Chapter 301: Chapter 300: Self-Reliance

Liu Ji thought to himself, if I were to really confess openly, I’d definitely die without a place to be buried.

But this time, he really didn’t cause her any trouble!

Liu Ji donned an innocent face, covering his heart as if hurt, asking: “Wife, am I really not worth your trust?”

Qin Yao looked at him with disbelief in her eyes, questioning: “Really nothing?”

Liu Ji answered firmly: “Really nothing!”

Seeing she didn’t believe him, he raised his hand to swear, but realizing the village chief was nearby, Qin Yao quickly pressed his hand down.

As they spoke, the three of them had already arrived at the government office entrance. The officer on duty, upon seeing Liu Ji, nodded and smiled at him, clearly familiar with him.

Previously, Liu Ji had made himself familiar at these offices, but back then, as a commoner without status, they didn’t even give him a second glance.

But things have changed now; he’s also a child student, and though his way is not typical, he’s still a genuine scholarly person!

The people in the government office now looked at him properly and even exchanged courteous words with him.

Of course, the status of being Miss Qin’s husband also brought him quite a bit of convenience. Liu Ji was adept at using these opportunities, given a chance, he would climb. There wasn’t an officer in the county office who didn’t recognize him.

Having money in hand is better than anything else. Liu Ji had earned some money from the literacy class, and by spending a little bit, he could immediately provide Qin Yao with some help.

Liu Ji proudly led Qin Yao and the village chief into the government office, as familiar as if it were his own home; he knew exactly where everything was.

While the village chief spoke in front and no one was paying attention, Liu Ji whispered in Qin Yao’s ear: “Wife, I’ve found a way to make money.”

Qin Yao found him quite odd today, wondering what kind of legitimate path a lazy person like him could be talking about?

But this time, she truly underestimated him. Liu Ji pointed to the small office rooms ahead, explaining to Qin Yao that he planned to act as a guide for those who needed to conduct business at the government office but didn’t know how.

And for that, he would only charge a few dozen coins as an accompanying fee.

Qin Yao raised an eyebrow, noticing his smug expression, testing: “Will it work?”

Liu Ji patted his chest, “Of course it will!” The money bag was full!

Seeing Qin Yao’s surprised look, just as Liu Ji was about to show off, he saw her smile and lightly patted his arm, saying:

“Very good, you’ve learned to be self-reliant, so I won’t give you living expenses from now on. Liu Ji, I never expected you to be able to earn your own living now, well done, really great!”

When had she ever praised him like this?

With these compliments, Liu Ji couldn’t help but laugh out loud, quickly saying: “Oh, no, it’s all because of your guidance…”

Having said that, he looked up and realized she had already gone with the village chief into the registration office to complete the final procedures.

The smile on Liu Ji’s face gradually faded; he scratched his head, feeling something was off… Wait! His living expenses!

Seeing that things were settled, and Qin Yao was chatting happily with the village chief, Liu Ji hurried over to explain.

“Wife, you also know everything’s hard at first. I’ve just thought of this idea and haven’t even started yet. Shouldn’t we reconsider the living expenses?” Liu Ji whispered in her ear.

The village chief’s curious glances were frequent, and Liu Ji, concerned about his dignity, dared not speak loudly.

Qin Yao pretended not to hear, asking the village chief if the stationer’s registration procedures were all completed.

Receiving the village chief’s affirmative answer, she breathed a long sigh of relief.

Now she was at ease. As long as taxes were paid on time in the future, the stationer could operate for the long term.

The village chief smiled with satisfaction, “Once the road is improved, our Liu Family Village will surely transform dramatically.”

Qin Yao also nodded with a smile, glancing up at the sky, realizing it was lunchtime, and coincidentally passing by Manager Fan’s restaurant, she invited the village chief in for a simple meal.

The village chief happily agreed, and they entered the inn with smiles, leaving Liu Ji standing at the door, hesitating, “Wife, my living expenses…”

His voice was small, instantly submerged by the din of the restaurant’s hall.

Oh well! He might as well join them for lunch!

Liu Ji stomped his foot and stepped into the restaurant; he wanted to enjoy the good food with his wife!

Qin Yao didn’t chase him away, but skeptically asked, “Doesn’t the academy have classes?”

Liu Ji: “The teacher is seriously ill, took leave, and allowed the students to study on their own.”

“Oh.” Qin Yao couldn’t be bothered to ask further, chatting with the village chief about the future of Liu Family Village, seemingly ignoring Liu Ji’s hints about his living expenses.

However, after the meal, as they prepared to leave the city, she gave him two hundred cents, and with a cold smile reminded him:

“I’m glad you’re able to make money, but don’t forget our primary goal.”

Liu Ji, holding the money, chuckled, “Understood, understood, obtaining scholarly honor is the most important thing, earning money is secondary, I just need to make sure you become a scholar’s wife.”

Qin Yao gave him a satisfied, gentle smile, “Keep it up. You don’t need to come back on your next break, just return for the autumn harvest.”

Hearing the first part, Liu Ji felt pleasantly surprised.

But hearing the second part, remembering the discomfort of being sunburned and itchy during last year’s autumn harvest, a sweat drop instantly rolled down Liu Ji’s forehead.

Without giving him a chance to refuse, they reached the city gate, and Qin Yao waved her hand, letting him know not to see them off, smiling as she and the village chief left the city.

Through the city gatehole, Liu Ji watched longingly.

In the carriage, Ah Wang asked quietly: “Ma’am, why not take Master back home with us?”

Qin Yao nodded, instructing, “No need to pick him up next break, let him stay at the academy and study well, have him come back for the autumn harvest.”

Ah Wang nodded, indicating understanding.

The village chief sat in the carriage, lifting the curtain to enjoy the breeze from the roadside, recalling Liu Ji’s recent performance at the county office, feeling quite surprised.

“Yaoniang, you really are something. Look at your Liu Ji now; not only does he manage things well, he also studies diligently, not even returning home during breaks to stay in the academy and continue his studies. It seems our village will soon have another scholar among us.”

Qin Yao smiled, “Then let’s take your good words.” She also hoped that next year Liu Ji could pass the provincial examination.

“By the way.” Seeing the vast farms beside the road, Qin Yao suddenly remembered something and curiously asked: “Village Chief, do you know where the best lands are around here?”

The village chief was surprised, “Why are you suddenly asking this, are you thinking of buying land again?”

Qin Yao nodded, “Yes, I’ve recently had some extra money, and I’m thinking of buying several dozen acres. Even if I can’t farm it all myself, I could rent it out for others to farm, and just collect some rent.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep