The Story of a Spoiled Daughter Raising a Husband

Ji Xiuping felt a warmth in his heart, unsure of what to do to repay her for thinking of him so much. He secretly made up his mind to study hard and pass the imperial examination.

Tong Qian was relieved to see that he no longer mentioned the matter of passing the imperial examinations.

As night fell, all the children from the private school returned. Tong Qian asked Ke'er to call the seven teachers over as well, and then went to the kitchen to help Yun'er cook.

She didn't know how to cook in her previous life, but because she was happy today, she made two dishes according to Yun'er's instructions. Although they didn't look particularly good, they were still acceptable, and the taste was just right, neither too salty nor too bland.

"Yun'er, now that Brother Xiuping has passed the imperial examination, he will likely be going to the capital to find a teacher. Would you like to come with us?" Tong Qian asked casually, fiddling with the water in the basin.

Although she could negotiate directly with the teahouse owner to take Yun'er away, ultimately it was up to Yun'er's own wishes. If she was unwilling, she would never force her.

Upon hearing this, Yun'er was taken aback at first, then turned to Tong Qian and said, "My life was given to me by Miss Qian'er. Wherever Miss Qian'er goes, I will follow."

These words were spoken with such conviction that they warmed Tong Qian's heart considerably.

Before long, a whole table of dishes was ready.

The seven teachers had arrived long ago and were instructing the children. Ke'er had never liked needlework, and now that she saw the needlework teachers, she couldn't wait to run away, but she didn't expect to be caught red-handed.

That lady was originally an embroiderer at Xiuchun Pavilion. Her embroidery skills were unparalleled, and the girls in Taoli Garden adored her. They all took her very seriously. However, this girl, Ke'er, disliked needlework. She had been worried about not having a chance to properly teach her, but now she had found the opportunity.

"Mr. Mu, you are right to reprimand me, but this is the day that Brother Xiuping passed the imperial examination. Isn't it a bit inappropriate for you to reprimand me here?" Although Ke'er was a bit mischievous, she was extremely respectful to these teachers and did not dare to speak recklessly.

Having said all he needed to say, Mr. Mu said no more, leaving behind the words, "Take care of yourself," before going off to chat with the other gentlemen.

After listening to Tong Qian's words, they would chat with her after each lesson to share their thoughts, and they would gain a lot from it.

Although she was a teacher of needlework, she was in no way inferior here.

Yun'er and Kui'er set the dishes on the table. Because there were too many people, they set up two tables: one for the children and one for them.

These teachers all taught in private schools, so they were unaware that Ji Xiuping had passed the imperial examination. They only learned about it after they came here.

Mr. Mu found out first, after all, Ke'er couldn't keep it a secret.

Just as a group of people were preparing to offer their congratulations to Ji Xiuping, shouts and curses erupted from outside.

It's getting late at night, and who is it that's causing trouble so late at night?

Tong Qian was displeased, and her face darkened considerably.

The shouts and curses outside only increased and continued incessantly, as if they would keep cursing if they didn't go out.

Ke'er was the most impatient. She immediately got up from the table and said, "Who is so annoying? Don't they know it's mealtime? What are they doing, cursing and swearing like that!"

She was truly the leader of the group of children. As soon as she sat down at the table, all the children sat down as well, each one ready to fight.

Yun'er didn't know who was cursing, but she knew that Tong Qian's face was getting worse and worse.

How could Tong Qian not recognize whose voice it was!

They caused trouble once after they sold her, and now that they know Brother Xiuping has passed the imperial examination, they're causing trouble again!

"Yun'er, come with me to take a look outside." This courtyard is a bit far from the village, and other villagers may not be able to hear their shouts and curses, so they have to deal with it themselves.

Not wanting the gentlemen to know about such sordid matters, Tong Qian told them to wait there and kept Ji Xiuping there as well.

She knew perfectly well why Tong's parents had come here; it was simply because Ji Xiuping had now passed the imperial examination and wanted to rely on them.

"Why aren't you going home at this hour? What are you making such a racket!" Ke'er rushed out first, hands on her hips, head held high, exuding a江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry) vibe.

When the other children saw this, they followed her example and stood like her. In an instant, the entire yard was occupied by this group of children.

Seeing that they were just a group of children, Tong's mother looked down on them and snorted coldly, "What am I making a fuss about? I'm not making a fuss. Hurry up and let Tong Qian out."

"Are you looking for me?"

No sooner had those words been spoken than Tong Qian stepped forward, raising her eyebrows and looking at the two of them with a cold glint in her eyes.

When the hostess saw the host come out, she immediately smiled and said, "Qian'er, what happened last time was my fault, please don't hold it against me."

This attentiveness was truly different from his arrogant demeanor just moments before.

Ke'er disliked two-faced people the most, and immediately said, "Stop trying to get close to me. What does Sister Qian'er have to do with you? You should go back now."

"Why are you being so unruly, child? I'm talking to Qian'er, what are you interrupting for!" That's just how Tong's mother is. She can tolerate speaking to Tong Qian in a humble tone, but she won't tolerate anyone else treating her like this.

Tong Qian stepped forward and said coldly, "Who do you think you are? Ke'er is my family. Why can't she speak?"

They sold her out before, and now they're trying to curry favor with her? There's no such thing as a free lunch!

“Qian’er, it was all your mother’s fault before, so please forgive her. We’ve come here to apologize. Why are you making things difficult for your own family and teaming up with an outsider against your own people?” Father Tong said, leaning against the railing, taking advantage of his age.

He spoke skillfully, shifting all the blame onto Tong's mother as if he himself had done nothing wrong, and subtly including himself as part of her family.

Tong Qian sneered, "I don't have family like you. You sold me off so your elder brother could get a wife. What, now that Brother Xiuping has passed the imperial examination, you want to curry favor with him?"

"Qian'er, why do you say that? We truly know we made a mistake back then. We knew absolutely nothing about passing the imperial examination." As Mother Tong spoke, a hint of unease appeared on her face.

She was right; they came because they heard that Ji Xiuping had passed the imperial examination.

You see, passing the imperial examination is equivalent to becoming an official. Once they have even a minor official position, their eldest son will also benefit. Who knows, he might be able to snag a lowly official post in the government.

"Heh." Tong Qian was already disgusted by their faces and didn't want to say anything more. She turned to the children in front of her and said, "Get those two out of here."

The best way to deal with people like this is to use such a blunt and direct method; otherwise, they might think they are easy to bully!