Chapter 19 Straw Sandals

Chapter 19 Straw Sandals

"Mother, have you forgotten? The Guanyin Tofu I made yesterday was from a book, and today's fishing method also came from an ancient text." Lin Shu smiled, tilting her chin proudly. "Your daughter didn't spend all those years in the marquis household for nothing."

He Guixiang felt a surge of joy, followed by a pang of guilt.

If the mix-up hadn’t happened all those years ago, wouldn’t all this have belonged to A Yao?

Seeing her expression, Lin Shu knew she was thinking of the protagonist again. But Lin Shu felt no jealousy. When she left the marquis household, she had done so decisively, leaving both sides with dignity. The marquis' wife probably still thought of her from time to time—after all, over a decade of affection couldn’t just fade away.

Lin Shu said lightly, "Mother, are you thinking of Sister Yao again?"

Caught off guard, He Guixiang’s face flashed with alarm and confusion before settling into guilt. "No, A Shu, let Mother explain... I was just... just thinking..."

"Don’t worry, Mother, I’m not jealous of Sister Yao."

Lin Shu linked arms with He Guixiang, resting her head on her shoulder. "I know you feel guilty, and so do I. But to be blunt, noble young ladies learn things like music, chess, calligraphy, and painting not just for appearances but to secure a good marriage. Yet Sister Yao has already won the favor of the Duke of Yingguo’s household. The Heir to the Duke of Yingguo is outstanding, a diamond in the rough, admired by many noble daughters in the capital, yet he only has eyes for Sister Yao. Even without those skills, Sister Yao can still find happiness through her own abilities. Doesn’t that make you feel better?"

Lin Shu had become adept at persuasion during hard times, and He Guixiang, convinced by what she said, gradually relaxed.

In truth, many noble daughters in the capital didn’t enjoy learning such arts—they did so because everyone else did, and not learning would make them seem inferior. The original Lin Shu, spurred by a childhood remark from Gu Yian, had studied with exceptional diligence, becoming a top student. Though it had been a painful process devoid of joy, the benefits were undeniable: she gained knowledge, built her character, and cultivated a graceful bearing—qualities the transmigrated protagonist had missed out on during her fourteen years away.

But Lin Shu didn’t want He Guixiang to keep thinking about the protagonist or feeling guilty. The servant from the marquis household had been the one to deliberately swap the children—what did it have to do with He Guixiang?

The marquis' wife had been separated from her child for over a decade, but wasn’t He Guixiang, a country woman, also separated from her own child?

If anything, He Guixiang should be the one resenting the marquis household for swapping her child.

It was only because of the marquis' high status that He Guixiang felt unjustly guilty, as if her biological daughter had stolen someone else’s good fortune.

And if things ended as in the original story, with the original Lin Shu passing away alone on a farm after committing countless misdeeds, everyone would rejoice. But who would think about Lin Dashan’s family in their remote village?

What had He Guixiang done to deserve losing a daughter, only for her biological child to die as a consequence of her own actions?

"A Shu, Mother understands now. I won’t dwell on it anymore," He Guixiang said, gazing at her soft, tender biological daughter with a warm heart.

Heaven had not treated her poorly. Though A Yao was gone, it had returned such a caring daughter to her.

"Mother, Sister, I want a hug too!" Lin Xiaopu mimicked Lin Shu, cuddling up to He Guixiang.

The three of them chatted affectionately for a while.

Just as He Guixiang had predicted, not long after breakfast, Third Aunt Wang Qiaohua arrived carrying a bamboo basket.

The courtyard gate was open, and the three of them spotted her as soon as she reached the entrance.

"Second Sister-in-law. Xiao Pu and... the oldest daughter are both here."

Wang Qiaohua’s initial greeting was slightly awkward, but she quickly warmed up. "Yu Shu brought back a large grass carp. I cooked it, and the whole family loved it. When I asked, I found out it was a gift from the oldest daughter and Xiao Pu. You really shouldn’t have been so polite! Third Aunt can’t just accept it without giving back. These are two pairs of straw sandals I made in my spare time—they cover the toes. The oldest daughter isn’t like us; she comes from a refined family, so these will be more presentable. Here, take them and wear them. If they wear out, Third Aunt will make you new ones."

Wang Qiaohua lifted the floral cloth covering the basket and took out two pairs of straw sandals.

Lin Shu looked at them, surprised. The sandals were woven from rushes, with thick soles and closed toes, far more refined and comfortable-looking than the ones she was wearing.

Seeing their silence, Wang Qiaohua handed a pair into Lin Xiaopu’s and Lin Shu’s hands. "Try them on quickly. I see Xiao Pu often, so the size should be right. I only caught a few glimpses of the oldest daughter in the crowd, so I’m not sure if I estimated correctly."

Lin Shu looked at He Guixiang, who nodded, before happily accepting the sandals. "Thank you, Third Aunt. These are beautifully woven. I love them."

She immediately took off her old sandals and put on the new ones, walking around in them in the courtyard. They fit perfectly.

Third Aunt had estimated the size accurately after just a few glances from afar—impressive.

Lin Xiaopu didn't change into hers, merely comparing them to her feet before putting them away.

"You’ve gone to so much trouble, Sister-in-law. Please, sit," He Guixiang offered.

