Tianliangyuan

Chapter 383 An Unexpected Reward

That evening, after Gu Dongyang returned to his residence, he was informed that a steward named Xu, sent by the Princess of Anle County, had come to request an audience.

Gu Dongyang thought it was Xu Zhuzi, the one who was responsible for running errands for Xu Zhaozhao.

Upon meeting him, he appeared to have a scholarly air about him, and upon listening to his speech, it became clear that he was a cousin of the Princess of Anle County.

Gu Dongyang quickly invited them to sit down and ordered tea to be served.

"I was unaware that Mr. Xu had graced my humble abode with his presence. What guidance do you offer?"

"Don't dare!"

Xu Chuan quickly cupped his hands and said, "I am here on the orders of the county magistrate to deliver something."

What Xu Chuan brought was that abacus.

Half an hour later, Gu Dongyang personally escorted Xu Chuan out, his eyes practically slits from smiling.

Xu Zhaozhao stayed at the Hundred Fruit Garden for three days before returning to the Duke's Mansion. Xie Zheng escorted her to the Brocade Garden and then hurriedly went to the military camp.

Xu Zhaozhao had just sat down when Xie Juan, accompanied by Xie Chan, came over.

Xie Juan looked alright, but she seemed a bit thinner than before.

"Sister-in-law, I've come here today to apologize. I was ignorant before and didn't understand your good intentions. I misunderstood you, so please forgive me."

Xu Zhaozhao smiled and said, "It's not a big deal. You just need to figure out what happened yourself. Liu Bo is now far away from the capital, and you and Liu Bo did not formally discuss marriage back then, so this matter is nothing. Just be careful in the future, especially when you encounter members of the Liu family outside. Be even more cautious in your words and actions."

"Yes, sister-in-law."

Xie Juan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

I've been on tenterhooks these past few days, afraid that my sister-in-law will get angry with me again because of this and never take care of me again.

Xie Juan finally understood that she was just a concubine's daughter, so how could her aunt decide her marriage?

No matter how close the aunt is, she is still just one of the father's concubines. If she were to really arrange her own marriage, with her limited knowledge and connections, what kind of good family could she possibly find?

Most importantly, she is an illegitimate daughter. If her birth mother decides her marriage, she will never be able to hold her head up in the entire social circle again.

Only illegitimate daughters who were disliked by their stepmothers or neglected by their fathers would have their marriages arranged by their birth mothers.

Xie Juan couldn't really go down that path, so she finally realized that she couldn't continue to be depressed. Instead, she should take the initiative to admit her mistakes and try to get everything back on track. At the very least, she should ask her sister-in-law for help with her marriage.

Although Xie Juan hasn't come to Jinxiuyuan in the past few days, she has visited Xie Chan's courtyard several times.

On two separate occasions, my sister-in-law specially sent me gifts.

Everyone in the household knows that Xu Zhaozhao is now in charge of preparing Xie Chan's dowry.

Xie Juan also took the opportunity to glance at the items; Xu Zhaozhao had sent over some really nice things.

From small tea sets and bowls to large vases and ornaments, everything is exquisite.

The key point is that after these things were delivered, they were all locked in a newly vacated warehouse, which is said to contain all the dowry prepared for Xie Chan.

Xie Juan curiously craned her neck to take a look, and wow, it already filled half a room! There must have been dozens of boxes stacked on top of each other!

Xie Juan wasn't stupid. Logically speaking, Jia Shi was just a maid who was promoted to a concubine and only became a mistress after giving birth to a child. Therefore, it was impossible for Jia Shi to prepare any dowry for Xie Juan.

Although Madam Song was born into the Song family, over the years, most of the dowry that Aunt Song brought with her had been spent. Moreover, even if Aunt Song's dowry were still there, it would not be able to compare with what Xie Chan has now.

Xie Juan also saw a set of silver-inlaid teaware, which was not only beautiful but also looked luxurious, clearly belonging to a noblewoman.

Xu Zhaozhao was genuinely willing to bring out good things.

In addition, Xie Juan realized a very serious problem.

Now, Xu Zhaozhao manages all the household expenses of the main branch. Whether it's the monthly allowances for the servants or the food and supplies for each courtyard, everything requires Xu Zhaozhao's approval.

In other words, Xu Zhaozhao is the one she needs to please. Her happiness and marriage for the rest of her life are in Xu Zhaozhao's hands. What else could she possibly be unwilling to accept?

That's why we're in this situation today.

Xu Zhaozhao didn't lecture them much. After giving them a few simple instructions, she sent the sisters to learn from Granny Xu and the others.

Before the two of them could get up, Granny Lin came running over.

"Reporting to the Lady of the Heir Apparent, an imperial decree has been issued, and the Old Madam, the Second Madam, and the Fourth Madam have all been notified to go and welcome the Emperor. The Master and the Second Master are currently in the front hall serving tea to the Emperor."

"Okay, I'll change my clothes and then I'll go."

Xu Zhaozhao is dressed too simply now, lacking the air of a noblewoman. She should change into something more formal to meet the angel.

After Xu Zhaozhao changed, she was accompanied by Shaoyao and Haitang to the front hall. As for Xie Chan and Xie Juan, they followed carefully behind. They dared not show their faces outside and only wanted to hide in a corner to watch the excitement.

"So it's the Grand Steward. I'm late."

The chief steward and Xu Zhaozhao had met before, and after exchanging a few pleasantries, the two inevitably flattered Xu Zhaozhao.

"It's been quite a while since the county princess has been to the palace. His Majesty mentions you every now and then, calling you 'little girl' all the time. He really dotes on you like a child."

The chief steward spoke with tact, only saying that he doted on Princess Anle as if she were a child, but he didn't say that he doted on her as if she were his own child.

The difference between the two is huge.

The key is to avoid giving people the wrong impression.

"Princess, this is a reward that His Majesty specially ordered this old servant to deliver. In addition, His Majesty is grateful for your contributions, so he specially ordered the Ministry of Works to make a golden abacus. Please take a look!"

As the head steward spoke, he lifted the red silk covering a tray, revealing a gleaming golden abacus, even the frame of which was gilded.

Wow, this really does have a kind of nouveau riche gold feel to it.

"Your Majesty, I thank you. I would like to ask the Grand Steward to express my gratitude on my behalf."

"Hehe, Princess, don't worry, His Majesty and the Empress still have decrees."

In addition to some material rewards, Emperor Yong'an increased Xu Zhaozhao's fief to 1,200 households and also bestowed upon her 20 guards.

The ceremonial procession for the county magistrate is governed by regulations.

Xu Zhaozhao rarely uses it when she goes out.

She doesn't need it, but she can't live without it.

Now His Majesty has specially bestowed twenty guards upon her, which demonstrates His Majesty's high regard for her.

Of course, most importantly, the Empress actually issued an edict to bestow official positions upon four female officials, which is absolutely unprecedented.

First of all, Xu Zhaozhao is not a princess of the royal family, so according to the law, she does not need to be accompanied by these female officials or maids.

If the Empress directly sends four female officials over, it will inevitably be suspected that they are there to monitor Xu Zhaozhao.

Therefore, the Empress directly bestowed official titles upon the people around Xu Zhaozhao, which was truly unique!