Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 809 I hardened my heart, and... [Thank you! Thank you again! 6k words owed]

Minglan listened to the old lady's words,

He could clearly see the worry in the old man's eyes.

So Minglan quickly reassured her, "Grandmother, don't worry, I understand."

"The Chai family's elder sister comes from an extremely prominent family, and the Rong family's daughter's older sister is also a prince's aunt!"

"Once my granddaughter enters the Xu family, she will naturally follow the rules and know her place. She will never be jealous or cause trouble for the Xu and Sheng families."

"If it wasn't like that before"

Upon hearing this, the old lady touched Minglan's cheek tenderly.

Seeing Minglan's determined gaze, the old lady said, "Ming'er, it is right to be law-abiding and cautious in your words and actions."

As she spoke, the old lady pursed her lips somewhat angrily: "But it was Xu Zaijing who caused you this trouble! Just for this one matter, he owes his great-aunt a debt of gratitude!"

"after."

The old lady paused for a moment, then shook her head and didn't continue speaking.

Minglan's star-like eyes immediately understood why the old lady hadn't continued speaking after seeing her expression: she was getting old.

As the play says: "I'm wearing shoes and socks today, but I don't know if I'll wear them tomorrow."

Minglan, who understood the old lady's thoughts, suddenly felt her nose tingle and her eyes well up with tears.

The old lady in front of me truly cherishes her.

"grandmother."

The old lady helped Minglan wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes, took a deep breath, and said:

"Ming'er, although our Sheng family's social standing can't compare to the other two families, your eldest sister Hua Lan is your sister-in-law, and also the sister-in-law of the other two families!"

"In the future, your second brother Changbai will marry a noblewoman from the Hai family. Our Sheng family is no ordinary family either."

"So, it's right for you to behave yourself in the future, but you can't just swallow everything in order not to cause trouble for the Sheng family."

"Do you remember it?"

"Ah."

After Minglan nodded, she slowly lay down on the old lady's lap.

Smelling the delicate fragrance emanating from her grandmother, Minglan softly called out, "Grandmother."

After the old lady responded, she gently stroked Minglan's back, but her gaze was directed towards Jin Anzhai.

Wei Rui Xuan
Rulan held a half-eaten plum in her hand, staring dumbfounded at the magpie in front of her: "You mean, Sixth Sister is going to marry Fifth Brother Xu?"

"Yes, young lady, I heard it from Granny Liu myself!"

Upon hearing this, Rulan looked away blankly, lost in thought.

suddenly,

"despair."

Perhaps she was too engrossed in thinking, because Rulan loosened her grip and the plum in her hand fell onto the table.

This jolted Rulan awake, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "Good heavens! Does that mean this girl will become a concubine in the Prince's mansion?"

"Yes, young lady," the magpie replied after picking up the plum that had rolled to the ground.

After thinking for a while, Rulan frowned and looked at the magpie, saying, "If I see her in the future, should I greet her?"

Magpie pondered for a moment, then said with difficulty, "Miss, it's likely to be like this in the future. The Sixth Miss is betrothed by His Majesty and is also a concubine of the Prince's mansion. After the ceremony, she will most likely be granted the title of a third-rank noblewoman."

Seeing Rulan pursing her lips, Magpie continued, "But the Wang family has been officials for generations. If you endure for a few years, you will surely receive an imperial title."

"In that case, you won't be able to perform the rituals for many more years."

"Okay, okay, stop talking! The more you talk, the more upset I get."

Upon hearing this, the magpie quickly bowed and shut its mouth.

Rulan was quiet for a while, then picked up a whole apricot and said wistfully, "Magpie, do you think if I had gone to Grandmother's house and been raised by her like my eldest sister, would there have been no Sixth Sister?"

Before the magpie with its pursed lips could speak...
Voices could be heard coming from the doorway.
Soon, Wang Ruofu came in with Liu's mother.
Seeing Rulan about to eat apricots, Wang Ruofu pointed at her sharply with his fan.

