Chapter 134: Poor Harvest
At this time, Liu Mengmeng also squeezed over from the crowd, her eyes sparkling, and asked curiously: "Shuyuan, were you a child prodigy before? It sounds amazing!"
Jiang Shuyuan smiled slightly, but with a hint of bitterness: "Yes, it happened in the past."
Jiang Zhiyu patted her shoulder gently, his eyes full of encouragement: "Shuyuan, you have always been the best. Don't deny yourself because of other people's opinions."
Liu Mengmeng also nodded and said seriously, "That's right, Shuyuan, we know you are very capable, don't be influenced by those insignificant people."
Jiang Shuyuan looked at them and felt warm in her heart. She knew that these two friends really cared about her.
"Thank you." Jiang Shuyuan said with a smile, "I will cheer up."
……
When it was time for dinner, bursts of fragrance came from the Jiang family’s kitchen.
Old Master Jiang was sitting at the very top, talking to his daughter-in-law, Xu.
As the aroma from the kitchen spread, the Jiang family's dining table was already filled with sumptuous dishes. Old Master Jiang sat at the top, his eyes revealing kindness and majesty. He gently patted the hand of his daughter-in-law, Xu, and said with a smile, "Xu, how are the dishes today?"
Xu smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling with virtuousness, and replied, "Father, the dishes are all ready, and they are all what you and Zhiyu like to eat. I specifically told the servants to make them more carefully."
Jiang Zhiyu sat next to Xu, watching the interaction between her grandfather and mother, and felt warm in her heart. She couldn't help but interrupt, "Yes, Grandpa, try this braised pork. Mother specially asked the chef for advice, saying that she wanted you to taste the taste of home."
A touch of emotion flashed in Mr. Jiang's eyes. He picked up a piece of braised pork and put it in his mouth. He savored it carefully and nodded in praise: "Not bad, it really tastes like home. Xu, you have worked hard."
Xu shook her head slightly, her eyes full of humility: "Father, you are too kind. These are what I should do."
The atmosphere at the table gradually became warm, and the three began to chat about family matters.
Mr. Jiang looked at Jiang Zhiyu and asked with concern: "Zhiyu, how are your studies recently? Is there anything confusing?"
Jiang Zhiyu lowered his head slightly, pondered for a moment, then looked up at his grandfather and replied, "Grandpa, I'm not too troubled by my studies. I just feel a little restless these days and don't know what to do."
Old Master Jiang smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of depth: "Zhi Yu, it is normal to be restless, which means that you are constantly growing. You must learn to adjust your mentality and be calm, so that you can deal with everything in the world."
Xu also added: "Yes, Zhiyu, your grandfather is right. We must learn to keep a calm heart in this complicated world, so that we can better face life."
Jiang Zhiyu nodded, and something in her heart dawned on her. She looked at her grandfather and mother, and a hint of determination flashed in her eyes.
After the meal, the three of them moved to the living room. Mr. Jiang sat on the armchair, and Jiang Zhiyu and Xu sat on both sides. Mr. Jiang looked at Xu and suddenly asked, "Xu, how do you think our family should develop in the future?"
Xu was slightly stunned, then slowly spoke: "Father, I think our family should continue to uphold the family tradition of diligence and thrift, and at the same time pay attention to cultivating future generations. Only by constantly injecting fresh blood can the family continue to grow and develop."
A trace of approval flashed in Mr. Jiang's eyes, and he nodded and said, "Well said, Xu, you are a smart woman. Zhiyu, you should also learn from your mother, she is your role model in life."
Jiang Zhiyu looked at his mother and felt a surge of respect in his heart.
My mother is not only a virtuous wife, but also a smart woman. She uses her wisdom and diligence to silently contribute to the family.
……
This time when he went home, Mei Zixu finally put down his chopsticks and said softly, "Mother, I actually, actually... already have someone I love."
"Oh?" Mrs. Mei was a little surprised. "Whose girl is she?"
"Her surname is Jiang and her name is Shuyuan. She is my junior sister in the Imperial College."
Madam Mei frowned slightly, with a puzzled look on her face: "Jiang family? Why haven't I heard of it? How is her study in the Imperial Academy?"
Mei Zixu looked at his mother's expression and felt a little nervous, but he still mustered up the courage to say, "Mother, Junior Sister Jiang performed very well in the Imperial College. Her knowledge and character were praised by everyone. Moreover, she was interested in me... in me, too."
Mrs. Mei had a complicated expression on her face after hearing this. She sighed softly, and then slowly said, "Xu'er, since you already have someone you love, then mother will not force you. However, you must understand that marriage is not just a matter between the two of you, but also related to the interests of the two families. You must consider it carefully."
Mei Zixu looked at his mother, with a hint of determination in his eyes: "Mother, I know the importance of marriage, and I understand your concerns. However, I believe in Sister Jiang, and I believe she is the one in my life. I will use my sincerity to move her, and I will also work hard to make our family accept her."
Mrs. Mei looked at her son's determined eyes and felt helpless. She knew that once Mei Zixu made a decision, it would be difficult to change it. She sighed softly and said, "Since you have made up your mind, mother will not say anything more. However, you must promise that your marriage will not affect the reputation of the Mei family."
Mei Zixu nodded quickly: "Mother, please rest assured, I will definitely do it."
The whole Mei family was busy with Mei Zixu's marriage. Mrs. Mei personally visited the Jiang family, and the Jiang family also welcomed the marriage. Mei Zixu and Jiang Shuyuan's marriage was thus settled.
……
Xu brought her maid to Liujia Village to collect this year's rent.
Seeing that Old Man Liu and Mr. Gao looked embarrassed, Xu couldn't help but feel suspicious. She looked at Old Man Liu with a probing look in her eyes and asked calmly, "But the harvest is not good this year?"
Old Man Liu hesitated for a moment, then nodded, a bit bitter on his face: "Yes, Madam Xu, the harvest is indeed not good this year. Lack of rain, coupled with pests and diseases, has caused a serious reduction in grain production. Life is not easy for us tenants."
Xu frowned slightly when she heard this. She knew the hardships of the tenants, but as the landlord, she also had to protect her own interests. She pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Old Liu, I understand your difficulties. But as the landlord, I also have to consider my own interests. Can you give me some time to pay the rent this year?"
Hearing this, Old Man Liu showed gratitude on his face and nodded quickly: "Mrs. Xu, don't worry, we will definitely collect the rent as soon as possible. It's just that it's a bit difficult this year, I hope you can understand."