Chapter 76: Very Much Like Wang Wang Ruofu and Having a Child [Many Thanks for Reader Support

Having left the courtyard of Old Lady Hu Yan.

Pan Da Da Niangzi walked briskly back to the courtyard where the Fifth Branch resided.

She took a deep breath, very much in the manner of Wang Wang Ruofu.

This recent encounter rivaled the satisfaction of Wang Wang Ruofu 'taking down' Lin Lin Qinshuang.

Her face full of triumph, she leaned on her personal maid's arm and said:

"I have been married into the Hu Yan family for decades, yet today is when I have finally felt most vindicated; excellent, excellent, excellent—heat up a pot of lamb wine for me so I may enjoy myself."

Her personal maid also smiled and said:

"Da Da Niangzi, it seems our Jiong-ge'er has excellent judgment; before even entering the household, he has allowed you to vent such a great grievance."

"Indeed, indeed; in a few days, prepare a generous gift, for I must personally visit the Xu family to properly see my future daughter-in-law."

When Hu Seeing Hu Yanjiong received his mother's instruction to go to the Xu family by her command, he was overjoyed.

The horse beneath him also sensed its master's mood, trotting lightly in the cool evening breeze.

The streets on both sides were filled with candlelight, so the road was not very dark.

Upon arriving at the main gate of the Xu family, however, he was turned away.

Everyone, regardless of their family, was blocked outside the gate.

A steward of the Xu family stood at the entrance, apologizing with a respectful attitude, stating only that they had not yet received an imperial decree from the palace and thus could not receive guests at present.

This left Hu Seeing Hu Yanjiong somewhat disappointed, as he had thought there might be a chance to see Xu Anmei tonight.

Servants sent by other families, such as the Qi family, the Liang family, and the Sun family, were also unable to enter.

They could only return to their respective households and report the truth.

In the palace, upon hearing the report from the Imperial City Bureau, the Emperor nodded and muttered to himself: "A loyal and steadfast one."

Regarding the events that took place today in the Empress's hall, aside from the imperial physicians, the mother and son of the Xu family, and a few palace attendants, very few people knew.

While reviewing the secret reports from the Imperial City Bureau concerning the Xu family, the Emperor saw a piece of information stating: 'Deng Shi of the Xu Fu farm has cultivated a new foreign grain called maize'; the Emperor tapped his finger, picked up this secret report, and handed it to his personal inner official.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The next day,

The palace sent a junior inner official to proclaim the edict and deliver the formal robes of noble rank; after proclaiming the edict, he spoke privately with Sun Shi.

Sun Shi now understood the situation; she called Xu Xu Zaijing to the main lady's courtyard, and after the mother and son discussed it, they comprehended the imperial family's intentions.

Regarding the matters of the palace, the two did not tell the rest of the Xu family, which was also a form of protection.

Thus, henceforth the official story for outsiders would be that they were rewarded due to the matter of the new grain, covering up the incident involving the Imperial Prince.

On the third day, Xu Xu Zaijing received Hu Seeing Hu Yanjiong, who had come to inquire, and explained the situation to him according to their agreed-upon story.

"My family also has considerable farmland in Jingdong East Circuit; at that time, I will need to borrow some seeds from you, Brother Jing."

Xu Xu Zaijing's expression stalled; what did he mean by borrowing some seeds from him? What kind of talk was that?

"When the time comes, you may simply send experienced farmers from your household; I will have Uncle Deng speak with them. Maize seeds are naturally no problem."

"Then I thank you in advance, Brother Jing. Also, tomorrow my mother intends to visit the Xu family; please trouble yourself to convey this to Sun Da Da Niangzi."

"Very well."

Upon receiving the news, the noble families of Bianjing, to varying degrees, all expressed their regards to the Xu family and also came to request these so-called new grain seeds.

However, the planted maize had not yet been harvested; that would have to wait until autumn.

On this day, Pan Da Da Niangzi brought thick gifts to the Xu family: a box of southern pearls, a pair of exquisite ivory tusks, six exquisite rhinoceros horns, furs from the bitter cold regions of the north, and several pieces of finely crafted jewelry.

Of course, the majority consisted of exquisite silks and satins from various regions.

Seeing the quantity of gifts, Sun Shi hurriedly tried to refuse, but Pan Da Da Niangzi forcibly had them carried into the main lady's courtyard.

Pan Da Da Niangzi said: "These are nothing; they are merely belated birthday gifts from an elder to Xu Pingmei and Xu Anmei."

Seeing that Pan Shi's attitude was so firm, and that refusing would only create unpleasantness, Sun Shi could only accept them into the household.

She called the two sisters out to chat with Pan Da Da Niangzi; as they chatted, Pan Da Da Niangzi gifted two more pearl hairpins.

Finally, Sun Shi hurriedly had the sisters return to their own courtyard and said to Pan Shi: "Sister, if you continue like this, I dare not let you visit again next time."

Only then did Pan Shi's actions cease.

Looking at Sun Shi, Pan Da Da Niangzi sighed and said: "I was somewhat rash; please do not blame me, sister."

Sun Shi said: "How could I? You are simply showing love for the younger generation, but these gifts are truly too valuable."