Rulan straightened up after being struck by Wang Ruofu's 'void guidance', and said nonchalantly, "Mother, why did you point at me like that?"

Wang Ruofu sat down dejectedly and said, "Back then, if you hadn't been so scared of going to the old lady's room, I might have hardened my heart and sent you there."

"If that were the case, Ming'er wouldn't have had a chance today!"

"I, I—" Rulan said, her neck stiffening.

Wang Ruofu glared: "What do you mean, 'you'?"

"Didn't I learn it from you?" Before Rulan could finish speaking, she quickly stood up and dodged Wang Ruofu's 'clutch'.

After seeing the reproachful look in Liu's mother's eyes, Rulan, who had hidden to the side, pursed her lips somewhat embarrassedly.

Then, Liu's mother gently advised, "Madam, it's no use regretting it now!"

"Speaking of which, both of our daughters are illegitimate daughters, and our fourth daughter is the eldest. If we were to ask the lord to recommend one, what do you think?"

"It's better for this matter to fall on the Sixth Miss than on the Fourth Miss. If that's true."

Hearing Liu Mama's assumptions about the 'worst-case scenario,' Wang Ruofu felt much more relaxed and nodded, saying, "That's true. Speaking of which, Wei Shuyi only entered the Sheng family because of the Wang family."

Seeing Wang Ruofu's expression, Rulan handed her a fruit platter filled with plums, smiling obsequiously, "Mother, what do you think Linxi Pavilion's expression will be when they find out about this?"

Upon hearing this,
After imagining it for a while, Wang Ruofu couldn't help but laugh: "That little bitch Lin Qinshuang, she's probably going to vomit blood!"

As she spoke, Wang Ruofu picked up a plum from the fruit plate that Rulan had offered: "Just now, when I saw the lord off, I saw that the people from Linxi Pavilion still wanted to ask him to leave. Dream on!"

"My lord must go to Jin An Zhai today."

“What you say is true, madam.”

Jin Anzhai
inside the house,

By the bright window,

A long table was placed under the windowsill.

On the long table were green plants planted in flowerpots.

In the breeze,
The leaves of the green plant trembled slightly.

Wei Shuyi sat blankly in front of the embroidery frame by the window, two strands of hair at her temples fluttering gently in the breeze.

Because she was near the window, Wei Shuyi could hear laughter and chatter coming from the courtyard gate.

"Sister Qiujiang, if there's anything you need in the future, just tell us what to do. We can't let you get tired."

"Sister, what are you saying! We are all just servants."

After news about Minglan spread, the chatter outside Jin'anzhai never stopped.

After calming herself down, Wei Shuyi picked up a fine needle and prepared to continue embroidering.

Under the influence of his father, Wei Shuyi read many books from a young age and became quite knowledgeable.

They naturally understood that Xu Zaijing was already a prince at a young age, and that his future prospects would surely be one of high rank and immense wealth.

Now everyone with discerning eyes knows that the Great Zhou Dynasty is going to reclaim Yan and Yun, and Xu Zaijing, with his literary and military talents, will have plenty of opportunities to make contributions in the future.

Xu Zaijing's title had already risen to the highest possible level, and the court's reward method was nine times out of ten to grant titles to his wife and children. However, the principal wife of the Prince of the County was already a first-rank official!
When Minglan was raised by the old lady, Wei Shuyi was very at ease, knowing that his daughter would definitely have a bright future.

But this future is too good; Wei Shuyi never dared to imagine it before.

"Qilang, why are you back?"

"This servant greets Seventh Master."

"Shichiro is well."

Hearing the surprised voices and greetings outside the window, Wei Shuyi frowned and stood up.

As soon as Wei Shuyi arrived at the gate, he saw Nagamaki carrying a book box into the courtyard.

"Little girl."

Wei Shuyi smiled, nodded, and waved.

After Nagamaki entered the house, Wei Shuyi frowned and said, "It's not time to get out of school yet, why are you back?"

