Chapter 338: Not a Single Chance

If it weren't for the official soldiers protecting them, the commoners would have already thrown rotten eggs and wilted vegetable leaves at them.

What virtue, defeated subordinates, still dare to flaunt their might in the Great Ming Dynasty?

Indeed, they rely on being foreign envoys; in Jingcheng they take whatever they see, claim they'll pay, then play dumb and act like bandits.

Even so, some court officials still treat them as a delicacy.

Seeing them bow and kowtow makes the commoners truly indignant.

They mutter in their hearts: pro‑foreign fawning things, if you want to be a lapdog, don't stay in the Great Ming, go to their country!

Qiao Ji Snack Puzi naturally didn't escape this disaster; the foreign envoys ate and drank there, immediately tried to snatch items from the shelves, but were kicked out by the guardians Yang Laoda, Yang Lao'er, and Sheep Wang Laoyezi Three.

And Ling'er, just standing at the doorway watching the commotion, was taken a liking to by the foreign envoys.

After they inquired, they learned she was a Ming Dynasty princess, so they didn't dare brazenly bully her, but secretly handed a Memorial to the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, requesting that the marriage alliance include a Princess of Tianshui.

Envoys of the Four Nations arrived, bringing four princesses and four princes; the princesses in the Ming Dynasty choose three princes or Imperial Grandsons, and the three princes choose a Ming princess or a princess.

"The daughter never goes out, and besides Yang Yang is so fierce, she naturally won't cause trouble for mother."

Ling'er heard mother had returned and ran over from the Embroidery Goods shop.

At noon deliver a meal to the Prince, and at night bring subordinates to the wine house to treat them.

"Nonsense, my daughter is the best girl in the world."

Entertaining the foreign envoys, a friendly marriage between the two countries, the Emperor even specifically instructed the messenger grandfather to be sure to ask Lady Qiao to bring her family.

In fact the Emperor has been waiting; for some reason he keeps thinking of waiting for Lady Qiao, and after Yuan Jiaqi returns, then hold the banquet.

"Besides your sister‑in‑law, you haven't made many friends?"

After hearing of the envoy group's deeds in Jingcheng, he immediately sent people to escort them all into the palace.

Sitting on the outside chair, Shopkeeper Niu saw it and hurried over.

Once through Cheng Men, Yuan Jiaqi ordered his subordinates to return to their homes.

"Tonight everyone eat well; tomorrow morning set out early back to Jingcheng."

So he rested a while in front of his own shop, summoned Longxue, rode it to the Imperial Palace.

"Women often ride horses; it can lose weight and keep figure."

Qiao Mai snorted coldly; the Emperor wags his tail and beats his… don't think you can use my daughter for a marriage alliance; if you force it, don't blame her for being rude to you.

"Is anyone bullying you?"

"Anything else?"

In the Hall of State Council, the Emperor looked down on them.

Putting aside other things, just that ability to materialize objects out of thin air must astonish the envoys.

"You came here to ease the conflicts among the nations; you'd better be obedient to me. This is my territory; if another incident of forcibly robbing the people occurs, my Golden Dragon Guard will kill without mercy. Remember, defeated subordinates have no right to roam in my country."

"You'd better think it over; in this Great Ming Dynasty, a man as good as your father is almost nonexistent."

At this moment, Qiao Mai had changed out of the village woman's clothes, just like at home; even so, such attire is not comparable to that of a County Magistrate's daughter.

"Your Majesty, we will certainly fulfill your words."

The envoys looked at each other; if that's the case, they'll raise it later; now the Emperor is in a temper.

"Madam, riding a horse looks especially majestic."

At the palace entrance, there are too many people holding invitation slips queuing to enter.

The two dismounted at the house doorway, had servants lead the horses inside; the two rarely go together to Qiao Ji Snack Puzi.

From this day on, outside Jixiang Embroidery Puzi, there are always some foreign envoys peeking inside.

Qiao Mai pulled aside the curtain and said, "Tsk tsk, since ancient times marriages between nations have rarely had good results; they dress so nicely, practically offering themselves, I really don't know what to say, is it despicable, or is it despicable."

