The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 895 - 894: Sending Invitations

When Song Chongjin returned in the evening, Wang Yongzhu told him about it, and Song Chongjin laughed, "What a coincidence. It happens that a participant for the dragon boat race from the academy twisted his ankle this year. The teacher in charge of the competition came to me today and asked me to take his place."

Wang Yongzhu sized up Song Chongjin. Indeed, with his build, he stood out among a group of scholars. Being born a hunter, who else would they choose?

"Then it seems I’ll bet on Changqing Academy to win on the day of the Bathing Festival. But I wonder if Brother Song can help me win some silver?" Wang Yongzhu laughed.

During the day, she had heard Old Granny Wu and Old Madam Ding say that Changqing Academy had been overshadowed by other academies in the dragon boat race for many years. Last year was the worst; they didn’t even make it to the top three.

Song Chongjin, knowing Wang Yongzhu was joking, also laughed, "That’s right. The academy hasn’t won for several years. This year, the teacher in charge is determined. I heard that training started before the New Year, aiming to redeem our reputation this year!"

Wang Yongzhu, upon hearing this, became interested and asked a few more questions.

Song Chongjin was told some things about the dragon boat race by the teacher today. Seeing his wife interested, he had no reason to keep it secret.

He recounted everything.

It turns out the dragon boat race was initially established by Lu Changqing the Great Confucian when he founded Changqing Academy. At that time, the situation was not good, as it was the end of the previous dynasty, with rituals and music in disarray.

The world was not peaceful.

Additionally, the academy was built on a mountain where it was rumored there were mountain bandits.

When Lu Changqing the Great Confucian chose the location, there was a trail behind the academy leading directly to the river.

To prevent harm from bandits, the Great Confucian was farsighted and bought several small boats to station at the riverside, intending to escape down the river with family and students if danger arose.

Fearing leaks, he used the excuse of exercising the students’ physique and took them rowing every day.

When the world became peaceful again, his students established this as a fixed project at the academy every year, in commemoration of the Great Confucian’s devoted care for his students, continuing to this day.

Over time, it somehow became a tradition in Jing County.

Wang Yongzhu was speechless; the historical truth was unexpectedly like this.

Song Chongjin patted Wang Yongzhu’s shoulder; he too had been disillusioned when he first heard it.

"But you are right. Our academy has a dedicated viewing stand, with a good and safe location. I’ll see tomorrow if I can reserve a spot next to the academy. You think, who else should we invite?" Song Chongjin was thinking that Yongzhu could take her mother-in-law along, as during this mourning period, there’s little else they can do, but it would be nice to relax during a festival.

The two discussed who to invite for the day; besides Madam Gu, there’s Gu Zikai, and they thought of Shopkeeper Wu and Ninth Master Lee, as well as Imperial Doctor Du and his wife, all of whom must be invited.

Also, families of the scholars who are part of the now good relations circle at the academy.

Whether they come is another matter, but they certainly cannot be remiss themselves.

The young couple decided everything before retiring to bed.

When Song Chongjin returned the next evening, he informed everyone that he had secured the position.

Due to the unique status of Changqing Academy, they always have the best location, with their own viewing stand. It’s large enough and reserved for the families of academy teachers and competing scholars.

This year, Changqing Academy is holding back anger and really has faith in Song Chongjin’s muscular build; he spoke to the teacher in charge, who immediately agreed.

The family heard it, and their joy showed on their faces.

Old Granny Zhang thought her son-in-law was truly capable, having achieved so much in such a short time at the academy.

Only Old Granny Wu and Old Madam Ding knew that the academy’s position was excellent, and it’s rare to secure such a place. Their lord’s capability made them even more loyal.

Wang Yongzhu laughed and said to Song Chongjin, "Brother Song, you must work hard; you must live up to the position the teacher gave you!"

Song Chongjin shook his head, knowing Wang Yongzhu was playfully teasing him. He intended to say something, but seeing Wang Yongzhu’s bright smile, he only nodded.

Since Song Chongjin had settled the position, the two wrote invitations in the evening, and Song Chongjin would deliver them to the academy.

Wang Yongzhu, holding the invitation, first went to Imperial Doctor Du’s house.

Imperial Doctor Du had watched the dragon boat race as a child, and recalling it now was a vivid part of his childhood memories.

Content within, yet verbally unstoppable, he said, "Can’t you settle down for even a day? It’s either cosmetics or outings—"

Lady Qi, beside him, pinched Imperial Doctor Du to restrain him while laughing, "That’s perfect. I’ve long heard about how lively Jing County’s dragon boat race is, and this year I can finally watch. Regardless of whether you go, I must go that day!"

Imperial Doctor Du reluctantly said, "Fine, fine, I shall reluctantly accompany you that day, or else you won’t even know the way!"

Lady Qi was nearly amused; she thought, "I don’t know, and the people below me don’t know? Old stubborn man, even now you won’t admit!"

She ignored Imperial Doctor Du and conversed with Wang Yongzhu about the customs of the Bathing Festival.

Lady Qi, being from the Capital City, had some customs slightly different from Jing County’s. Besides bathing in orchid water, they also tied five-colored silk strings and ate Five-Poison Cake while drinking Realgar Wine.

Lady Qi naturally brought these customs along and had prepared Five-Poison Cake and Realgar Wine, which she insisted Wang Yongzhu take home to try.

Wang Yongzhu accepted them with a smile, without much formality.

After visiting the Du Family, Wang Yongzhu personally visited Auspicious Dye Workshop, where Shopkeeper Wu welcomed her outside. Upon hearing the reason for her visit, he regretted that Ninth Young Master was already on his way back to the Capital City to celebrate the festival at his mansion.

He himself also had to return to Shiqiao Town to celebrate the festival with his wife and children. But he mentioned that after the festival, he would bring his family to the county.

Wang Yongzhu first congratulated Shopkeeper Wu, then agreed to visit once their family arrived, before saying goodbye.

When Wang Yongzhu returned home, she knocked on the door of Madam Gu’s opposite house. Madam Gu happened to be home, received the invitation, and heard about the invitation for their family to watch the dragon boat race during the Bathing Festival.

Before Madam Gu could say anything, her two sons cheered.

Madam Gu, most considerate of her children, heard it was Changqing Academy’s site—a renowned good place in Jing County—and could not refuse.

She nodded in agreement without hesitation.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, she forced a plate of Wormwood Cake onto Wang Yongzhu before letting her go.

Wang Yongzhu, carrying the Wormwood Cake, stepped out of Madam Gu’s house and saw a carriage slowly stopping at her doorstep.

She paused and looked over.

The coachman seemed unfamiliar; after stopping, he, unsure, glanced around and spotted Wang Yongzhu. He quickly greeted her, "Excuse me, Madam, is this Scholar Song’s house?"

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