Chapter 194: Chapter 176, Body Contract_1

Main Court.

“Second Brother, what are you laughing about?”

Madam Li looked speechlessly at Li Xingnian who’d kept a smile on his face ever since he came out of the Old Madam’s courtyard.

Li Xingnian reined in his smile, “I was wondering, how come Daohua is so formidable!” Every time he thought of his brother-in-law’s embarrassed and uncomfortable expression just now, he couldn’t help but want to laugh.

It was one thing for a concubine to take things from home to help out her own family without mentioning it, but once it was brought to light, especially in front of her husband’s legitimate family, it could be somewhat shameful.

Daohua really dared to do it, mentioning it subtly, at least leaving her father with a fig leaf of dignity.

Hearing this, Madam Li also found it somewhat amusing, but she quickly sighed, “I don’t know whether this temperament of hers is good or bad.”

Li Xingnian became serious, “Of course it’s good, Daohua won’t be bullied with that kind of attitude. It’s one thing for it to be about concubines, but your second uncle, taking advantage of being an elder, acted all high and mighty. Neither you nor your brother-in-law had spoken yet, and he was already pointing fingers, which was really annoying.”

“The three children did a good deed for the family by bringing in help, but in his mouth, it became a calamity. If Daohua didn’t stand up for herself and her brothers, that would’ve been so unjust.”

Madam Li also felt annoyed with Yan Zhiyuan and expressed her dissatisfaction, “Before, my second brother had some sense of measure, but ever since Wenxiu and the others went to Wangyue Academy, he has been feeling uncomfortable and always causing trouble for Daohua.”

“Hmm?” Li Xingnian frowned, “You didn’t mention much about the Academy in your letters, what exactly happened?”

Madam Li then explained the issue with the Academy’s quotas one by one and said indignantly, “The quota was given by the Little Prince, what does it have to do with Daohua? Why should he blame my Daohua?”

Li Xingnian’s eyes flashed without saying anything as he picked up the cup of tea from the table and started drinking.

Was it a bother for the Little Prince to let Wenjie from the second household and Wenbin, the illegitimate son, attend Wangyue Academy?

In his opinion, it was not.

If Daohua really wanted to ask for it, she would have definitely been able to obtain it.

This point, he was afraid his brother-in-law also knew.

Madam Li continued, “Ever since Wenxiu and the others went to Wangyue Academy and often followed the Little Prince, their bearing and manners have certainly changed from before. When they returned home, standing next to Wenjie and Wenbin, the difference became immediately apparent.”

“Before, everyone was on the same level, but now, watching Wenxiu and the others improve while Wenjie is still at the same spot, my second brother is naturally upset.”

Li Xingnian snorted coldly, “What’s predestined cannot be avoided. What has his household ever done for Daohua for him to demand that she treats Wenjie just the same?”

He paused and then added, “This point, your brother-in-law sees quite clearly.” He hadn’t insisted on Daohua asking for a quota for his illegitimate son.

Wenjie didn’t make it to Wangyue Academy, and he didn’t know whether Daohua did it on purpose, but Wenbin not getting there was definitely deliberate on her part.

He guessed his brother-in-law likely saw this point too and that’s why he didn’t say anything.

Madam Li smiled and didn’t say anything.

Li Xingnian looked at Madam Li, noting her rosy complexion and relaxed brows, quite different than before when he visited and her eyes were tinged with sadness. Knowing how comfortable her recent life had been, he said, “I can finally be completely at ease for you and our eldest brother.”

Madam Li smiled, “The kids have grown up, they know to protect me as their mother. You and our eldest brother can worry less about me now.”

Afterward, Li Xingnian stayed at the Yan Family for a few days, buying up properties and shops again before leaving.

About the matter of Daohua selling the grape wine recipe and the Li Family giving Daohua three estates and a shop, Madam Li only mentioned it privately to the Old Madam, Yan Zhigao, and Yan Zhiyuan.

“Daohua is still young after all, you have to keep a closer eye on her,” the Old Madam advised.

Madam Li laughed, “That girl probably needs your oversight, Old Madam. I certainly can’t control her. Besides, she only listens to her mother.”

The Old Madam loved hearing this, and the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law laughed together for quite a while.

As for Yan Zhigao, although he was shocked by the Li Family’s generosity, he didn’t think of interfering, and the matter was dropped.

