They say the beauty is best appreciated in candlelight.
Under the hazy yellow glow of the candle, Lu Yueming's brows resembled distant mountains, her beautiful eyes gazing yearningly. Her fair skin and rosy cheeks made her face resemble a blossoming peach, while her glistening red lips extended a silent invitation.
Xiu Wen tugged at his collar, feeling a bit warm.
Transfixed by his somewhat invasive gaze, Lu Yueming nervously rubbed her small hands.
Last night, her mother had surreptitiously given her an illustrated book, instructing her to study it. But...
Xiu Wen was a eunuch.
Even the most skilled wife cannot cook without rice. What the book depicted, they likely could not accomplish, could they?
"Yue'er, it's getting dark..."
"I understand!"
Lu Yueming rose to her feet, swiftly undressing him of his outer garments, then untying her own wedding gown. Her mother had instructed that after the wedding, she should undress her husband, and she understood.
After disrobing, she caught a glimpse of the black suspender dress at the foot of the bed.
Huan had said it was a nightgown.
Lu Yueming felt a bit curious.
Turning to the still dazed Xiu Wen, she said, "You go to bed first, I'll change into something more comfortable and join you."
Behind the screen, Lu Yueming changed into the nightgown.
At that moment, Xiu Wen approached.
"My lady undressed me, so I should return the favor..."
As he spoke, he saw the view behind the screen, and his throat went a little dry as he fell silent.
"No need, I'll change..."...done.
Before she could finish those last two words, Lu Yueming was suddenly scooped up by Xiu Wen and tossed onto the bed.
Moments later, the nightgown Huan had given her, which she had worn for less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, was reduced to tattered rags.
Fierce, tempestuous kisses rained upon her lips.....
The next day, September 10th.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Hengqu Academy was held.
When Qi Huan arrived, Chen the county magistrate was already there, and Chen Jinyou was dozing off nearby.
Gradually, the locals who had gotten word of the event also gathered around to witness the excitement, whispering among themselves.
"I heard our county is going to build an academy, and people can get an education there for free?"
"Is this for real?"
"It's true! My aunt's neighbor's eldest son's cousin works at the county office, and he said the county magistrate announced it himself. All children will be able to go to the academy to learn reading and writing, but if they want to continue their studies further, they'll have to pass exams."
"Not bad, not bad, that's really great news. When it opens, I'll send my little A-Zhi there, at least he'll learn how to write his own name!"
Amidst the chatter of the crowd, the auspicious hour arrived. Chen the county magistrate raised his hand to signal for silence.
First, three sacrificial animals were prepared as an offering to the God of the Land. Then, Chen the county magistrate took a iron shovel from an attendant and handed it to Qi Huan, indicating that she should take the first two shovelfuls to break ground.
The crowd was astonished.
"For such an important first dig, why did the county magistrate let Qi Huan do it?"
"You don't know? My aunt's neighbor's eldest son's cousin said this academy was funded by Qi Huan's donation!"
"That must have cost a fortune! Qi Huan is so generous. With that kind of money, why doesn't she take pity on me?"
Another woman pursed her lips. "Yeah, what's the use of donating to an academy? People won't starve if they don't read, but they will starve if they have no money. If she really wanted to do a good deed, she should have given each of us a few taels of silver."
"Pfft!" Da Hu spat at the two of them. "Your faces are practically bigger than the land they're using to build the academy!"
"Da Hu is right, what business is it of yours how Qi Huan spends the money she earned? It's her money, she can spend it however she wants. Besides, getting an education is so precious, and now our children can all go and study - isn't that a great blessing?"
A young child chimed in enthusiastically, "I want to go to school! I'm going to become the top scholar!"
Gradually, more and more people voiced their support for Qi Huan, with a flood of praises pouring in for her.
Nearby, Chen the county magistrate took a few more shovelfuls of earth, then gently woke his son with the shovel and had him dig a few shovelfuls as well. The piles of dug earth were gathered together, symbolizing prosperity.
After the ceremony was complete, Chen the county magistrate cleared his throat and began a long, long, long, long, long, long speech.
He expounded on the purposes and benefits of establishing the academy, mused about the future, then specifically emphasized Qi Huan's noble and generous donation, as well as his own efforts in coordinating resources from all quarters.
The cold wind howled.
Chen the county magistrate droned on and on.
The locals wanted to leave, but didn't dare move under his stern gaze. Those towards the back had it easier, slipping away discreetly under the cover of the crowd.
After the ceremony ended, Chen the county magistrate handed Qi Huan a hand warmer, inviting her to come back for a visit once construction was complete.
As soon as his long-winded father finally boarded the carriage, Chen Jinyou hurried over, eyes sparkling as he asked, "Huan, where's the crispy chicken feet?"
