Chapter 315

In the hall,

The female official had already cleaned up the bowls, chopsticks, and tables.

Xu Zaijing sat on the side, holding the digestive tea drink handed over by Mama Zhu and drinking it slowly.

While drinking, he listened to his mother and sister-in-law discussing what congratulatory gifts to send when the time came.

Nowadays, the Sheng family's main branch's business was doing well, and the objects of their annual dividends were not just the second branch, but also several noble families in the capital with connections.

Xu Zaijing felt bored listening, placed the empty bowl on the small table beside the chair, and stood up: "Mother, Sister-in-law, I will return first."

Sun Shi didn't even turn her head, waved her hand casually, and continued talking.

Xu Zaijing walked to the outer room, put on the cloak handed over by Qingcao, and left the room.

Qingcao was holding a lantern in front and was about to walk toward Xu Zaijing's courtyard.

"Qingcao, don't go back yet; go to the horse racing field!"

Hearing Xu Zaijing's words, Qingcao hurriedly changed direction, while also turning her head to look curiously at her Young Master's expression.

Xu Zaijing walked to the side of the horse racing field, and when he was about to reach the small room, he stopped at the wooden fence, his hand resting on the cold wooden fence, somewhat hesitant.

"Young Master?"

Qingcao asked softly and suspiciously.

Xu Zaijing shook his head and said: "Forget it, let's go back."

As he was about to turn around, the door of the small room was opened, and Xu Zaijing's master stood at the door: "Come in."

Xu Zaijing's hand withdrew into his cloak, and he nodded.

The master and disciple entered the small room. Uncle Yin bent down to add a piece of stone coal to the stove, and Qingcao, after putting down the lantern, hurriedly said: "Uncle, let me do it."

After Uncle Yin handed the coal tongs to Qingcao, he raised his head and looked at Xu Zaijing: "Today in the palace, did you see her?"

Xu Zaijing raised his head in surprise: "Master! You... how did you know?"

Uncle Yin sat on the bed and said: "When Qingyun came back, he told me; he ran into her personal Mama Xiang outside the palace."

Xu Zaijing nodded, looked at his master, and said: "Second Miss Qin, she looks rosy; she must be living quite well."

Uncle Yin looked into Xu Zaijing's eyes with his single eye and said: "That is the truth."

Xu Zaijing blinked suspiciously; could he even tell that?

The small room was quiet for a while, with only the vigorous stove fire burning with a roar.

"Go back! In the future, if there is news of her, you don't need to tell me again."

Uncle Yin said lightly.

Xu Zaijing: "Yes, Master."

After finishing, he took Qingcao and left the small room.

The winter night was cold.

After Xu Zaijing walked a distance, he stopped at the corridor intersection and turned back to look at the lantern under the eaves of the small room.

Subsequently, he exhaled a long breath of white air and thought to himself: Master, if you didn't want to know, why did you let this disciple enter the room?

Thinking of this, Xu Zaijing shook his head and continued to walk toward the inner courtyard.

The next day,

Xu Zaijing practiced martial arts and exercised in the morning as usual, and studied literature in the study during the day to complete the lessons assigned by Scholar Zhuang.

When he went to his mother's courtyard for dinner in the evening, he listened to his mother and sister-in-law, who had returned from visiting relatives, talk about the gossip of the nobles in Bianjing.

Only then did Xu Zaijing know that yesterday the imperial court also held a sword appreciation meeting in the Rui Sheng Garden, a royal garden near the Xinfengqiu Gate in the north of Bianjing City.

They invited the main and deputy envoys of the Bai Gao Kingdom, as well as some noble officials who liked the Great Gao sword.

In this way, there were activities in the south, west, and north of Bianjing; no one knew who the Great Zhou would take action against this year.

After all, taking advantage of Northern Liao having no time to look west, the Great Zhou could also make a move.

Another three days passed.

The seventh day of the first lunar month,

The envoys of various countries in Bianjing City began to leave the capital.

On the city wall of the Ansu Gate in the northwest corner, the gazes of Zhao Zilong and Zhao Meifeng followed the Bai Gao Kingdom's motorcade as it went far away.

"Master, when do you think we will see the Eldest Senior Brother next?"

Zhao Zilong shook his head and did not answer this question, saying hesitantly: "Meifeng, do you think your senior brother has family in the Bai Gao Kingdom?"

