Chapter 051 - Whatever the Cost!

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"You can buy cows and sheep, but forget about the eggs. Let's follow what Little Uncle said, catch a few more chickens and wait until they grow up to have eggs. Dad, we have money now, but we should still save a bit. You mentioned sending us to study, and our house needs renovation, both of which require money."

 

Cows and sheep were livestock, and they wouldn't suffer any loss when buying them. Eggs, on the other hand, were consumables, so Ling Wen promptly rejected the idea. Perhaps he had learned to think more about practical matters and the possibility of going to town to study or buying a carriage.

 

"Alright, let's do as you say. You can take this silver back for now. I have something to discuss privately with your uncle."

 

It's not bad that the stingy little bun can do this. Ling Jingxuan took out a silver ingot of ten taels from the one hundred taels of silver, and took out a few small silver ingots of one tael, and then re-tied the burden and handed it to him.

 

Having received the money, Ling Wen excitedly ran out with the bundle. Little Bun also followed him merrily. After their figures disappeared, Ling Jingxuan smiled at his brother. Well, he would compromise on saving money for now. As long as the little buns were happy, it was fine.

 

"Jingpeng, later you go to the market and find Old Wang. Order fifty big jars that can hold fifty jin of things. The jar mouths should not be too big; a regular wine jar will do. Also, order two hundred small jars like the ones we had yesterday. Remember, carve the name 'Ling' in a dark color on the body of the jar and 'Ling Family Jam' on the bottom. Additionally, add two hundred more of the wine jars we ordered yesterday. Don't let Xiao Wen know about it yet."

 

Ling Jingxuan said seriously, trying to take back some control of the household. He didn't think about anything else, but having a thrifty son was actually a good thing. At least they could save some money.

 

"Hehe... Alright, I understand. Do you want me to catch the little piglets and chicks as well?"

 

"That's fine. First, catch two little piglets and fifty chicks. Also, buy a few hens that are currently laying eggs. Do we have any skilled carpenters in the village?"

 

Ling Jingxuan nodded in agreement after a brief thought. He noticed that the little buns seemed eager to have piglets. It would be better to buy them sooner so that they wouldn't always pester him. Honestly, every time he spent money, he would shudder when he heard the little ones calling him "dad." He had become afraid of them.

 

"Isn't Dad a carpenter? During the off-season in farming, he would make some wooden goods and sell them at the market. Otherwise, where would we get our food supply?"

 

Carefully stashing away the silver, Ling Jingpeng casually replied. He also knew some basic carpentry work, but it was just enough to help his father out.

 

"Is that so? I forgot about that. Alright then, we'll discuss it when Dad comes back."

 

Ling Jingxuan raised an eyebrow in surprise. He had no knowledge of this, and it seemed like the previous owner of his body didn't know either. It was probably something his father learned in recent years to help support them.

 

Thinking of this, his heart warmed again. Although his parents were too honest and easily taken advantage of, they would never mistreat him. As for other things, he wasn't afraid of being bullied. He could always handle it himself. What he wanted wasn't someone else's protection.

 

"Do you want Dad to make those wooden pegs for wine bottles?"

 

"Yes, and also make pig and chicken pens. By the way, besides Grandpa Ling's private school, are there any other private schools nearby?"

 

Ling Jingxuan asked suddenly, as they would probably get busier in the future, and it was better to send the children to a private school early on. Otherwise, certain people with no sense of boundaries might come knocking on their door when he was away.

 

"There are none. As you know, Grandpa is the only scholar in this area, and most parents send their children to his private school. Nobody else can teach like him."

 

Understanding that he might be concerned about his father and the people from Ling Family, Ling Jingpeng shook his head helplessly. It was indeed not an easy situation.

 

"Is that so? Then I'll go to town tomorrow to check it out. If it's not feasible, I'll send them to town to study. I can buy a carriage and pick them up every day. The education of our children must not be neglected. I don't dare to casually send them to Grandpa Ling's school, even if he is a scholar."

 

Any matter that could be solved with money was a trivial one. For the sake of his children, Ling Jingxuan was willing to spend all his hard-earned money. He didn't expect them to achieve high rankings or become nobility, but he hoped they would be educated, reasonable, and able to stand up for themselves. Since Grandpa Ling couldn't even teach his own family well, how could he be trusted with other people's children? Even if he was a top scholar.

