As expected, before long, the old matron's servant returned with a cheerful smile.
Trailing behind her was a more finely dressed middle-aged woman, who had the air of a high-ranking housekeeper. The maid introduced her as Madam Wei, the personal attendant of the old matriarch, specially sent on the matron's orders to invite the couple in.
"My apologies for keeping you two waiting!"
Madam Wei was all smiles, warm and lively. She first offered her apologies and then explained why the matron had slept so long today.
Clara and Lester exchanged a glance and shook their heads to indicate it was no trouble, then followed Madam Wei out of the side hall and into the innermost courtyard of the Ding estate—where they finally met the old matriarch.
She looked younger than Clara had imagined. Her hair was still jet black, and she was rather slim. A navy-blue forehead band adorned with silver trinkets rested neatly across her brow. She reclined on a wide, low chair piled with soft cushions, snacking as a maid combed her hair.
She truly did look like someone who had just woken from a long nap.
When Clara and Lester entered, she greeted them with a smile. "Have you been waiting long?"
Lester glanced at Clara. At first, he was flattered by the attention, but when he saw the calm detachment in Clara's eyes, he too sobered. Of course, he thought. She's only smiling now because she got what she wanted—the recipe. She had us sit there for over half an hour without a word.
Given how far their home was, had they not brought the recipe, who knew how long they might have been left hanging?
Still, since the matron greeted them warmly, Lester couldn't very well respond with a cold face.
He offered a polite salute, while Clara stood two steps behind and slightly bowed—just enough to show respect to the elder.
When one needs help, one must act accordingly. To Lester's surprise, Clara set aside her pride without a fuss—though, as always, she refused to stoop to flattery.
The matriarch gave Clara a cursory glance, and the corners of her mouth twitched downward—barely noticeable, but unmistakably disdainful.
Lester's heart skipped several beats. He was half afraid his "shrewish wife" would snap and slap the old woman right then and there.
Fortunately, she did not.
Instead, Lester changed the subject, gently asking how the matron had been sleeping and if the cold weather was making her joints ache. He took the chance to mention the mountain deer and the grey hare they had brought along—excellent for making warming knee wraps.
The old lady blinked, feigning surprise. "Why wasn't I told about this earlier? The Liews brought mountain deer and rabbit?"
Madam Wei bowed deeply, blaming herself and asking the matriarch's forgiveness.
The matriarch scolded her half-heartedly until Lester jumped in to smooth things over. Only then did the atmosphere ease.
She turned to Lester with interest. "This time of year? And there are still wild animals active in the mountains?"
Lester pointed to Clara and praised her exceptional hunting skills.
But just then, the matriarch's smile faded. She seemed to recall something unpleasant—perhaps her eldest son's granddaughter, who had also taken up horseback archery. A visible chill formed in her expression, her glare at Clara so sharp it might as well have been knives.
Clara let out a dry cough and turned her head slightly, looking away. She suddenly felt she should've just sent Lester in alone to take the brunt of this ordeal.
Sensing the change in atmosphere, Lester hurried to lift the mood. He praised the matriarch's youthful looks and good health, peppering his compliments with idioms to sound educated.
It worked.
The old matron beamed, praising him as well-spoken and handsome. She then casually asked whether Lester's children had started school and if there were plans for further study.
Finally, the conversation shifted to the real reason they came.
Lester let out a silent breath of relief and gave a brief overview of the children.
He didn't exaggerate—just the truth.
Adam, the eldest, was steady and patient beyond his years, excelling in both academics and martial skills.
Ben was clever, loved reading, and had a knack for arithmetic.
Then there were the twins, Chad and Deb—such a novelty that people always found them fascinating.
Lester spoke engagingly and with sincerity, always mindful of pleasing his listener. The matriarch adored every word.
Before long, she eagerly instructed Lester, "Next time you come to the estate, bring the children. I just love the sound of children playing nearby."
At some point, Clara had slipped to the side of the room, hiding by a pillar behind a hanging curtain. She rolled her eyes at the ceiling.
Inside, the room buzzed with laughter. The old matron's delighted chuckles rang out again and again.
Clara quietly glanced at the sun's position—two hours. Lester had spent two whole hours providing the matriarch with emotional support.
Winter days grew dark early. By mid-afternoon, the sky had already begun to dim.
Eventually, Lester's low voice called out from within. Clara reentered the room, and the couple bid farewell to the old matriarch.
"The school has already been built," the matriarch said cheerfully. "It's at the east end of the estate. You'll pass it on your way out. It's bright, sturdy—very well made. Come spring, bring the children to enroll. I'll have the teacher put their names down."
With that, the matter was settled. Clara and Lester both exhaled deeply, finally able to breathe freely.
Riding away in the carriage, Clara sighed, "The county academy really is easier to get into."
Though farther, official academies were far less exhausting to gain entry to compared to private ones.
Look at today—what a performance.
She looked up and called to Lester, who was driving the cart. "Once we get into town, check if there's anything good to eat and bring some home. We deserve a celebration."
This time, Lester was genuinely surprised—and thrilled. "Sure thing!" he said, beaming.
After a moment, remembering his usual treatment, he cautiously asked, "Could I… maybe get some braised beef, too?"
He was referring to the soy-braised beef he'd heard about in the village yesterday—someone had butchered two old cattle in town, and one was used for this dish. It would pair perfectly with a drink.
Clara gave a casual nod. Encouraged, Lester pushed further. "How about… 200mL of the Bald Monk's craft brew?"
That drink was more like a mild beer. Clara often treated it as a soft drink. She hadn't had much in the way of refreshments lately—why not?
"Get two full bottle. We'll keep some for the New Year," she instructed.
Lester was so happy his grin nearly reached his ears. He eagerly snapped the reins, urging Old Yeller to hurry up. If he was late, the beef might be sold out!
As they passed the entrance to the Ding estate, a newly constructed manor-style building came into view, its raw wooden beams still unpainted.
Lester clicked his tongue in admiration. "The Dings sure didn't skimp on materials for this school. Looks solid. And beautiful."
It was even prettier than the county's official academy. The window carvings featured the Four Plants: plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum.
"Adam and the others are really lucky."
Clara nodded in agreement. "Luck is a kind of skill too."
Lester grinned smugly. "Then I must be pretty lucky, having a smart, capable wife. Makes all the other men jealous!"
Clara's mouth twitched. He didn't have to lay it on that thick. Still… he had done well today. She could spare him a beating this once.
They were indeed lucky. The butcher shop was still open, and the braised beef hadn't sold out.
Clara bought 2.5kg of beef, then headed to the Bald Monk's place and filled two bottle of wine.
With the scent of meat and wine wafting around them, the couple made it home before nightfall.
When Clara announced the good news—that the children could attend the Ding family's private school—their tiny courtyard burst into delighted cheers from the four siblings.
Even the upcoming New Year suddenly felt livelier than usual.
(End of Chapter)
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