Chapter 13, Sister Ya Er, do you want to read

"Warm up a bit. Your hands are too cold right now, and you won't be able to work well." Chen Ping'an held her hand and said. If it weren't for Jiang Yar's shyness now, he would want to hold her in his arms.

Obviously, Jiang Yar was unaware of his thoughts. She was thinking that if lunch wasn't prepared on time, her mother-in-law would probably be angry again. Her mother-in-law was already dissatisfied with her earlier.

But now, with her hand held by Ping'an, a warm feeling seemed to spread from her hand to her heart. She longed for this warmth.

She stood while Chen Ping'an sat, and there was an unusual harmony between the two, even though neither of them spoke.

"Sister Yar, do you want to learn to read and write?" Chen Ping'an suddenly asked.

In her previous life, Jiang Yar remained illiterate until her death. It was precisely because of this that his mentor chose his eldest daughter, letting him abandon Jiang Yar.

In this life, if Sister Yar also became educated, there would be no difference between her and the noble ladies of the capital. However, he respected Jiang Yar's feelings, and if she didn't like it, he wouldn't force her.

Chen Ping'an's words made Jiang Yar pause. As a woman, lack of education was considered a virtue, and this was a tradition passed down through generations. Furthermore, she was just a rustic village woman, how could she be worthy of an education?

Her heart stirred, not knowing what she was thinking, she hesitated and said, "Ping'an, if you have a better match, then I will forever be your servant."

Jiang Yar's words made her unaware of this, but in the previous life, this had already come true, and her fate was so tragic.

Hearing her words, Chen Ping'an knew that she had misunderstood, so he sighed and said, "Sister Yar, I didn’t mean that. I just wanted to be your teacher if you’re willing to learn."

At first, Jiang Yar thought that Chen Ping'an looked down upon her. She remembered that in the county town, when Chen Ping'an met other classmates, he only referred to her as a sister. She felt that she had caused him to lose face.

But now, Chen Ping'an said he didn’t have such intentions. Naturally, she believed him. However, she dared not brave the thought of learning to read and write.

She did not accept Chen Ping'an's offer, only saying, "Ping'an, I should go prepare lunch."

As she spoke, she withdrew her hand. This time Chen Ping'an released her hand. Jiang Yar easily retrieved her hand, but she suddenly felt a sense of emptiness in her heart.

She thought that she may have upset Ping'an again. In order to avoid causing him further discomfort, she left quickly to prepare lunch.

Chen Ping'an watched her hurried figure and made a decision in his heart.

During the next two months as he prepared for the provincial exam, he would intentionally or unintentionally teach Jiang Yar. At first, she resisted, but eventually, she accepted.

Lunch went smoothly for the family without much disturbance.

Chen Ping'an secured a good position in the provincial exam, though it wasn't much, but Mrs. Wu did not want to see her son slighted. It was a small achievement.

In the afternoon, she asked Jiang Yar to slaughter a chicken for her son's nourishment. But in the evening, both the first and second wives' families gathered.

The implication was clear. The second wife did not think much of it as they only had a daughter and seldom contended. If the mother-in-law wanted them to be present, they would offer some auspicious words to please her.

However, the first wife's family had different thoughts, especially the eldest daughter-in-law. She had just left in the afternoon, securing some benefits for her son. Now, the mother-in-law had summoned them here. In her view, the mother-in-law was displaying her power. Thinking this, she put on a smile and began, "Ping'an, congratulations on your achievement."

Her smile made the earlier unpleasantness seem nonexistent. Jiang Yar stood quietly by Chen Ping'an's side, carefully serving him food and observing his expression.

After she had left quickly at noon, Ping'an hadn't spoken to her. Her heart wasn't at ease.

Chen Ping'an looked at the eldest daughter-in-law, his eyes glistening, and responded. He had experienced numerous similar situations, and the eldest daughter-in-law's actions were like waving a big knife in front of Guan Yu.

"This gathering was called so that everyone could celebrate Ping'an's achievement and wish him and Ziheng success in the provincial exam." Mrs. Wu raised her glass and spoke.

Her words were flawless, but to the ears of the eldest daughter-in-law, they were grating. However, she raised her glass with a polite smile.

"Yes, Ping'an's achievement is a source of pride for the Chen family. Furthermore, he diligently studies every day. I trust Ziheng, and he will naturally excel in the provincial exam." Mrs. Wu added.

"That's right, our Ziheng has always been bright." Hearing her son being praised, the eldest daughter-in-law was happy, and she did not say anything else.

"I heard that Uncle Xiao met the county magistrate this time," Chen Ziheng said as he picked up a piece of chicken.

Compared to them, Chen Ping'an's eating manners were quite refined. Years of habit made him eat quietly, but now it was clear that the rest of the family did not have the same habits.

He had to put down his chopsticks before speaking, "Yes, I met him."

"How is the county magistrate?" Chen Ziheng seemed very interested. In his year, there was also a literary gathering, but he was not qualified to attend at that time.

Chen Ping'an glanced at him and spoke calmly, "The county magistrate is very kind. It's our good fortune to have such a magistrate."

Chen Ping'an was used to this kind of official language, so it came naturally to him.

Chen Ziheng clicked his tongue, seeming regretful that he hadn't gone, but noticing Chen Ping'an's expression, he quickly changed the subject, "If I hadn't refused them last year, I would have met the county magistrate long ago."

The eldest daughter-in-law picked up a piece of chicken for her son, "If you didn't meet him last year, you will definitely meet him today. Just wait for your provincial examination results to come out."