Chapter 13 Changing the Mind

“In the past few years, I have found that this jade might be produced in Yunjing. I should be quick, since time is limited.” If Zipei were admitted to the large family, though she might become her “adoptive mother”, her position would rise. After that, Su Huanli wouldn’t dare offend her! Zhu Yan smiled, as if she saw the beautiful future. Thinking of this, Zhu Yan took out all the jewels that she had stored for many years, and rushed to the pawnshop in the town. In the study, the old butler wrote down the recipe for zongzi that Su Erya told him. Su Huanli, sitting to the side and listening, was surprised. He never expected that a small zongzi was made in so many exquisite steps. His second daughter was really a genius for cooking. Unfortunately, the Su family did not have a restaurant. That’s why he allowed Li Wei the chance to make so much money! After dictating the recipe, Su Erya put the rest of the zongzi in a neat line, took a bow and left. The old butler put down the brush, and blew the paper waiting for the ink to be dry. He saw that the Lord was in a daze. He hesitated for a moment, stood up and said carefully, “My Lord, what do you think... should we let Second Miss learn to read?” Su Huanli wrinkled his brows subconsciously, then came to his senses and yelled angrily, “Nonsense! Let Erya learn to read... absolutely not!” The old butler was scolded but did not panic, and continued to speak in a steady tone: “Lord, those bad things are in the past and nobody remembers them except some old guys. Even the government has set up studies for women to cultivate their talents. Those talented women are expected to do well, like Mrs. Gu and other heroines.” Speaking of this, the old butler took a deep breath and lowered his voice, “the Second Miss is very smart, and maybe she is good at reading. If she wants to study recipes, she needs to know how to read. If Su family has a female bachelor or a female royal chef who can bring glory on ancestors, my lord, it will be your good deed!” Hearing that, Su Huanli’s expression finally relaxed. The old butler made sense, but the shadow of being deceived in his early years could not be dissolved by his words. The old butler looked at the lord’s face and immediately added, “Lord, I already told her that you would let Second Miss learn how to read.” Su Huanli’s face slightly changed and he scolded, “You old snake, you set me up. How dare you!?” Then, Su Huanli laughed and sighed, “Well... I do not have so much time, and it will all be over in just the blink of an eye. If Erya needs to know how to read, then let her learn. Tomorrow you will go to the town to invite a teacher.” “Yes, it’s a clever choice, my lord.” The housekeeper left the study with a smile. Su Huanli had nothing to say, because he knew that this old guy was good at pretending to be a fool. Although he was saved by him and became a housekeeper of Su family, he never figured out the background of this person, even his name. He only knew his surname was Li. And he sometimes called him Butler Li. After more than a decade, the old Li never overstepped his boundaries. Su Huanli let down his guard and regarded this housekeeper, or Butler Li, as man on his own side. The next day, Butler Li invited the teacher. Su Huanli was surprised when he saw him. He rushed up and smiled, “Isn’t this Dr. Qi? How can you have time to come to my house today? My humble house is honored by your presence!” Dr. Qi was skilled in medicine and famous in the town. “Hi! Don’t say that, Lord Su.” Dr. Qi laughed. “Today I am here to be a teacher.” The Butler Li explained on the side, “Lord, the teachers of schools say that Dr. Qi is not only good at medical skills, but also teaching! And Dr. Qi has more time than those who teach in schools.” Su Huanli nodded, “That is good! Mr. Qi, please, how about drinking a cup of tea and then seeing Erya?” Dr. Qi nodded and walked in with smile. Seeing Dr. Qi walking away, Su Huanli frowned, and immediately whispered, “Is he reliable?” “Absolutely! Absolutely reliable!” The Butler Li made an exaggerated expression of concern on his face said quickly, “I have heard from many teachers that Dr. Qi have cultivated many great officials over the years! Now he lives a leisurely life in his old years. I was testing my luck, and didn’t expect that he would come!” Su Huanli smiled and told the butler, “Bring Qinghao, too. There is no difference between teaching a girl and teaching a boy and a girl. Give him a good salary. I want Dr. Qi to feel the kindness of our Su family!” “I understand that.” Butler Li immediately went to the account to get the money. After Su Huanli and Dr. Qi chatted for a moment, they went to Su Erya’s small courtyard in the East courtyard. Su Erya was practicing the first level of Xuangong in her room. Suddenly, she wrinkled her eyebrows and opened her eyes. At this moment, Nanny Li outside the door called, “Come out, Erya, lord and Dr.Qi are coming.” Dr. Qi? Su Erya smiled. It seemed that the old guy could not help doing something because he had known what had happened to her.