OFTLHFRO C93
by NininiaChapter 93 Truly Heart-Stabbing
All the milk tea and tofu were handed out, and the shop closed early, with a sign hung outside that read: “The Owner Has Joy.”
Taking advantage of the fact that the two boys hadn’t yet finished school, Luo Mingchen, along with Huo Yan and their daughter, went to Yue Lan County, intending to buy more vegetables and bring back the finished collars and necklaces.
The imperial reward for a juren official was considerable, especially since Wen Liuyun had been the top candidate in Yuanzhou Prefecture. He had received a hundred taels of silver, along with some smaller silver pieces and copper coins.
This was meant for scholars who might come from impoverished families, specifically to give them funds to reward those delivering good news or for other uses.
In Luo Mingchen’s words, it was quite thoughtful.
Huo Yuhui, having passed the tongsheng exam, also had money, but only five taels—essentially covering the examination fee.
However, for Luo Mingchen, that was already very good.
He had never really expected Huo Yuhui to pass.
After all, some people spent over ten, even several decades, trying to pass the tongsheng exam, yet might never succeed. Huo Yuhui was only twelve years old. As long as he wanted to study, he would have plenty of opportunities in the future.
The silversmiths in the county had decent skills. Following the sketches Luo Mingchen had drawn, they had actually crafted the items exactly as he envisioned.
The collar was made of silver, with a hollowed-out small sphere in the center, encasing a golden pearl—perfectly sized for a child like Huo Xinyue to wear.
Although the necklace was made with a red cord, the pendant was slightly different, and its silver weight matched that of the collar.
Huo Yuhui liked bamboo, so they made a bamboo-joint casing around a pearl, which looked somewhat like a whistle.
The sketches were truly ugly, but once crafted, the items were unique and beautiful. Luo Mingchen could only praise the master’s skill.
As for Huo Xiang’s necklace, it was made of gold, with golden vines wrapping around a black pearl.
Originally, he had planned to make a gold ingot, but at Huo Yuhui’s suggestion, he changed it to this design.
Stepping out of the shop, Luo Mingchen said to Huo Yan:
“I think Xiao Hui has quite good taste.”
The golden vines wrapped around the black pearl, and the red cord’s design was slightly different, giving off a subtle sense of luxury.
Overall, it was far superior to the gold ingot style Huo Xiang had suggested.
Huo Yan said:
“Xiao Xiang hasn’t seen much.”
Hearing this, Luo Mingchen looked at him in surprise.
He had only said it casually, but Huo Yan’s response was something he hadn’t expected.
Upon reflection, though, it made perfect sense.
“Then we should show him more in the future.”
Aesthetic sense also needed cultivation.
Such joyful occasions naturally deserved a proper celebration.
The couple bought a large pig leg, two big fish—planning to make one braised and one steamed—and also purchased some loaches and yellow eels.
At home, they slaughtered a chicken and a duck.
Huo Yan went to invite people over.
Aside from Wen Liuyun and his mother, Xiao Lin, and Madame Hua, he also invited the teacher from the academy and his wife, telling the two boys to bring over the four friends they played with the most.
Master Mo was overjoyed to hear that Huo Yuhui had passed the tongsheng exam.
Originally, he hadn’t planned on attending the meal, but Huo Yan said to him:
“Master, my husband has cooked a lot of food; it would go to waste otherwise.”
Hearing this, Master Mo’s wife could only laugh and pat her husband:
“This is a happy occasion; just go.”
Huo Yan added:
“Please invite Madame Mo as well.”
Before Madame Mo could refuse, Huo Yan told her:
“My husband specially prepared juice for the two of you, even tastier than the previous fruits and vegetables.”
Madame Mo:
“……”
These were the exact words Luo Mingchen had taught Huo Yan, and indeed, they successfully convinced her to come.
Once they arrived, they realized that Luo Mingchen had invited quite a few people.
Since Huo Yan still needed to invite Xiao Lin and Madame Hua, he let Wen Liuyun and Chen Xiuyue chat with Master Mo first.
Strictly speaking, it was somewhat improper, but they didn’t care. After the initial awkwardness, they gradually became comfortable with one another.
Originally, Wen Liuyun had planned to invite Luo Mingchen’s family for a meal and return the examination money, but after buying the vegetables, he was called over, and the vegetables he had purchased were taken to the kitchen.
