Chapter 26: The Xu Family of Gaoyang

Chapter 26: The Xus of Gaoyang

Jiang Wan scrunched her brows, unable to decide whether her dad's idea was right or wrong. Yet, something felt a bit off.

"Let's go back and discuss this with Mother first."

Although her mother had never explicitly mentioned her background, judging from her behavior, manners, and way of handling things, it was clear that the Xu family must have been a true old noble family.

Leave expert matters to the experts. When it came to dealing with other families, her mother was the true expert.

Sure enough, after hearing her daughter's words, Xu Shi looked at her rough-around-the-edges husband with helplessness.

"How come you understand even less about how the world works than the children? Matters like educating children fall within the responsibilities of the lady of the house. What do you plan to talk about by going to the Prince of Huai?"

Jiang Huailiang was somewhat confused.

"I was going to talk to Big Brother about whether our children could study with his. After all, teaching one child or a group is the same—I don’t mind paying some tuition."

"Is that really how it works?

From what I know, the Li family’s martial and literary instructors are all well-known. In these turbulent times, every family goes to great lengths to find good teachers for their children.

Do you really think they lack your meager tuition?"

"Of course I know the Li family’s school is excellent—otherwise, why would I want to squeeze our children in? If I don’t discuss this with Big Brother, who else can I turn to?"

Jiang Huailiang smacked his lips, feeling it wasn’t such a big deal. But seeing the helpless look in his wife’s eyes, he quickly changed his tune.

"Then, dear, what do you suggest we do?"

Xu Shi waved her hand at her husband.

"Leave this matter to me. I’ll make a trip to the Prince of Huai’s residence later. It’s only proper to seek a favor from the Li family’s mistress."

"Alright, you handle it then!"

He glanced out the window and noticed it was getting late, so he stood up to leave.

"You ladies chat. I’ll head out to take care of some business. I’ve been quite busy these days, so don’t wait for me for dinner."

Xu Shi stood up to see her husband off, worry etched on her face as she softly reminded him.

"Husband, you must be careful."

She knew the Prince of Huai was preparing to launch a direct assault on the capital. As one of his key generals, her husband would undoubtedly be fighting on the front lines.

Although this "big black bear" had always assured her that capturing the capital was not difficult and she need not worry, Xu Shi was no ignorant woman. How could she not understand the dangers involved?

Jiang Huailiang turned back to look at his wife and children, his rough, tall frame softening with a gentle smile.

"I know. Don’t worry.

Stay safe and sound at home and wait for your man to bring you glory and wealth!"

"Yes, my husband is a true hero."

"Hahahaha, you certainly have good taste, woman!"

The greatly amused hero strode out the door with confidence. Xu Shi turned back into the room and met the curious eyes of her three children.

Though she didn’t fully understand what her eldest daughter meant by "watching the drama," the unspoken understanding in their eyes made her face flush.

"Mom, you’re amazing."

Jiang Wan sincerely gave a thumbs-up, and her two little followers mimicked the gesture.

Their mother, embarrassed, shooed them away.

"Go on, what are you all crowding around for? Hurry back to the study and practice your calligraphy. Later, I’ll visit the Princess of Huai and have a word with her, to see if I can get you all into the Li family’s school, so you stop causing trouble at home."

"Got it, we’re leaving."

Not in the mood to endure their parents’ lovey-dovey stuff daily, Jiang Wan quickly led her two younger siblings away. After stopping by Baosong Hall to bicker with the elders for a while, she finally settled back into the study to read and practice calligraphy.

Xu Shi was always a woman of action. The next day, she brought gifts to the Li family to build connections for her children. After a warm exchange with her nominal sister-in-law, she returned home satisfied once the other party nodded in agreement.

After respectfully seeing off Lady Jiang, Jin Se returned to her mistress’s side. Noticing her mistress smiling while stroking a newly acquired red sandalwood bracelet, she softly asked with some curiosity.

"Mistress, is there something unusual about the item Lady Xu sent?"

"Unusual?"

Zhao Shi chuckled meaningfully.

"On the contrary, Lady Xu’s gift is perfectly appropriate."

Placing the red sandalwood bracelet back into its box, Zhao Shi’s eyes revealed undisguised admiration.

"Last time I observed Lady Xu’s demeanor, I knew she couldn’t be from a common or humble background. Today confirms it. To think she’s a lady from the noble Xu family of Gaoyang—no wonder she handles things so thoroughly."

Jin Xiu, who was tidying up nearby, raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"How did you know, Mistress?"

Zhao Shi closed the wooden box and handed it to Jin Se.

"Didn’t you hear Lady Xu mention it earlier? Her ancestral home is in Jizhou Prefecture, and she lived in the capital for some time. Later, her family fell on hard times, and she ended up in the countryside.

If I’m not mistaken, she should be the youngest legitimate daughter of the late Censor-in-Chief Xu Wenchuan, who was executed by the foolish emperor."

Recalling those past events, she couldn’t help but frown and sigh.

"If that’s the case, then Jiang Wan’s biological mother must be Xu Ruojin, the eldest daughter of the Xu family and one of the two famous beauties of the capital back then.

How tragic that such a talented woman was devoured by these turbulent times.

How pitiful and lamentable!"

Jin Se put away the wooden box and continued the conversation following her mistress’s train of thought.

"In that case, General Jiang is truly fortunate. A country bumpkin like him actually managed to marry noble ladies—not just one, but two. His luck is truly extraordinary."

"Heh, indeed. For someone as rough as Jiang Huailiang to win the pearl of the Xu family, one can’t help but sigh at the whims of fate. After all, back then…"

She shook her head with a smile, unwilling to dwell on the past, offering the deceased this final courtesy. She only muttered softly to herself.

"Since she’s a descendant of the Xus of Gaoyang, it wouldn’t be inappropriate to form marital ties in the future. The eldest is too old for it, and there’s also the Song family’s eldest daughter. The second son isn’t suitable in status, so let’s consider the third. I’ll visit Ruijing Hall later…"

Before sitting down at her desk to begin her daily work, Zhao Shi remembered to issue instructions to her attendants.

"Tomorrow, the three children of the Jiang family will also start their education at the estate. Go now to the Song, Ji, Guo, and Sun families to inform them.

Tell the leading ladies of these families that if they are willing, they may send their children born to the primary wife who are of proper age to the estate to study both literature and martial arts."

"...My lady?"

"It's fine. Go and deliver the message."

"Yes!"

The two of them accepted the orders and left.

Zhao Shi opened the account book, and suddenly, the image of the Jiang family's Wan Jieer and her actions that day appeared before her eyes. She couldn't help but smirk.

It seemed that girl was not one to take things lying down. Clearly, Little Xushi had raised the child quite well—the girl had the sense of responsibility expected of the legitimate eldest daughter of a family.

Hopefully she'll be receptive to teaching in the days to come.