Chapter 1118: Thinking

Mu Yangling took a deep look at her husband before happily heading to look for Mu Bowen the next day. Then, she returned dejectedly.

Mu Bowen smiled at his sister and said, “Since I’ll be working in the Ministry of Works, I naturally have to do my job diligently. After work, I’ll do what I’m interested in. No matter how smart I am, I can’t do both in 20 years. If I can’t achieve anything in my position, won’t I be letting His Majesty and the people down?”

In short, even after he was transferred to the Ministry of Works as an official, he still could not devote himself to his work.

With a grin, Mu Bowen said to his sister, “However, I do hope Brother-in-law can help me get access to some of the Ministry of Works’ information so that I can read up on some things.”

Unable to have the best of both worlds, Mu Yangling could only go home in disappointment and discuss with her husband to come up with more ideas.

Mu Bowen was determined to study water conservancy and calendars. At first glance, Qi Haoran’s idea could allow Bowen to achieve the best of both worlds—without needing to resign, he could do what he wanted to do. This way, Qi Haoran would offend neither his father-in-law nor his brother-in-law. However, Mu Bowen was not stupid. Other than wanting to obtain more data, by resigning, Mu Bowen also wanted to address the issue of energy.

He was never a person who handled personal matters during work time. Since he was an official, he had to put his job before his ideals and hobbies.

Since he was bent on pursuing his ideals, he could no longer occupy an official position. Not only would he be robbing someone of the opportunity to serve in that position, but he would also be letting down the Emperor and the commoners.

Mu Yangling sighed at Qi Haoran. “Bowen knows very well that this method wouldn’t work.”

Qi Haoran glanced at his wife and said in surprise, “So you knew that there was a problem with my method. Then why did you still suggest this to him?”

“I think your idea is excellent, taking drastic measures to deal with the situation. Moreover, he can do both at the same time. Although it will take longer for him to achieve his ideals, how can life be as he wishes? However, since he is insistent,” Mu Yangling thought for a moment and said, “I seem to be more biased towards him now.”

Seeing that she had betrayed Mu Shi like this, Qi Haoran hurriedly said, “Then I’ll write a letter to Father-in-law and ask him to speak to Bowen about it. We can’t keep asking Father-in-law to give in, right? Both sides have to give in a little.”

He didn’t want to be implicated. Since Ah Ling was Mu Shi’s daughter and Mu Bowen’s sister, no matter how it turned out, they wouldn’t be mad at her. However, as the son-in-law and brother-in-law, Qi Haoran was in an awkward position.

Qi Haoran decisively passed the buck and only gave them suggestions, leaving it up to them to make the final decision.

Seeing that Mu Yangling was still biting her lip and pondering, Qi Haoran quickly reached out to rub her lips and chided, “Where did you learn this bad habit? Why bite your lip when you’re thinking? Alright, even if Bowen wants to resign, it’s not something that can be done in a day or two. Let’s put it aside for now. You should think about our departure the day after tomorrow. Mother-in-law prepared so much delicious food for us. Have you packed them? Also, Little Bear has been playing like crazy these few days. Tomorrow, you have to keep him at home and not let him run out again.”

Seeing that Mu Yangling was still hesitating, he continued, “Bowen has been thinking about resigning from his post since last year. It’s been more than a year since then, but hasn’t he been doing well as an official during this time? He should fulfill his duties as the eldest son. Knowing Father-in-law definitely won’t easily agree, I reckon it won’t be possible within three to five years. Hence, you should focus on your husband and son first.”

Mu Yangling glared at him and went to pack her luggage.

Seeing that he had finally diverted his wife’s attention, Qi Haoran heaved a sigh of relief.

However, he had neglected Shu Wanniang.

Shu Wanniang was a dutiful and loving mother. Seeing as her daughter and son-in-law were about to set off, she wished she could set off with them. Under such circumstances, Mu Yangling didn’t have to worry about what to pack at all; Shu Wanniang had considered all of that on her behalf.

When Mu Yangling went to her room, Shu Wanniang was instructing the servant girls and maidservants what to pack. Seeing her daughter coming over, she said, “Seriously, you’re about to set off the day after tomorrow and you’re only thinking of your luggage now? What if you leave something behind?”

Mu Yangling looked at the boxes and bags piled up in a corner and opened her mouth wide. “Mother, we came with light carriages. How can we bring along so many things?”

“These are the clothes and some food I made for you. Only then did I know that even your undergarments were made by your servant girl. You’re too careless. Back then, I should have forced you to learn how to make clothes…”

Mu Yangling pouted. “Mother, I do know how to make clothes…”

“I can tell. When I was packing the luggage yesterday, I found an undergarment in Haoran’s luggage. I knew at a glance that it was made by you. The stitches were so wide that one hand could fit in. Only Haoran doesn’t mind wearing it…”

Mu Yangling couldn’t help but stomp her feet. She turned around and pulled out the undergarment. She asked, “How can one stuff a hand in when the stitches are clearly so tight? You’re exaggerating.”

“Aren’t those stitches wide enough? Once the clothes are spread open, people will be able to see the stitches. Compare it to the one I made for you…”

Mu Yangling glanced at the clothes in her mother’s hand and turned her head to say childishly, “I won’t look at them. In any case, I think I’m quite impressive to be able to turn cloth into clothes, stitch by stitch. The stitches are so fine that they’re comparable to clothes made by sewing machines. To think with this ability, you still despise me. Countless people would love for me to be their daughter.”

Shu Wanniang didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “You’re flattering yourself again. Who is Feng Renji1? Is she a highly skilled embroiderer? You don’t have to compare yourself to her. Just compare yourself to your younger sister.”

“…” Mu Yangling said awkwardly, “Yes, Feng Renji is an embroiderer…”

Mu Yangling couldn’t win against Shu Wanniang, so she could pack the luggage according to her instructions. Not only were there hers and Qi Haoran’s luggage, but there were also the children’s. There was even one for Fan Zijin’s family. She whispered to Mu Yangling, “I always remember that child having delicate features. When he came to our house for dinner with Haoran, the smile on his face never faded. When Haoran was messing around, he could still speak up from the side. I even made clothes and mended his clothes for him in the past. I met his wife the previous time, and I thought she was quite nice. This time, do bring some things back for them.”

In the end, Mu Yangling simply listened to the instructions while packing the luggage while thinking about other things. At this stage, the person she was most worried about was Mu Bowen.

With ideals, one’s life would be full and meaningful. Although Mu Yangling did not say it, she was actually more in favor of Bowen resigning and doing what he liked.

As for the duties of an eldest son that Mu Shi was concerned about, it was actually not very important in her opinion.

In this era, the concept of clans was very strong. However, Mu Yangling had the memories of her previous life and felt that although clans were important, the nuclear family unit was more important than everyone else.

A nuclear family unit was a small family, while the larger family unit was a country.

Bowen felt that the path to happiness was to pursue one’s ideals, and Madam Fang was supportive of her husband. That meant their nuclear family unit was taken care of. Furthermore, Bowen’s work would be a good thing for the country and could improve the commoners’ lives. That meant that he would be taking care of everyone. Having fulfilled both conditions, the clan did not seem to be that important.

Considering the wealth and influence of the Mu family, there was no need for Bowen to scheme against others in the bureaucracy or strive to put food on the table. Since that was the case, why not do something that he liked and was beneficial to the country?

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