Chapter 631: 631: Asking for Yang Ye's help

After dinner, Qiao Changshun got to work washing the dishes and heating water. He’d been out for the past few days, covered in dust, and needed a bath.

Today, Qiao Xiaomai bought two more bathing tubs, big enough for comfort.

Qiao Xiaomai and Tong Sanlang didn’t return to the Tong Family but settled for the night at the Qiao’s instead.

Zhuang Luhe took a thorough bath before tucking Qiao Dami into bed and joining her soon after.

At the Zhang’s, she was constantly on edge. Now that she was back home, a wave of exhaustion swept over her, and all she wanted to do was sleep.

When Qiao Changshun, Qiao Dami, and Zhuang Luhe were all asleep, Qiao Xiaomai and Tong Sanlang took a slow bath while discussing the next day’s affairs.

The matter of Linzhang Village wasn’t settled. Tong Sanlang wasn’t jesting about reporting it to the officials. However, they were quite a distance from County Town of Beiyang County, which was why they didn’t go there.

Moreover, they were both commoners, and they couldn’t guarantee the reaction of the Prefect of Beiyang County if they reported it. So Qiao Xiaomai intended to ask Yang Ye for help with this matter.

“The two jars of mulberry wine are ready. I’ll take the wine over,” Qiao Xiaomai said.

The taste of these two jars of wine wasn’t impressive, but they were still superior to ordinary fruit wine.

They just weren’t sure if he could entice Yang Ye into action with it.

Tong Sanlang remained silent for a moment, then nodded. “Sounds good.”

He needed to study even harder. He was determined to pass the exams no matter what.

He didn’t want Qiao Xiaomai to just endure the disgrace as a scholar’s wife.

Being forced to ask Yang Ye for help was hurting his pride.

“Did you find anything about Bai San?”

“It should be in these few days, I suppose,” Tong Sanlang said.

Although the retired Emperor had forbidden any further contact with the Tingfeng Pavilion, this matter required him to utilize the Pavilion’s resources.

“Alright, then you stay at home tomorrow, and I’ll go to the town,” Qiao Xiaomai nodded.

After a bit more idle chatter, the two quickly fell asleep.

The next day, Qiao Xiaomai woke up on time, while Tong Sanlang was still asleep. She quietly got out of bed, and after a quick wash, she went to prepare breakfast.

After a simple breakfast, she hitched up the cart and went to town.

Zhuang Luhe was still fast asleep at home.

Arriving at Bailu Academy with two jars of wine, Qiao Xiaomai left the cart at the entrance of the Academy since carts were not allowed inside. She carried the two jars with her into the Academy.

Yang Ye was undertaking the task of revising the “Daqi Laws”. He had come to Bailu Town to discuss his work with the Academy President. At present, he was sitting in the President’s courtyard.

When he heard that Qiao Xiaomai had come, he had a maid lead her to the President’s courtyard.

However, the moment he saw the jars in Qiao Xiaomai’s arms, a flash of annoyance crossed his eyes.

She had clearly brought good stuff!

If he shared half upon meeting, there would be only one jar left.

Qiao Xiaomai carefully placed the two jars of wine down and said with a smile, “My Lord, this is the mulberry wine you asked me to brew earlier. The mulberries were not of the best quality, so the wine isn’t impressive.”

“That’s alright, let’s have a taste,” Yang Ye grabbed a jar, breaking the mud seal with a tap of his hand, and a light aroma of wine emerged.

He poured the black wine into a small white jade bowl. The stark contrast of colors caught his eye as he filled bowls for the Academy President and Qiao Xiaomai. “Come, let’s taste it together.”

The wine wasn’t impressive, just as Qiao Xiaomai had said, but it was indeed better than other fruit wines.

The taste was light, and Yang Ye downed his bowl in one gulp. Then, he looked at Qiao Xiaomai, “Did you come here just to deliver the wine?”