 

"Is that so? Then I'll go to town tomorrow to check it out. If it's not feasible, I'll send them to town to study. I don't mind buying a carriage to pick them up every day. The education of our children must not be neglected. I don't dare to casually send them to Grandpa Ling's school, even if he is a scholar."

 

As long as money could solve the problem, it was a trivial matter. For the sake of their children, he was willing to spend all his hard-earned money. He didn't expect them to achieve high ranks or become nobility, but he wanted them to be educated, sensible, and able to stand up for themselves. Grandpa Ling couldn't even teach his own family well, so how could he teach other people's children? Even if Grandpa Ling was a top scholar, he wouldn't send his children there.

 

"Buy a carriage? How much would that cost?"

 

Hearing this, Ling Jingpeng couldn't help but widen his eyes in shock, and he could almost hear the sound of silver coins flowing out. Ling Wen, who had just entered the room, frowned at the mention of buying a carriage. However, he didn't react as he usually did, scolding his father for being too extravagant. Instead, he seemed to be silently considering the possibility of going to town to study and buying a carriage.

 

"No matter the cost, we must buy it. Jing Peng, Wen, and Wu, remember, some expenses can be saved, but some should never be compromised, like education. Remember the story of Meng Mu and the Three Moves for the Sake of Her Children? I might not have the ability to buy a house in town for you yet, but buying a carriage to pick you up is manageable. Furthermore, as our business with the town grows, having a means of transportation would make things easier and save time. So, there's no need to say anything more about this; I have already decided."

 

In his first journey here, Ling Jingxuan asserted himself without giving them a chance to object. While the little buns could be money-oriented and work hard to earn it, he would never compromise on matters concerning education.

 

"Yes, Daddy, your decision is final. I don't want to go to that old man's school either."

 

For once, Ling Wen didn't act thrifty. Although his eyes betrayed his concern, he nodded in agreement. Ling Jingxuan and his brothers were taken aback for a moment, and they realized that Ling Wen might have noticed something after what happened yesterday. Given his intelligence, he might be aware of certain issues. They exchanged a smile, thinking it was better this way, as they didn't have to waste their breath trying to convince him.

 

"Good, no matter how much it costs, Daddy will work hard to earn it back." Indulgently, Ling Jingxuan ruffled his hair, showing a rare touch of sentimentality.

 

The two little buns looked at each other and nodded firmly. The difference was that one had a joyous face, while the other pressed his lips tightly.

 

"Alright, Uncle is going to the market for some errands and will catch some piglets and chicks for you. I also want to visit Tie Wazi's house. Do you want to go with Uncle or stay with me?"

 

After discussing everything they needed to, Ling Jingxuan didn't mention the matter of military service. Ling Jinghan's illness would soon improve, and his life would get better. Before that, Ling Jingxuan and his wife needed to live separately, and he had a feeling that military service might present a rare opportunity.

 

"I want to go with you, Daddy. I want to catch piglets."

 

As soon as he heard that they were going to catch piglets, Ling Wu became excited and ran over. His round eyes squinted into a line as he smiled. Ling Jingxuan hugged him and said with a smile, "It's just raising piglets. Why are you so happy?"

 

"Of course! Daddy, you don't know. Last year, I saw people in the village slaughtering pigs for the New Year, and it was so lively. When Tie Wazi's family slaughtered a pig, they invited us to have some pork dishes. It was delicious. In the future, when we raise fat pigs, can we also invite Tie Wazi's family to have pork dishes?"

 

Listening to the little guy's words, it seemed like he was only thinking about food, but Ling Jingxuan and his brothers felt a deep affection for them. The two kids had a tough life before, so it was not surprising that they developed such unique personalities.

 

"Alright, let's hurry and go to the market. Xiao Wen, do you want to come along?"

 

Ling Jingpeng stood up, holding Ling Wu, and looked at Ling Wen, who had remained silent. If he remembered correctly, Ling Wen seemed to want to raise pigs too.

 

"No, I'll stay here to practice the new words I learned last night."

