The beloved baby has a space

Chapter 574 Pampering His Son

The brocade pouches that Ayu bought were not just for students taking exams. For example, her older brother no longer takes exams, but everyone in the family has one, so she felt that her older brother should have one too.

As for her nephews, that's not something Ayu needs to worry about.

They bought the brocade pouches and then went up to ask for talismans. Just as the eldest sister had said, when they passed by the women who were praying, they could vaguely hear them chanting, "May my son pass the imperial examination, and I will definitely come to the temple to fulfill my vow when the time comes."

Holding a silver ingot in her hand, Ayu was eager to try: "Brother Ayou, I'll go and get one for you too. When you become the top scholar, I'll come back to fulfill my vow."

To avoid causing trouble, Ayu lowered her voice this time.

Qin Huai said helplessly, "Instead of praying to the gods, you should ask me to be a little more attentive in the exam. That will make things much easier."

Ayu spoke with absolute certainty: "Brother Ayou, although I really trust you, there's an old saying that goes, 'Too much of a good thing is bad.' You can't be so confident in yourself from the start. You need to have a little anxiety, like what if you don't pass the exam? Thinking like that will make you more focused during the exam. And I'll get you a peace charm to keep you calm and focused during the exam, so you won't have any wild thoughts. That's multiple protections, and you'll never fail."

"I'll do whatever you say." What else could Qin Huai say?

After buying the talismans, they also bought one for Wang Chuangui. As for her older brothers, Ayu thought that perhaps one of them would pass the imperial examination and become a Juren, and then come to Wanning City to take the Jinshi examination, so she bought two more.

After leaving the Wenquxingjun Temple, they strolled around for a while, bought some trinkets, and then headed back to the courtyard they had left earlier.

At the door, they ran into Old Mrs. Wang again, who was having her things moved.

"Grandma, where are we moving to? Aren't we going to live here?" Ayu asked.

Grandma Wang said, "This place is so small, how can anyone live here? Let your second uncle stay here, and we'll go to another courtyard."

Ayu: "Do we still have a new courtyard on Sansi Street?"

"Of course there are! Come on, Grandma will take you to see one. If you don't like it, we can buy another one." Grandma Wang was clearly in a good mood. I don't know what she chatted about with that Grandpa Jiang, but she seemed to be in a very good mood.

Ayu thought to herself, "Grandma must have made some money this time."

When they arrived at the courtyard, they discovered that it looked like someone had lived there, but it seemed like they had moved out in a hurry. Everything inside was still very new and showed signs of use.

"This is the new courtyard that your Grandpa Jiang gave us, Ayu, do you like it?" Old Mrs. Wang's eyes were very critical. "Look, it's not as good as the courtyard we had in Nanhe Town, and it's even worse than the one in the prefectural city."

Old Wang, who had been silent all along, coughed lightly: "These days, it's not bad to have a courtyard like this on Sansi Street. Old woman, stop being so picky, or Old Jiang will come looking for the courtyard back later."

Ah Yu then realized that the courtyard house wasn't actually bought by her grandmother, but had just been acquired.

Tuanzi, who had been keeping a close eye on things in the room, told Ayu the details: "From what they said, this courtyard house was originally bought by your grandmother with money she lent them. It was bought relatively cheaply back then. Later, as the value of the courtyard house increased, the Jiang family gradually acquired other properties, and this courtyard house was used to pay off the debt."

“Elf, my grandma isn’t an ordinary person, is she? Is Wanning City her old home?” This was a question that Ayu had had for a long time, but before Tuanzi could answer, Ayu continued, “You’d better not tell me. Anyway, if grandma wants me to know, she will definitely tell me in advance. If she doesn’t want me to know, I’d better not investigate secretly, lest grandma be unhappy.”

Just like Ayu has grown up, she now vaguely knows that she is not actually a member of the Wang family.

She used to live in a less-than-ideal home.

However, if Ayu were to choose for herself, she would only consider herself a child of the Wang family and would never mention her former home.

She'll be unhappy if anyone brings it up with her.

If this happened to Grandma, I imagine she would feel the same way.
As far as I know, your grandmother must have encountered something unpleasant here. But now that she's willing to come back, it means she's let go of what's on her mind. If you're really interested, you can find some time to talk to her.

After they moved into the courtyard, Old Wang immediately went to Old Madam Wang's study and told her the information he had gathered over the past few days: "If I'm not mistaken, the other person with the same fate as the Gu should be in the capital, or more precisely, in the palace. I haven't found out any more information yet, since it's difficult to contact people in the capital."

Grandma Wang: "It seems you've regressed since you haven't used these things for so many years. It took you so many days to find out such a piece of information."

Old Wang fumed, "How can you blame me? Don't you know? I still have a wanted poster on my head for kidnapping a princess! It's been all these years, and it's still up! But—"

"It's just because you're old and ugly. Even if you stood in front of that wanted poster, no one would recognize you." Old Mrs. Wang continued, "That's fine then. As long as we don't admit it, who can force you to admit it? I said you're stupid, and you've already started acting it out. Eat some pig brains to improve your brain."