…

After Li Xingnian left, Yan Wenxiu, Yan Wenkai, and Yan Wentao were due to report to the Academy, and Daohua and Yan Yishuang started their classes. Master Shen had returned from his hometown a few days ago.

On the twenty-ninth of the first month, Qin Wu arrived in Xingzhou with Xiaoliu and seven others.

Not wishing to keep their future employers waiting, they rested at home for a night before embarking on their journey.

Beholding the imposing Prefectural Governor’s Office, the party hesitated, reluctant to take a step forward.

“Brother Wu, will we be working here in the future?” Xiaoliu asked, pointing at the Governor’s Office.

Qin Wu shook his head, “This is the front office, our duties will likely lie within the inner courtyard. Let’s go around to the back street and take a look.”

In the main courtyard.

Daohua was just preparing to attend her classes when she heard from Ping Tong that Qin Wu and the others had arrived; she immediately ceased her movement, and summoned Wang Manman to ask Shen Fuzi for a day off.

Seeing her act this way, Madam Li was not annoyed but simply smiled, “They arrived quite quickly,” then, turning to Ping Tong, “have Butler Sun bring them to the front for the master to see first. If the master approves, then bring them here.”

Ping Tong immediately turned and left.

After more than half an hour, Ping Tong and Butler Sun brought Qin Wu and the others to the main courtyard.

“Wait here in the yard, I’ll go and report to Madam and the eldest young miss.”

Qin Wu and his group bowed their heads and stood silently in the yard, daring not to look around casually.

Soon, they heard the sound of a curtain being lifted, followed by a maid moving out tables and chairs, and then Daohua assisted Madam Li to walk out.

“What did the master say?”

Madam Li sat down, and then looked toward Butler Sun.

Butler Sun smiled, “The master assessed their martial abilities in the front courtyard and found them satisfactory.”

Madam Li nodded, then glanced at Ping Tong, who promptly placed eight servitude contracts on the table.

At this sight, Daohua’s eyes widened in surprise.

Madam Li glanced at Daohua, signaling her to remain silent, before she addressed Qin Wu and his group, “The master has already spoken to me and the master about your situation, and you should be aware of the purpose why we have hired you, right?”

Qin Wu nodded, “We understand, Madam.”

Madam Li: “That’s good. In our household, it is necessary to sign a servitude contract, especially since you will be tasked with safeguarding the Yan Residence’s security, which makes it all the more indispensable.” She gestured for Ping Tong to hand the prepared contracts to Qin Wu and the others.

Upon hearing they were to sign servitude contracts, Qin Wu and the others were surprised, as this had not been mentioned before, and they hesitated with the contracts in their hands.

Seeing their reaction, Madam Li smiled, “It’s the master’s first time hiring outsiders, and some details may have been overlooked. Our household does not wish to force you into signing a contract. If you are unwilling, we will not insist.”

“However, you will need to repay the one thousand taels of silver that were used to redeem you from the Governor’s Office.”

Qin Wu looked up at Madam Li, who was dignified, graceful, and had a kind expression, then glanced at Daohua, who was looking at them with wide eyes. After a brief consideration, he replied without hesitation, “We will sign, Madam.”

For commoners like them, even signing a servitude contract to work in an official’s household was an extraordinary opportunity.

Upon hearing this, Madam Li’s smile widened, and she signaled for Ping Tong to pass the pen, “You needn’t worry. We do not wish to keep you in the Yan Family forever. The servitude contract is only for twenty years; after which, you are free to go wherever you wish.”

“Of course, if you find the Yan Family agreeable, you are also welcome to continue staying with us.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Wu and the others relaxed.

Madam Li continued, “Qin Wu, from today onward, you will serve as the Yan Family’s Guard Captain, with a monthly stipend of ten taels, and the others will receive five taels each. I hope you will dutifully ensure the Yan Family’s safety.”

Seeing that their stipends were so generous, Qin Wu and his group were thrilled.

Then, they heard Madam Li say, “Regarding the one thousand taels of silver used to redeem you, half will be deducted from your monthly stipends until the debt is fully repaid. You have no objections to this, do you?”

Qin Wu and the others shook their heads together.

Madam Li: “Very well, Butler Sun, please take Guard Qin and the others to rest.”