Wang Qiaohua waved her hand. "No, no, I can’t stay. The sun’s out these days, and I need to go back to sun the hemp. When it’s time to weave it, shall I bring it here to do it together?"

He Guixiang smiled. "Sure, I’ve been getting lonely alone."

Wang Qiaohua glanced at Lin Shu and Lin Xiaopu. "How could you be bored, Second Sister-in-law? You have Xiao Pu and the oldest daughter with you. Not like me—my Yu Shu went to the fields with his father before dawn."

He Guixiang fell silent.

Wang Qiaohua’s mouth trembled, her expression growing bitter. "Second Sister-in-law, I used to be small-minded. I’ve let it go now. People have to face reality. Yu Shu just wasn’t meant for studying. Look, after the family split, I’ve worked all these years and still can’t save up enough for his tuition. What’s the use blaming others? Yu Shu hasn’t mentioned studying in ages. It’s me who couldn’t let go, and in the end, I not only made you resent me but also created tension between his father and Second Brother."

Wang Qiaohua had initially intended to apologize and mend their relationship, but as she spoke, the bitterness she’d held inside all these years surfaced, and her eyes grew moist.

He Guixiang, touched by her sincerity, felt a pang of sympathy. Remembering what A Shu had said earlier, she glanced at her daughter.

Lin Shu gave her a comforting glance and said to Wang Qiaohua, "Third Aunt, I have a way for Yu Shu to continue studying. No tuition needed—just an hour of lessons each day after breakfast. If he has talent, he’ll make progress in just six months. He may not become a scholar, but he could work as a bookkeeper in town or even the county."

Wang Qiaohua was stunned. "No tuition? How can such a good thing exist?"

Lin Shu chuckled. "It doesn’t exist elsewhere, but who asked Yu Shu to be my cousin?"

Wang Qiaohua still seemed dazed until Lin Shu pointed to herself. "Third Aunt, I’m a noble daughter from the capital’s marquis household. When it comes to reading and writing, I’m as good as those old scholars. I’ll teach Yu Shu myself, no tuition required. He just needs to help me with chores now and then."

Wang Qiaohua’s eyes widened, shining with sudden joy. "Oldest daughter! Are you serious?!"

"Absolutely. He was so helpful today—he seems like he has potential. It’d be a shame for him not to study. If you and Yu Shu don’t mind me being a female teacher, I’ll be his teacher."

"Mind? Of course not!" Wang Qiaohua grabbed her hands excitedly. "Oldest daughter, dear girl, you’re so thoughtful toward Yu Shu. When he succeeds, I’ll have him kowtow to you and support you. No, I’ll go fetch him right now and make him kowtow to you!"

Lin Shu quickly stopped her. "Third Aunt, you’re too kind. My offer stands anytime. Don’t rush—go home and discuss it with Third Uncle and Yu Shu. If you all agree, just have Yu Shu come over after breakfast tomorrow."

"Good, good, good," Wang Qiaohua repeated, then asked, "Oldest daughter, does he need to bring anything? Like writing supplies?"

Lin Shu smiled. "Just call me A Shu, like Mother does. No need to prepare those yet. I’ll start by teaching Yu Shu to read and write. We can write in the dirt at first. Once he’s made some progress, we’ll buy supplies for proper writing. That’ll save money."

"Alright! Third Aunt will listen to you!" Wang Qiaohua expressed her gratitude warmly before leaving happily.

He Guixiang watched her go, feeling both touched and proud of her daughter’s capability.

"Teaching one is teaching, teaching two is also teaching. Xiao Pu, from now on, you’ll study with them."

Lin Xiaopu, suddenly addressed, looked confused. "But Sister, I’m a girl."

"What does being a girl matter? Girls can read and write too. You don’t need to take the imperial exams, but knowing how to read and learning from books is always good. Have you forgotten how I learned to make Guanyin Tofu and catch so many fish?"

Lin Xiaopu was instantly convinced and nodded obediently. "Then I’ll learn to read and study more."

He Guixiang opened her mouth to speak but ultimately said nothing.

What use was literacy for a girl? In the end, she’d still marry, keep house, and busy herself by the stove.

But whatever, let them do as they please.

"Mom, is A Ye coming back today?" Lin Shu asked.

He Guixiang replied, "Yes, your dad and I already told him he could only stay in the mountains for one night. Two days and one night, no matter what he finds in the mountains, he must come out. Just wait, he'll probably be back by dinner time. A Ye has been busy in the mountains for two days—he must be starving. Tonight, we’re having a proper cooked rice meal!"

Lin Shu added, "A Ye hasn’t tried the fish Xiao Pu and I caught yet. Later, I’ll ask him to dig a fish pond for me. When he comes back, I’ll make him a pot of suan cai yu myself!"

He Guixiang smiled and agreed, "Alright, Mom will help you light the fire, and A Shu can cook it herself."

Lin Shu was already looking forward to Zhou Ye’s return, planning to fill him up with a big pot of fish. But by the time dinner was ready, and the family of four had finished eating, Zhou Ye still hadn’t returned.

It was almost dark.

Lin Dashan looked at the sky, his brow furrowed tightly, while He Guixiang also wore a worried expression.

After a while, Lin Dashan suddenly said, "You all stay at home. I’ll go to the village and gather some men to check the deep mountains."

Just as Lin Dashan was about to grab a torch and head out, suddenly, a commotion erupted outside.

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