Chapter 255: How is the strength [Thank you all for your support! Bowing again!]

"Seventh Sister, now that you mention it, I remember! I heard Mother mention it before!"

Chai Zhengzheng looked at the grapes on the table in front of her, which had been washed clean and just served on a porcelain plate.

She pushed the grapes toward the female cousin who was speaking.

Looking at the curious eyes of the sisters around her, this girl took a grape in her hand and said:

"At that time, I was only eight or nine years old. It was also the Autumn Festival. When I returned to my maternal grandmother's house with my mother, it was said that the third aunt entrusted her to find a female teacher who practiced medicine for the niece of the cousin's family."

Chai Zhengzheng thought for a moment, oh! "Third Aunt" was Cheng Qiniang's mother.

Cheng Qiniang nodded and said:

"Right, right! It's the one Sixth Sister mentioned! Before, Mother's body was not feeling well, and this Ni cousin specially came to give Mother a massage!"

"Zhengzheng sister, Sixth Sister's maternal grandmother's family served as massage doctors in the Imperial Medical Bureau in the previous dynasty."

Hearing this, Cheng Liuniang smiled and nodded.

Chai Zhengzheng also picked up a grape and said, "Then this Ni cousin is also grateful."

"That's natural. Before, there were rascals who took a fancy to the Ni family's residence and often went to the Ni family to cause trouble!"

"After the second uncle found out, he took the clerks from the Inspection Division to warn them, and then it stopped."

Cheng Liuniang said.

"Then listening to this, the Ni cousin's family is not wealthy, so how did she marry into that Viscount's family?"

Hearing the younger Cheng family girl ask this question, Chai Zhengzheng also looked curiously at Cheng Liuniang.

Liuniang said:

"It is said that the Zhu family's Xu Daniang was not feeling well, so she invited the Ni cousin and her master to give a massage. After getting familiar with each other, she knew she was a girl from a scholarly family, so she was taken a fancy to by that Daniang."

"Knowing that the Zhu family had this intention, the Ni cousin and her master specially told our family, and the family also helped to inquire about it."

"At that time, that Zhu family Daniang didn't say she was a relative of the Marquis Prefecture, only saying that the family had some relationship with the Sun family of Xishui Gate, and our family also thought it was a small official in the Imperial Guard."

"As a result, when they finally got married, we knew it was a close relative of the Marquis Prefecture. The eldest uncle and second uncle made the decision and only sent congratulatory gifts, but our family didn't go."

After finishing, Liuniang and the other sisters looked at each other very proudly.

Chai Zhengzheng nodded. It was right not to go; otherwise, they might be accused of leveraging favors to climb up to the powerful.

"However, the Ni cousin did visit our family with that Zhu brother-in-law in the first year of marriage. The second uncle said that the momentum of having been on the battlefield is different from others."

"I heard it was because the second uncle was toasted several more bowls of wine by that cousin-in-law, and he spoke with feeling."

As soon as these words were spoken, the many sisters laughed one after another.

Cheng Qiniang continued:

"Mother also said that the Ni family's two younger cousins are now entrusted with connections to enter the Li family's clan school, and they study very well!"

Chai Zhengzheng asked:

"Which Li family?"

"I heard it's the family of the Minister of Personnel, Li!"

At this time, the Cheng family's eldest daughter-in-law walked over and said: "Children, stop chatting, come and take your seats!"

Hearing this, the Cheng family sisters stood up and walked toward the hall where the Cheng family received guests.

At the table, the Cheng family's eldest daughter-in-law asked in a gap in the conversation:

"What were the girls chatting about so happily just now?"

"Eldest Aunt, we were chatting about the Ni cousin's affairs!"

Once the topic was opened, the various Madams also began to chat,

"The eldest daughter supporting the household,"

"Supporting studies,"

"Delaying marriage,"

Mostly words of sighing and heartache.

Madam Chai, who was listening to her sisters-in-law's explanation of this kinship, was still somewhat confused.

