Chapter 230: Chapter 230: Calculations (Part 2)
Old Madam Xue recited Buddhist scriptures for a while, then turned to chatting casually and naturally mentioned Xue Lin: "...The Xue family has upheld poetry and books for generations, and all the young men study for the Imperial Examination. This youngest grandson of mine began learning at five and entered the Prefecture School at eleven. In a year or two, he’ll be able to take the Scholar exam."
"The Seventh Young Master Xue is exceptionally talented for his age and will certainly achieve great success in the future," Jiang Shaohua responded with a smile.
These words delighted Old Madam Xue, and she beamed: "Thanks to the Commandery Princess’ praise, I also hope he has a promising future. I’m not boasting; I’ve lived over seventy years and have seen many young men. But those like Qi Lang, clever, filial, and virtuous, are rare."
Xue Lin felt his scalp tingle with embarrassment, and cold sweat broke out on his back.
Xue Liuniang also felt awkward and wished she could cover her face and leave.
What it means to be "as everyone knows," Grandmother was too obvious! Fortunately, the Commandery Princess had such good character, remaining calm and neither shy nor angry.
But Chen Sheren, standing to the side, had a flash of displeasure in his eyes.
Old Madam Xue’s actions truly lacked propriety.
The Commandery Princess, as the ruler of Nanyang, is unmatched in beauty and talent in both literature and martial arts. When she marries, her husband must be chosen carefully. What does it mean for Old Madam Xue to casually present her grandson to the Commandery Princess?
At its mildest, it’s a slight against the Commandery Princess. At its worst, it’s disrespectful to the Nanyang Prince Mansion.
The Commandery Princess has a good temperament and patience, but Chen Jinyu won’t tolerate such arrogance.
"Old Madam Xue," Chen Jinyu abruptly asked, "I heard that Governor Xue has five sons and one daughter. Is this Seventh Young Master Xue also Governor Xue’s son?"
Old Madam Xue was interrupted, feeling somewhat displeased, and gave Chen Jinyu a glance: "Qi Lang is my second son’s child. His father passed early, and he came to the Inspector Mansion at three, raised by me personally."
Chen Jinyu appeared enlightened: "Oh, so he is Governor Xue’s nephew. Earlier, Old Madam stated it ambiguously, and I thought he was Governor Xue’s youngest son!"
Xue Lin: "..."
Old Madam Xue’s eyebrows twitched slightly, responding flatly: "A legitimate nephew is no different from a son."
Chen Jinyu chuckled: "In our Nanyang County, nephews and sons are indeed different. Sons inherit the family estate, but nephews do not. It seems I was short-sighted, unaware of Jingzhou’s customs."
Old Madam Xue: "..."
Xue Lin’s face turned red with embarrassment.
Old Madam Xue cherished him, keeping him close and speaking of him often. Ladies would often flatter Old Madam Xue, and by extension, Young Master Xue, frequently praising him. Over time, he almost forgot his status as dependent.
Today, Chen Jinyu’s words precisely struck a sore spot for both grandmother and grandson.
No matter how generous the First Uncle, he is not a father.
Governor Xue has five sons, and the family business barely has enough resources for them, let alone him.
Jiang Shaohua glared at Chen Jinyu: "Chen Sheren, speak more kindly, do not be so harsh."
Chen Jinyu immediately complied and fell silent.
Jiang Shaohua gave Old Madam Xue an apologetic smile: "Chen Sheren is young and lively, speaks without filtering; please forgive her, Old Madam."
Old Madam Xue felt a prick in her heart, a burning shame but unable to lose composure publicly, managed a hollow smile: "Just idle chatter, I wouldn’t argue with a young lass."
The words "young lass" hit Chen Jinyu hard, and she could no longer smile.
She suddenly understood what the Commandery Princess had said.
As a woman, doing something that earns the respect of others is truly difficult. In the eyes of many, she only became a housekeeper due to youthful ties and her grandfather’s influence. Her own abilities were mentioned lightly.
Jiang Shaohua’s smile also faded slightly: "Chen Sheren is a housekeeper of this Commandery Princess, diligent and hardworking in her duties; this Commandery Princess values and trusts her greatly."
Jiang Shaohua had always kept a smiling face in front of Old Madam Xue, fulfilling her duties as a junior. Suddenly changing demeanor, her presence transformed, and the cold pressure almost suffocating.
County Magistrate Lei and others trembled in their hearts, all lowering their heads, not daring to meet the Commandery Princess’ gaze.
Old Madam Xue, too, was startled, staring at Jiang Shaohua in amazement.
In the blink of an eye, how had Jiang Shaohua become like a different person? This overwhelming aura even made her heart tremble.
"Chen Sheren is the first female official in Nanyang County," Jiang Shaohua stated calmly, "In the Personal Guard Camp, Miss Sun is a military doctor, Miss Kong is a teacher, and at Ye County, the headmistress is Mrs. Li. Under this Commandery Princess’ governance, more and more women will hold positions."
"Old Madam may not be used to it now, but over time, seeing it more often, will gradually become accustomed."
Old Madam Xue felt her blood surge, blurting out: "Being an official is men’s work, women should manage the household and educate children. Isn’t the Commandery Princess going against the natural order?"
Jiang Shaohua raised her eyebrows and smiled slowly: "In Nanyang County, what this Commandery Princess says goes. Perhaps in a few years, women in positions will become commonplace. With Old Madam’s long life, you will surely witness that day."
Old Madam Xue was actually rendered speechless, almost choking.
Xue Lin looked up in shock at the Commandery Princess.
Xue Liuniang was also gazing intently at the Commandery Princess. However, unlike others, besides shock, an indescribable warmth filled her heart.
It’s as if seeing a window in a confined room. That window, towering and glowing intensely, beckoned her from the shadows forward.
...
Old Madam Xue took her leave after having lunch at the county government.
Bottling up her feelings for half the day, Old Madam Xue, upon boarding the carriage, was fuming: "Absurd! Absolutely absurd! Women showing themselves, what decorum is there!"
"The Princess Consort passed early, lacking elders for upbringing, naturally fell short."
Xue Liuniang looked up, speaking softly: "Such words, Grandmother, should not be spoken carelessly. The Commandery Princess holds a noble status; even Father, upon meeting her, must bow in respect."
Old Madam Xue snorted through her nose: "I am well aware of that. Otherwise, would I endure this suffocation today?"
"I find it such a pity that such a fine Commandery Princess should possess this unruly and willful temperament. Which good family’s son would dare marry her in the future? Nine out of ten, she’ll end up like her mother, bringing in a weak and useless husband."
How cutting these words were.
Xue Liuniang frowned: "Grandmother, please choose your words carefully."
Xue Lin, who had been silent with his head down, suddenly looked up, face slightly flushed: "Grandmother, I think the Commandery Princess is quite admirable."
Old Madam Xue and Xue Liuniang were both taken aback, turning in unison to look at Xue Lin.
Xue Lin, blushing under the scrutiny of his grandmother and cousin, said: "I mean no offense. I just feel that the Commandery Princess is different from ordinary girls, making it hard not to have respect for her."