Zhao Meifeng looked at the motorcade that was about to disappear and said: "He probably does; otherwise, being alone and without worries, how could he shoulder such a heavy responsibility?"

Zhao Zilong nodded and then said:

"What did the Fifth Young Master of the Xu family want with you that day?"

Zhao Meifeng replied: "The wedding date of the sister of the Second Daughter-in-law of the Xu family has been set; he entrusted me to inquire about the man's character."

The master and disciple talked while walking along the city wall stairs.

"Shouldn't this be something the woman's parents should have inquired about before the engagement? Why entrust you with this matter at this time?"

Zhao Meifeng on the side raised his eyebrows: "Young Master Jing said he was afraid I would think wrongly and just go bind the girl back."

Zhao Zilong nodded and said: "Hmph, he understands you quite well; it sounds like something you could do."

Zhao Meifeng scratched his head.

The tenth day of the first lunar month,

Early morning,

South Lecture Hall Lane,

Two carriages drove into the Rong family mansion.

At the second gate,

The Main Mother of the Marquis of Hou Fu Chang, holding a hand warmer, was waiting here with a group of Rong family servants and female officials.

Seeing the carriages stop steadily,

Everyone hurried over.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and a Mama with very strict makeup but a somewhat weak-looking complexion walked out.

After getting out of the carriage, this Mama smiled and bowed to the Main Mother of the Marquis of Hou Fu Chang:

"Kept the Main Mother and Young Lady waiting for a long time."

The Main Mother of the Rong family said: "Mama, what are you saying."

This Mama smiled and looked at Rong Feiyan with gentle eyes, saying:

"I am old, and my body is not good either; I was recuperating at the Duke of Yan's mansion, and I stayed there for a long time."

"Having delayed for so long, I am truly ashamed in my heart!"

The Main Mother of the Marquis of Hou Fu Chang said:

"Mama, it doesn't matter. Before, when Imperial Concubine Rong knew it was you coming, she didn't let the family look for anyone else."

"She said she was taught by you when she entered the palace, and the ones she sent are also your disciples and grand-disciples."

Hearing this, Mama Kong smiled: "The Imperial Concubine praises me too much; this old body is ashamed to accept the Imperial Concubine's great love."

"Please, come inside."

Mama Kong looked at Rong Feiyan with full appreciation again and nodded with a smile.

The group entered the Rong family's back courtyard.

Mama Kong sat down with the Main Mother of Rong and Rong Feiyan, and the accompanying female officials were led to settle Mama Kong's trunks.

After some conversation, Mama Kong said:

"Main Mother, the place for the class is set in the Hui Xue Courtyard of Young Lady Feiyan."

"We have talked for a while, and the time is still early; why not let this old body go to the Young Lady's courtyard to take a look?"

The Main Mother of Rong hurriedly nodded in agreement.

To tell the truth, she was somewhat reserved toward Mama Kong because the temperament Mama Kong possessed was very similar to her eldest daughter, Imperial Concubine Rong.

Or rather, Imperial Concubine Rong's demeanor was taught by this Mama.

Hearing Mama Kong's words, Rong Feiyan very cleverly walked to Mama Kong's side and helped Mama Kong up.

At this action, Mama Kong had a face full of approval.

The Main Mother of Rong: "Mama, then I will..."

Mama Kong lightly flicked her handkerchief and smiled: "The Main Mother is busy; no need to worry about me, go do your work."

As she spoke, she walked out of the hall supported by Rong Feiyan, walked for a while in the Rong family's courtyard, and arrived at the Hui Xue Courtyard.

Entering Rong Feiyan's study, at this time the study already had a low table, on which were neatly arranged tools needed for flower arranging and incense burning.

The surrounding walls were also hung with calligraphy or paintings written or painted by Rong Feiyan; in short, it was a look of a study hall.

Looking at Mama Kong, who was looking around, Rong Feiyan said: "Mama, you sit first."

Mama Kong smiled and shook her head, walked to the wall hanging with bows and arrows, and said:

"Young Lady Feiyan, this old body has taught many noble young ladies since leaving the palace, but it is rare to see one like you with soft bows and feathered arrows hanging on the wall."

"Looking at the appearance of these feathers, these are not for display; are they often used?"

Rong Feiyan said: "Yes, Mama. If it is not inappropriate, Seeing Xi Bu, come and take these bows and arrows..."

