The Story of a Spoiled Daughter Raising a Husband

"I just don't know, Master, is there something inappropriate about asking about this?"

When Master Qiu heard her ask this, he shook his head. “Miss Tong, actually, I heard from some of the older storytellers that because of the recent rise of theatrical performances, they have all had to go back to their homes and can no longer tell stories in teahouses. They do have a lot of complaints.”

"I only vaguely learned later that it was Miss Tong's doing. But since you helped me before, I couldn't say anything more. But today, I accidentally heard the news that people were talking about and praising, so I asked Young Master Ji about it. Who knew that he would be so tight-lipped about it and wouldn't say a word to me."

"It was only after seeing Miss Tong arrive that I dared to ask this question. I truly admire your idea of ​​changing our traditions."

As Tong Qian listened, she turned to look at Ji Xiuping sitting to the side. He was looking down at his head, seemingly lost in thought. She then explained to the teacher, "Teacher, Brother Xiuping was just worried that you might think it was inappropriate for a young lady like me to do so many things by myself. Please don't blame him."

"Besides, as you said, many storytellers have complained about the changes I made. So, Brother Xiupian was just trying to prevent me from being criticized by others. However, you are different from others, Master. Since I have allowed Brother Xiupian to study with you, I naturally consider you one of my own when it comes to knowledge related to the imperial examinations."

"In matters that are more or less ambiguous, I naturally won't pay much attention to unnecessary things. I just hope that you, Master, won't feel that Brother Xiuping has been disrespectful to you because of me. If you want to see a play in the future, you can go directly to the teahouse. I have my own private room there. You can just tell the owner."

When Master Qiu heard her recount so many things in one breath, the slight displeasure in his heart vanished in an instant. He had only asked questions because of his curiosity. Tong Qian had given him so much convenience because of Ji Xiuping. He had already received so much. How could he be considered a Confucian scholar if he wanted to take advantage of her again?

However, Tong Qian was right. When Ji Xiuping refused, although she didn't show any emotion, she always felt that he was deliberately hiding something. But she didn't expect that Tong Qian, this young girl, could soothe her emotions so well in just a few words and give a very reasonable explanation for Ji Xiuping's previous actions.

Thinking this, he shook his head, feeling a little guilty for his previous thoughts. "Miss Tong, you are too kind to me. In my whole life, I have only studied Confucianism and promoted Confucian culture. Although I am occasionally curious about things like drama and storytelling, I have never been fond of them."

"However, Miss Tong, it is truly an honor for this old man to provide such convenience." As he said this, he glanced at Ji Xiuping, who was expressionless beside him, and sighed softly. This Ji Xiuping was particularly rigid in some matters, and it was thanks to this young girl that he was able to make a difference.

Thinking this, he continued, "Young Master Ji, since Miss Tong has come today, and our lecture for today is over, you may leave now. This old man should also prepare to rest." With that, he ignored the two people sitting there and shakily returned to his room.

After saying goodbye to Master Qiu, the two set off on their way back to the village. Tong Qian wanted to say something to Ji Xiuping, but after all, he was still doing it for her sake, so she couldn't say anything more.

Ji Xiuping looked at Tong Qian beside him, unsure whether he should say something. He hesitated, lost in thought, and followed Tong Qian's pace.

Tong Qian naturally sensed Ji Xiuping's unusual mood, but she couldn't guess what had happened to make him feel so troubled. So she asked directly, "Brother Xiuping, did I say something wrong just now, or did something happen? You seem gloomy and have a lot on your mind."

Hearing her ask him so directly, Ji Xiuping shook his head helplessly before slowly saying, "Qian'er, what you just said was fine, and it really soothed the teacher's emotions. In fact, it made the teacher feel even more pleased than when I was there by myself. I should thank you."

Seeing the conflicted look in his eyes, Tong Qian didn't interrupt him and just let him continue.

Seeing Tong Qian's furrowed brows and encouraging look in her eyes, Ji Xiuping told her about all the rumors that had been circulating in the village a few days ago. After finishing, he couldn't help but sigh.

"Qian'er, it's all Xiuping's fault. I said I would protect you and give you peace, and that I would never let those people in the village hurt you again. But I never expected that you would be in such a stigma because of me. I have never known how to tell you about this, and I don't want to disturb your mind with these trivial matters."

"But I really didn't expect that my momentary recklessness would cause the rumors in the village to become increasingly horrible." As he said this, he was extremely frustrated and didn't know what to do.

Seeing his frustrated expression, Tong Qian smiled gently. She had thought it was something serious, but if it was just this, then she could start preparing for what she had planned. The children had already learned some basics, and she had found a teacher to instruct them in farming techniques. She was just waiting for the situation in the village to be right so that they could go there together.

No matter what they say now, she believed that once they got something that benefited them, they would naturally stop targeting her excessively. Thinking this, she told Ji Xiuping about her decision and the preparations she had made, and then added: