CHAPTER 1341: CHAPTER 1319: EXCUSE (SEPTEMBER MONTHLY TICKET BONUS 3)

Bai Dalang spoke to Old Master Bai not about Chen Bo’s borrowing money, as in his view, whether he says it or not, it’s up to Chen Bo to decide. He didn’t want to be the one to snitch.

He discussed his marriage with Old Master Bai.

When he returned the day before, Old Master Bai mentioned the intention of his aunt, and he didn’t oppose it at the time, as he thought marriage is a matter of parental decision and he didn’t have anyone he liked. He was indeed of age.

But now he truly doesn’t want to go through with this marriage, not just due to the matter of liking or not, nor just because of the reason Manbao mentioned, but also because of Chen Bo.

He dismissed his younger brother, and after he left, he refused the marriage to his father saying, "Our family is already related by blood to our maternal grandfather’s family; there’s no need to reinforce this. In a few years, I’ll participate in the imperial exam for official rank; regardless of passing, I’ll have to find a way to pursue a career, and having someone to help in the court is crucial at that time."

He continued, "Our family doesn’t have connections in the court that can help, so I’m thinking of finding a bride whose family holds a position in the court or has connections there."

Old Master Bai frowned and asked, "But where do you find such a family? Besides, marrying a wife should be more about virtue, not just her family background."

Bai Dalang nodded and said, "This matter isn’t urgent. I’m still young; we can take our time."

Old Master Bai replied, "You’re of age; you’re not that young anymore."

Bai Dalang coughed lightly and said, "I can wait a little longer."

He repeated Bai Shan’s words verbatim and said, "Just like Cousin Shantang said, our family isn’t completely without advantages; perhaps if we spread the word, a suitable match will come."

Old Master Bai pondered while stroking his beard.

After a while, he nodded and said, "Alright, let’s wait and see."

Bai Dalang breathed a sigh of relief.

Old Master Bai looked at his son skeptically for a moment and frowned, asking, "You didn’t oppose it the day before, why are you refusing now?"

"It was Cousin Shantang who reminded me to consider my career."

Old Master Bai shook his head, "You could wait till you’re better to discuss it; why the rush?"

Bai Dalang was somewhat embarrassed but replied, "I was just afraid you and mother would settle it these few days, especially since aunt is here."

Old Master Bai remained suspicious, "Is that so?"

Bai Dalang nodded but still reminded him, "Father, the cousins from uncle’s family have been idle for a long time; you should have mother talk to uncle about sending them out to gain some experience outside, stuck at home, they know nothing of the world and are too naive."

What Bai Dalang said was ambiguous, but he knew in his heart that Chen Bo was not simple but foolish, while his own younger brother was merely naive.

Whether Old Master Bai understood or not, he nodded and then allowed Bai Dalang to return to rest, with the servants assisting him back.

Bai Erlang had already returned to his study, anxiously stroking his books. He finally couldn’t hold back and sought Bai Shan and Manbao’s counsel, "What do you think if I lend the money to my cousin? After all, I promised him, and going back on my word isn’t good."

Bai Shan chuckled, amused, and asked, "Aren’t you worried he won’t be able to repay?"

Bai Erlang sighed and said, "Of course I worry, but going back on my word isn’t good either; it’s my fault, I agreed too quickly that night without asking carefully."

Manbao looked up from her book and said, "If you want to lend, just lend, as long as you’re not anxious about it. You’ve been in your study for over a quarter-hour, rubbing the book without reading a word; I’m afraid you’ll wear out the cover."

Bai Shan nodded, "If you can’t get over it emotionally, just lend."

Bai Erlang’s seat seemed glued to him; he wanted to get up but couldn’t, "So I’ll really lend, won’t you stop me?"

Bai Shan and Manbao: ...

Bai Erlang almost cried, "Eight hundred taels, I’m really lending it..."

Seeing his expression, Manbao laughed so hard she couldn’t get up from the table, while Bai Shan laughed to the point of tears, "Let’s go; I’ll accompany you and teach you what to say. You don’t need to lend all eight hundred taels, just lend two hundred."

Bai Erlang tilted his head, "Two hundred taels?"

Though he was tempted, he hesitated, "Wouldn’t that be too much less than what I promised? Would he think I look down on him or get angry?"

Bai Shan shook his head, "No, I have a way to keep him from getting angry and to keep him being good friends with you like before. When you go, just listen to my words and nod."

Manbao wiped away her tears and offered, "Rest assured, by lending him less money, we’re actually helping him; two hundred taels is definitely enough for him to start up a fabric shop. If he can’t buy a large store, he can buy a small one or even rent a space, which is actually better for beginners."

If he lacks capital, he’d have to be frugal; her fourth brother made money when he first arrived in Yizhou City by taking any business and when there wasn’t, doing errands or carrying bags with laborers in the streets.

She believed Chen Bo’s aim was too high, simply because he hadn’t faced hardships and hadn’t seen the world.

Bai Dalang also felt the same, seeing Bai Erlang so uneasy, while breaking his promise wasn’t good. So he took Bai Erlang to find Chen Bo.

On the way, Bai Dalang asked him, "Is your money at home?"

"Half; the rest is in the capital."

Bai Shan nodded, then found Chen Bo and said, "Cousin Chen, we’re here to apologize."

Chen Bo was sulking and snorted when he heard them, turning away.

Bai Shan pulled Bai Erlang to sit opposite Chen Bo and sighed, "Actually, our small farm didn’t make that much money."

Chen Bo still ignored them.

Bai Shan continued, "The farm’s profits are divided among three, meaning if the farm made one thousand taels, Erlang would only get three hundred and thirty taels."

Chen Bo finally frowned and turned to look at them.

Seeing him willing to listen, Bai Shan continued, "The operating expenses are also ours, including wages for workers, buying seeds, tools, and oxen, which we can’t ask the adults at home to fund."

Chen Bo asked, "Are those things expensive?"

"Of course they’re expensive," Bai Shan replied, "If they weren’t, why would farmers never truly prosper? It’s due to high costs and low returns."

Chen Bo found this reasonable and nodded.

Bai Shan said, "While we were in Yizhou City, we spent our own money. You know Erlang spends freely, buying anything fun, delicious, or pretty."

Chen Bo frowned at them, "You aren’t saying you’re not lending because you have no money, right?"

Bai Shan sheepishly said, "We do have money, just that he exaggerated. Last night he was a bit dizzy from getting off the carriage and you praising him, so he couldn’t help but boast."