Tang Bojun simply nodded slightly and said in as calm a tone as possible, "Oh, so it was a gift from the Yu family. That's good. Your Uncle Tan should send him two jars to shut him up. Mu Bai should be able to go to school in a few days, so it's only right to send some to Old Master Zheng. As for the rest, I'll keep them for now."

Although he tried to make his tone sound like he was reluctantly accepting, the slight upturn of his lips and the way he couldn't help but glance at the wine jar again revealed his true feelings.

Tang Wan found her father's expression amusing, but she didn't point it out. She simply replied obediently, "Father is right. Wine is good, but it should be consumed in moderation. Then I won't bother you any longer."

"Okay, go ahead." Tang Bojun waved his hand, his gaze sweeping back over the wine jars.

Tang Wan bowed and turned to leave the study.

A smile curved her lips as she walked happily toward her house.

If this wine can make my father so happy, then it was a worthwhile gift.

As for Uncle Tan, Father can send it whenever he wants; after all, the wine has been retrieved, and his task has been completed.

Tang Wan went straight back to the house. As soon as she lifted the curtain, she saw her older sister, Tang Jing, sitting on an embroidery stool by the window, doing needlework.

Hearing footsteps, Tang Jing looked up and saw that it was her younger sister returning. She smiled gently and asked, "Wan'er is back."

"Yes, you're back!" Tang Wan said with a smile as she walked over.

Tang Wan sat down naturally next to her sister, looking at the embroidered handkerchief in her sister's hand. Suddenly remembering something, she asked, "Elder sister, how's the little fox doll you made for Miss Huang Xiaoying last time coming along? Is it finished?"

Upon hearing this, Tang Jing put down her needlework and replied in a relaxed tone, "It's already finished. I thought you were busy, so I didn't bother to show it to you. Wait here, I'll go get it for you to see right now."

As she spoke, she got up and walked towards the wardrobe in the inner room.

A moment later, Tang Jing returned with an exquisitely crafted and adorable little fox plush toy, handing it to Tang Wan: "Here, take a look, is it alright?"

Tang Wan took it and examined it carefully.

The little fox doll was incredibly lifelike, with fine and even stitches. It looked exceptionally playful, and its body was filled with soft, apricot-colored cotton fabric that felt pleasant to the touch.

Whether it's the materials, the workmanship, or the expression, it far surpasses the dolls I saw before I traveled through time, which shows how skillful and dedicated my sister is.

Tang Wan couldn't help but exclaim, "It's so exquisite! So cute! Xiaoying will absolutely love it when she sees it! Eldest sister, your craftsmanship is truly impeccable!"

Receiving her sister's praise, Tang Jing smiled happily and said, "I'm glad you like it. I made it based on your design."

In the northern desert, it seems that only her needlework skills are somewhat useful.

Other arts like playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting are of absolutely no use.

Tang Wan carefully handed the doll back to her sister: "It's more than just liking it, it's absolutely wonderful. In a few days, when you take Mu Bai to the prefectural capital, you can also send one to Huang Ying. She'll definitely be happy."

"Hmm," Tang Jing nodded, took the doll, and carefully smoothed out any non-existent wrinkles. "As long as it makes the child happy."

The two sisters chatted for a while while looking at the dolls, and then it was time for dinner.

……

Time flies, and some days have passed in the blink of an eye.

Tang Wan was busy with household chores, shops, workshops, and her workspace every day, which, though trivial, was fulfilling.

Tang Mubai, the younger brother, has been resting at home for some time and has fully recovered both physically and mentally.

He felt that he had fallen behind in his studies, so he asked his parents if he could return to the Zheng family home as soon as possible to continue his studies.

Tang Bojun and Wang Shi were relieved to see that their son was indeed unharmed and eager to learn. They knew that although their son insisted on self-study, he ultimately felt that it was not as thorough as the guidance of a teacher, so they agreed. However, after the previous accident, they were still a little worried and finally decided that Tang Wan would personally escort her younger brother to the Zheng family residence in the prefecture.

Tang Wan had the same idea and readily agreed.

She thought this would be a good opportunity to send the little fox doll to Huang Jiaxiaoying.

In addition, she prepared several gifts: two jars of the finest "Yubing Shao" liquor from the Yu family's winery, some homemade cured chicken and dried rabbit meat, and several jars of canned peaches in syrup.

These were gifts presented to the Zheng family and the old lady as a token of their goodwill.

The next morning, Tang Wan and her brother Tang Mubai traveled to the Zheng residence by carriage.

Upon arriving at the gate of the Zheng residence, a gatekeeper was already there to announce our arrival.

Before long, the Zheng family's steward came out with a smile, clearly having received instructions: "Second Miss Tang, Young Master Tang, please come in! Master is in his study and instructed that Young Master Tang has arrived, so please go directly in."

Tang Wan first had Ding Li and the servants of the Zheng family unload the gifts, such as wine, preserved meat, and canned goods, that she had brought to the Zheng family and handed them over to the Zheng family's steward to be stored in the storeroom. She also conveyed her greetings to Old Master Zheng on their behalf.

After seeing her younger brother off, Tang Wan, led by a maid, went to the inner courtyard to pay her respects to the old lady and Madam Huang.

When Tang Wan came, Huang Ying was also called over.

Huang Ying was naturally overjoyed to receive the gift.

Tang Wan sat for a while, then said she had something to take care of and got up to leave.

When Mrs. Zheng heard this, she did not insist on keeping him.

Tang Wan wasn't exaggerating; she hadn't been to a rouge shop in a long time.

Counting the days, it's time to settle the accounts.

I thought I'd come and take a look at the shop.

Tang Wan arrived at the rouge shop; there weren't many people there in the morning.

After inquiring about the shop's recent situation, Tang Wan instructed Zhu Xi: "Bring out the shop's account books for the past month; it's time to settle the accounts."

"Yes, Miss!" Zhu Xi took the account book, then went to make tea for Tang Wan and brought it over before standing beside Tang Wan to wait.

"Go ahead and do your thing! Don't worry about me, I'll contact you if I need anything!" Tang Wan said slowly to Zhu Xi.

Upon hearing this, Zhuxi bowed and took his leave.

In the afternoon, Tang Wan had just finished calculating the accounts of the rouge shop for nearly a month and was about to take a break when a familiar voice came to her mind.

"Master! Are you there?" Er Ya's voice was noticeably lighter than usual.

"I'm here? What's up?" Tang Wan asked calmly.

Er Ya's voice was filled with excitement, and Tang Wan could imagine her joy: "Great news! The Southern Desert Royal Court couldn't hold on any longer! They've submitted their surrender document and decided to negotiate peace! In a few days, the War King will escort the Southern Desert delegation to the capital!"

Tang Wan's fingers tightened suddenly as she gripped the ledger, and her heart skipped a beat!
Peace talks!

Escort the envoy to the capital!
This means that the months-long war in the southern desert is finally coming to an end with a great victory for the Celestial Empire!
This also means that the War King is about to escape the perilous battlefield.

Although escorting the envoy to the capital was a long journey, it was much safer than the bloodshed on the battlefield!
"That's wonderful, that's really wonderful!" Tang Wan couldn't help but murmur. (End of Chapter)

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