Looking at her mother's appearance, Chai Zhengzheng whispered a sentence on the side: "It's the Daniang of the Xu family's fifth young master's paternal cousin."

Sorting it out on both sides,

Madam Chai suddenly realized and said: "Oh! He married your third aunt's maternal cousin's eldest daughter!"

After Madam Chai finished speaking, the Cheng family's third Madam on the side said:

"Now this Ni family has no relatives, but they have become closer to our family."

Subsequently, the Cheng family's fourth Madam whispered a few words in Madam Chai's ear. After listening, Madam Chai looked at the other three sisters-in-law and received a unanimous nod.

This made Chai Zhengzheng on the side show confusion, not knowing what code the Madams were using.

When returning to the Chai family in the afternoon,

Chai Zhengzheng specially asked in the carriage. Madam Chai couldn't resist her daughter and could only say after she promised again and again:

"That Ni family Yue Ge'er is getting older, and now he is considered to have achieved success in his studies. Your cousin has the intention to let him marry into the Cheng family. It's just an intention; those female cousins of yours don't know yet!"

"Mother, I promise not to say it!"

After Chai Zhengzheng finished speaking, she thought about those female cousins today in her mind.

Who could it be?

"Mother, but listening to this, the Ni family's family background is also a bit thin, right?"

Madam Chai nodded and said:

"It is a bit thin, it can be considered to have both good and bad! Let's see what your aunts think."

Chai Zhengzheng was stunned, her mind turned, and she thought:

Yes, not having parents-in-law to serve and having good relatives is a benefit, but having younger brothers and sisters to take care of below is a disadvantage.

"Mother, I want to invite Yi Jie'er to our house to play..."

"Hmm, it just so happens that some duck pears, honey dates, and crabs have been sent from the Cangzhou manor. Invite more noble girls to come to the mansion to taste the freshness."

"Yes, Mother."

"By the way, Zheng'er. I inquired with Wu Daniang before. Among the Xu family's maidservants, Qingcao has learned a good skill for tying hair, and she is also ranked in the Marquis Prefecture."

Chai Zhengzheng's eyes lit up and she said:

"Before, Yi Jie'er said that the maidservant Qingzhi who accompanied Pingmei sister also cooks good soup and tea!"

Madam Chai looked at her daughter and instructed: "When you ask, don't be too abrupt!"

Chai Zhengzheng nodded.

When they were about to reach the lane where the Chai family was located, the carriage paused and then stopped. From the front came the sound of the Chai family father and son talking to someone.

Not long after, a nanny came to the side of the carriage, looked at the curtain she lifted, and said:

"Madam, it's the carriage team of the Lian Guo Gong Lu family that we let pass. Their family's manager is thanking us."

Madam Chai lifted the carriage curtain and said:

"Was it the child of their family that the Xu family young master saved before?"

"Yes, I heard they even became foster brothers."

Madam Chai said "Hmm" and put down the carriage curtain.

The person Chai Zhengzheng wanted to invite in her heart added one more.

On the front line in the north,

Torches had been lit everywhere in the military prefecture,

Zhu Qinghu, who had finished inspecting the military affairs, was walking toward the camp tent with Di Jing and the others.

A neat team walked past them.

Suddenly,

Someone walked toward Zhu Qinghu from the front.

Everyone looked and recognized it was Xu Zaiduan, so they bowed one after another.

The personal guard behind Xu Zaiduan was also carrying a basket. Seeing Zhu Qinghu, Xu Zaiduan said with a smile:

"No need for formalities! Here, Father asked me to give this to you!"

Zhu Qinghu took the bamboo basket and lifted the cloth on top; a basket of dates appeared in front of him.

Di Jing and the others beside him burst into laughter.

Xu Zaiduan couldn't help but laugh along.

Zhu Qinghu took the bamboo basket. Before he could speak, two other military captains walked over.

"Duan Ge'er! You're here! Here, this is for you!"

Xu Zaiduan was stunned, hurriedly bowed and whispered: "Uncle..."

