Wu Xinyi's Troubles

Qibao thought for a moment before asking: "Sister Xinyi, do you know where to find the person who sold you this stone?"

Wu Xinyi replied: "I do, but I'm not sure if he's still around. Qibao, is there a problem with the stone?"

"No, it's just a pretty stone." Qibao said: "Sister Xinyi, when you go back to town, keep an eye out for that old man. If he sets up his stall again, send me a message, okay?"

Wu Xinyi patted her chest: "No problem. If you like the stone so much, I'll give it to you!"

Qibao said: "Thanks, but you bought it, so you should keep it. Later, take it to a craftsman and have something made for you—it would look great."

Wu Xinyi asked: "This rock can be turned into jewelry?"

"Yes, slice it into the shape you like with many flat sides. It will sparkle beautifully when you wear it."

Wu Xinyi said: "All right, this one is pretty big. When the time comes, I'll have it made into two pieces of jewelry—one for you, one for me. But I don't know what kind to make, so I'll have to think about it."

Qibao smiled: "Sounds good."

"Qibao, what did you do in the city?" Wu Xinyi asked: "I've lived in Huamen Town my whole life. I've never been anywhere else."

"There's so much to do in the city." Qibao said: "Next time, if we have the chance, I'll take you with me. How about that?"

Wu Xinyi's eyes lit up. Then she said: "But I'm afraid my father won't agree. He doesn't mind me coming here, but for anything else, I need his permission."

"Your father just wants to keep you safe." Qibao said: "No matter where you go in the future, it's best to have one of the constables your father arranges with you, okay?"

"I understand." Wu Xinyi said: "Qibao, I wish I could live in your village. It's so beautiful. When I walk in, I can smell the flowers and see these nice houses that I never knew could be made from wood before."

"I don't mind if you want to stay." Qibao said: "But it will depend on if your father agrees."

Wu Xinyi pouted: "My father won't let me. I mentioned it before, and he said he'd miss me so much he wouldn't be able to eat if I wasn't there. So I can't stay."

Qibao said: "Our village is close to the town. You can visit anytime you want and go home at night. That way you'll be happy, and your father won't be so worried he can't eat."

Wu Xinyi sighed: "My father has already started looking for a teacher to teach me etiquettes. Once we find someone, I'll probably have little time left to visit your place."

Qibao said: "Your father means well. After all, you're the governor's daughter—a young lady of the nobility. You do need to learn these things."

Wu Xinyi said quietly: "I really envy you. You don't have to learn all these rules. I don't want to learn them at all—it's so tiring. I've heard that these etiquette teachers are very strict. If you make mistakes, there are punishments."

Qibao said: "Then just do your best not to make mistakes. If you learn quickly, you might be done with it in a month. After that, they won't need to teach you anymore, and you'll be free like you are now."

Wu Xinyi sighed: "Let's hope so! I hope I can learn it all in a month."

Mrs. Wang came in and asked: "What's got you down, Xinyi?"

Wu Xinyi grabbed Madam Wang's arm tightly: "Grandma Xu." She said: "My father is going to find me an etiquette teacher, and I'll be punished if I don't learn well."

Madam Wang smiled: "Your father wants what's best for you. Don't forget your position here! When it's time to find you a husband, it won't be just any ordinary guy. It'll be good for you to know proper etiquette."

Wu Xinyi said: "Qibao is my only good friend. Even if I look for a husband in the future, I want to find one who is close to Qibao. That way, I can often visit Qibao and play with her."

Mrs. Wang replied: "Okay, okay! As long as the in-laws you find treat you well, that's fine."

"Qibao, go to the construction site and tell your grandpa and the others it's time for lunch."

"Okay, grandma."

Wu Xinyi added: "Qibao, let's go together."

The two left hand in hand.

They approached the construction site where the workers were busy. The old man had rolled up his sleeves to help the villagers, and Uncle Xu and his brothers were also pitching in.

"Grandpa, Uncle, Second Uncle, Father! Grandma sent me to tell you it's time for lunch!"

Hearing his granddaughter's call, the old man turned around: "Alright, we're coming! Little Xinyi is here too?"

Wu Xinyi smiled and said: "Grandpa Xu, I'm here to eat again. You won't find me annoying or eating too much, right?"

The old man chuckled: "How much can you eat, kid? Come anytime you want, like it's your own home."

Wu Xinyi nodded.

Xu Chunsheng said: "Uncle, why don't you all head home first? We'll be back for dinner soon, and can finish the work this afternoon."

The old man agreed: "Great! Everyone's worked hard today. Go home and rest. Take a nap, then there'll be plenty of time to work later."

"Will do, Uncle!" They replied.

The group headed back to the Xu house, where the food had already been set out on the table.

Mrs. Wang, seeing they'd returned, said: "Quick, wash your hands and eat!"

The family obediently did as they were told.

At the table, Mrs. Wang placed Wu Xinyi's favorite dishes—sweet and sour pork ribs and shredded potato—in front of her: "Xinyi, here are your favorite foods. I made plenty, so eat as much as you want."

Wu Xinyi said: "Granny Xu, don't just worry about me. Make sure you eat too." As she spoke, she picked up two ribs and put them on Mrs. Wang's plate.

Madam Qian said: "Aunt, Hua'er and the girls have been learning embroidery for a while now. The other day, they told me they want to sell some of their work."

"That sounds wonderful!" Mrs. Wang replied.

"I was thinking." Madam Qian continued: "Since the village is going to be a tourist attraction, why not have these girls embroider some items to sell? What do you think?"

"Will anyone buy it though?" Mrs. Wang asked.

Qibao had an idea: "I think it'll work! How about this? We can set aside some space for people from the slums to sell small items. This will make our village unique and give them a chance to make money and improve their lives."

"That sounds good." The old man said: "But what will they sell? Most common items have plenty of vendors outside, and they won't attract much attention. At best, guests will just see it as a sideshow."

"We should make something different." Qibao suggested: "Do you remember the ring toss game from Qingyun City, Grandpa? We can set up similar games. Many young people and kids will enjoy them, and they are not outdated."

"Let's give it a try." The old man decided.

"After the village is ready, I'll go tell everyone in the slums." Xu Dabo offered.

"Good, you take care of the arrangements." The old man agreed.

"Fortunately, our village is quite large, otherwise it wouldn't be enough to use all the ideas you came up with." Said Mrs. Wang

Mrs. Zhang smiled: "I like this idea. We should try it, even if we're not sure if it'll work."

Wu Xinyi said: "When the time comes, I will bring my father along to show my support!"

Mrs. Wang laughed: "That would be wonderful! It'll be great if County Magistrate Wu can make it."

The old man pondered: "But we must be careful with our wine shop. We need someone to watch over it at all times, making sure no one goes in without permission. People put this in their mouths, so we can't be careless."

"I've thought of that, Grandpa." Qibao said: "When the workshops are open, Gramps can lock the door from the inside. And we need to tell the villagers not to talk to outsiders about the wine shop."