It was rare for Huo Yan to visit, so Xiao Lin was a little surprised when he saw him.
“Were you kicked out of your house by your husband?”
Huo Yan’s face was filled with speechless expression:
“We’re inviting you for a meal.”
Xiao Lin didn’t ask why and happily called out to the room:
“Madame Hua! Let’s go eat at Brother Huo’s place!”
After that, Xiao Lin asked:
“Should we bring some wine and dishes?”
Huo Yan thought about it; since Master Mo and Wen Liuyun were there, he said:
“Bring a jar of good wine.”
Xiao Lin laughed:
“Can there ever be bad wine in my house?”
Madame Hua, having tidied herself, came out and asked curiously:
“Why are we suddenly invited for a meal? What’s the occasion?”
“Who cares about the occasion? Mingchen’s cooking is superb; as long as there’s food, let’s eat. I’ll go get the wine.”
Saying this, Xiao Lin happily went inside to fetch the wine.
Madame Hua could only laugh helplessly. Over the years, their relationship had been close enough to be called like brothers, so there was no need to be overly formal.
Huo Yan calmly said:
“Xiao Hui passed the tongsheng exam, and Liuyun passed the juren exam.”
“Really?”
Madame Hua exclaimed joyfully:
“That’s truly wonderful news!”
“Yes, Mingchen said to invite everyone for a meal.”
“Then I need to prepare a red envelope.”
Saying this, Madame Hua went back inside.
When Xiao Lin returned, he asked in confusion:
“Where’s Madame Hua?”
“Getting the red envelope.”
“Huh?”
Huo Yan repeated it for Xiao Lin.
Xiao Lin hadn’t expected that Huo Yuhui had truly passed and patted Huo Yan on the shoulder:
“Your eldest son is really smart and hardworking. He’s cut out for studying. From now on, your eldest will follow your lead, haha!”
“Sure, anyway, you’re his uncle.”
Xiao Lin:
“……”
Later, Madame Hua had intended to help in the kitchen, but Huo Yan said:
“Mingchen can handle it alone.”
Madame Hua disagreed:
“With so many dishes, how could Mingchen manage alone?”
“He has his own methods. I’ll handle the fire.”
Huo Yan’s words reminded Xiao Lin of the incident that almost revealed something about him that night, so he quickly hugged Madame Hua and said:
“It’s fine. His culinary skills are excellent. He must have some secret techniques. Let’s not interfere; we’ll just wait to eat.”
Madame Hua sighed helplessly:
“If you need help, call me.”
“Thank you, sister-in-law.”
After school, Huo Yuhui and Huo Xiang returned with their four friends, heading straight to the kitchen.
Liu Shangyu shouted at the top of his lungs:
“Uncle Huo! Uncle Luo! We’re here!”
Luo Mingchen, who had finished preparing and was just waiting to serve the dishes, looked out the window and laughed:
“Go wash your hands; it’s time to eat.”
The boys happily helped carry the dishes. The bowls were very large. Huo Xiang couldn’t help, so he held Huo Xinyue’s hand and followed along.
“So many dishes? Did you invite a lot of people?”
Gao Jiabao asked, stepping over the threshold. Upon seeing his teacher, he was completely stunned.
Wen Liuyun and Xiao Lin got up to help.
Except for Huo Yuhui, the boys, upon seeing Master Mo, acted like mice facing a cat.
Huo Yuhui put down his bowl and greeted:
“Master, Madam.”
Master Mo, rarely smiling kindly, said:
“You performed well this time, but do not neglect your studies.”
“Student will remember.”
Hearing this, Chen Yunhao said happily:
“I told you Xiao Hui would pass, and you still said not to guess.”
Master Mo felt a headache upon hearing this:
“Did you all pass?”
The four boys:
“……”
A little heartbreaking.
After Luo Mingchen entered the room, he curiously asked:
“Why is everyone standing?”
This remark relieved the four boys. Master Mo felt vexed, but now was not the time to scold the students.
The dishes were brought up, and everyone took their seats.
Luo Mingchen smiled:
“You’re all family here. Eat, drink, don’t be polite. Don’t go home until you’re full.”
Everyone:
“……”