After the two from the Sun family walked far away,

Zhu Qinghu and the others looked at the dazed Xu Zaiduan and laughed heartily.

Subsequently, everyone stuffed some dates into their arms as snacks and dispersed.

In the evening on Quyuan Street,

Shu Bo's figure was gone from the stall.

Chu Zhan was frowning and busy cooking at the stall, while the children from the Bai Gao Kingdom were under his command serving dishes to the guests.

It was quite decent.

And Shu Bo himself, at this time, was in a courtyard near the Marquis Prefecture,

Drinking wine accompanied by Qingyun, his expression very happy.

Qingyun clinked glasses with Shu Bo again. Hua Qing on the side served the reheated dishes back to the table,

And whispered to Qingyun: "Drink less."

Qingyun nodded after exhaling a breath of wine.

Hua Qing came to a side room. In the side room, Hua Qing's mother, who was in her forties, still looked somewhat embarrassed.

After all, Hua Qing's belly hadn't moved yet, but she might have a younger brother or sister from the same mother but different father.

The Autumn Festival had passed.

The weather was getting colder in the morning and evening.

A few days before the Mid-Autumn Festival,

The Rong family's invitation was delivered to Xu Zaijing's hand.

It turned out that the long-promised reward banquet from Rong Xian finally had a place to land.

Also invited were Zheng Xiao and Gu Tingye, who had taken action that day, but the place was chosen in Pan Lou.

On this day, after school,

Accompanied by Qingyun, Xu Zaijing stepped down from the carriage, brought Huaxiang, and walked to the colorful building at the entrance of Pan Lou.

Gu Tingye followed, looked up at the surroundings, and said: "It's really beautiful!"

With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, this colorful building had been repainted, and the huge knotted colorful threads, auspicious knots, and wine flags had all been replaced with new ones.

The Pan Lou waiter, Ming Ge'er, who was greeting at the door, saw Xu Zaijing and Gu Tingye, his eyes lit up, and he hurriedly walked to the front and bowed:

"Second Young Master Gu, Fifth Young Master Xu, you two haven't been here for a long time!"

Xu Zaijing nodded and said:

"Has Rong Ge'er come?"

"He's here, still on the third floor! Two distinguished guests, please come inside!"

Saying this, he led Xu Zaijing and the others upstairs. When they reached the stairs,

Manager Ran, who was on the second floor, hurriedly walked over and accompanied the two to the third floor.

Entering the private room, they heard Rong Xian's laughter coming from inside.

"Xian Ge'er, what are you laughing at?"

Gu Tingye's voice came, and Rong Xian looked at the three people in the room and said: "You're here!"

Walking past the screen, Xu Zaijing saw that in the private room, besides Zheng Xiao, the Chai brothers were also seated.

Seeing Xu Zaijing and Gu Tingye, the few musicians near the door hurriedly stood up, holding their pipa, and bowed.

Xu Zaijing turned his head to look; it was that pipa head who had been seen several times, should be surnamed Yang, followed by a little girl holding a drum who had grown up a bit.

He nodded as a return of the bow.

Xu Zaijing walked to the table. Unlike the separate tables in the past, this time the six people were at one table.

"Head Yang, please start!"

"Ding." The musicians on the side began to play music.

While speaking, Rong Xian waved his hand at the servant,

The servant hurriedly notified the Pan Lou waiter standing at the door to start serving dishes.

The maidservants Huaxiang and Gu Tingye's maidservant Qiuniang, who followed, were about to come to the table to serve, but Rong Xian waved his hand and said:

"I'm hosting today, you don't need to come over!"

Huaxiang looked at Xu Zaijing's nod and retreated behind the screen on the side.

Zheng Xiao and Gu Tingye were already accustomed to Xu Zaijing's beautiful maidservants,

But the Chai brothers looked at each other with unclear meanings, but they didn't say much.

Soon, the dishes were served. Rong Xian personally poured wine for the five people at the table,

"The first cup, I toast to the brothers who could come to participate in this banquet!"

After finishing, Rong Xian drank the wine in the cup in one gulp, then was busy pouring wine for the other five.

