Full House Spring

Xia Li dressed up carefully, was very polite, and chatted with the ladies with ease. Yuan, the first wife of Cao Zhubu, who had been engaged to Kuang Yulin, had always been arrogant. Seeing Xia Li being surrounded by people like a star, she felt very unhappy and suddenly raised her voice and said:

"If you ask me, it's better to be a civil servant. If the Dongyi people attack, Lord Kuang will have to go to the front line. You two young couple just got married and don't even have a child. If one of you dies on the battlefield, wouldn't Grandma Kuang..."

Before she finished speaking, the whole place fell silent. Xia Li held down Yu Ru's hand as she was about to raise it, and said word by word, "What dirty food did Madam Cao eat before she went out? Why does her mouth stink so badly? Don't worry, my husband is a martial arts expert. Even if Cao Zhubu dies, he won't die."

Fang Tangli replied with a fake smile, "That's right. Cao Zhubu is already very old. It's possible that he will be frightened to death if he sees the Dongyi people. I have to talk to my husband. People of this age should enjoy their retirement and not take on important responsibilities."

When everyone heard this, they couldn't help but cover their mouths and chuckle. However, Yuan was a little panicked. She knew that she couldn't afford to offend the prefect's wife, but she didn't expect that the relationship between the two sisters was so close. It was not just a matter of face.

She pulled the corners of her mouth awkwardly and said humbly, "Madam, you are too kind. I was just joking. My master is not too old. He is in good health. He can do farm work on weekdays without any problem. If the prefect has any errands, just give them to him. He will definitely not delay the work."

Fang Tangli said slowly, "Since you said so, if the Dongyi people really come to attack, let Cao Zhubu guard the city gate. Let him experience the difficulties of the frontline soldiers, and then you won't talk nonsense."

When Yuan heard this, her face turned pale with fear and she screamed, "Absolutely not. My master doesn't know martial arts and he's old and weak, how can he guard the city gate? I hope Madam will give him some leniency because the prefect and my master share the same surname, Cao."

Fang Tangli's temper had been strange since she became pregnant. Even Cao Shixiang had to coax her. Yuan dared to humiliate Xia Li in front of her, which was simply a poke in her lungs. She was giving her face by not slapping her directly. None of the ladies who were watching spoke up to plead for her. It was her own fault for being so mean.

Fang Tangli said with a droopy face: "There are many people with the surname Cao in this world. If I let them all off, wouldn't they all be able to make a nest on my head? Besides, I didn't ask you to do anything. As the chief clerk, isn't it my duty to guard the city gate during a critical moment?"

Yuan felt as if the sky had fallen. If her master knew the news, he would not let her go. She looked around blankly and saw Xia Li's expressionless face. She seemed to have grasped a life-saving straw and cried to Xia Li:
"Grandma Kuang, I was wrong. It's all my fault for being so outspoken. Please forgive me this time and plead for me in front of the prefect's wife."

Xia Li took a step back and said in a deep voice, "You won't feel the pain unless you are hit by the stick. Madam Cao, you don't have to beg me. It is still unknown whether the Dongyi people will invade. If there is no war, your begging will be in vain, right?"

Yuan was slightly stunned, as if it was indeed the case. She knew that she had offended the prefect's wife. Even if there was no war, her master would not be in good condition if she whispered something in the prefect's ear in the future.

She swallowed and said, "That's what happened. If the Dongyi people wanted to make peace with us, they might not be able to fight. I was confused."

Fang Tangli had already scolded her, so this matter was definitely not over yet. There was no need for Xia Li to act like she was right. She turned around and started chatting with another lady about jewelry, and the atmosphere became lively again.

Kuang Yulin didn't dare to blink. The high and mighty wife of the chief clerk was so vulnerable. She was suddenly glad that she didn't marry a man from the Cao family, otherwise she would be embarrassed today.

Kuang Yuru, however, could not be happy. She just felt that she was useless and could not help her sister-in-law. Kuang Yulin did not know what she was thinking and lowered her voice and said, "Let's go sit in the front. The flowers over there are blooming beautifully."

Kuang Yuru said uninterestedly: "You go by yourself. I will stay here with my sister-in-law to save me the trouble of running back and forth."

The smile on Kuang Yulin's face froze, and she didn't say anything more. She walked over alone with Qingque. She usually didn't have the opportunity to show her face, and she was not familiar with the girls from different families. Fortunately, she was good at pretending and finding topics to talk about, so she quickly integrated into the group.

Mrs. Xie, the wife of the Jiaozhou County magistrate, came here to find a good marriage for her son. She knew the details of Cao Shixiang and Fang Tangli. A family like theirs, who had the support of a big tree, had complicated internal connections. Although they seemed not to be in an important position, no one could shake them.

