Chapter 80: 80. Chapter 80: First Encounter

80. Chapter 80: First Encounter

When the female guard brought this big fish out of the water, Shen Yunyao looked at this huge black fish about the length of a person's arm and couldn't help but sigh.

Having such a big creature in the pond, there likely won't be any other big fish.

The black fish is a carnivorous species, naturally fierce with a huge appetite. Having raised such a large black fish in this pond, other fish are likely to have become its food.

«That big? »

«Has it become a spirit? »

Cuiyu looked at the big fish almost half her height, felt inexplicably afraid, and shrank back.

«You've worked hard! »

Shen Yunyao looked at the female guard soaked through, thanked her solemnly, and said that without her help, she really couldn't have gotten this big fish up.

«This is my duty! »

The female guard replied respectfully.

She was obviously specially trained; facing such a large black fish, her expression didn't change at all.

Shen Yunyao lightly tapped Cuiyu's head, told her to take the female guard downstairs to change into dry clothes, and then go to the kitchen to summon someone.

Such a big black fish surely tastes great.

«By the way, arrange for someone to inform Princess Huanxi, saying I'm inviting her to a whole-fish banquet! »

«Yes! »

Cuiyu responded crisply, then led the female guard away first.

Shen Yunyao looked at the big black fish lying not far away, unable to keep the smile from her lips; she really did have some luck.

This way, the troublemaker in the pond has been fished out.

Then, as long as we put fish fry into the pond and wait a few years, there will be plenty of fish to eat here.

Really great!

However, by then she will have married into the Xie Family; although this residence belongs to her, she doesn't know if she'll be able to come stay often.

Such an exquisite residence—could it really just sit empty?

Or turn it into a place for leisurely gatherings?

In Dayong, a woman's domain is basically the inner quarters.

But it's not necessarily so.

For example, the ladies of different mansions can visit each other.

Such ladies' diplomacy has existed since ancient times.

She can certainly manage that.

Life actually offers many choices; even with many rules and restrictions binding us, finding possibility in the impossible has always been what humans do best.

Otherwise, where do those who loophole find those loopholes?

«No wonder it's me! »

Shen Yunyao's mood can be said to have suddenly become enlightened.

If Xie Zian weren't a good man, she would just enjoy herself.

A lifetime, a plant's autumn—it's actually very short.

Why make things hard for oneself?

Shen Yunyao picked up the fishing rod again, baited it, cast it into the pond, and began true fishing.

No fish in the pond?

Hehe, sister isn't fishing for fish; sister is fishing for life.

Not long after, Shen Mama and Ma Mama came over, having heard that Shen Yunyao had caught a big fish, and came to see the excitement.

The pond at Qinyuan Ju does have fish, which everyone knows, but miraculously, few can catch fish from it.

At this moment, seeing this big black fish, both understood that with such a big creature in there, the pond's fish had long been devoured.

«Young Madam, you're amazing! »

Shen Mama and Ma Mama praised from the heart.

Shen Yunyao chuckled and said, «I think so too! »

First time fishing!

Such a huge black fish—one couldn't even dare imagine it.

……

The kitchen staff quickly came over, two people lifted it, placing the big black fish into a large wooden tub, but the stunned black fish revived and almost escaped back into the pond.

«Tonight I plan to entertain Princess Huanxi with a whole-fish banquet; is there any problem on the kitchen side? »

As the kitchen staff carried the big black fish away, Shen Yunyao asked with a smile.

«Replying to Young Madam, no problem! »

The chef of Qinyuan Ju's kitchen is actually qualified to work in the Imperial Kitchen; he stays at Qinyuan Ju because it's tranquil, after all, the nobles in the palace only occasionally come here to rest and relax for a few days.

«Then, thank you for your hard work! »

«At month's end, everyone will receive a reward! »

The way of employing people combines rewards and punishments.

The people of Qinyuan Ju previously served the palace nobles; Shen Yunyao, who descended from the heavens, wants them to serve wholeheartedly, and can only start by granting rewards.

Fortunately, she is not short of silver now.

……

The Imperial Palace.

When Princess Huanxi received the news from outside, saying that Shen Yunyao had invited him to a whole fish feast, and that the fish, caught from the pond at Qinyuan Ju, was as long as a person's arm, she immediately hurried off to find Empress Xie Zixian.

"Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, I'll treat you to something delicious!"

Princess Huanxi decided to use the pretext of presenting flowers to the Buddha, and in the process find a backer for her good sister.

"You'll treat me to something delicious? Oh? What is it?"

Empress Xie Zixian was quite curious.

It's quite unusual for this sister-in-law to be hosting guests.

"Hehe, sister-in-law, it's like this."

Princess Huanxi immediately recounted how Shen Yunyao had invited her to the whole fish feast: "Supposedly, that fish is this big, good grief—no wonder they can't catch any fish in the pond at Qinyuan Ju; there must be a greedy big creature in there!"

"That big?"

"We have to go see it!"

Empress Xie Zixian immediately ordered someone to inform the emperor, then she followed Princess Huanxi out of the palace and headed straight for Qinyuan Ju.

"He actually didn't bring me along!"

When Emperor Xihe learned that the Empress and Princess Huanxi had left the palace together, he instantly lost the desire to read the memorials.

However, Xie Zheng was standing nearby.

Seeing his elder brother-in-law's solemn expression, Emperor Xihe could only continue reading the memorials, though he was obviously distracted.

"She truly is like a celestial maiden!"

"No wonder that brat took a liking to her at first sight!"

The moment Empress Xie Zixian saw Shen Yunyao, she too felt a flash of astonishment.

It's not that Shen Yunyao is significantly prettier than Empress Xie Zixian; it's simply that their beauties have different emphases.

Empress Xie Zixian is like a blooming peony, beautiful in a gorgeous and majestic way.

Shen Yunyao is like an orchid in a quiet valley, making one feel tranquil upon seeing her.

"Shen Yunyao of the Shen clan pays respects to the Empress!"

Upon learning that the visitor was the present Empress, her future aunt-in-law, Shen Yunyao respectfully stepped forward to pay her respects.

However, her formal bow of respect was stopped by Empress Xie Zixian.

"No need for so much ceremony; we'll be family sooner or later, no need to be so particular!"

Empress Xie Zixian supported Shen Yunyao, saying, "Younger sister-in-law, let me speak frankly: your appearance and bearing are somewhat mismatched with that brat Xie Zian; it's a pity!"

Shen Yunyao truly didn't know how to respond to her future aunt-in-law's remarks.

"Actually, I have met Xie Zian before!"

Shen Yunyao thought for a moment, then decided to speak frankly: "That day on the official road outside Liu Cheng, I saw him walking with an old man, and I thought, what a handsome young man!"