Xu Zaijing smiled and said:

"Bring a few more wine pots."

Looking at Rong Xian's eyes, Xu Zaijing said:

"Waiting for you to pour full is too slow, it's not refreshing to drink."

"Jing Ge'er is right, we can pour it ourselves! Xian Ge'er, sit!"

Rong Xian: "This..."

Looking at the wine pots that were almost empty before the second round, Rong Xian nodded.

Soon, the wine pots were placed beside the six people, and the speed of drinking gradually began to speed up.

The servants of the few people kept adding wine to the wine pots.

Gradually, the slightly tipsy Chai Bo and Chai Jin, holding wine cups, drank three cups with Xu Zaijing in succession, the meaning of which only the three of them understood.

On the other side, Rong Xian could no longer hold the wine cup steadily, but was still saying: "Ye Ge'er, the friendship of saving me that day, I keep it in my heart, I'll finish this cup!"

Saying this, a cup of wine entered his mouth nimbly.

Just as Rong Xian wanted to fill the wine cup, a servant hurried into the door, looked at Rong Xian in the private room, and whispered something in his ear.

"In front of the brothers, what are you saying! Stay away from me! Speak!"

The servant looked at Xu Zaijing and the others and hurriedly bowed:

"Distinguished guests, excuse me, it's that the palace suddenly wants to summon the relatives of the mansion!"

The drunken Rong Xian frowned and thought about the meaning of the servant's words.

Xu Zaijing and the others exchanged glances and understood roughly what was going on.

Zheng Xiao, standing to the side, looked at Rong Xian and said to Xu Zaijing and the others, "If he enters the palace in this state, he might cause trouble. Should we induce vomiting?"

After the other five nodded, the servants tidied up the things and ordered the Pan Lou to prepare hangover soup.

Rong Xian was then carried by Xu Zaijing and Gu Tingye to the backyard of the Pan Lou downstairs.

"Ha!"

"Hey!"

Zheng Xiao warmed up for a few moments, and the punches he threw landed in Chai Jin's palms.

"How is the force?"

Chai Jin said:

"Just right!"

Immediately, Zheng Xiao lifted his chin.

Xu Zaijing and Gu Tingye, braving the stench and frowning, held Rong Xian up so he faced the large wooden basin filled with leftover food and scraps.

Rong Xian smelled it too; frowning and drunk, he said, "Brothers, what are you... ugh... doing?"

Zheng Xiao leaned in, and just as he was about to throw a punch, he saw Rong Xian's expression change.

"He's going to vomit!"

"Wah!"

Xu Zaijing and Gu Tingye also felt a spasm in their stomachs; holding their breath, they helped pat Rong Xian on the back.

They then carried him away from there, rinsed his mouth, fed him some hangover soup, and helped him into the carriage.

At the entrance of the Pan Lou,

watching Rong Xian depart,

the remaining five looked at each other, and Zheng Xiao said:

"It must be that Imperial Consort Rong is about to give birth, right?"

The other four nodded.

Inside the Imperial Palace,

after vomiting and being fed hangover soup, Rong Xian was mostly sober by the time he entered the palace.

Arriving outside Imperial Consort Rong's bedchamber,

he saw his own family members all standing in the hall with anxious expressions, listening to the sounds from inside.

To the side were the Emperor, the Empress, and Imperial Prince Zhao Fang.

Rong Xian hurriedly stepped forward to pay his respects and explain the reason for his late arrival; the Emperor did not say much, only telling Rong Xian to go over there and wait with them.

Because the time when Imperial Consort Rong's stomach began to ache was already late,

later on, the Rong family members were invited to the side hall to continue waiting.

The Emperor and Empress waited until the Hour of the Ox (1:00 AM - 3:00 AM) before Imperial Consort Rong finally struggled to give birth to the child in her womb.

Amidst the cries of the infant, the Empress held the swaddled baby and said to Zhao Fang:

"Fang'er, you have gained another younger sister."

(End of chapter)