Chapter 400: Wang Shi

"Dong dong dong"

"Silk thread, copper mirror, embroidery needle~"

"Duster, rouge, pearl powder~"

The peddler carrying the goods arrived at Shu Bo's stall while shaking a rattle-drum.

Putting down the goods, the peddler walked to the water basin to the side and washed his hands:

"Old Shu, give me a portion... Tsk, every time I patronize your business, why do I always feel like I'm being taken advantage of!"

Chu Zhan, who had just finished serving dishes to the side, heard this and smiled: "Next time you come, call me Little Chu; calling me won't take advantage of you. Still stir-fried chicken and rabbit?"

"Right! Add some braised meat~"

"Alright~"

Chu Zhan answered with a smile.

Shu Bo, who was cooking, turned his head and glanced at the peddler: "Huo, you must have made a lot of money today, actually willing to eat extra dishes?"

The peddler wiped his hands with the towel on his shoulder and said: "Good luck. Just now a squire patronized my business. I heard someone on horseback shouting on the street about Bai Gao surrendering. Before I could find the change, that squire chased after him to ask."

Shu Bo curled his lips: "So you just pocketed the money?"

The peddler widened his eyes: "Am I that kind of person? I shouted to find the change, and that squire said he was in a good mood and didn't want it!"

Suddenly,

Shu Bo, who was sprinkling salt on the dish, stopped his hand in mid-air: "No, what did you say just now?"

"That squire was in a good mood, threw me a piece of silver, and didn't even want the change..."

"The previous sentence~"

"Someone on horseback shouted that Bai Gao surrendered, and that squire chased after him to ask!"

Looking at Shu Bo, who walked over holding the salt, and Chu Zhan, who was staring straight at him, the peddler said: "What's wrong with this!"

"Bai Gao surrendered?"

"Surrendered! I heard it clearly on the street..."

At this time,

Several idlers from Bianjing walked over quickly in a group,

Glanced at the peddler at the stall, then smiled and cupped their hands toward Chu Zhan: "Little Brother Chu, Master Shu! We heard huge good news on the street!"

Everyone was talking at the stall,

"Whoa~"

A carriage passed by the stall and stopped at the Xu family's main gate not far away.

Chu Zhan glanced at it and said: "The Sun family's carriage."

After a while,

The eunuch protected by the Imperial Guard in golden armor also got off his horse,

And walked into the Xu family's main gate with a full smile.

Xu family back courtyard,

"Bang~"

Cuichan, the maidservant who came with the Sheng family, held the thick winter clothes and glanced at the source of the sound: "Young Lady, whose happy event is this! Why are they setting off fireworks when it's so bright!"

Hualan, who was walking in front, withdrew her gaze, smiled, and said: "Maybe the children at home are being naughty."

After speaking, the master and servant continued walking forward.

Entering the Matriarch's courtyard,

Hualan lowered her head, passed through the bamboo curtain lifted by the maidservant, and entered the main hall.

After nodding and greeting Xie Shi, the eldest sister-in-law who was heavily pregnant, Hualan said: "Mother-in-law~ Is our family sending things to the Northwest in a few days? This daughter-in-law made three more brocade jackets, one for Father, Big Brother, and Little Five each, so they have something to change into in the winter."

Sun Shi sat on the Arhat chair, smiled at Hualan, and after signaling Hualan to sit down, continued to check the wooden box held by the maidservant in front of her.

Hualan sat on the chair below Sun Shi, sniffed the smell in the air, and said: "Mother-in-law, what's in the wooden box? Why is it so fragrant?"

Sun Shi took two dark things out of the wooden box and handed them to Dan Mama to the side.

Dan Mama smiled and brought them to Hualan.

Sun Shi said: "This is the beef jerky made by my maiden home. Jing-er has liked eating it since he was small. Before, when he left, the jerky wasn't dried well. This time, I'm sending it to him together."

Hualan and Xie Shi each took a piece, smelled it, and their eyes lit up.

Xie Shi said: "Mother-in-law, you're too biased. I've been your daughter-in-law for so many years, and I haven't really tasted this jerky."

Sun Shi took the handkerchief handed by the maidservant, wiped her hands, and said with a smile: "Before, it was only when Jing-er went to the palace to congratulate His Majesty on his birthday that I made it for him. Your husband hasn't tasted it many times either."

Xie Shi glanced at Hualan, who was also immersed in the delicious taste, and said: "Mother-in-law, can we make more every year from now on? Dai-ge'er and Xing-ge'er can also taste it."

Hualan nodded: "Mother-in-law, this daughter-in-law can also share some of the glory!"

Sun Shi smiled and pointed at the two sisters-in-law: "You two aren't afraid of others saying you're greedy."

Xie Shi and Hualan looked at each other and smiled.

