Chapter 25

Li Yao put the 20 taels of silver into her bag, and of course she did not forget to put away the 500 wen in copper coins as well. Although not much, it represented the end of a troublesome matter. She was just about to get up and leave when Zou Youcai rushed in hurriedly from outside.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Li, I'm late," said Zou Youcai. "I don't know if you've bought the materials yet. How much herbal ointment can you make this time?"

Herbal ointment?

Ding Xiaoyan was taken aback when she heard this. Of course she knew about the herbal ointment. She had a box of it in her bag, given to her today by Yun Jingyu. She had even taken it out earlier to show Li Yao.

But something so precious, could it really be made by Li Yao?

Li Yao calculated in her mind. The beeswax she had received this time was no small amount, but she couldn't use it all up, she had to keep some for future needs.

So she replied, "100 boxes should be possible."

When he heard there would be so many, Zou Youcai was overjoyed, "That's great! Then let me give you some deposit first!"

Saying so, he took out a silver banknote from his bosom and placed it in front of Li Yao.

Ding Xiaoyan had sharp eyes. At a glance she saw it was actually a 100-tael banknote. She couldn't help but gasp.

If it was just the earlier 20 taels, she didn't think much of it. After marrying Yun Jingyu, she would be the mistress of a wealthy family anyway.

But this was 100 taels!

How many families in Yunzhou, even the rich ones, would have 100 taels at hand?

"Big Sister Zhuang, I finally found you," Just as Li Yao put away the banknote, Village Head Wang Jiafu also rushed in hurriedly.

"What's the matter?"

"Of course it's good news!" said Wang Jiafu. "The county magistrate has reported the well-digging matter to the Yizhou prefecture. The prefect was extremely pleased and praised highly. Now the county magistrate wants to reward achievements. Wang Er was the lead effort! The county magistrate also said Wang Er is capable and knowledgeable. He wants Wang Er to go to the county office immediately. He wants to reward Wang Er personally with 10 taels of silver!"

When Manager Fan and Zou Youcai heard this, they immediately clasped their hands in congratulations.

"Congratulations Mrs. Li, that the young master is able to receive the county magistrate's praise, he must have a boundless future!"

"That's right, in all of Baichuan County, how many people can make the county magistrate take notice?"

"You two praise too much, it was just a small matter," said Li Yao.

After putting away her things, Li Yao went out the door, just as Da Zhuang came driving an ox cart with his three younger brothers.

When they heard that Wang Er had received praise from the county magistrate, Da Zhuang and his brothers were also happy for him.

"Hurry and come with me, don't keep the county magistrate waiting," said Village Head Li Zheng hurriedly, taking Wang Er to the county office.

Meanwhile, the Ding father and daughter had been completely dumbfounded.

They would never have imagined that Li Yao, who was so poor she couldn't put food on the table just half a month ago, could now earn so much money. And Wang Er, who they mocked all his life for not being able to marry, was now personally praised by the county magistrate! At this moment, old man Ding regretted it so much his guts turned green!

If only he had known all this earlier, he would have died rather than call off the engagement!

But Ding Xiaoyan quickly regained her calm. She firmly believed she had made the right choice by marrying into the Yun family and becoming Yun Jingyu's wife. That would surely be better than marrying into the Wang family.

...

Song County Magistrate was in an unusually good mood. He was reviewing documents in his study when Village Head Wang Jiafu brought Wang Er over.

He had met Wang Er once before, and asked some questions. Wang Er had answered them all fluently, speaking in an orderly manner with perfect etiquette, so he had a good impression of Wang Er.

Moreover, with the drinking water issue for the people of Baichuan County solved this time, adding the first heavy stroke to his political achievements, he saw Wang Er in an even more favorable light.

Compared to his own prodigal son, Wang Er was so much better in every way.

"No need to be nervous," Song County Magistrate asked gently, "Wang Er, where did you study?"

"County Magistrate, my mother hired a private tutor to teach me at home," replied Wang Er.

A home tutor?

Song County Magistrate was from the capital and naturally used to hiring private tutors.