Ling'er unfortunately was chosen by them; the Old Emperor truly isn't foolish.

"Master, you finally returned!"

"Subordinate thinks they have ill intentions; recently discovered the servants the envoy group brought wander around here for no reason."

"So obedient."

Seeing the Old Emperor, though aged, still exudes dominance, everyone bowed their heads.

"I hope you remember, otherwise don't blame me for ignoring the rules."

"Mother, you finally returned!"

"Foreign envoys came to the Great Ming on a visit; they were dishonest, taking the people's goods without paying; after the Emperor scolded them, they finally restrained themselves."

"Yes, Prince."

"Anyway, the daughter isn't angry, let them say whatever."

"Hmm? Madam, why does the husband feel Jingcheng is different?"

The next day, East Date and Dragon Blood moved out of the stables, saw their master, and happily ran up to her.

That Miss Sun was placed under house arrest by County Magistrate Sun, with no chance at all.

"Alright,"

"When mother is at home, the daughter goes out again; when not at home she's in the shop; our family lacks nothing, the daughter has nothing to buy."

Speaking of this, Ling'er sighed lightly, "Mother, they seem kind to the daughter on the surface, but the daughter knows they look down on her, think she's from a small place, neither understand etiquette nor have proper upbringing."

These past few days, thanks to the Princess's blessing, they ate well, ate full, slept soundly; when they heard they could return to the capital, everyone was overjoyed.

Shopkeeper Niu got busy; when Yuan Jiaqi returns to the capital, he should first go to the Imperial Palace to report to the Emperor.

"Alright, everyone go back; in a few days I will hold a banquet for you, inviting daughters and sons from officials of rank three and above."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

On the way there it felt endless, on the way back it felt completely relaxed; a six‑day journey took only three days.

The carriage was given to a few weaker civil officials; the couple rode their horse ahead at a light trot.

Mother, you won't let me dress up—do you not want Nü'er to have a marriage alliance?

What happened?

Go home and fight, then you'll know.

Yes, Master.

The old master and the old lady also know about this; when they have nothing to do, they come to the shop for a walk.

Seeing such an obedient and sensible child, Qiao Mai almost wanted to give her the best things in the world.

Not long after, the palace sent someone to post a notice.

Hmm, no need to be courteous—anyone who doesn't follow our rules, beat them until they're scared.

Do you think?

You need to go out more, meet more people; otherwise how will you know who is suitable for you?

Riding in the carriage pulled by Winter Jujube and Longxue, the driver is still Zhang Guanjia.

Qiao Mai smiled, patted their heads, and fed them a few Pills.

Ling'er pouted, "I really don't want to—I definitely don't want to leave Mother and Father, don't want to leave Jixiang Yuan. Mother, Nü'er won't marry; why not just take a husband?"

Afraid that if Qiao Mai isn't around, something might happen and they wouldn't be able to explain.

Madam, shall we stop taking the carriage and ride horses?

Ling'er was extremely disgusted by this; fortunately Mother left her a guardian sheep, otherwise she really worried she couldn't handle it.

After staying in Yuanshan County for five days, finally arranged all the disaster victims, Yuan Jiaqi stretched lazily.

Just go out with Yang Yang.

Riding a horse is still more exhilarating.

She prepares two meals a day for herself at the inn each day.

Ling'er shyly lowered her head, "We'll talk about it later; after all, Nü'er hasn't set her eyes on anyone yet."

On the afternoon three days later, the family of four, dressed plainly, didn't adorn themselves excessively.

The old master also kept Baize during the day at Qiao Ji Snack Puzi, and at night let it out to guard Jixiang Yuan.

The family of four got off the carriage and entered without needing to request a notice; Jia Mei was waiting with people.

Uncle, aunt, Hai Chuan? Ling'er, you have arrived?

Hmm.

Jia Mei personally escorted them into the main hall, personally arranged their seats; this time, for convenience, each family got a small square table, and families with many members used a small round table, with a cotton cushion under the seat.

(End of chapter)