Chapter 309: Chapter 309

After Madam Cheng hid the fifteen taels of silver earned from her son’s marriage arrangement, she thought to herself that her son hadn’t gone far, just next door.

If she wanted to see her son, couldn’t she go anytime she pleased?

The Liu Family was wealthier than the Cheng Family. Perhaps, her son might bring back some money from the Liu Family for her use.

With this thought, the little grievance in Madam Cheng’s heart vanished.

But who knew, that silly girl from the Liu Family, although she seemed silly, was sometimes very sharp.

No matter where Madam Cheng’s eldest son went, that silly girl Liu Ya would follow him.

When Cheng Dalang went to the toilet, she would wait outside.

When she went to the toilet, she would have someone else watch Cheng Dalang.

If Cheng Dalang walked a bit faster, Liu Ya would immediately pull him back.

Liu Ya was round in stature, yet her body was agile.

In front of Liu Ya, Cheng Dalang was like a mouse being toyed with by a cat.

When Madam Cheng heard about her son’s ordeal, she was so angry her eyes turned black.

She felt like she’d fallen into the Liu Family’s trap!

Her son wasn’t there to become a son-in-law, but a slave!

Oh heavens, what a terrible loss!

Oh heavens, why wasn’t it Xiao Chengzi instead? Why was it her son?

Li Yuzhu, Li Xing’an, and Mu Yuanxiu had been in the county town for several days, and the County Magistrate’s Wife’s health was improving day by day. The mosquito repellent and medicine pills on consignment at Cai’s Pharmacy were steadily increasing in sales.

Li Yuzhu settled part of the accounts with Manager Cai, agreeing to settle the rest after all the products were sold.

Though the business wasn’t large, it wasn’t losing money. Manager Cai always greeted Li Yuzhu cheerfully, quite different from his earlier disgruntled expressions.

Li Yuzhu decided it was time to go home.

She planned to prepare some more mosquito repellent and medicine pills to send to Cai’s for consignment sale, and also find other shops for consignment to expand her business.

Li Yuzhu wrote a new medicinal recipe for the County Magistrate’s Wife and told her, "Lady Li, your health is nearly recovered, so we should go home now."

The County Magistrate’s Wife tried to persuade her, "You haven’t stayed that long; why leave now? Stay a few more days?"

Li Yuzhu laughed and said, "I’ve been away for a long time. My parents must be worried. But rest assured, I’ll come to the county town every month, and I’ll certainly visit you each time."

The County Magistrate’s Wife, reluctant to part, said, "That’s true, you’ve been out for so long, and although your brother is with you, he’s still a man and can’t take care of everything. Your parents must indeed be worried. So, why don’t we say you’ll pack your things today, get a good night’s rest, and head out early tomorrow morning when it’s cooler?"

Li Yuzhu smiled, "Alright."

After arranging things with the County Magistrate’s Wife, Li Yuzhu went to find Li Xing’an and Mu Yuanxiu to tell them it was time to go back.

Li Xing’an scratched his head, "Ah, we’re leaving already?"

Mu Yuanxiu, looking at a book, glanced at him, "Third Brother Li, do you still want to have fun in town?"

Li Xing’an straightened his neck, "Nonsense, no such thing. I’m just saying." Though he indeed wanted to have fun a bit more...

The County Magistrate, upon hearing they were leaving, immediately discussed with the County Magistrate’s Wife, hoping they would take their son back to continue learning proper manners.

He had a personal agenda.

First, he wanted his son to learn more manners from the Li Family.

Second, to ensure his son grew closer to the Li Family, hoping to benefit from them in case they rose to prominence again.

The County Magistrate’s Wife was unaware of Prince Luling’s family’s true identity and didn’t know the County Magistrate’s long-term plans.

Nevertheless, she didn’t oppose sending her son to the Li Family.

In fact, when her illness hadn’t been cured, she hoped her son would stay longer at the Li Family to learn proper manners.

But at that time, with a troublesome concubine at home, she worried about losing her son’s status if the concubine were favored and bore a child.

Now that the concubine was no longer around, the Li Family’s discipline was adequate to teach her son proper manners.

"Husband, I don’t oppose sending our son to the Li Family. He’s been spoiled by the servants at home. At the Li Family, there will be no one to spoil him, and there are many children there, so he will have company. As the saying goes, near vermilion one becomes red, near ink one becomes black. Playing with well-behaved people will subtly influence him for the better."

The County Magistrate laughed, "Then it’s settled."

The Li Family’s siblings were to leave, so the County Magistrate’s Wife instructed Aunt Tian to prepare some gifts for them to take back.

If the gifts were too extravagant, she worried the Li Family would be afraid to accept them.

After much thought, the County Magistrate’s Wife instructed Aunt Tian to buy some high-quality writing tools and some fashionable fabrics.

Writing tools for the men of the Li Family, and fabrics for the women.

In the countryside, even if there’s money, it’s rare to find good writing tools and fabrics.

While Li Xing’an was organizing his belongings, a Chang Sui from the county magistrate came to him, "Third Young Master Li, our master requests your presence."

Li Xing’an told Mu Yuanxiu inside the house, "Mu Yuanxiu, help me pack my clothes; I’ll be right back."

Mu Yuanxiu glanced outside and gave an "Mm."