Old Wang: "..."

Either way, you're the one making the arguments.

Ayu also remembered that Qin Huai still had the Fate-Sharing Gu.

Although his life and health are no longer in danger, the other party's condition is still unclear. They must find the other party before they can feel at ease letting Qin Huai enter the examination room.

There's not much time left before entering the examination hall. This year's imperial examination has been confirmed. It will take 6 days and 6 nights in the examination hall, with a total of 6 sessions.

If something were to happen to Qin Huai during this time, they would be powerless to help him.

"Brother Ayou, who do you think the Fate-Sharing Gu will be on?"

When Ayu asked the question, there was no doubt in her eyes. She even exchanged a glance with Qin Huai. The same person came to mind for both of them: Qin Huai's biological mother.

"Are you sure it's her?" Ayu whispered. "Does your family live in the capital?"

Seeing Ayu's innocent eyes, Qin Huai wanted to tell her his identity immediately, but he was afraid that if he revealed it, Ayu would mind and there would be no chance for them anymore.

After all, Ayu is a woman who loves freedom. Even if he were just an ordinary son of a duke, let alone his possible status as a prince, she wouldn't be very happy about it.
"Brother Ayou, Brother Ayou, why are you spacing out again?" Ayu waved her hand in front of Qin Huai's eyes.

Qin Huai snapped out of his daze and was about to say something when Chi Jia arrived with a letter.

"Young master, it's a letter from the lady."

To be precise, it was a letter sent by Emperor Minghua to Qin Huai in the name of Empress Qin.

He already knew that Qin Huai had arrived in Wanning City and instructed him to enter the palace today to see Empress Qin one last time.

The last few words were so powerful they seemed to penetrate the paper. Qin Huai's face turned pale, and he suddenly felt a dull pain in his chest.

"She's critically ill?"

Impossible. Qin Huai gave most of the medicine that A Yu gave him to Empress Qin. Later, he told A Yu about it, and A Yu specially gave him an even larger portion so that he could present it to Empress Qin as a token of his respect.

In that case, Empress Qin's health should be fine.

At least, ordinary illnesses, or even poison, cannot harm her.

Moreover, Empress Qin herself was a master, and even the Red Armored Warrior was no match for her.

If that's the case, how could someone who was perfectly healthy suddenly become critically ill?!

"Aunt Qin is critically ill?!" Seeing Qin Huai's agitation, Ayu disregarded propriety, took the letter, and after reading its contents, grabbed Qin Huai's hand. "Brother Ayou, let's go find your mother."

Qin Huai suddenly looked at A Yu and said with difficulty, "Can you see clearly where we are going?"

“It’s just the palace,” Ayu said. “As long as it’s Aunt Qin’s home, there’s nothing we can’t go there for.”

At that moment, Ayu had no idea about anything deeper; she was worried about her brother Ayou's mother.

When Tuanzi first met Aunt Qin, she told her that Aunt Qin had given her a lot of merit points. At that time, Tuanzi suspected that Aunt Qin was a person of great status.

Now that Ayu has grown up, she can connect the dots and understand the situation.

She wouldn't be surprised if she lived in a palace, or even on the dragon throne. Was there anything more amazing than Tuanzi in this world? The bedtime stories Tuanzi told her were all incredibly fantastical; she'd mastered them long ago!
Even so, Ayu still went to tell Old Madam Wang, but she didn't go into detail about going to the palace, instead saying she was going to the imperial city.

Old Wang was the first to get anxious: "Why do we have to go to the capital today of all things? I haven't even bought the travel permit to the capital yet."

To get from Wanning City to the Imperial City, one needs to pass through a major checkpoint where a special travel permit must be purchased. This permit is only valid once and must be purchased again to exit the city.

Qin Huai said, "Grandpa, our family has some influence in the capital, so we don't need travel permits to enter and leave."

Old Wang thought about his second son, who had been a bit anxious these past two days, and then looked at Ayu in front of him. He shook his clothes and said, "Since that's the case, I'll go with you. You should rest at home for now, old woman."

Old Wang thought that he was too old to be recognized, but his wife's long face would still make her look like she used to be, even if she had aged.

She was from the Duke of Anguo's mansion, so it wasn't easy for the older generation to recognize her.
Don't be fooled by the old woman's feisty nature; they are all shrewd and not as easily fooled as the fools outside.

Grandma Wang nodded, saying meaningfully, "Alright, since you've taken the initiative, then get it done well. If you mess it up—"

That look in his eyes made Old Wang tremble with fear.

"When have I ever failed to inspire confidence in my work?"

When Wang Chuangui arrived at the new courtyard looking aggrieved, he only saw Old Mrs. Wang sitting there calmly.

Wang Chuangui's aggrieved expression vanished, and he obediently called out, "Mother."

Old Mrs. Wang: "Second son, I've noticed you've been very distracted these past few days. Do you think you're a shoo-in for the imperial examination? That you'll pass the policy exam too?"