Mama Kong waved her hand and said: "Nothing inappropriate; it is a good thing for a young lady to have this hobby! It can both exercise eyesight and strengthen the body."

Hearing this, Rong Feiyan nodded with a smile.

At this time,

"Sister, Sister! Brother, I just got off duty and heard that the Mama invited by the family has arrived?"

Before Rong Xian's voice had faded,

He had already entered the study, but seeing Mama Kong looking back from the wall, Rong Xian stopped his steps all of a sudden.

"Uh, I will come back later."

Saying this, Rong Xian arched his hands and retreated.

Mama Kong didn't say much, continued looking at the flower arrangement, which was rare in winter, placed on the table, nodded, and said:

"This color scheme is not bad either; I wonder if there is any meaning behind it?"

After being praised, Rong Feiyan was very happy; she smiled and said:

"Mama, it was on the first day; I saw a noble young lady I know in the palace, and her clothes were this color scheme."

Mama Kong frowned slightly, her eyes somewhat confused, but she still nodded and said:

"This color scheme, if worn by a woman, is not bad."

Hearing Mama Kong's evaluation, Rong Feiyan's eyes lit up, and then she was somewhat annoyed, annoyed that she hadn't thought of some things.

And the two female officials of Rong Feiyan in the room secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

At this time, a female official outside the door said: "Young Lady, the kitchen says the Mama's medicine has already been decocted."

Mama Kong took the expressions of Ningxiang and Seeing Xi Bu into her eyes and said:

"Good, Young Lady, don't move; this old body will go drink the medicine, and we will officially start class tomorrow."

"Yes, Mama."

Mama Kong smiled and walked out of the study, persuaded Rong Feiyan, who was accompanying her, to go back at the courtyard entrance, and looking at Rong Feiyan's back, Mama Kong smiled and shook her head; which young girl is not spring-hearted?

Rong Feiyan returned to the room and looked at the two female officials:

"Seeing Xi Bu, you go to the storeroom, see if there are materials of these three colors; if not, go buy them."

Seeing Xi Bu looked at the color of the flower arrangement on the table, bowed, and said: "Yes, Young Lady."

"Ningxiang, prepare the silk thread! Go to my brother's place and ask for a belt."

"Yes, Young Lady."

After there was no one else in the room,

Rong Feiyan looked at the soft bow on the wall with bright eyes and said in a low voice:

"On the fifteenth, I wonder if he will still wear this outfit."

Marquis of Yongyi's mansion,

Xu Zaijing, who was 'simulating' the examination hall environment in the study where the floor heating had been extinguished, sneezed.

After rubbing his nose, he continued to stand at the desk and write his 'homework'.

After writing the last character, Xu Zaijing let out a long breath, moved his legs, and walked outside the study.

Only then did he discover that his brother-in-law Gu Tingyu had actually come and was sitting in a chair.

"Brother-in-law? When did you arrive?"

As he spoke, Xu Zaijing looked at Huaxiang on the side; Huaxiang lowered her head and walked into the inner room.

Gu Tingyu smiled and put down the Great Gao sword in his hand:

"I heard from the female official in your courtyard that you were writing an article, so I didn't let them announce me."

"This tea is made very well."

Xu Zaijing nodded with a smile.

"I came this time, first to tell you that Official Sheng Hong told me after the morning court that the promotion of several people supported by the Tan family of the Duke of Anguo..."

"Minister Li Guangren rejected it after meeting His Majesty."

"Little Five, do you know what this means?"

Xu Zaijing: "My few words worked?"

Gu Tingyu nodded, hissed, and said: "Speaking of which, those few people also have some relationship with my maternal grandfather's Marquis of Dongchang mansion."

Subsequently, Gu Tingyu continued:

"Second, your sister misses you and insisted that I come call you over."

"Little Five, you know, a woman who is pregnant, her temper... tsk."

Xu Zaijing waved his hand: "Brother-in-law, I haven't gotten married yet! I really don't know about this."

Gu Tingyu waved his hand:

"Let's go, let's go, otherwise we won't make it for lunch."

Xu Zaijing said: "Then I will change my clothes."

"I have waited for such a long time; I don't know how your sister will scold me. No need to change, let's go!"