But this was the destitute Baichuan County!

Moreover, he had also heard that Wang Er's father had passed away already. The family had four brothers and could barely afford meals. Yet they were still willing to spend money to hire a tutor.

"Why didn't you go to the county school then?"

"I did, but Teacher Liu at the school said..." Wang Er thought for a moment and continued, "He said I was immoral and refused to accept me."

"Nonsense!"

Song County Magistrate burst out cursing.

He had been keeping an eye on Wang Er the whole time during the well digging.

As soon as his subordinates came back, he asked about it. During those days of digging the well, Wang Er had worked diligently and conscientiously the whole time. He didn't go home for days, just took short naps on some straw when he got tired. He never complained one bit.

How could such a good child be immoral?

Moreover, he had confidence in his own judgment. He would definitely not make a mistake.

It seemed he would have to find time to look into this county school as well.

Luckily the child's mother had the foresight to spend money to hire a private tutor, so his studies were not delayed.

"These 10 taels of silver are your reward."

"Thank you, County Magistrate."

After the two left, Song County Magistrate became even more curious. How could a woman known as a shrew and a fool raise such a sensible son?

Just as he was pondering this, the county magistrate's wife came over, "Old Master, is it time to eat?"

"Yes." Seeing his rare appetite, the county magistrate's wife quickly had the meal brought out.

"I had someone buy braised goose from Heji, try it quickly."

This was County Magistrate Song's first time eating braised goose.

With one bite, the meat was soft and tender, the braising sauce rich and aromatic. He couldn't help but praise, "The taste of this braised goose is comparable to the Peking duck of Quanjufu restaurant in the capital!"

"This was made by a peasant woman named Li from Heguan Village, the mother of that Wang Er," said the county magistrate's wife. "To be able to make such delicious food, this Lady Li must be very capable."

Song County Magistrate nodded slightly.

To be able to produce such flavors, it was only natural that she could earn some money.

"Oh right, there's another thing."

The county magistrate's wife then took out two boxes of herbal ointment and put them on the table.

"What is this?"

"This is herbal ointment," replied the county magistrate's wife. "I've tried it. It can immediately relieve itching and swelling from insect bites. Rubbing some regularly can also repel bugs and refresh the mind."

"You can just use it yourself, what's the point of giving it to me?"

Seeing that he still didn't get it, the county magistrate's wife reminded, "Such a wonderful thing, have you ever seen it in the capital?"

Song County Magistrate thought about it. There were similar ointments that could be bought in the capital, but none had effects as instant as this one.

"There are hidden talents among the common folk, it's nothing to make a big fuss about."

"Old Master, do you still not understand my meaning?" said the county magistrate's wife. "You were demoted to this poor remote place. Without some great accomplishments, I'm afraid it would be harder than reaching heaven to get back to the capital. But where there's a will there's a way. This herbal ointment is an opportunity. Send some back to the capital, have someone present it to the imperial concubines. If it gains the favor of Her Majesty... "

"Impossible!" Song County Magistrate firmly rejected. "How could I, Song, curry favors in such a manner? Do not mention this matter again."

Seeing him so adamant, the county magistrate wife could only sigh lightly.

No matter how delicious Lady Li's braised goose, or how amazing the effects of the ointment, this Baichuan County could never compare to the prosperity of the capital.

Seeing her crestfallen, Song County Magistrate comforted gently, "Rest assured, wife. I will certainly accomplish something here in Baichuan County. Perhaps in just a few years, we can go back."

"I hope so."

"Right, where did you buy this ointment that has such miraculous effects?"

"At Zou's Rouge Shop," said the county magistrate's wife. "But I heard it's also made by that Lady Li from Heguan Village."

Her again?

Song County Magistrate was slightly taken aback.

Able to dig wells, and every well produced water.

Able to make braised goose comparable to the famous Quanjufu.

Able to make ointment with instant effects.

Looking at these three matters separately, they didn't seem to warrant much attention.

But when all three were concentrated in one person, and that person was one known as a shrew and a fool, it became somewhat unbelievable.

Just what kind of character was this Lady Li?