Li Dong was speechless with laughter and tears, but Su Ye was very supportive, "I think Jiuniang said it right, this is exactly what they call a white lie."

  "Mother would be so heartbroken if she knew that sister didnt get to eat her favorite salted rice balls, she would definitely cry. Im already heartbroken to the point of death." Li Xia continued.

  "Sixth Sister, I think Ninth Sister is right. Sixth Sister, this isnt being considerate of others, its just adding trouble for the old master and mistress." Su Ye sat down beside them, turning sideways.

  Li Xia couldnt stop nodding, she really liked Su Ye so much!

  "And me, Im also suffering, suffering to death! And Fifth Brother, Fifth Brother is even more miserable, and Sixth Brother, Sixth Brother is the most miserable. Everyone misses Sister, everyone is suffering, Su Ye is also suffering, right Su Ye?"

  "Jiuniangzi is right, Liu Niangzi, you need to change your temper. Put yourself in others shoes and think about it from their perspective. If Jiuniangzi were like you, wouldnt you feel uncomfortable?"

  Li Xia almost applauded for Su Ye, she knew that Su Ye was reasonable and sensible, but she didnt expect her to be so understanding of the situation now.

  Li Dongs face turned slightly pale, and he forced a smile: "Looking at you two... I understand."

  ………………

  When Li Wenshan knocked on the door and entered the study of Magistrate Li, Magistrate Lis face still wore a look of depression that had not yet dissipated.

  "Is everything all right at the yamen today?" Li Wenshan looked at his father with concern, Li Xianling forced a smile and shook his head: "There are two masters in the yamen, what could be wrong? Its just...I didnt sleep well last night."

  Magistrate Li made up a random excuse to brush it off and quickly changed the subject, "The Gu Shan Chang of Wan Song Academy and those gentlemen are all learned men, the exam is just around the corner, why arent you focusing on your studies instead of running out here?"

  "I came to find you, Father, because of my studies." Li Wen Shan smiled and said: "Son, these past few days studying books and practicing writing, there are many places that confuse me, the more I read, the more confused I become, some places are simply unreadable. Son thinks, its better to find a teacher to guide him."

  "Why didnt you come ask me?"

  "Ive gone to look for Father several times," said Li Wenshan with a worried face. "How can I talk to Father? Father is either talking to the county magistrate or discussing official business with the two teachers, or going out to inspect agricultural affairs, and also handling cases, all of which cannot be disturbed. Father is really too busy."

  Magistrate Li nodded, indeed it was so. He had been busy in the yamen all day and often didnt even have time to drink a cup of tea. Where could he send his sons tutor to look? Hengshan was such a small county that it didnt even have a juren, let alone a jinshi. Should he send him to Hangzhou? There must be some in Hangzhou, but he wasnt familiar with the place...

  "Father, I recall that when we were in Jiangning Prefecture, I heard Big Brothers son Song say that their family had a Mr. Qin who was extremely knowledgeable and of excellent character, even Uncle Rong couldnt praise him enough. Song also said that Mr. Qin longed to see the beautiful scenery of Hangzhou and planned to stay there for a while. Song even asked me to take care of Mr. Qin. If I ask Song whether Mr. Qin has arrived in Hangzhou or not, if he is indeed in Hangzhou, I can invite him to stay in Hengshan County for a few days to learn from him. When I get accepted into Wansong Academy, if hes still in Hangzhou, Ill continue to learn from him. What do you think?"

  Li Wenshan carefully considered his words, County Magistrate Li frowned and remained silent. This Mr. Qin was someone who knew the score, having been on good terms with Lao Da twenty years ago, one of the few trusted advisors by Lao Das side...

  "This Mr. Qin is an old man of the Bo Mansion, extremely favored by your great uncle, hes a man who does big things, how would he have time to teach you?" County Magistrate Li shook his head.

  "Try it and youll know," Li Wenshan immediately picked up the conversation, "I think so, Father will just pretend he doesnt know, Ill write a letter to Song Ge, if he agrees then he agrees, if not then he doesnt. Anyway, Father wont know, what does Father think?"

  Magistrate Lis eyebrows furrowed and then relaxed, relaxed and then furrowed again. His sons studies and future in the imperial examinations were the most important things... After hesitating for a moment, Magistrate Li nodded and said, "Dont say too much, just casually ask him a question or two. Since he has entrusted you to take care of him, asking is also a matter of courtesy."

  "Dont worry, Dad!" Li Wenshan smiled with a relieved expression.

  ………………

  Old Mrs. Zhong was ill for two days, and when she saw Magistrate Li, she didnt say a word, but got better by herself. In the evening, after leaving the county government office, she went to the east alley of the government office to talk to Old Lady Yang.

  Yangs nephew Yang Da and his wife were running a small food stall to make a living, they had just closed the stall and returned home. Seeing Old Lady Zhong arrive, Yang Da hurriedly put down what he was doing and went out to buy wine and dishes. Yang Das wife lit the fire and stir-fried several dishes, which she arranged in the room of Yangs wife.

  Old Lady Zhong and Old Lady Yang both had a great capacity for liquor, and the jar of wine was soon emptied. Old Lady Yang took out some money and asked Yang Da to go buy another large jar.

  "...this family, if I hadnt worried myself to death, would it be like this today? Am I not doing all this for this family? For the sake of those with the surname Li...heartless and ruthless things! A whole den of heartless and ruthless people." Old Lady Zhong was in a bad mood, drinking heavily, and before long she was already half drunk, no longer complaining about her hardships, but cursing nonstop.

  Yangs wife poured her another glass of wine and, following her words, advised: "No matter how it is not born to you, peoples hearts are separated by their bellies, but you still have to think more about yourself. If you want to rely on someone, you cant rely on them."

  "I treat him like my own son!" Old Lady Zhong grumbled and scolded, "Im doing all this for his good! For the good of his whole family! What a thing, if it werent for me... uh... what a thing... Ill tell you! Such a good thing, I absolutely cannot let him have his way, in this house, I have the final say! Such a great opportunity... can he be allowed to have it?"

  Mrs. Zhong slapped the table, and Mrs. Yang hastily moved the cup a little to prevent it from falling and shattering. "Old sister, Ill say something that might annoy you, but in my opinion, this marriage... doesnt count as a real marriage. What do you think? Your daughter Dong is a proper officials young lady, with the Hou Mansion behind her, and also has a first-rank official for an uncle - cant find a better match than that?"

  "You dont know squat!" Old Lady Zhong spat on the ground, "The Hou family cut ties with them long ago! From now on..." Old Lady Zhong shifted closer to Yangs wife, "I told you youre a fool, didnt I? That deed is still in the hands of that wicked old hag, and this old lady... uh, is a slave!"

  Old Lady Zhong belched, and Yangs wife hurriedly poured her another cup of wine.

  "You cant even get on the stage! Im telling you, this is a noble familys rules, you dont understand! The first rule, there are differences between high and low, its a big taboo! Back when I was in that marquis residence... A bunch of turtle eggs, they even ate meals in layers, turtle eggs! Youve spent your whole life in the lowest rungs of society, you dont understand!"

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