However, their family came from a poor family, and it was not easy for them to get the position of county magistrate. For the sake of her son's future, Xie still wanted to establish a relationship with the aristocratic family, even if the relationship was distant.

Xie has been thinking about it for a long time but couldn't find a way. Today, she saw that Xia Li had a close relationship with Fang Tangli, and heard that Kuang Chengrui was very capable. With the help of the Fang family in the court, he would be able to soar to the sky sooner or later.

Xie first stood aside, observing Kuang Yulin's words and deeds inconspicuously. Although Cui was getting worse year by year, she had seen the world after all. Kuang Yulin's etiquette might not be up to par in front of the real dignitaries, but for Xie, who came from a humble family, she found it impeccable.

Kuang Yulin didn't know she was being spied on. She chatted for a while, walked through the Chaoshou corridor, and was about to ask for a cup of tea when she ran into Xie. Xie smiled and said, "You look a little unfamiliar, young lady. Where are you from?"

Kuang Yulin knew that Xie was the wife of the county magistrate, so she bowed and said softly, "Madam, I am the legitimate daughter of the second branch of the Kuang family. I am here today with my eldest sister-in-law."

Mrs. Xie frowned slightly. She had asked someone to inquire about the situation of the Kuang family. Kuang Chengrui's sister would naturally be a better marriage candidate, but she was too young and not a match for her son. Although the second branch was a generation away, they were all members of the Kuang family after all, so it was not unacceptable.

Mrs. Xie took Kuang Yulin aside and talked to her for a long time in a friendly manner. Kuang Yuru did not take the initiative to go out and communicate with others, but Xia Li took her to the ladies of various families to make her familiar to them.

Kuang Yuru glanced around but didn't see Kuang Yulin. She leaned over to Xia Li's ear and whispered, "Sister-in-law, I don't know where Yulin has gone. I can't see her. What if she gets into trouble?"

Xia Li said calmly, "Don't worry, this is at my cousin's house, Kuang Yulin won't be so stupid."

She had finally got the chance to show herself in public, so she had to show off. Maybe she could even meet a good match. Besides, all the guests at the banquet were women, so she had no chance to do anything that would bring shame to the family.

Kuang Yuru felt relieved after hearing what her sister-in-law said. It was not until the banquet was almost over that she appeared in front of Xia Li with a rosy face. With her came Xie, who walked towards Xia Li and said with a smile on her face:
"Grandma Kuang is indeed worthy of her reputation. You and Mr. Kuang are a perfect match. I went to your house to drink the wedding wine on your wedding day." Xia Li didn't know why she came here, so he said politely, "I was wearing a veil at that time and didn't care about so many things. I wonder what the madam wants to talk to me about?"

Xia Li didn't like to talk too much with people he wasn't familiar with. It was better to talk about the matter at hand. Xie's expression was slightly restrained, and she said carefully: "It's like this. I just met Miss Kuang and I hit it off. I chatted with her for a while and I thought she was very good. My son is about the same age as her, so I was thinking whether our two families could..."

Xie was just here to test Xia Li's attitude. If she was not happy, then there was no need for this marriage. Kuang Yulin blushed and looked at her sister-in-law nervously.

Xia Li knew Xie's identity. Kuang Yulin was able to get this marriage because she was capable. Xia Li said in a gentle tone, "Although I am the eldest sister-in-law, my grandfather and second aunt are still alive. If Madam sincerely wants to marry the eldest sister, you might as well choose a day to go to the mansion to talk to the second aunt."

Xia Li was only responsible for bridging the gap and did not ask about any subsequent issues. Seeing that she did not object, Xie felt relieved and said with a smile: "What Grandma Kuang said makes sense. Since our family is sincere in seeking marriage, we will definitely not let Miss Kuang down in terms of etiquette. I will come to visit you in a few days when I have prepared gifts."

Xia Li nodded modestly, then turned and left. Kuang Yuru and Kuang Yulin followed closely behind. When Xia Li got on the carriage, Kuang Yulin stopped in front of Kuang Yuru and said in a low voice, "Sister, please take the carriage at the back. I have something to say to my sister-in-law."

Kuang Yuru originally didn't want to pay attention to her, but after seeing her sister-in-law's eye signal, she obediently walked back. Kuang Yulin got on the carriage and met Xia Li's sharp eyes, smiling uncomfortably.

She said in a low voice: "Sister-in-law, it was Magistrate Luo's wife who took the initiative to talk to me, not me who approached her."

