lcionline Chapter 430 Ding! Please check the olive branch extended by the First Prince!
Chapter 430 Ding! Please check the olive branch extended by the First Prince!
The social skills of the matriarch of a large family should never be underestimated.
In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Madam Jiang was already having a pleasant, albeit somewhat cryptic, conversation with the two ladies of the Ouyang family.
When Madam Jiang realized that she might be "downwardly compatible," she had already sat down next to Madam Ouyang.
The term "backward compatibility" was mentioned by my own grandson during a conversation with his father.
It means that when you feel compatible with someone no matter what topic you talk about, you have probably already been "downgraded" by that person.
When someone chats with you about topics you're good at or interested in, it's not because you're destined to be together or your personalities match; it's simply because they're accommodating your understanding, your knowledge, and your learning.
By the time Madam Jiang realized what was happening, it was too late. Given the Ouyang family's status, it was truly an honor that they would tolerate a seventh-rank official's wife like herself...
"Young lady of the Jiang family, why didn't you bring any of the younger members of your family?"
Today's chrysanthemum appreciation feast has brought many families with their children to join in the fun. Isn't it a bit lonely for you to be here all alone?
Here they come! Realizing that the other party was finally about to get to the point, Madam Jiang said seriously, "Alas, the children at home have never seen such a grand occasion before, and I'm worried they might lose their composure when they come out."
The two female teachers in the family are going on a study tour together next year, and the girls also want to take advantage of this time to learn more skills from their teachers.
Madam Ouyang was somewhat surprised that the Jiang family had actually invited two female tutors to a dinner for their daughters!
"The Jiang family truly lives up to its reputation as a family that has produced many Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations). They even put so much effort into the upbringing of their daughter. It's not easy to find a female tutor like her."
Madam Jiang was quite proud of her family in this regard, as not every family in the capital had a female tutor.
Her two female tutors were both accomplished in both literature and martial arts!
“It would be difficult to invite them in the capital. These two tutors are from Xinghe Prefecture and have been with us for seven or eight years!”
Now that the granddaughters are getting married and engaged one after another, they will no longer have the opportunity to follow their two teachers.
As it happened, the two teachers also planned to travel, so we persuaded them to stay until next year.
"So that's how it is. Few men from other families study for so many years, and the playboys in the capital are even less fond of reading."
A girl who can settle down and study for seven or eight years must be virtuous, quiet, and well-mannered; any family that marries her will be blessed for three generations!
At this moment, Madam Ouyang, who hadn't said much until now, asked, "Have all the girls in the old lady's family been betrothed?"
Madam Jiang shook her head: "The first three have already gotten married, and the fourth girl is engaged this year. We're just waiting to hold the wedding next year."
Only the youngest two, the fifth and sixth, are still unmarried, but there's no rush; their younger brother doesn't want his older sisters to get married too early.
"Oh? So Young Master Jiang is so reluctant to part with his sisters?"
"By the way, is this young master Jiang the top scholar in this year's imperial examination? I remember that this year's top scholar's surname is Jiang."
Madam Ouyang smoothly steered the conversation towards Jiang Xiaoqi, without the slightest awkwardness.
Madam Jiang couldn't help but smile. "That's right. Mingfei is the youngest child in the family, the seventh child. She treats her six older sisters the same way."
The rule that girls in the family must be over eighteen years old before they can get married was set by this brat. Even if they are engaged, they must wait until their older sister turns eighteen to get married.
This kid isn't afraid of offending his six future brothers-in-law, but it's strange, these grandsons-in-law now completely trust my grandson.
How can one not believe it? The eldest granddaughter's husband was able to pass the imperial examinations step by step, becoming a Juren, Gongshi, and Jinshi, all thanks to Jiang Xiaoqi.
The second grandson-in-law was a fellow student he grew up with halfway through his studies, and he had long been won over by Jiang Xiaoqi's braised pork.
The third grandson-in-law's poor health was cured by the leftover "dishwater" after Jiang Xiaoqi treated his grandfather's body.
Needless to say, the fourth grandson-in-law is also a big fan of his grandson. Without the exam preparation materials given to him by his grandson, he would not be a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) who was ranked second in the class.
Although the fifth and sixth grandsons-in-law are still nowhere to be seen, it is foreseeable that they will eventually fall under the powerful influence of their brother-in-law.
Hearing Madam Jiang's words, Madam Ouyang's eyes flickered, and she smiled, "The top scholar has a bright future ahead of him. I wonder if he has a girl he likes?"
Madam Jiang understood what the other party meant, but she remained calm. What kind of family was the Ouyang family? It was just a casual question; there was no need to panic or flatter them.
He replied, "This child's mind is entirely focused on his studies, and now that he's entered the Hanlin Academy, his official career is his top priority."
Madam Ouyang smiled and chimed in, "Indeed, I've heard that young Master Jiang is not even fifteen years old yet; he's still just a child."
Madam Jiang nodded in agreement: "Who can argue with that? This child is still very much a child at heart; he hasn't quite grasped things yet."
Madam Ouyang neither agreed nor disagreed, and smoothly changed the subject without any deliberate attempt.
Jiang Xiaoqi, who was being cared for by several people, was being stopped by an unexpected person.
"Scholar Jiang, may I speak to you in private?"
A guard-like man stopped Jiang Xiaoqi, who was about to relieve herself. Oh no, this is going to be a disaster.
Jiang Xiaoqi knew, of course, whose people were visiting, and he couldn't refuse them. A higher-ranking official could easily overpower someone, especially one who was a prince…
The difference between a ruler and his subjects is like this: you work for someone's father, and when someone's son comes to you, can you refuse to give him face?
If you eat someone else's food and receive their salary, you have to put up with their unreasonable demands from the second generation.
Of course, asking for privacy isn't an unreasonable request. There might be unreasonable demands after that, but we'll deal with that when the time comes.
"Your humble servant pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince!"
"No need for such formalities, Scholar Jiang. Oh dear, my memory is failing me; I should be addressing you as Scholar Jiang now!"
The eldest prince displayed what he considered to be his most amiable, approachable, gentle, and warm expression.
Unfortunately, that expression was a bit fake, and Jiang Xiaoqi saw through it at a glance.
This guy isn't even as honest as the dim-witted fourth brother.
The Fourth Prince is a bit abnormal, but he's still a tiny bit better than this hypocritical face.
Indeed, judging a person still requires a point of reference...
Compared to this, I've actually started to find Zhao Hongsheng, the "dead calcium" guy, more pleasing to the eye? (ˉ?ˉ?).
Is this a stretch or not...?
"Your Highness is too kind. It's just a form of address, nothing to worry about."
"Hahaha, Lord Jiang is indeed as rumored, unrestrained and generous, and doesn't care about trivial matters!"
Is this supposed to be a compliment? Right? But it sounds weird coming from Zhao Hongmin's mouth (*｀へ′*) !