The Slender Waist-Chapter 124 - 97 Strange Gift

Chunyu Yan did not come again; it seemed he had forgotten about Lian Ji.

Feng Yun’s household and business were now substantial; with Yutangchun in the city and Huaxi Village here, and a farm tool workshop that was crying out to be built, she had a lot to attend to and required much effort, so she no longer thought about it.

The Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching, and although the sun was out, the days were still hot.

The construction of the farm tool workshop was progressing rapidly; it was set to top off in the next couple of days. After lunch, Feng Yun had Xiaoman hold an umbrella, preparing to go take a look.

Just as she stepped out the door, she ran into Ren Rude.

By his side was a boy of about ten years old, bearing a resemblance to him, which somewhat surprised Feng Yun.

"Mr. Ren, is this your son?"

She recalled Alou mentioning that when Huan Jiao went to the teahouse, there was a boy present. Judging by his age, it must be him.

Ren Rude did not deny it and had his son pay respects to Feng Yun.

"My son Ren Qin. Have you not paid your respects to the Village Chief’s wife yet?"

Ren Qin bowed respectfully, but his gaze incessantly fixed on Feng Yun.

Feng Yun acted as if she hadn’t noticed the curiosity in the boy’s eyes and smiled in return.

"Mr. Ren, is your family settled in now?"

Ren Rude said, "The two thatched cottages we were allotted are indeed run-down. I had someone buy some green bricks today and they are being repaired."

Food and shelter are always the top priorities.

Feng Yun smiled and said, "In these times, to still be able to purchase bricks and tiles, that’s something only you, Mr. Ren, could manage. Truly, you have extensive connections."

Ren Rude modestly clasped his hands and replied, "The brick and tile kilns in Hongyang County have just resumed operations. I had them rush a batch for me. If the Village Chief’s wife is in need, I would also be able to procure them on her behalf."

Feng Yun smiled and thanked him.

Ren Rude then said:

"I’ve heard that in your village, there is a teacher who conducts classes?"

Feng Yun smiled and replied, "It’s just a makeshift arrangement, teaching adults and children to recognize a few characters. It’s really not much."

She thought Ren Rude intended to send the boy to her village for schooling.

If he truly made such a request, it would be difficult for Feng Yun to refuse.

But Ren Rude’s request was even more unexpected.

"If that’s the case, then there couldn’t be a better arrangement."

He stroked his chin’s beard and smiled, "I don’t know if Secretary He and the Miss have discussed it, but I am also of noble birth, well-versed in poetry and literature since childhood. I believe I am more than qualified to be your estate’s teacher."

His words were powerful, yet effortlessly delivered.

He was convinced Feng Yun had inquired after him.

And he didn’t provide Feng Yun with any excuse for refusal.

After all, during the last dealings with the Tu Family Fort, Ren Rude had been the bridge; if Feng Yun did not agree, it would be akin to burning bridges after crossing.

Ren Rude had effectively blocked all avenues of refusal for her.

She never expected...

He had made himself a stepping stone once more.

Feng Yun clasped her hands together, "I could only be so fortunate."

She was actually worried about the lack of such a person to teach the people in the village.

Those unable to read are inconvenient to allocate for labor; therefore, Feng Yun hoped the servants and retainers in the village could recognize some characters and understand arithmetic.

Ren Rude’s timing was perfect.

But she wouldn’t let him integrate into her domain so easily.

"To the left of the farm tool workshop is Changmen Village’s orchard, where there is a peach grove. I have specifically left a piece of land undeveloped there, planning to build a village school for Huaxi Village in the future, but I haven’t yet started planning. Since you’ve offered your services, it couldn’t be better."

Ren Rude’s brow twitched.

Feng Yun didn’t give him the chance to refuse either.

"Once the farm tool workshop is topped off in a couple of days, I will have the craftsmen continue to construct the schoolhouse. It will be perfect for the village children to become your students."

Ren Rude’s lips twitched, and he was silent for quite a while.

Feng Yun looked at him, "Does the teacher have any concerns?"

Ren Rude: "No, just... I am too delighted."

Feng Yun smiled faintly, "That’s good. Mr. Ren, please go and prepare. Once I am ready here, I will inform the teacher."

With that, she bowed to Ren Rude and as she passed by him, she glanced at the boy with a smile that was neither too light nor too heavy.

"The child really resembles Mr. Ren. You can see he is clever and astute."

Ren Rude felt as if he had to swallow his own teeth; he even suspected that the woman was being sarcastic, so he smiled awkwardly.

"My son is unworthy; it is the Miss who flatters."

The farm tool workshop was bustling, and Feng Yun saw to it that two meals a day were provided, ensuring the workers were well-fed, allowed to have seconds. This accelerated progress by more than half.

Feng Yun was very satisfied.

While she was talking with everyone,

On the road leading to Changmen Village, there were more carts arriving.

Two carts squeezed together, causing Feng Yun to frown.

It seemed the village road ought to be widened here as well.

It wasn’t long before someone came to call out.

"Village Chief’s wife, there are visitors at the estate."

Feng Yun stood at the pass and could already see people approaching, among them a group of colorfully dressed ladies, one of whom was Puyang Yi. Upon seeing her, Azuo and Azuo cheered and bolted towards her, wild as village children.

Puyang Yi caught them and spoke with a smile.

Then, turning back, she looked at Madam Cui Fourth, who was leisurely descending from the carriage.