Then the mother-in-law and daughters-in-law talked a few more sentences about the fireworks that just exploded.

"Madam, the Sun family's relatives are here."

A young maidservant reported.

Sun Shi smiled: "Hurry and invite them in."

"Most likely they're also sending things to the north."

Xie Shi and Hualan nodded, and Xie Shi even reached out to let the maidservant to the side help her stand up.

It's fine if the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship is good on weekdays, but when the Sun family's relatives come, they can't be presumptuous.

A moment later,

The Sun family's two aunts-in-law walked in.

After Xie Shi and Hualan stood up slightly to salute and nod, they said: "Tenth Lady, we heard at home just now that Bai Gao has surrendered! Father and Mother sent us to ask."

"Ah? Sister-in-law, what did you say?"

Sun Shi, who walked to the door to welcome them, asked.

Hualan and Xie Shi looked at each other with surprise in their eyes.

"Madam, the eunuch from the palace is here! He said he brought His Majesty's oral decree. You don't need to change clothes; just go over and listen to it."

There was another report from a young maidservant outside the door.

Hearing this, everyone in the main hall felt a tightness in their hearts.

Sun Shi glanced at her maiden sister-in-law and said: "Eight out of ten it's true. Let's go, let's hurry over."

As she spoke, Sun Shi had only taken two steps when she turned back and said: "Dalang's wife, take it slow!"

"Understood, Mother-in-law!"

After speaking,

Sun Shi led everyone toward the main hall in the front courtyard where guests were received.

"Master Eunuch Huai Bao, sorry to keep you waiting!"

Just as she entered the main hall, Sun Shi said with a smile.

The eunuch, who was sitting in the main hall drinking tea, hurriedly stood up and said: "Madam, what are you saying!"

Watching Sun Shi lead her sister-in-law and daughter-in-law to salute him, the eunuch Eunuch Huai Bao hurriedly bowed in return while saying: "His Majesty just received the news and sent this small official to deliver the letter to the Marquis Prefecture."

After speaking, Eunuch Huai Bao coughed lightly.

Sun Shi, her sister-in-law, and Hualan hurriedly bowed to listen.

"His Majesty says, Marquis Yongyi has won a great victory in the north, and Bai Gao has offered the city and surrendered. My heart is very comforted. Tomorrow, let the Xu family come to the palace for a meal."

"Madam, this is His Majesty's oral decree."

"Thanks His Majesty for the great grace." Sun Shi led everyone to bow and say in unison.

"Madam, please stand up quickly."

Sun Shi nodded and reached her hand behind her. With the cover of her wide sleeves, Hualan placed a purse into Sun Shi's hand.

"Sorry to trouble Master Eunuch Huai Bao for such hard work and running around. Please sit!"

Eunuch Huai Bao smiled and sat back in his chair.

"Master Eunuch Huai Bao, this small woman has a question. How could it be this fast! Two days ago it was still the Keyi Gate victory..."

Listening to Sun Shi's words, Eunuch Huai Bao smiled: "Madam, don't talk about you; when this small official left the palace, I saw the Grand Secretaries entering the inner court, and they were also full of confusion!"

"But this small official was lucky enough to see the urgent report! It said His Majesty is wise and martial! Our Great Zhou is destined by heaven! That Bai Gao Kingdom went against heaven, and as a result, suffered retribution. Two days ago there was an earthquake! The city walls and moat were both damaged!"

"That Bai Gao pseudo-emperor also knew the times, so he surrendered!"

After hearing this, Sun Shi and the others were all extremely happy.

Then, Sun Shi was stunned and was about to continue asking.

The eunuch Eunuch Huai Bao hurriedly said: "Madam, rest assured, this small official didn't see any other news in the urgent report. The Marquis and the Heir are definitely safe!"

Sun Shi nodded repeatedly: "Many thanks to the eunuch for clearing up the confusion!"

Eunuch Huai Bao smiled and said: "Alright, Madam, this small official will take his leave!"

Then, everyone talked as they walked out.

Before reaching the main gate, Sun Shi: "Master Eunuch Huai Bao, you've worked hard!"

As she spoke, she handed the purse from her wide sleeve toward Eunuch Huai Bao.

Eunuch Huai Bao was stunned and hurriedly declined: "Madam, when I came, my foster father instructed this small official that I absolutely must not accept Madam's thanks."

Sun Shi shook her head: "This isn't thanks, just celebrating Great Zhou's great victory together! Master, take it!"

Eunuch Huai Bao shook his head repeatedly: "Madam, before at the Shenbao Temple outside the city, if it weren't for Jing-ge'er's righteous action, this small official would most likely have lost his job! Today the Marquis Prefecture has such a happy event, how could this small official still accept thanks!"