Xu Zaijing sighed and said: "Then, alright! Qingcao! Take the things Sister Hualan brought back and follow me to the Marquis of Ningyuan's mansion."

In the inner room,

Qingcao replied: "Understood, Young Master!"

After finishing, Qingcao looked at Huaxiang, who had tears in her eyes, touched Huaxiang's tender face, and said softly:

"Huaxiang, don't be sad; the Young Master didn't mean to blame you, he just looked at you!"

"Sister Qingcao, but..."

Qingcao smiled and said: "Huaxiang, because we are going to the Marquis of Ningyuan's mansion! You know my fellow villager Sister Qingzhi; she is at the Marquis of Ningyuan's mansion, so the Young Master brought me."

"Oh..."

"Alright, don't cry."

"Sister Qingcao!"

Qingcao looked at Huaxiang suspiciously.

Huaxiang said: "Sister, you are close with Little Sister Xiaotao, can you..."

As she spoke, she looked at the little tiger doll in Qingcao's arms.

Qingcao smiled: "After the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, I will talk to Xiaotao! Let's go."

Because he was afraid his wife would wait anxiously,

Gu Tingyu and Xu Zaijing rode their horses, and the speed was somewhat fast.

When they arrived at the main gate of the Marquis of Ningyuan's mansion, Qingcao, who had dismounted, was somewhat dizzy from the jolting.

Entering the main mother's courtyard of the Marquis of Ningyuan's mansion, Gu Tingyu looked at the bundle Xu Zaijing had received in his hand and said:

"What is it, making it so mysterious and not letting me see."

Xu Zaijing smiled triumphantly.

"Main Mother, the Eldest Young Master and Young Master Jing have arrived."

Amidst the announcement of the female official, Xu Zaijing and Gu Tingyu bowed and passed through the cotton curtain, entering the hall.

Pingmei, sitting beside Bai Shi, glared at Gu Tingyu with hatred; with Bai Daniang present, she didn't say anything.

Xu Zaijing arched his hands:

"Greetings, Aunt Bai, Sister, Young Sister Tingyi."

Then he lifted his chin and greeted Gu Tingye.

Seeing Xu Zaijing, Bai Daniang's face was full of an incomparably kind smile. Pingmei beside her waved her hand, while Tingyi stood up and bowed.

Bai Daniang said: "Jing'er, come! Sit! Eldest Son, why did you go for so long?"

She also said: "Mama Chang, let the kitchen serve the dishes."

Gu Tingyu sat down and looked at Pingmei:

"When I went, the female official in his courtyard said he was writing an article in the study, and I couldn't bear to disturb him, so I waited outside the door for a while."

Xu Zaijing took the bundle and came to Qingxia, who was holding the Gu family's eldest grandson, and took out a doll of an enlarged version of the 'Little Peach Tiger' from the bundle like a treasure.

Not to mention that the Gu family's eldest grandson liked it immensely, even the gazes of the other women in the room were attracted.

"Brother Jing, this doll is so cute! Did you draw it?" Tingyi asked excitedly.

"Are there any more?"

Pingmei on the side looked at her son's happy appearance and said to Xu Zaijing:

"Little Five, you have a conscience; for so many years, Sister hasn't pampered you in vain."

Xu Zaijing smiled, first saying to Tingyi:

"No more. This was brought back by Minglan when Sister Hualan returned to her maiden home; she said it was made by her mother, and this girl Minglan even extorted several paintings from me for it."

"Sister, that is natural."

Pingmei gave Xu Zaijing a look, and seeing Tingyi's somewhat disappointed appearance, she leaned into Tingyi's ear and said a few words; Tingyi's eyes shone and she said excitedly:

"Really?"

Pingmei nodded: "Really, I have learned embroidery from this little mother before!"

Bai Daniang looked at the lively scene in the hall and said to Mama Chang, who had already returned, in a low voice:

"Mama, tell the steward below to transfer Little Mother Wei, Wei Niangzi, to the capital."

"Yes, Main Mother."

Xu Zaijing's ears moved, and then he continued talking with Gu Tingye. For this year's Lantern Festival, Gu Tingye had already booked a private room on the third floor.

"Young Master Jing, when the time comes, dress up brightly so as not to lose face for your brother."

"Don't worry, Brother Ye; I will wear the clothes I wore when I entered the palace on the first day!"

Gu Tingye recalled and said: "That works!"

(End of chapter)