Feng Yun frowned slightly, greeted Puyang Yi, and turned towards another carriage.

Xing Bing, accompanied by a pair of soldiers, had just returned from the city.

He approached, glanced at Feng Yun, and whispered,

"There’s a letter from the lady."

Feng Yun asked, "Who sent the letter?"

Xing Bing replied, "Central Capital."

In her lifetime, Feng Yun hadn’t a single acquaintance in Central Capital. The only one who might have written her was Luo Yue.

On the day she left, Feng Yun had given her two servants and some Jin Country five-zhu coins to use in Central Capital, a generous dowry of sorts. But once Luo Yue left, Feng Yun wasn’t certain if her heart remained with her.

Now it seemed Luo Yue hadn’t forgotten her.

Feng Yun invited Puyang Yi and those colorful maidservants to sit in the West Hall, excused herself to change clothes, and opened Luo Yue’s letter.

The girl, who grew up in Yutangchun, had unexpectedly neat handwriting.

Perhaps unsure whether her letter would reach Feng Yun, Luo Yue didn’t say much, only reporting her well-being, noting she had arrived in Central Capital, staying in Wei Zheng’s residence.

As she and Shao Xueqing were given by the General, Madam Wei didn’t favor them much, but it wasn’t right to dismiss them outright, only occasionally making life difficult for them.

Thanks to their connection from Huaxi Village, Wei Zheng treated her quite differently, even with affection. As for Shao Xueqing, perhaps both felt awkward, so he rarely visited, leaving Shao Xueqing to constantly weep and grow much thinner. Occupied with her own concerns, Luo Yue couldn’t afford to look after her.

Feng Yun exhaled and chuckled.

Since ancient times, beauty has been a dangerous strategy, and Luo Yue was unlikely to disappoint.

Feng Yun then opened the small package that Xing Bing had handed over.

Before opening it, Feng Yun assumed it might contain some special products from Central Capital. But to her surprise, she had underestimated this flower girl from Yutangchun. Inside, not only were there erotic paintings, but also two little trinkets, one a jade phallus and the other a Burmese bell, both labeled as "novelties seen in Central Capital"...

Considering herself a wise and well-informed veteran of two lifetimes, Feng Yun’s cheeks still blazed at Luo Yue’s gift. Acting like a thief, she quickly glanced at the maidservants and then hid the items in the drawer under the wooden case. After a second thought, worried that Xiaoman and Daman might see them, she stashed them behind the bookshelf along with their box...

Those two didn’t like to read; they wouldn’t consider looking there.

After finishing, she realized she had broken out into a light sweat.

Puyang Yi was growing impatient sitting in the West Hall, while Madam Cui appeared perfectly serene. The West Hall had large windows draped with bamboo curtains that faintly revealed the scenery beyond.

As Feng Yun approached, Puyang Yi displayed dissatisfaction.

"I thought you’d fallen into the privy."

Feng Yun smiled, performed a courtesy, and knelt down at her seat.

"My apologies for the delay."

Puyang Yi hummed lightly, neither overly harsh nor gentle.

Madam Cui seemed a very gentle woman, speaking only when she arrived at the manor and not a word more.

Just sixteen years old, Madam Cui bore no resemblance to her aunt, Li Sangruo.

Li Sangruo had an almond-shaped face, sharp and defined features that gave off an impression of aloofness and nobility, quite striking in her own way.

Madam Cui’s face was as round as the full moon, plump and rich, the kind of "wife-blessing face" that noble families cherished: pleasant to look at, gentle, with meticulously cared for skin and lustrous black hair, though not stunning. She wasn’t as fair as Puyang Yi and certainly not as naturally beautiful as Feng Yun.

Perhaps it was because Madam Cui didn’t take to Changmen Village nor did she take a liking to Feng Yun; her gaze occasionally betrayed a hint of indifference.

It was Puyang Yi who talked non-stop from beginning to end.

Though the Lady of Pingyuan County had been a widow for some time, she was only just past her twenties—a young woman full of curiosity, asking about everything.

Feng Yun courteously responded, fulfilling her duty as host.

After sitting for a while, Puyang Yi expressed a desire to see the fields.

By the pond, there were still two lingering lotus flowers, and she brightened at the sight, almost wishing to dive in and fetch them.

In her hometown of Pingcheng, none of these things existed.

Thus, Feng Yun shared some knowledge about lotuses and tubers, captivating Puyang Yi, while Madam Cui remained silent and indifferent.

Feng Yun, pretending not to notice her impatience, had tea prepared at the pavilion by the pond.

"The County Lord must be tired from walking. Please, take a rest."

Puyang Yi asked the same question as Ren Rude had.

"This tea is quite fragrant. What’s it called?"

Feng Yun: "Endless Yearning."

Puyang Yi took a sip. "It has an interesting flavor. I like it."

Being straightforward, she voiced every thought openly.

Madam Cui’s brows creased slightly, casting a glance at Feng Yun.

"Aunt—" Azuo’s voice came from under the pavilion’s foundation, and since he was small and short, his head wasn’t visible.

Azuo, beside him, kept jumping up, holding aloft Ao Qi’s letter.

"Aunt, I want to come up."

Azuo also said, "Azuo and I have something to tell you..."

Feng Yun frowned.

How had this address ended up reverting back?

In the presence of guests, Feng Yun didn’t correct them.

"Come on up."