SFL Chapter 37

Even if everything he uses and consumes is from his wife’s dowry, Mei Mingxuan feels no guilt towards Liu Jinniang. In his mind, marrying into the Liu family meant he was at a disadvantage, so he considers the family’s kindness as compensation.

If the male lead had initially rejected the olive branch from the Liu family and climbed up on his own, despite looking down on them, no one would criticize him. However, his actions of accepting help and then despising them reflect poorly.

Although Liu Jinniang and Mei Mingxuan come from different backgrounds, once he agrees to the marriage, he should take on the responsibilities of a husband instead of blaming others. Mei Mingxuan has little sympathy for the original host, believing everyone should be accountable for their actions.

The time leading to Mei Mingxuan and Liu Jinniang’s marriage is short. The Mei family has started preparing, displaying red silk outside. Before Liu Jinniang’s arrival with her dowry, the Mei family lived modestly, allocating funds for Mei Mingxuan’s education.

Mei Mingxuan is the pride of the Mei family, being the youngest and most accomplished. Despite their modest means, his mother dedicates their resources to his education. Surprisingly, she turns out to be a difficult mother-in-law, manipulating situations to disadvantage Liu Jinniang.

The mother, who adores Mei Mingxuan, plays a dark role in ruining Liu Jinniang’s dowry, causing illnesses to avoid any disgrace. Mei Mingxuan remains untainted by the scheme, evoking sympathy for being pressed by his mother’s notion of “filial piety.”

Leaving the house, Mei Mingxuan heads towards the county town, unwilling to be a burden on his family like the original owner. Despite the daily toils of his family, he values the opportunity to sit and study, intending to earn money with his scholarly identity.

He is young, with long strides, and quickly arrives in the county town. The town is busier than the village, with various enticing shops appearing before Mei Mingxuan. Due to limited funds, he walks straight to the bookstore the original owner frequented.

“Master Mei, you’re here. What are you looking for this time?” The bookstore owner welcomes him with a smile.

“May I inquire if there’s any work I can do here?” Mei Mingxuan awkwardly asks.

Being a regular customer, the owner knows Mei Mingxuan’s ‘aloof and proud’ demeanor. Hearing him come for work instead of buying, the owner is slightly surprised but doesn’t show it. “Master Mei, your calligraphy is excellent. You could copy books…”

Copying books is a common livelihood for scholars, but it’s not easy, as even a small ink stain can ruin a page.

Mei Mingxuan says, “Could the owner let me give it a try?”

“I trust Master Mei’s calligraphy. However, simple books like the Three-Character Classic or Thousand Character Classic may seem beneath you.” The owner hesitates.

Mei Mingxuan has no objection. Besides, with the money he has, he isn’t sure if it’s enough for the materials needed for these books.

The original owner never considered working for a living, relying solely on the hope that wealth would come from studying. Mei Mingxuan, however, sees book copying as a decent source of income, much lighter than carrying sandbags at the docks.

Leaving the bookstore, Mei Mingxuan carries a stack of white paper.

As he prepares to return, someone blocks his path. A young maid, dressed in coarse fabric, stops him. “Master Mei, my mistress requests your presence.”

Mei Mingxuan recognizes her as a maid from Liu Jinniang’s household. Glancing in the direction she points, he sees a slender figure boldly peering from a nearby restaurant. Before he can see her face clearly, the dazzling ornaments on her head catch his eyes.

This is what the original host found vulgar about Liu Jinniang – her open love for wealth. Despite cursing her, the original host shares the same fondness for money.

Following the maid, Mei Mingxuan enters the restaurant’s second floor.

Liu Jinniang booked a private room. Inside, she looks at Mei Mingxuan’s face openly, then belatedly covers her face with a golden fan, feigning shyness.

Mei Mingxuan: “…”

This doesn’t resemble the pitiable victim of her in-laws.

“Miss Liu.”