Sun Shi said: "Then this is helping the Marquis Prefecture accumulate some joy and good fortune! Master, take it."

"Madam, you say it like this... Sigh! Then this small official will thicken his face and accept it!"

When Sun Shi stood at the main gate watching the eunuch Eunuch Huai Bao and the Imperial Guard in golden armor leave, Hualan behind her said softly: "Mother-in-law, those golden-armored guards were also given enough reward money."

Sun Shi continued to watch Eunuch Huai Bao and his party leave, nodded without even turning her head.

"Madam, is the news true?"

Shu Bo, who was no longer cooking, gathered with many old acquaintances of the Marquis Prefecture at the main gate and asked with cupped hands.

Watching Sun Shi nod in affirmation, Shu Bo's face was instantly full of joy as he exchanged looks with the others.

After bowing and cupping his hands again, Shu Bo turned and shouted toward his stall: "Today's food, free of charge!"

"The things at my stall, also don't need money!"

These few sentences came over,

Around them was another burst of loud congratulations and thanks.

When Sun Shi walked from the main gate toward the inner courtyard,

Hualan, who was following behind her, quickly supported Sun Shi: "Mother-in-law, what's wrong with you?"

Chu Mama on the other side was also not slow: "Madam??"

Sun Shi was supported by the two and waved her hand: "It's nothing, just feeling dizzy and chest tightness..."

Hualan said urgently: "Quick, quick, invite Physician Ren over!"

Sun Shi hurriedly said: "No need, it should be that I was too happy; I'll be fine after a while!"

Returning to the inner courtyard,

Physician Ren, who was looking after Xie Shi at the Xu family, was talking to Hualan after taking Sun Shi's pulse.

Xie Shi was fine when she heard about the great victory just now, but when her mother-in-law Sun Shi softened, it caused her some emotional fluctuation, so she was also resting at this time.

"Madam, Da Niangzi, the steward of the Xiao Xiao Gongye Liang Prefecture is here."

The young maidservant in Sun Shi's courtyard reported again.

Hualan knew that her mother-in-law and sister-in-law were fine, let out a breath, and said: "Wait a moment, I'll go see him!"

Arriving at the front courtyard,

Across the screen,

Hualan said to the Lu family steward: "Steward, don't blame me. Mother-in-law and eldest sister-in-law had some emotional fluctuation after hearing such good news, so only this daughter-in-law can come out."

The steward outside the screen bowed and replied: "Da Niangzi, what are you saying! Such earth-shattering good news, the Xiao Xiao Gongye and the Xiao Xiao Gongye's Madam also haven't reacted yet! When this small one left, the Xiao Xiao Gongye was just about to drink to celebrate!"

"Before, the Keyi Gate victory made fireworks in Bianjing city a bit short of supply, so I was specifically sent to deliver some to the family."

After another round of pleasantries,

The Lu family steward left the Xu family with return gifts.

Huyan family,

Inner courtyard,

Anmei sat on a chair leaning against a soft cushion,

The maidservant Ye'er to the side was organizing things with other maidservants.

Ye'er touched a piece of material and said: "Da Niangzi, two days ago, the young ladies of several Xiao Xiao Gongye and Marquis families came to our house to play. The things they sent are really good; they feel so soft."

As she spoke, Ye'er handed the material to Anmei.

Anmei, who was slightly younger than Xie Shi, touched it and nodded: "Did Tingyi bring this for my eldest sister?"

Ye'er shook her head: "The one that the eldest young lady asked Tingyi to bring, isn't it already cut and ready to be made into swaddling clothes? Looking at the color, it seems to be sent by the Rong family young lady."

Anmei, sitting on the chair, had a smile in her eyes, and her palm stroked the material: "She has a heart! Keep it well; when the one in my belly gets bigger, I'll make clothes."

Ye'er instructed the young maidservants to put it away properly and continued organizing.

While organizing, she said: "Da Niangzi, these past few days when I went out to purchase, it's being rumored in the capital again that the Rong family young lady is very arrogant and likes to look at people with her chin, and is very difficult to deal with!"

"This servant thinks it's all hearsay. Young Lady Feiyan is very easy to talk to when she's a guest in our house; maybe someone is jealous of Young Lady Feiyan's appearance."

Anmei glanced at the bright white jade placed in the room and said: "Maybe someone hit a wall in front of Consort Rong."

Ye'er thought for a while and nodded: "That's true!"

Looking around, Ye'er said in a low voice: "Da Niangzi, Young Lady Feiyan has changed so much in these two years, becoming more and more outstanding. You've been into the palace; who is prettier, Young Lady Feiyan or Consort Rong Niangniang?"

Anmei pondered for a while and said: "It must be Consort Rong Niangniang. Young Lady Feiyan is too young; she always lacks some temperament."

