The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 901 - 900 Just Watch

Where did Wang Yongzhu’s family go?

Last night, Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin guessed that if the Tian Family really needed them, they might come again today.

Asked Old Granny Zhang, she had already vented her frustration yesterday and didn’t want to see the face of Zhang Qiuju today.

Wang Yongzhu simply arranged for the family to hire a carriage early and invited Lang Hao’s mother, Old Lady Li, to go shopping together.

With the Bath Orchid Festival approaching, the streets were bustling, selling everything related to the festival.

Given that Old Lady Li was from the Capital City, Gu Zikai noticed her outstanding background and thought she must be a person of some standing to serve him here.

Wang Yongzhu was not very familiar with the ancient banquets for guests, and even Old Granny Zhang only knew rural customs, so after pondering, Wang Yongzhu decided to seek advice.

Along the way, Wang Yongzhu honestly said that they wanted to invite guests for the Bath Orchid Festival, and being young and inexperienced, they wished to learn about county customs, asking Old Lady Li for guidance.

Old Lady Li knew well that her young master had a good friendship with the Song Family Scholar, so when Wang Yongzhu asked, she was completely open and shared everything she knew. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

Having grown up in the Gu Family and possessing excellent culinary skills, she wasn’t entirely knowledgeable about banquet matters, but she had seen enough to understand them.

After explaining once, Wang Yongzhu was clear, thanked Old Lady Li, and specially picked out two jars of hand cream as a gesture of gratitude.

Old Lady Li felt comfortable, thinking helping due to her master’s good relationships was one thing, but the Wang Family lady being considerate was another.

She even offered, if they were too busy that day, she would be happy to help as she was free at home.

Wang Yongzhu naturally welcomed the offer.

Meanwhile, Old Granny Zhang took Gu Yu and two other madams, shopping until their eyes couldn’t take it all in.

Especially Gu Yu, who had never seen such liveliness and almost couldn’t move, clinging to Old Granny Zhang, with everything seeming fresh.

Old Granny Wu and Old Madam Ding were behind, keeping an eye on the bustling scene and watching over Old Granny Zhang.

Seeing Gu Yu’s behavior, neither Old Granny Wu nor Old Madam Ding spoke up, trusting that what needed to be reminded had been said, and it was up to Gu Yu to listen.

Moreover, even if they could help for a moment, could they assist for a lifetime?

Wang Yongzhu also witnessed this but chose not to intervene, instead watching to see how Gu Yu would respond.

Thankfully, Gu Yu didn’t disappoint, soon realizing something, and although reluctant, she focused her attention back on Old Granny Zhang.

Standing next to Wang Yongzhu, Old Lady Li nodded approvingly, "Scholar’s Lady, this young maid in your family, with a bit more guidance, she could be quite promising."

Wang Yongzhu nodded, smiling lightly, genuinely pleased.

Upon returning home after their outing, Madam Gu heard the commotion and opened the door, seeing Old Granny Wu and the others unloading large packages.

A hint of envy flickered across her face, though she quickly masked it, "Wang Family lady, the Tian Family came again this morning, knocking for half a day before leaving."

Wang Yongzhu thanked Madam Gu and casually handed her a bag of snacks, suggesting she take them home for the children to eat.

Accepting the snacks, any trace of envy in Madam Gu’s heart vanished instantly.

She felt that Wang Yongzhu, this Scholar’s Lady, was indeed affable and generous.

When Song Chongjin returned in the evening, Wang Yongzhu relayed the matter of the Tian Family visiting again.

Song Chongjin pondered for a moment, "In theory, even with the County Magistrate’s notice, their Tian Family has no need to flatter us so earnestly. Such unsolicited kindness is suspicious; the Tian Family might have an ulterior motive!"

"Don’t worry, I’m having someone investigate the Tian Family’s background, and there should be news these days!"

He then mentioned another topic, "Today, I received a letter from my uncle, saying things are almost done, and he should be back after the Bath Orchid Festival!"

This was indeed good news.

"Didn’t your uncle say what he was doing?" Wang Yongzhu remained curious.

Song Chongjin shook his head and hesitated before replying, "It’s best not to inquire about my uncle’s past—"

Wang Yongzhu shot a glance at Song Chongjin, "Of course, I know it’s best not to ask, but since it came up—"

Song Chongjin quickly shifted the topic smartly, "Today, the academy’s teacher said there’s a change in this year’s Dragon Boat Race."

"What change?" Wang Yongzhu was immediately interested.

"Apparently, the Dragon Boat Race used to only involve racing, but this year the County Magistrate suggested incorporating literary challenges, so the race can’t rely solely on brute strength but also requires intellectual competition!" Song Chongjin explained with a furrowed brow.

Today, at the academy, all the students participating in the Dragon Boat Race were summoned by the teacher and informed of the County Magistrate’s new suggestion, which was more of an order.

It was said that a prominent figure would attend the Bath Orchid Festival race, so if it remained as before, it would feel too dull, hence adding new elements.

The Dragon Boat Race remained the same, but with added checkpoints throughout.

For instance, starting from the initial point, rowing to the first checkpoint where a question would be posed; answering it correctly allows the continuation of the race.

Proceeding similarly until reaching the endpoint.

Before, one only needed to row forward without worrying about anything else, but now, answering questions correctly is vital; otherwise, even if you arrive first, failing to answer prevents progress.

Indeed, this adds complexity and entertainment, enhancing the unpredictability of the competition.

Hearing this, Wang Yongzhu’s eyes lit up, "Isn’t this great?"

Song Chongjin smiled wryly, "You speak lightly, but the questions involve the Four Books and Five Classics and obscure subjects. Previously, the teacher only needed to select students with more strength, but now they also require those with good knowledge, leading to most of the initially selected team needing to be replaced, causing the teacher much grief."

Wang Yongzhu was unfazed, "This new rule applies to everyone; since your academy worries, other academies likely worry even more! What is there to fear?"

"Besides, those academies don’t have someone like my husband, a talent in both literary and martial arts. I bet they’re fretting so much they can’t sleep! If your teacher can’t find suitable candidates, what about me? Together, husband and wife are invincible! I’ll row the boat, you answer the questions, and we’ll conquer all—"

Song Chongjin glanced at Wang Yongzhu, imagining her strength, thinking if she lost control, capsizing the boat could be a spectacle...

He shivered and decisively refused, "You stay on the stands and watch! That’s best!"

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