“Master Mei is too polite. Just call me Liu Jin.” Liu Jinniang smiles.

“Let’s stick with Jin Niang. After all, we’ll be married in a few days.” Mei Mingxuan says.

His submissive attitude causes Liu Jinniang to squint her eyes. Subconsciously, she hides her emotions behind the fan, unaware of Mei Mingxuan’s surprised expression.

Suddenly, the system’s voice rings in Mei Mingxuan’s ear.

【Ding! Target Strategy: Liu Jinniang.】

【Target’s current favorability towards the host: 10%.】

【Host, the capture target is showing aversion towards you.】

Mei Mingxuan: “… What did I do?”

“Master Mei, I saw you just came out of the bookstore. Did you buy more books? How much did you spend?” Liu Jinniang directly asks.

Mei Mingxuan smiles, “I didn’t buy books this time. I bought some paper to go home and copy books to earn some money. After all, I’m getting married soon; it’s time to change my ways.”

“If Master Mei wants to earn money, you can come to my family’s shop and be the shopkeeper. I can let you be the shopkeeper directly.” Liu Jinniang straightforwardly suggests.

If it were the original host, he would undoubtedly be angry, feeling insulted that Liu Jinniang is offering him money. However, being a shopkeeper is more lucrative than copying books.

Liu Jinniang means well, but unfortunately, it’s not the right offer.

“Thank you, but I am more skilled in literary pursuits. I can’t manage a shop. However, Jin Niang, if you like, you can be the shopkeeper yourself.” Mei Mingxuan says.

Liu Jinniang’s eyes dim a bit. She says, “As a married woman, how can I show my face outside?”

“There are many businesswomen out there. Jin Niang, you don’t need to belittle yourself.” Mei Mingxuan says.

“Really? Does Master Mei truly think so?” Liu Jinniang asks, hiding her thoughts behind the fan.

Even without seeing Liu Jinniang’s eyes, Mei Mingxuan can feel her scrutiny. “Of course, what others can do, Jin Niang can naturally do as well.”

“I’ll remember this in my heart, Master Mei. If I go into business in the future, please don’t forget today’s words.” Liu Jinniang smiles, comparing her golden accessories to Mei Mingxuan.

【Favorability: 30%. This fluctuation is indeed unpredictable.】

“It’s not difficult, just a matter of not addressing the issue properly before.” Mei Mingxuan says, looking down.

With the increased favorability, Liu Jinniang becomes more enthusiastic towards Mei Mingxuan. She orders a table full of dishes, arousing Mei Mingxuan’s appetite. Mei Mingxuan doesn’t hesitate and stays to have a meal with Liu Jinniang.

Liu Jinniang sends a servant to inform Mei’s family of Mei Mingxuan’s whereabouts.

By the time the meal is finished, it’s already past noon. Liu Jinniang, feeling tired, goes back to the Liu family with her maids. Mei Mingxuan escorts them to Liu’s residence and watches them enter before leaving.

In a short while, Mei Mingxuan is back in the village.

Upon returning home, Mei’s family had already finished eating and resumed their work. Seeing Mei Mingxuan coming back with a stack of paper, Mei’s mother notices, “Mingxuan, you bought paper again. I forgot to give you money when you went out. Did you borrow money from the Liu family?”

“No, this is the money I saved up. From now on, I plan to copy books to supplement our income. After all, I’m getting married soon, and I should take on my responsibilities.” Mei Mingxuan says.

Mei’s mother is surprised, “What about the imperial exams? Won’t you continue?”

“Mother, to be honest, I’m considering giving up the imperial exams. Instead of depleting our family’s resources for an uncertain future, it’s better to make use of my skills and earn some money for the family. This way, I won’t let down the love the family has shown me over the years.” Mei Mingxuan says.

“My child, you’re silly. While we may not have money, your father-in-law from the Liu family does.” Mei’s mother says, patting her thigh.