Ordinary observers in fast time travel

Chapter 1269 Seeking Education
Before she knew it, the Lantern Festival had passed, and Shi Jia's life as a cook in the Wan family mansion had officially begun.

Shi Jia then began to worry about Wang Tieshan and Wang Tiehua's studies. Wang Tieshan was alright; there were plenty of private schools in the prefectural city. After making inquiries, Shi Jia sent him to a private school after the Lantern Festival.

Because of this, Wang Tieshan argued with her for a few days, saying that he was getting old and that it would be better for him to learn a trade so that he could support himself in the future instead of going to a private school.

Shi Jia naturally disagreed, and after a long talk with him, the young man finally agreed to go to the private school.

When it was Wang Tiehua's turn, Shi Jia was in a dilemma. There were no schools for girls in this area, and it was said that those with money all hired tutors to come to their homes.

It wasn't that she couldn't afford to hire them, but she was at work every day, leaving only Wang Tiehua and the little one at home. If something really happened, she wouldn't know.

Wang Tiehua took it in stride and comforted Shi Jia, saying, "Sister-in-law, it's alright. I can learn some sewing skills from the aunt next door. Girls will all get married when they grow up."

Shi Jia frowned. “I won’t stop you from learning a craft, but studying and crafts are not mutually exclusive. I don’t expect you to become a talented woman who can speak eloquently in the future, but at least you should be able to read account books, read government documents, and write your own name.”

Wang Tiehua stared blankly at her sister-in-law, seemingly finding it hard to believe that her sister-in-law, who was illiterate not long ago, now possessed extraordinary knowledge.

"Never mind, I'll talk to the second young mistress tomorrow, and you can come to work with me from now on. I'll teach you to read in my spare time." After saying that, Shi Jia thought of the maids in the Wan family, each of whom possessed unique skills. If they could teach Tiehua, wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?
At this moment, Shi Jia had no idea that he was indulging in wishful thinking.

Even Lu Xing'er, upon hearing this request, didn't think the other party was being delusional. "What's so difficult about that? When the little girls do needlework in the future, just bring your little sister along."

The women standing nearby, including Granny Lu and Hongliu, hesitated to speak. They dared not utter any complaints against their mistress, but their eyes revealed undisguised disapproval as they looked at Shi Jiashi.

Shi Jia noticed and realized her abruptness, but she wouldn't refuse such a hard-won opportunity. "Thank you, young mistress. Don't worry, I won't let any of you ladies suffer."

She pondered for a moment, "My younger brother is studying at a private school, and the tuition is five taels of silver a year. How about my younger sister learns needlework from the girls and the tuition is three taels of silver a year?"

Lu Xing'er blinked, somewhat confused, "There's no need to give money..."

“Young Madam!” Granny Lu quickly interrupted her, her eyes less disapproving as she looked at Shi Jia. “Originally, the maids in the manor all had their own duties and were not supposed to take on other jobs. But Master Li is the most trusted by the young madam, and you personally asked the young madam for help, and the young madam agreed. So this matter is settled.”

“However, the maids all have their own duties, and it’s impossible for everyone to take care of Master Li’s daughter. So, we still need to choose someone carefully,” said Granny Lu.

Lu Xing'er nodded somewhat bewildered after hearing this, "Then you can make the arrangements, Granny."

After hearing what Granny Lu said, Shi Jia realized that her request was inappropriate, and quickly said, "Please help me make arrangements, Granny Lu. I will be very grateful."

Granny Lu nodded. "Young Madam, since Master Li's sister wants to learn needlework, why not let either Huang Rui or Lü Xiang be her teacher? Their needlework skills are among the best in the manor."

Lu Xing'er nodded, "Granny, you can make the arrangements."

"Alright, Hongliu, go and call them here."

"Yes!"

Soon, two pretty women entered. After bowing, Granny Lu asked them for their opinions. The two looked surprised and didn't know how to answer for a moment.

“The young mistress has already agreed to this matter. And Master Li is willing to pay three taels of silver a year as tuition. If you are interested, you can agree to it,” said Granny Lu.

Huang Rui and Lü Liu exchanged a glance. Although three taels of silver wasn't much, it was still an extra source of income. Moreover, everyone knew Master Li's status in the young mistress's heart. If they could befriend Master Li, there might be other benefits in the future.

So they both replied, "I agree!"

Granny Lu looked at Shi Jia, "Master Li, these two are the best needleworkers in my household. You may choose one." Looking at Granny Lu's calm expression, Shi Jia suddenly had a feeling that she was putting him in a difficult position! Was she punishing him for his abrupt request?
Hey~
"Well... I'm not familiar with either of you ladies, so I really don't know which one to choose." Shi Jia looked conflicted. "If, if you two ladies don't mind, I'd be willing to add another tael of silver for tuition and ask you two to teach my younger sister together, would that be alright?"

“But… Granny Lu just said that I can only choose one… I really don’t know how to choose?” Shi Jia indicated that she was not someone to be bullied.

"Would you like to help me choose among many ladies?"

Granny Lu really wanted to glare at her.

Lu Xing'er blinked, "Huh?" The next second, she received Lu Mama's gaze and quickly said seriously, "Since Huang Rui and Lü Xiang are both willing, and Master Li is also willing to pay four taels of silver, then let the two of them be Li Meizi's tutors together."

Granny Lu held her breath in her chest for a long while before finally letting out a sigh.

"Aren't you going to thank the young mistress yet!"

Huang Rui and Lü Xiang snapped out of their daze and knelt down to express their gratitude, while also breathing a sigh of relief. They had grown up together since childhood and were very close. If only one of them had received the tuition, it might have created a rift between them later on.

This is the best way. Although it costs less than a tael of silver, we'll still be good sisters!

Having resolved a major issue on her mind, Shi Jia felt much more relaxed, and her cooking skills inexplicably improved that day.

While enjoying the delicious food, Lu Xing'er even smacked her lips despite the murderous look in Lu Mama's eyes. "So delicious, Mama, Chef Li's cooking skills seem to have improved."

Granny Lu could only sigh helplessly, thinking to herself, "Luckily, everyone in the room is one of my own."

"She cooks all day long, so it's no wonder her cooking skills have improved."

Foodie Lu Xing'er disagreed, saying, "You can't say that. Some people cook all the time, but their cooking gets worse and worse."

Granny Lu glared at her, and the latter quickly covered her mouth.

"Ahem, Granny, please sit down and eat with us." Lu Xing'er quickly changed the subject and reached out to pull Granny Lu.

"This is against the rules."

"Sit down, there's no one else here!"

"Young lady..."

"I'll get angry if you don't sit down!" Lu Xing'er stuck out her pregnant belly. "I'm carrying twins now..."

"Very well, this old servant will dine with the young mistress."

"Hehe, Granny, eat some fish! This fish is so tender, it doesn't have any fishy smell at all, but rather a sweet taste. I wonder how Chef Li made it." Lu Xing'er picked up a piece of fish and put it in Granny Lu's bowl.

"Young Madam, you mustn't, you mustn't." Granny Lu quickly picked up the bowl to receive the fish and meat.

"Granny, what do you think about me having Chef Li teach me how to cook this fish?" Lu Xing'er said to herself, ignoring Granny Lu's anxiety.

"My husband should be back soon. I'll learn how to cook it for him when he comes back."

"The second young master will be very touched."