Li Xing’an flicked his sleeves and went outside, following Chang Sui to see the county magistrate.

He thought Chang Sui would take him to the county magistrate’s study as usual, but this time, he was led towards a side courtyard’s corner gate.

Li Xing’an couldn’t help but feel curious.

He asked, "Elder Zeng, didn’t you say you’d take me to see Lord County Magistrate? Where are we going?"

Chang Sui smiled, "Lord County Magistrate is just up ahead."

Li Xing’an looked around, "Up ahead? I remember there’s a stable ahead."

Chang Sui smiled, "Yes, yes, sir is at the stable."

Li Xing’an asked curiously, "Is Lord County Magistrate perhaps inviting me to admire the horses?"

Chang Sui smiled and said nothing.

After rounding a wall, they saw the county magistrate’s stable.

Next to the stable, in the shed, were carriage frames. On one side was a side door; usually, people would harness the carriage here first, then drive it to the front yard.

The county magistrate’s stable had four horses.

The horses used by government officials were kept at a different location.

At that moment, the county magistrate was bent over examining the horses.

Chang Sui walked over and said, "Sir, Third Young Master Li has arrived."

The county magistrate turned and nodded, smiling at Li Xing’an, "Third Young Master Li, I heard you are returning tomorrow. You and your siblings cured my wife’s illness and helped my young son a lot. I wanted to give a gift to express my gratitude, but didn’t know what would be appropriate. I noticed you don’t have a horse, so I thought I’d gift you one. I hope you won’t mind." Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs novel⟡fire.net

Li Xing’an was surprised, gifting him a horse?

He thought to himself, this county magistrate is very generous.

Li Xing’an waved his hand and said, "Lord County Magistrate, you are too kind. We consider Mr. Li Xing a good friend, helping a friend doesn’t count as anything. As for curing County Magistrate’s Wife’s illness, madam already sent gifts; it’s what we siblings should do."

But the county magistrate insisted on giving the gift.

Li Xing’an had no choice but to accept.

The county magistrate took Li Xing’an to choose a horse, "Third Young Master Li, come look, these horses are all top-grade from the north; pick whichever you fancy."

Li Xing’an stroked his chin, examining the horses.

All four horses were about the same build, and Li Xing’an chose a big black horse.

The county magistrate urged Li Xing’an to choose more, "Won’t Third Young Master Li pick again? Choose the one you like the most."

Li Xing’an patted the horse’s back, "This one will do, it’s well-fed and strong, surely powerful."

Among the four horses, this one was slightly slimmer but also the youngest.

When someone gifts you a horse, how could you choose the best one?

The county magistrate still wanted Li Xing’an to pick again.

Li Xing’an insisted on this one.

The county magistrate laughed, "Alright, this one then." He called on Chang Sui to prepare the saddle and carriage frame.

Li Xing’an said, "Lord County Magistrate, we can prepare these ourselves."

A good saddle costs as much as the horse.

The county magistrate waved his hand and said, "Third Young Master Li, there’s no need to be so polite. I gift you the horse hoping my rascal son can learn proper manners from you. If he misbehaves, you can come find me while riding the horse anytime."

Li Xing’an suddenly understood, so that’s how it is.

The county magistrate continued, "He only stayed at your place for a few days and already listened much better. My wife and I were thinking of sending him to your home again to learn manners. I wonder if you’d be willing. Don’t worry, I’ll arrange for his expenses, ensuring he doesn’t freeload."

Li Xing’an laughed, "Lord County Magistrate, although my home is modest, it’s spacious with plenty of rooms. Mr. Li Xing is welcome anytime."

Having someone live there with expenses covered while also gaining a helping hand, Li Xing’an didn’t oppose.

Besides, if Li Lixing dares to cause trouble, he’s ready to handle him.

The county magistrate smiled, "That’s good, that’s good."

The long-term attendants at County Magistrate’s Mansion, following the magistrate’s instructions, also purchased a saddle and carriage frame for the horse.

On the other side, upon learning he was being sent by his parents to stay at Li’s home, Li Lixing was not the least bit unhappy. On the contrary, he excitedly called his servants to pack his luggage.

The small dog, Xiao Hua, dashed out from its kennel, wagging its tail and barking at him, "Woof woof woof woof—"

It seemed to say, Little master, you can’t leave me behind.

Li Lixing picked it up and laughed, "Ah, there’s Xiao Hua too. Let’s bring Xiao Hua along for Jingjing and Guoguo to play with."

Li Yuzhu, in her bedroom, was also packing her luggage.

Of the two boxes she brought, one previously filled with mosquito repellent was already emptied.

The mosquito repellent had been taken to Cai’s Pharmacy.

This empty box was now filled with some small gifts she’d picked up from the streets.

There was rouge for the Great Princess and Chai Eying, fruit pastries for the Second Princess, and small toys for the two children.

She bought top-quality paint for her father and shoe fabric for her mother.

Also, a few books for her elder brother Li Xingmao, and for her second brother, she bought a fine bow and arrow set.

Her second brother’s archery skills were really poor, and he needed some practice.

As Li Yuzhu was packing, outside, the County Magistrate’s Wife’s senior maid, Chun’er, approached.

"Miss Li, madam requests your presence."