“Young lady, it was Scholar Zhuang who knew something was wrong at home, so he sent my third brother and me back together.”

After Nagamaki finished speaking, Wei Shuyi's brows remained furrowed: "After you get home, can you go and pay your respects to your grandmother?"

“I went there. My grandmother said a few words to my third brother and me, and then she asked me to come over.”

"Have you seen your sister?" Nagamaki shook her head: "I haven't seen my sister. Little sister, what happened to her?"

Wei Shuyi took the long-handled book box and said slowly, "His Majesty's words are law. Your sister has been betrothed to a prince."

Upon hearing this, Nagamaki was surprised for a moment but quickly regained her composure and nodded, saying, "To be a concubine?"

"Correct."

"No wonder."

Upon hearing this, Wei Shuyi looked at his son in confusion: "Zhen'er, what's so strange?"

“Young lady, when my son was studying at the academy, because his desk was not far from Zhuang Xuejiu’s, he saw quite a few things.”

Seeing Wei Shuyi's puzzled look, Nagamaki continued, "Young Master Qi often peeks at my sister, and sometimes my sister will glance at Brother Xu Wu a few more times."

Wei Shuyi nodded slowly, but didn't blame Minglan much, just nodded gently.

After all, although Minglan had developed feelings for Xu Zaijing since Yangzhou, she had not done anything out of line.

Besides, it's only natural to admire such an outstanding person.

Then, Wei Shuyi placed his hand on Nagamaki's neck, and his slightly calloused thumb touched Nagamaki's cheek.

"Maki'er, from now on your sister will be a concubine in the Prince's mansion."

Before he could finish speaking, Nagamaki nodded emphatically: "Mother, I understand. I will study hard from now on, hoping to become a source of strength for you in your husband's family."

Upon hearing this, Wei Shuyi smiled and nodded, saying, "That's a very good point! But—I'm thinking about the two noble ladies' act of kindness at Yuqing Temple before, so I don't think there's anything wrong with it."

“I hope so,” Nagamaki replied.

"My lady, the lord has arrived!"

Outside, the maid's voice could be heard.

"Hehe, please forgive me—"

Sheng Hong's incredibly gentle and kind voice came through.

Nagamaki and Wei Shuyi went out together to greet him.

"Father."

Looking at Nagamaki bowing respectfully, Sheng Hong's smile deepened: "Dinner tonight, Nagamaki, you sit to the side. Your father is going to test you a little."

"Yes, Father," Nagamaki replied confidently.

"Good child." In a very good mood, Sheng Hong looked at Wei Shuyi and smiled, "Shuyi, let's go inside! This child is destined for good fortune."

The next day.

East of the imperial city, along the moat.

The second gate of the Chai family

A magnificent carriage slowly came to a stop not far in front of Chai Zhengzheng.

As the well-dressed Mama Fan stepped out of the carriage, she saw Chai Zhengzheng walking towards the carriage with a smile on his face.

"Meet the girl."

"You're too kind, Madam Fan."

As Chai Zhengzheng was speaking, she saw Fifth Sister, who should be addressed as Madam Zhang, emerge from the carriage.

"My dear aunt, you'd better slow down!"

Hearing Chai Zhengzheng's words, Madam Zhang waved her hand and said, "Go away, go away, who are you calling 'Grandma'! You're making me feel old!"

"If I don't call you 'Grandma,' I can't find a better way to describe your willfulness," Chai Zhengzheng said angrily as she helped her friend down from the carriage.

As Zhang Da Niangzi stepped down from the carriage, she helped up Chai Zhengzheng, who had a stern face, and said, "Alright, alright, it was my fault, isn't it?"

Chai Zhengzheng ignored her and instead smiled at the personal servant accompanying her in her dowry: "Mama Fan, have you brought everything I asked you to bring?"

"Don't worry, Miss Zhengzheng, I've brought everything."

"it is good."

Madam Zhang looked at Chai Zhengzheng helplessly: "Can't I even have a sip of water from your house?"

