outside. His face was red from the cold, and he seemed shy.
“Sir, may I ask who you’re looking for?”
“This old man is looking for Madam Qiao. I heard she’s interested in buying a couple of dogs. Last month, my dog had puppies, two of them. I wanted to ask if she’s interested.’ “Please come in..”