manynovel Chapter 11 A Rare Harmony
Chapter 11 A Rare Harmony
When a new bride returns to her parents' home on the third day after her wedding, she will definitely have lunch at her parents' house.
The kitchen was preparing ingredients early in the morning, and by lunchtime, a table full of delicious dishes with appealing colors, aromas, and flavors was laid out.
The eldest princess and Pei Rujing returned from the inner quarters, and the group sat down together for a meal.
Aside from the matter of consummating their marriage, the eldest princess had nothing to criticize about Wen Zongji. After all, they had only been married for two days, and the time was still short, so let's wait and see.
It was indeed unconventional for the couple not to consummate their marriage after marriage, but the princess ultimately felt sorry for her daughter and was unwilling to force her. She thought it would be better for the couple to have more time to adjust to each other.
Once it was confirmed that Wen Zongji was healthy, the Princess stopped worrying about consummating the marriage.
The Princess's residence also had no rule against talking while eating. Pei Shirong was praising the chef's skills without reservation: "Mother, can I stay for a while? I love the food here so much."
The eldest princess, who rarely saw her two sons, placed a piece of fish on Pei Shirong's plate upon hearing this, saying, "This is also your home; feel free to stay if you wish."
When her relationship with Duke Pei broke down, the eldest princess only kept Pei Rujing. It wasn't that she didn't care about her two sons; it was just that sons meant succession and were the future of Duke Pei's mansion.
Even if she were the eldest princess, she couldn't force her two sons to stay; otherwise, she would be torn apart by the censors.
Pei Shirong was overjoyed and glanced triumphantly at Pei Shizhao: "Then you can go back by yourself in a bit, brother."
He found that Pei Shizhao wasn't even looking at him, and lowered his head in disappointment.
The eldest princess turned to Wen Zongji with concern for his studies: "Zongji, are you confident about passing next year's imperial examination?"
Wen Zongji swallowed the food in his mouth: "I will focus on preparing for the exam, but as for whether I will pass, I dare not make any predictions."
Pei Shizhao said, "Mother, Zongji is very knowledgeable and will likely pass the exam next year."
The eldest princess smiled broadly upon hearing this, for her eldest son had also passed the imperial examinations, so his judgment was naturally accurate.
"Zongji, as long as you pass the imperial examination, I will find a way to keep you in the capital so that you and your husband can stay together."
Generally speaking, the imperial examination was divided into three grades. The top three in the first grade would be appointed to the Hanlin Academy, while the other successful candidates had a variety of options.
First, one could take the examination for a probationary official in the Hanlin Academy and become a probationary official in the Hanlin Academy. After three years, one could take the final examination. If one achieved a first-class score, one could stay and work in the Hanlin Academy. Wen Zongji's elder brother, Wen Zongren, followed this path.
Secondly, the Great Chu also had a system of "observation of government affairs for Jinshi" (进士). This meant that after passing the imperial examination, Jinshi were not immediately granted official positions but were instead sent to government offices to observe government affairs for three to six months. After the observation period, there would be an assessment, and those who passed the assessment would be granted official positions.
Finally, they were directly assigned to local prefectures and counties as local officials.
Of these three options, the position of Shujishi required passing the imperial examination, the treatment of local officials was too poor, and the position of Guanzheng Jinshi was neither high nor low, which was just right for people with connections to manipulate things.
The eldest princess's words clearly indicated her intention to help Wen Zongji become a successful candidate in the imperial examinations.
Wen Zongji naturally wouldn't refuse the princess's kindness: "Your son-in-law thanks you, Mother-in-law."
Pei Rujing kept her head down while eating. She had been crying for so long that even though she tried her best to hide it, some traces were still visible.
The county princess is concerned about her image and doesn't want anyone to know that she has been crying.
After having lunch at the Princess's residence, Wen Zongji and Pei Rujing set off back to the Marquis's residence. Pei Rujing didn't want to leave, but the Princess knew that time was of the essence for Wen Zongji, so she hardened her heart and urged them to leave.
Before leaving, Pei Shirong did not forget to probe Wen Zongji's background and devised a plan for him to train his body.
It was supposed to be a form of physical training, but it was actually a boxing routine. It wasn't the kind of military boxing that was used, but rather a health-preserving boxing routine. According to Pei Shirong, this health-preserving boxing routine had the effect of loosening muscles and bones and regulating qi and blood, which was perfect for a scholar like him.
Wen Zongji was in poor health, so he could gradually increase the time he spent practicing health-preserving boxing.
On the carriage
Seeing Pei Rujing's reluctant expression, Wen Zongji said, "If you miss your mother-in-law in the future, please come and visit her whenever you wish."
Pei Rujing was taken aback: "You agree?"
Once married, a woman's words and actions are actually restricted by her husband.
"Of course I agree."
Wen Zongji sighed silently in his heart. The constraints of the times were an invisible shackle, tightly binding everyone.
On her wedding night, Pei Rujing dared to hit her husband on the head with a wedding scale, refused to consummate the marriage, and was disrespectful to her parents-in-law. This was already an extremely unconventional act, yet her thinking was still influenced by the times.
In her mind, she could do whatever she wanted in Yunguang Courtyard, but if she wanted to leave the manor, she had to get Wen Zongji's permission.
Pei Rujing's gloom vanished, replaced by a smile. She said, "Since you're so kind, even if you fail the imperial examination next year, I won't let you spit out the ginseng soup."
At this moment, neither of them realized that Pei Rujing's desire to leave the manor actually required the consent of Lady Jiang, the wife of the Marquis.
Wen Zongji was not a person of this era after all, and had not fully integrated into it.
As for Pei Rujing, she didn't take the Jiang family seriously at all. This wasn't out of contempt, but rather out of complete indifference.
Seeing how happy she was, Wen Zongji couldn't help but smile: "Then should I thank the county princess for her generosity?"
Pei Rujing tilted her head back proudly and said, "Of course!"
The county magistrate has never known the meaning of humility!
Upon returning to the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence, Wen Zongji went to his study to read.
Seeing that Pei Rujing showed no reluctance as she had when leaving the Princess's residence, but instead wore a smile, Granny Feng asked, "What has made the County Princess so happy?"
Pei Rujing said in a clear, sweet voice, "Wen Zongji said that I can return to the Princess's residence whenever I want from now on."
Granny Feng smiled as well: "Young master is so considerate... But doesn't leaving the manor require Madam's permission?"
Pei Rujing's smile faltered: "Then she won't agree?"
Recalling her few interactions with the main courtyard, Granny Feng said, "Madam shouldn't disagree."
The fact that Madam Jiang agreed to Pei Rujing's decision not to set up rules and to establish a small kitchen indicates that she did not intend to interfere much in the affairs of Yunguang Courtyard.
Pei Rujing leaned back on the tatami: "That's good."
Granny Feng didn't say much. Pei Rujing clearly had no intention of getting along with the other people in the Marquis's mansion, so Granny Feng had no choice but to give up for the time being. As long as the couple didn't have any conflicts, everything else could wait.