"With your family receiving this reward, after so many years, I have finally been able to hold my head high within my in-laws' family! This Xu Anmei is truly wonderful, and you, sister, are even better."

Sun Shi felt somewhat embarrassed.

Afterwards, Pan Da Da Niangzi sighed melancholically.

"By the way, has there been any progress regarding your son Zhang-ge'er's marriage?"

"Let us wait until next year to discuss it; after all, he still needs to take the imperial examinations."

"Is Xu Pingmei's matter happening this year?"

"Yes; once Gu Gu Dalang completes the autumn examinations, regardless of the result, the two children will first establish their household."

"At that time, I will definitely prepare a grand congratulatory gift."

Xu Xu Zaijing placed the token bestowed by the Empress in a safe location and did not carry it on his person, as it was simply too valuable.

Facing the scorching summer sun, Xu Xu Zaijing arrived at the stables.

Inside the stables, besides the scent of fodder, there was also the foul smell of horse manure.

Two hunting dogs, seeing Xu Xu Zaijing approach, happily wagged their tails.

Having not needed to sleep outdoors or brave the elements at the Xu family for these past few years, Xu Xu Zaijing's master had become slightly plump.

"Why have you come at this hour?" the groom asked while inspecting the roof of the stable.

"Master, I heard from the household steward that the second young lady of the Dongchang Marquis's household has been betrothed as a continuing wife to the legitimate fourth son of the Anguo Duke's family, with the wedding to take place in two months," Xu Zaijing said, exchanging a glance with Brother Qingyun.

The stablehand didn't even pause in his movements as he said, "Do you really need to come tell me this personally? My fate with that Miss ended long ago."

Finishing his words, the stablehand turned his head to look at Xu Xu Zaijing and said, "Go do whatever you're supposed to be doing; don't just stand here feeding the mosquitoes."

"Yes, Master."

"Also, your father has been promoted to a Forbidden Army general, a fourth-rank general; you must keep a low profile while you are out."

"Yes, Master; I am going to the academy now."

"Mm, go ahead."

After Xu Xu Zaijing had walked far away, the stablehand scratched the hunting dog's head and said, "If she doesn't marry, is she waiting for a cripple like me? It's good that she married, good that she married."

Walking away, Xu Xu Zaijing asked Brother Brother Qingyun, "Do you believe my master has truly let this go?"

"I do."

Seeing the expression on Xu Xu Zaijing's face, Brother Brother Qingyun said, "I am now the only bloodline left in this branch of the Yin family."

Xu Xu Zaijing paused slightly and said:

"I understand."

'I must find you a wife as soon as possible,' Xu Xu Zaijing thought secretly.

Arriving at the outer courtyard, the two saw a carriage enter through the second gate; Sun Shi, her face beaming with joy, was bustling around an old woman as they walked into the courtyard.

Seeing Seeing Seeing Qingcao, who had been borrowed to serve the main lady's courtyard and was currently attending to Sun Shi while directing the coachman to park the carriage, Xu Xu Zaijing waved his hand.

Seeing Seeing Qingcao quickened her pace, ran a few steps to stand before Xu Xu Zaijing, squatted to perform a bow, and said, "Young Master, what are your orders?"

"Whose carriage is this?"

"Replying to the Young Master, it belongs to the He family; I heard from Sister Xiaozhu that their family holds the position of Chief Imperial Physician. Long ago, this Lady even took the pulse of the eldest lady of the Wu family."

"Is Mother unwell?"

"No, she said they have come to visit our family."

A thought stirred in Xu Xu Zaijing's heart: Chief Imperial Physician, surname He—could this be that holy hand of medicine, the son-bearer, the destroyer of concubines and illegitimate children, the best friend of Old Lady Sheng, Old Lady He?

What is she doing at our residence? Could it be concerning Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law?

Could it be that I am soon to have a nephew?

Thinking these thoughts, Xu Xu Zaijing went to the schoolroom.

Nighttime.

Yang Zhou.

In the Sheng family, residence of the Assistant Prefect, within a dimly lit separate courtyard,

under the candlelight,

Sister Sister Xiaodie and Xiao Xiao Xiaotao were fanning themselves with fans.

Minglan, counted as seven years old, was practicing pitch-pot under the guidance of her mother, Wei Shuyi.

Fanning herself with a fan, Sister Sister Xiaodie said from the side, "Wei Wei Xiaoniang, the Sixth Miss is truly remarkable; so young yet she can tie with you."

Wei Wei Shuyi smiled and shook her head, saying, "If only she were this skilled in literary studies and women's needlework as well—ugh."

Taking the water bowl handed to her by Sister Sister Xiaodie to rinse her mouth, Wei Wei Shuyi had already dry-heaved several times; calculating the days since she had been with her lord, Wei Wei Shuyi now knew the truth in her heart.

"Wei Wei Xiaoniang, are you with child?" Sister Sister Xiaodie asked, her face revealing joy.

Wei Wei Shuyi nodded.

"It is a pity that the Lord was summoned to Bianjing due to his excellent administrative achievements; otherwise, knowing this news, he would surely be delighted."

"Yes, he would surely be delighted, but there are some who will not be happy."

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(End of Chapter)