Chapter 109: Chapter 96, Quota_1
Daohua followed Yan Zhigao and Madam Li, welcoming Li Xingnian through the door, as the group chatted and made their way toward the old lady’s courtyard.
“Little sister, how did you come up with the idea to plant watermelons? And to grow them so well?” Li Xingnian asked Madam Li.
As a merchant who had traveled extensively from south to north over the years, he was well aware that watermelons were not easy to cultivate.
Just after entering Xingzhou City, he had passed by the Yan Family’s shop and made a point to look at the watermelons they were selling. Goodness, they looked even better than those he had seen in Beijing.
Madam Li laughed, “It’s all thanks to that impish girl Daohua. Last year she planted two acres of watermelon in her hometown and saved some seeds. As our newly purchased estate had some vacant land, we decided to plant them there.”
Lt Xingnian glanced at Daohua, who was following closely beside him with a demeanor that was very familiar, and his eyes were full of smiles, “You’re quite bold, weren’t you afraid they wouldn’t grow well?”
Madam Li glanced at Yan Zhigao and chuckled, “We were worried about that, so we didn’t mention it at home. Sir, don’t be angry, please.”
Yan Zhigao waved his hand dismissively, “I trust you to manage the household affairs, you don’t need to consult me about everything.”
Li Xingnian picked up the conversation, “Luckily, it was a fortunate mistake to have planted these watermelons, otherwise we wouldn’t have this harvest.” Madam Li nodded with a smile, “Indeed, but the abundant watermelon harvest has also benefited greatly from the support of the old lady and the bustling efforts of my youngest brother.”
At these words, the smile on Yan Zhigao’s face grew wider.
Daohua, following the adults, listened to their conversation without interjecting. Seeing Madam Li relaxed and cheerful in the presence of her brother from her maternal family, Daohua’s heart also filled with joy. Although her mother had kept in correspondence with her maternal family over the years, the actual meetings had been few and far between; no wonder she was so happy.
Soon, the group arrived at the old lady’s courtyard.
Li Xingnian paid his respects to the old Madam Yan and exchanged greetings with Yan Zhiyuan and Yan Zhiqiang before they all sat down to talk and socialize.
“Uncle, have some grapes.”
With a beaming smile, Daohua placed a plate of chilled grapes in front of Li Xingnian on the coffee table.
Seeing the large round grapes that resembled dark amethysts, Li Xingnian laughed, “These grapes are quite a treat. I must savor them.” With that, he picked one and popped it into his mouth.
“Mmm, so sweet!”
Old Madam Yan chuckled, “1 feel the same way. To me, they taste even better than watermelons.”
After enjoying another grape, Li Xingnian pushed the plate toward Daohua, “You young ladies love this kind of thing, I should only taste a few.” These ’ grapes were not cheap, and seldom seen in the market; he guessed his sister’s family didn’t have many.
Daohua paused briefly before her eyebrows and eyes curved in a smile, and she pushed the plate back to him, “Uncle, please eat your fill. I grew these grapes myself.”
Li Xingnian looked surprised, “You can grow grapes too?”
Daohua lifted her chin, proud, “There are so many things I can grow.”
Lt Xingnian laughed, “You’re quite the unabashed girl, aren’t you?”
Daohua glared back, “What’s there to be ashamed of? I’m stating a fact.” After saying so, she pushed the plate again, “Uncle, please, help yourself. Although 1 dtdn’t grow many grapes this time, there are certainly enough for you to eat to your heart’s content.”
This time, Li Xingnian did not refuse.
They also had grapes at his home, but they were rare and expensive. Plus, with many children in the family, he only ever tasted one or two at a time-he never really indulged.
“Then your uncle will enjoy the good fortune provided by our Daohua,” he decided.
Yan Zhiyuan, watching the two interact, said with a smile, “Look at Daohua, how close she is with her uncle.”
Upon hearing this, Madam Li glanced at Yan Zhiyuan and smiled, “It’s probably because this girl has never seen her two uncles before, and now she’s fascinated by them.”
Seeing that Li Xingnian really liked eating grapes, Daohua said, “Second Uncle, when you go back, I’ll bring you some more, so that Eldest Uncle, Eldest Aunt, Second Aunt, and my cousins can all have a taste too.”
Li Xingnian said, “That would be great, your several cousins have all been looking forward to you coming to Shangfu City to play. It was really unfortunate last time you visited.”
Daohua smiled and replied, “It’s okay, I’ll just go again next time.”
At this moment, Yan Zhiyuan spoke up again, “Daohua, take it easy, didn’t you say you want to make grape wine? Just make sure you don’t run out of grapes by then.”
Li Xingnian didn’t pay attention to the underlying meaning in Yan Zhiyuan’s words and turned to Daohua, surprised, “You can make grape wine?” Daohua, not being able to say she could, smiled, “Even if I don’t know how, I can learn.”
Yan Zhiyuan said, “Xingnian, brother, listen to this. Grapes are such precious goods, we can’t let this girl waste them. She listens to you, so you’d better talk her out of it.”
Li Xmgman took a look at Daohua, who was already pouting, then turned to smile at Yan Zhigao and Old Madam Yan, “With my brother-in-law and the old lady here, how can I intervene?”
“However,” he continued, “I do know a bit about grape wine. If it can really be made, it would definitely be hugely profitable. Not to mention others, the houses of the nobility would surely be scrambling for it.”
Daohua nodded, “Exactly, our family doesn’t have much to offer, so when Xiao Yeyang visits again, I can entertain him with grape wine, and it won’t be too shabby.” Grape wine was rare in ancient times and considered a novelty.
As soon as this statement was made, Old Madam Yan and the others all turned to look, never having expected Daohua would come up with such an idea.
Li Xingnian’s expression shifted slightly as he asked with a smile, “Will that distinguished guest be coming again?”
Daohua thought for a moment, “He promised me he would.”
Li Xingnian nodded, “Then you should prepare some fine goods to entertain your guest.”
Daohua agreed wholeheartedly, “Right, grape wine is a fruit wine, not too intoxicating, just perfect for entertaining Xiao Yeyang.”
No sooner had she finished speaking when Ping Tong rushed in excitedly “Master, Madam, the Little Prince has sent someone here, saying it’s to deliver a thank-you gift to the old lady and the elder miss.”
Yan Zhigao ‘whooshed’ to his feet, then feeling his reaction had been too great, sat back down, while the others were hardly any less excited, all somewhat agitated.
Daohua was surprised, “Xiao Yeyang sent thank-you gifts to me and Grandmother?”
Madam Li immediately asked, “Where is the person?”
Ping Tong replied, “Waiting outside.”
Yan Zhigao said, “Quickly invite them in.”
Soon, a middle-aged man who looked like a butler walked in with a brocade box.
The butler first paid his respects to Old Madam Yan and Yan Zhigao, then he said, “The Little Prince said he really appreciated the vegetables and fruits the old lady sent. This is the thank-you gift prepared by the Little Prince.” With that, he handed the gift list to Madam Li.
Madam Li took it and presented it to Old Madam Yan.
Then, the butler turned to Daohua and handed her the brocade box, “This was specifically instructed for you by the Little Prince.”
What’s this?” Daohua took the brocade box curiously. She didn’t hide or hesitate and opened the box on the spot.
Inside the box were three envelopes.
Yan Zhigao’s eyes flickered with uncontainable joy upon seeing the envelopes. Daohua opened one of them and upon realizing it was an acceptance notice from Wangyue Academy, she immediately flashed a radiant smile and ran to the old lady’s side, “Grandmother, Xiao Yeyang has secured spots at Wangyue Academy for big brother, third brother, and fourth brother.”