 

Considering the cost of education, Ling Wen didn't want to indulge in too much leisure. He was determined to study hard and bring back a high-ranking official position in the future.

 

"Okay, then take Xiao Wu with you." Ling Jingxuan made the decision before Ling Jingpeng could speak, and Ling Jingpeng nodded, carrying Ling Wu as they walked out.

 

"Xiao Wen, don't put too much pressure on yourself just because you're going to study in town. It's not just about studying; we shouldn't suppress ourselves too much in anything we do. I know studying is your responsibility as a child, but don't forget, playing and having fun is also a child's nature. Balancing work and leisure will bring out your full potential."

 

After the nephew and uncle left with the cart, Ling Jingxuan took the opportunity to have a serious talk with Ling Wen. He didn't want to put too much pressure on him, and if it meant that, he would prefer to teach him at home.

 

"Yeah, I know. I'll take sufficient breaks," Ling Wen replied.

 

Surprisingly, his father had figured it out. Ling Wen lowered his head in frustration but raised it again after a moment, looking determined. "I will definitely bring back a high-ranking position and not let you waste all that money, Daddy."

 

"Hehe... I'll be waiting for that," Ling Jingxuan chuckled, showing a bright smile. His son wanted to make him proud, so how could he not be happy?

 

At this moment, Ling Jingxuan might have considered Ling Wen's words as childish talk and hadn't taken them to heart. However, what he didn't know was that, from this moment on, the youngest Prime Minister in the history of the Daqing Dynasty would gradually emerge.

 

"Alright!"

 

Seeing this, Ling Wen also laughed. Later, the father and son chatted for a while before Ling Wen went to the backyard to work hard.

 

Ling Jingxuan remembered that he hadn't delivered medicine to someone today, so he hurriedly got up and went to the kitchen to take it. He then delivered the cold medicine bowl.

 

“Fortunately, yesterday's bravado didn't cause too much impact. Rest for another four or five days, and then you can get up and move around after the wound on your head has scabbed over. Remember, don't be brave again these few days."

 

Ling Jingxuan felt Yan Shengrui’s pulse as usual.

 

Ling Jingxuan was in a rare good mood, and his tone was much softer than the previous few times.

 

Seeing the warm smile on the other’s face, Yan Shengrui felt comfortable all over, and couldn't help but smile as well. "Well, I will listen to you."

 

That tone, not to mention how warm and ambiguous, Ling Jingxuan was startled subconsciously, then looked away and stood up. "Take a good rest, Xiaowen is practicing calligraphy in the backyard, if you want something, call him. I'm going out for a while."

 

After what happened yesterday, he can no longer see him as a stranger who raped the original owner, but it is also impossible for him to accept him, at least not now.

 

"Your decision to send your children to study in the town was right. That old man is not a model for a teacher." When he turned around, Yan Shengrui said suddenly.

 

"Did you hear that?" How is it possible? No matter how broken their house is, there is still a wall between them, right? How could he...unless...Dan Feng's eyes froze. "You can hear what we said from the bedroom?”

 

Damn it, isn't this bastard a legendary martial arts master? When they live together, so what kind of privacy is there? He guessed he would have to listen to any whispers.

 

"Well, my hearing and eyesight seem to be fine."

 

Blinking his eyes and nodding, Yan Shengrui's appearance at this time is exactly the same as when Xiao Baozi showed off himself. The three of them, the father and son, are imprinted in the same mold, even the cuteness is the same.

 

"Eh? Please spare me, why didn't you say it earlier?"

 

Ling Jingxuan was unable to support his forehead. It seems that this bastard is really a master of martial arts. Thinking about it, he is a general who commands thousands of troops. How could his martial arts be bad?

 

This time Yan Shengrui didn't speak anymore, just looked at him with a persistent smile, as if to say, you didn't ask me. If possible, Ling Jingxuan really wanted to give him two slaps. Fuck, after he recovers from his injuries, must drive him away, otherwise, he will not dare to speak at home in the future.

 

"Hehe...is it so difficult to accept?"

 

Looking at his back leaving with a feeling of displeasure, Yan Shengrui couldn't help laughing. Isn't it a good thing that his martial arts is good? In the future, whoever dares to bully them under his nose, he will slap them away. Isn't that good!