"Speaking of which, the scarf sent by Young Lady Zhengzheng of the Chai family is also good; looking at the quality, it's about the same as the cloak of the Fifth Young Master."

Anmei glanced at it: "Mm, speaking of which, Young Lady Zhengzheng's gift is a bit heavy."

Ye'er said: "The Chai family has been an extremely wealthy family since the founding of the dynasty. Is this heavy?"

Anmei nodded: "In a few days, I have to ask Mother-in-law and Aunt Bai to find something of equivalent value and find an opportunity to send it back."

"Bang~"

"Dong~"

Listening to the sound of fireworks exploding outside, Anmei looked outside in confusion: "Fireworks again, is there any other good news?"

Just as she finished speaking,

Pan Da Niangzi's voice came from outside the room: "An'er!"

After entering the main hall,

Pan Da Niangzi looked at Anmei, liking her more and more.

First, ever since Anmei entered the Huyan family's gate, she hadn't been willful just because her maiden home was powerful.

Second, Pan Da Niangzi had asked someone to look before, and people asserted that based on Anmei's belly shape and walking posture, it was definitely a boy.

Even if it were a girl, Pan Da Niangzi would also be happy.

What's more important is that the Marquis Yongyi, the father-in-law, achieved great merit in the north just a few days ago, and today there is such good news.

The future of her own husband and sons, and the wealth of the Pan family, her maiden home, are guaranteed.

Pan Da Niangzi didn't tell Anmei the exact news directly, but said: "Anmei, guess what the good news is!"

"Did Marquis Tuoxi win a great victory?"

Pan Da Niangzi shook her head: "Guess again!"

"Did Marquis Tuoxi capture Lingzhou?"

"Be bolder!"

"Mm..."

Anmei looked at Ye'er, making Ye'er puzzled.

After pondering for a while, Anmei said uncertainly: "Mother-in-law, wouldn't my Little Five have killed some great general of the Bai Gao Kingdom with a spear?"

Watching her mother-in-law still shake her head, Anmei admitted defeat: "Can't think of it..."

After listening to Pan Da Niangzi finish speaking,

Anmei scratched her nose and said: "Why didn't Little Five make a sound this time."

Jiying Lane,

Sheng family,

In the study,

Several explosions of fireworks caused Scholar Zhuang, who was sitting behind the desk, to look outside a few times.

Zhang-ge'er's servant ran quickly to the front of the school, bowed to Scholar Zhuang, and said: "Scholar, there is huge good news!"

Scholar Zhuang smiled: "What good news is there again?"

"Bai Gao has surrendered!"

"Squeak—"

The sound of table legs rubbing against the floor came,

The solid wood desk in front of the scholar moved forward by more than half an inch.

A burst of noisy sounds came from the school one after another.

Gu Tingye, Changbai, Zhang-ge'er, and others stood up one after another.

Scholar Zhuang shouted loudly: "What did you say!"

Changbai walked a few steps quickly, left the school, came to Zhang-ge'er's servant, grabbed his shoulders, and said: "Is what you said true?"

"Scholar, young masters, Bai Gao has surrendered! Listen, this firework sound is to celebrate this!"

Shou'an Hall,

Wang Ruofu was talking to the Old Madam with a full smile about her maiden brother's upcoming promotion.

"Mother, this matter is settled this time!"

"My maiden sister-in-law, the Feng family, also sent someone to tell me that the Cao family also contributed a bit to this matter."

The Old Madam nodded with a smile.

Cui Ruan Cui Mama walked in with hurried steps,

After curtsying, she said: "Old Madam, Da Niangzi, huge good news from the front courtyard! The Bai Gao Kingdom in the Northwest has surrendered!"

The Old Madam's eyebrows shook, and she frowned: "What! This... how is that possible!"

The Old Madam was also a young lady who grew up in a military noble family, so she knew a little about military affairs.

Cui Ruan Cui Mama said: "It's being spread like this outside; these fireworks and firecrackers shouldn't be fake..."

Wang Ruofu was stunned listening to the side.

"It seems it's true!"

After the Old Madam finished speaking, Wang Ruofu to the side said: "Mother, the Marquis previously captured that 'Houqu' land, and later achieved this kind of merit of destroying a nation. Will this title rise a bit!"

The Old Madam said: "Some possibility, but Marquis Tuoxi will definitely be promoted to Xiao Xiao Gongye."

"Mother, then isn't our Hua-er possibly the daughter-in-law of a Xiao Xiao Gongye's family."

The Old Madam pondered for a moment and nodded.

Wang Ruofu grinned, her eyes full of longing, and her breathing quickened!

Then her whole body softened and slid down from the chair.

"Da Niangzi!"

Liu Mama shouted urgently.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 401 =====