Xia Li was a little surprised. She raised her eyebrows slightly and said slowly, "Which son does Xie want to marry you to?"

Kuang Yulin's lips curled up unconsciously, and she said truthfully: "She said that I am a good match for her eldest son. He has already passed the imperial examination and is very motivated in his studies. He will pass the imperial examination sooner or later."

Xia Li was quite surprised. Xie's marriage with the Kuang family was very sincere. Xia Li didn't know why she saw Kuang Yulin. She sighed secretly and said tactfully, "If he is the eldest son, you will have to shoulder the responsibility of being a clan wife after you marry him. Do you think you can handle it?"

Kuang Yulin's expression was slightly restrained. She unconsciously clenched the handkerchief in her hand, pondered for a moment, and said firmly: "I can learn what I don't know."

Xia Li said gently and calmly: "Did Second Aunt teach you to read the account book and manage the housekeeping?"

Kuang Yulin shook his head and said blankly: "I can read and write poetry, play the piano and paint. Isn't that enough?"

Xia Li just found it funny. She said calmly, "You married into the Luo family and spent all your time reading and writing poetry. Who will take care of the household affairs? You don't know the value of rice and grain, so you will be cheated of all your money by the servants."

Kuang Yulin's expression was a little stiff. She was not sure, "But my mother said that men like talented women. Only by learning these can I firmly grasp the hearts of men. My father was firmly grasped by her in this way."

Xia Li shook his head and laughed, "Your mother can eat and live with your father-in-law because the Kuang family was not prominent back then, and there were not so many chores to take care of. Your father-in-law has no vision, so he was fooled by her. You should ask her to try with someone else."

In Kuang Yulin's opinion, the eldest sister-in-law is superior to Cui in terms of status, vision and family background, so her words are more credible than Cui's. Kuang Yulin's smile was a little forced. She said softly: "Sister-in-law, it's not easy for me to get this marriage. I don't want to miss the good match so easily. Can you please teach me how to read the account book and how to manage the household affairs after you go back?"

Xia Li's eyes flickered slightly, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He said bluntly: "What benefit can I get from teaching you these?"

Kuang Yulin's face froze slightly, and he said hesitantly: "I will definitely listen to my sister-in-law in the future. If you tell me to go east, I will never go west. As long as I can gain a firm foothold in the Luo family smoothly, anything is fine."

Xia Li looked at her with scrutiny, and just when she was about to give up, he said, "I'm not a good person, and I won't do anything that's thankless. It's not difficult to teach you step by step. Since you said you'd listen to me in the future, then keep your promise. Don't refuse anything I ask you to do in the future, and don't pay attention to your mother, otherwise you won't have a comfortable life."

Kuang Yulin felt her scalp tingling when she saw Xia Li's expression. She believed that her sister-in-law would keep her word and was not joking with her. She swallowed her saliva and said carefully, "Don't worry, sister-in-law, I will keep my word. That Luo said that she has taken a fancy to me, but she was chatting with me but secretly asking about my brother and sister-in-law. I know her purpose very well. If I really marry her, I will have to ask my brother and sister-in-law to support me."

After going through this series of events, Kuang Yulin became much smarter and knew what she wanted. She knew that she would never be able to make a breakthrough in her life if she relied on her mother and second brother. Since she could marry into a good family, there was nothing wrong with betraying them.

Xia Li's lips curled up with a hint of amusement, and he said lightly: "As long as you are steady and obedient, and know how to consider the overall situation, your elder brother and I will not treat you unfairly. Starting tomorrow, you and Yuru will learn to manage the household with me."

Kuang Yulin responded softly, feeling a little jealous of Yuru. She had begged for this opportunity, but Yuru didn't need to say anything, her sister-in-law could already think of her. If she was the eldest daughter in the family, her future would probably be even better.

After finishing the serious business, Xia Li began to close his eyes and rest. Kuang Yulin sat quietly and did not dare to disturb him. After a while, they arrived home. Xia Li told Yu Ru about the housekeeper's affairs and went back with the maid.

Before leaving, Kuang Chengrui said he would go home for dinner, so Xia Li asked Qiao He to cook a few of his favorite dishes. However, he didn't come back after waiting for a long time, so Xia Li had to fill his stomach first.

When it was time to light the lamps, there was still no sign of him. Xia Li thought that he was delayed by something, and was about to wash up and rest, when he saw Shi Mi running into the room in a panic. She said with a serious face: "Master, the master sent Shunzi back to give you a letter, saying that something happened outside."

Xia Li immediately sat up from the bed and said calmly, "Let Shunzi come in and answer the question." (End of this chapter)