Chapter 257: Can’t Be Impatient

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

In the past, firewood was in short supply during the winter, and only wealthy households could afford to make charcoal fires.

Now, it’s better; commoners don’t have to spend money to obtain firewood from the forest. In their free time, families gather at the forest entrance, waiting.

Those responsible for managing the forest throw a lot of pine branches outside daily.

Now, the people have realized the benefits of planting trees and remembered Yuan Jiaqi’s words.

“Plant trees; they won’t take much space on your property. If you plant a few trees in front of your house, you’ll have firewood for the winter. When building a house, you’ll have timber and wood for the boat.”

Some smart village chiefs started planting trees with their villagers back when Yuan Jiaqi brought saplings.

Today, several villages in the County She has planted pine trees from the saplings provided by Yuan Jiaqi.

He said, “Don’t just focus on the present. Right now, it’s just a sapling. Once it matures, it will bring prosperity.”

If you don’t plant trees and continue to wait, you’ll remain impoverished for life. Some people took action and planted trees, while others are still observing.

Yuan Jiaqi had been planting trees for three years. Some people followed his example, while others just watched for three years.

Leaving aside everything else, just this year’s firewood stock shows the significance of trees in County She.

Yuan Jiaqi adopted Qiao Mai’s slogan and declared to all the people of County She.

“If you want to be prosperous, start by planting trees.”

Having spent so much silver, it’s time to see some results. When winter’s first chill arrived, Qiao Mai went to take a look.

The field had improved considerably compared to the barren land it once was.

County Governor Zhu also took a trip to inspect it and suggested that County Yi could learn from She County in planting trees with Madam Qiao’s assistance.

However, there was no movement from her side. He could only wait until the New Year to contact Qiao Mai and see if she could provide some tree saplings to support his work.

Being an official, he needs to have some achievements, whether it’s for the people or himself.

Seeing that Yuan Jiaqi had achieved so much in just three years in office,

County Governor Zhu couldn’t stand aside. He had to get some of the glory!

Miss Mu returned to the imperial capital as soon as December began. Before leaving, she bought out all the snacks from Qiao’s Small Eatery and everything from the Lucky Embroidery Manor, leaving contentedly.

The moment she left, Qiao Mai noticed that Yunfeng’s spirits dimmed.

This troublesome girl who lit the fire and ran away really vexed her.

People in love, especially Yunfeng, a passionate young man, couldn’t compete with Miss Mu, a year older.

Watching her son becoming visibly thinner, Qiao Mai wished she could fly to the imperial capital immediately and bring Miss Mu back.

When the two brothers were studying together at night, Fengyun tried to advise him.

“Brother, what are you doing? She’s just gone back to celebrate New Year with her family. She’s not gone forever. Look at how you’ve changed in her absence.” “I just miss her.”

“Good men aspire to great things, but you’re acting like you can’t live without her. You’re too attached.”

“I can’t control myself. She’s too outstanding. I’m afraid I’m not worthy of her.”

“We’re Mother’s children. How can you say you’re not worthy? Our father ranked fourth in the imperial examination, our mother is excellent in civil and military affairs, and our grandma holds the title of first-decree noble lady. They are all well-regarded figures.”

“Her family is in the imperial capital, and their social status is high. I heard they are noble. A family like ours wouldn’t even be noticed.”

“Are you saying you want to marry into a better family?”

Fengyun began to get anxious. Yunfeng quickly waved his hand. “No, I didn’t mean that. I’m just afraid her family won’t approve of us. Our marriage hasn’t even been proposed yet.”

“Well, that’s something for the future. We’re still young. Why are you thinking so far ahead? Our most important focus right now should be studying diligently. After the New Year, achieve good grades so the Mu family sees your excellence. Worrying constantly will only disappoint Mother.”

Yunfeng suddenly buried his head and started crying. “I know, but I can’t control missing her.”

Yunfeng sighed, “Missing her won’t solve the problem. If you can’t even become a Recommended Scholar next year, you won’t even think about missing her. It might be over before you know it.”

“Brother, calm down and study hard. Otherwise, you won’t be able to keep anything in the end. Only when you excel will you have a chance with her.”

At that moment, Qiao Mai, who had been listening to their conversation, sighed.

She glanced at Yuan Jiaqi, who was studying with his head down, and asked,

“Husband?”

“Yes, my wife. What can I do for you?”

“Have you ever been in love?”

Yuan Jiaqi raised his head and thought seriously, “I’ve loved you and no one else.”

“Have you ever had a broken heart?”

“Not yet.”

“Should I dump you and let you taste that feeling?”

“Wife, you’re the water, and I’m the fish. I can’t survive without you. Please don’t tease your husband like this. What’s wrong?”

“Our eldest son might be in love. The girl’s family has a high status. We might be climbing up a bit.” “From the imperial capital?” “Whose family is the girl from?” “From the Duke of Zhenguo.”

“Oh…”

At this point, Yuan Jiaqi had also stopped reading. “The Duke of Zhenguo?

That’s quite a prestigious family. We might not be able to compete.”

“As long as Feng’er doesn’t disappoint me, even if she’s the moon in the sky, we will marry her. The key is that he’s depressed, and it’s difficult for him to muster any enthusiasm. As soon as she left, he fell ill with lovesickness.”

“I’ll check on him.”

“Alright.”

Yuan Jiaqi was gone for a while and returned when it was pretty late.

“Wife, it’s settled!”

“I explained the pros and cons to him. If he studies hard, he still has a chance, but if he doesn’t, there’s no opportunity between them. It all depends on his choices.”

“Is that it?”

“Well, if he wants to be with her, he must make an effort. No one can help him. Feng’er also expressed his determination. By the way, speaking of this, I’d like to set up a school in County She, offering it for free. How does that sound?”

“Do you think I have a lot of money?”

“Hehe.”

“The timberland hasn’t generated any income yet, and you’re already thinking about this. If you have money, do it yourself. I’m out of money.”

“Then we can wait until the timberland starts generating income. County She is too poor. The children are idle at home.”

“You said you wanted to repay me and it would be better once you were in office. Now that you are, I spend more money than before.”

Yuan Jiaqi lowered his head apologetically. “I’m sorry, wife. It’s my fault. I was too eager for quick success.”

“Hmph, in the past few years, the Wang family used to send us ten thousand taels of silver annually. But I won’t use it this year, so don’t think about this anymore.”

Yuan Jiaqi nervously ran his fingers through his hair, “I understand, wife. We’ll wait until the timberland generates income.”

“You can’t rush things. I see you’re so eager to use the national treasury to fill the hole in County She.”

“Hehe, my wife is right. I was indeed impatient.”

Yuan Jiaqi stayed home for two days and then returned to County She. Yunfeng’s condition had improved significantly, showing that the counseling had been effective.

Qiao Mai felt it was necessary to visit the imperial capital. So, on the same evening that Yuan Jiaqi left, she went alone.

Previously, it would take her two hours to travel from Tianshui Town to the imperial capital. However, due to her increased cultivation, it took only an hour that night.

Qiao Mai went straight to the Duke of Zhenguo’s mansion.

She wanted to see how the girl treated Yunfeng and whether the Duke’s family was aware of the situation.

As it turned out, she stumbled upon a scene.

“Princess, you should rest.”

Miss Mu sat by the window, gazing at the moon in the sky.

“I wonder how Yunfeng is doing.”

“Princess, he just turned sixteen after the New Year. If you privately promise to marry him now, the Duke will be furious once he finds out.”

“As long as we don’t tell anyone, who will know?”

Qiao Mai rolled her eyes; she knew the Duke’s family was unaware of it. This girl had quite the audacity..

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