"Mother, how could I dare to have such a frivolous idea!" In their family, it's enough that one grandson-in-law is clamoring to become the top scholar in the imperial examination; he doesn't have that much confidence.

"Oh, I was thinking that since you seemed so restless, you might not be comfortable in that little place, and I was thinking of having you come and stay with us. But since you're doing so well, you should stay in the little place."

Wang Chuangui quickly corrected himself: "No, no, no, my mind is just wandering. The imperial examination is coming up soon, and the other candidates are shouting and yelling in the courtyard every day. I can't calm down at all, and I'm worried about it!"

Seeing that Old Mrs. Wang was looking at him, Wang Chuangui said again, "I was just thinking that since my parents are both in Wanning City, I would feel more at ease if I could be by their side to take care of them. I don't think things would be too bad."

A proper courtyard is nothing compared to that cramped little house.

He must be stupid to make a random choice.

Grandma Wang gave Wang Chuangui a look that said he was a promising young man.

Wang Chuangui was happy.

Hey, this time the flattery finally hit the mark.

"Since you're so eager to fulfill your filial duty, I won't stop you." Old Mrs. Wang stood up, and with Wang Chuangui's knowing look, she handed him a broom and patted his shoulder. "I won't hire anyone else to clean the yard. Second son, to give you peace of mind, I'm entrusting you with this important task. Do your job well and don't disappoint me."

Wang Chuangui: "?"

He said hurriedly, "Mother, but I still have some books I haven't finished reviewing, and I'm worried about the exams—"

"You're so thoughtful, I almost forgot. Here's what we'll do: when you're sweeping, remember to recite your lessons. I'll have someone watch over you. If you recite the lessons wrong, you'll have to sweep the yard again. That way you'll remember better."

Wang Chuangui: "..."

There's a question my son is unsure whether to ask or not.

Forget it, I'd better not ask.

His mother didn't make him clean the latrine, so he must be her biological son.

"Achoo!" In Hujia Village, Wang Chuanfu, who was cleaning the outhouse, suddenly sneezed violently.

Hearing the commotion, Madam Feng quickly ran over to check: "What's wrong, husband? Did the cold weather catch you?"

Wang Chuanfu rubbed his nose and chuckled, "It's nothing, maybe a gust of wind just blew by and made my nose itchy."

After cleaning, they saw the eldest daughter-in-law, Qu Shuqiu, driving the carriage back. She was heavily pregnant, but she jumped off the carriage with great agility.

Startled, Madam Feng rushed to catch her: "Qiuqiu, be careful. You're due to give birth in a few days. Don't hurt your back or strain your arm. You'll suffer the consequences."

Qu Shuqiu has been married for a few years, and her already lively personality has become even more so, seemingly more uninhibited than at home.

For some reason, Wang Dalang vaguely saw the shadow of his grandmother in his wife.

He is capable and efficient. The only difference is that his wife doesn't like to scold people, but she will tease him in private.

Fortunately, the vocabulary wasn't as rich as Grandma's.

Her father had been promoted to the position of Assistant Magistrate of Qu County, and since everyone still remembered that she came from an official family, they naturally couldn't control her.

In the Wang family, no one was willing to take care of his wife.

Each one is a precious treasure carefully selected by the whole family; how could we bear to part with them?

"Mother, I'm fine. I just had an itch to try driving the horse." Qu Shuqiu jumped off the carriage and handed the reins to the farmhand who had been driving. She then smiled and said, "I received a letter from Grandma in town!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Chuanfu stopped cleaning the outhouse and stood at a distance, asking, "Did Mother say anything?"

"Grandma said she sent fifty modified curved plows from the prefectural city, along with two boxes of ointment for bruises and sprains, and a cartload of the extra grain seeds that Dad wanted," Qu Shuqiu said. "Oh, and Grandma also said that Little Sister Ayu is going back to the prefectural city. They should wait until everyone finishes their exams before coming back to the village."

Wang Chuanfu covered his face, almost crying: "My mother still cares about me."

Then he asked, "Mother only gave us things, did she give anything to your third uncle?"

"Yes, Mother has arranged a restaurant for Third Uncle in Nanhe Town. Whether he runs it as a steamed bun restaurant or sublets it, it's up to him."

Wang Chuanfu's smile froze.

Then, Qu Shuqiu added, "Grandma also bought us a courtyard house in town, and told us to come and see it when we have time. Whether we live in it ourselves or sell it, it's up to us."

"Mother is so kind," Madam Feng sighed.

Turning her head, she saw her husband's face covered in tears, and Ms. Feng was so frightened that she almost slapped him.

This is the first time I've ever seen my husband cry like this, like he's possessed by a ghost.

"Husband, what's wrong with you?"

"Woo-"

His mother was so capable; he finally understood why she always scolded them for being stupid.

Because once their mother becomes capable, they seem even more foolish.

As he spoke, Wang Chuanfu glanced at his daughter-in-law's belly and secretly made up his mind: "I won't sell the courtyard. I'll keep it for my grandson and send him to school so he can become a scholar and bring honor to his great-grandmother."

(End of this chapter)