Chai Zhengzheng carefully helped Zhang Da Niangzi up, then pursed his lips without saying a word.

Madam Fan bowed and said, "Miss, the Duchess and Madam Zheng both asked me to thank you. My young lady is really willful and a very lively person."

"You're too kind, Madam Fan," Chai Zhengzheng said with a smile and a nod.

Madam Zhang curled her lip, "If I were to ride in a carriage and walk just a few steps, this baby in my belly would..."

Before she could finish speaking, Zhang Da Niangzi's mouth was covered by Chai Zhengzheng's hand in a moment of panic.

"Uh huh"

"Grandma, could you please say less?" Chai Zhengzheng asked Zhang Da Niangzi helplessly.

"Hmm!" Madam Zhang nodded.

Chai Zhengzheng then let go of her hand.

Madam Zhang leaned forward and brought her nose close to Chai Zhengzheng's hand, which had moved away from her cheek.

"Hiss, Zhengzheng, your little hands smell so good!" Hearing Zhang Da Niangzi's words, Chai Zhengzheng rolled her eyes helplessly.

"Let's go see Madam Chai."

As she spoke, Madam Zhang took Chai Zhengzheng's arm and walked into the courtyard.

After meeting Madam Chai and Chai Zhengzheng's two sisters-in-law
Madam Zhang then went to Qiusheng Garden with Chai Zhengzheng.

Once inside the house,
After settling into a very stable chair, Madam Zhang excitedly whispered, "Zhengzheng, is the concubine next to Fifth Brother Xu really the Sixth Sister of the Sheng family?"

After giving her daughter a reproachful look, Madam Fan said apologetically to Chai Zhengzheng, "Zhengzheng, this is my mistress."

Chai Zhengzheng waved to Fan's mother: "It's alright."

He then looked at his friend beside him and nodded, saying, "Yes! News came from the palace yesterday."

Upon hearing this, Madam Zhang observed Chai Zhengzheng's expression and said, "I really didn't expect that the three of you would end up marrying into the same family."

Chai Zhengzheng smiled, nodded, and then looked away, sighing, "I never expected so many things to happen at Jinming Pond and in the palace!"

Madam Zhang: "Yes! I heard about what happened at Jinming Pond when I was in the manor before, and I thought someone was just making things up to scare me."

"As a result, if it weren't for Brother Xu Wu's heroic efforts, our Great Zhou would have truly undergone a great upheaval."

Looking at Chai Zhengzheng who nodded, Madam Zhang continued, "I knew Brother Xu when I was a child. I knew he would achieve great things, but no matter how hard I thought about it, I never imagined that he would become a prince of a different surname."

"What a terrible coincidence!"

Upon hearing this, Chai Zhengzheng teased, "What, are you regretting marrying into the Zheng family?"

"Get out of here! What nonsense are you spouting! It's only because my husband isn't in the capital that he might be granted a title. If he were, he might even be granted one!"

After Zhang Da Niangzi finished speaking, she looked at Chai Zhengzheng, who was shaking his head, and said, "What, you don't agree?"

Chai Zhengzheng laughed and said, "Sister Zhang, when you were in the palace as a child, when Bai Gao and the Northern Liao royal family were provoking each other, Zheng Erge didn't get to witness it, did he?"

"Hmm." Madam Zhang nodded, and before Chai Zhengzheng could continue speaking, she waved her hand and said, "Alright, I know what you're going to say next! My husband just had bad luck."

Seeing his friend looking somewhat dejected, Chai Zhengzheng quickly said, "But in the future, Brother Zheng will surely make great contributions."

Madam Zhang smiled upon hearing this: "My mother said that the wedding dates for the three of you are a bit tight. If you need any help from my family, please don't hesitate to ask."

Chai Zhengzheng nodded with relief: "Don't worry."

Quyuan Street,
On behalf of the Duke's Mansion,

backyard,

Mother Dan carried the tray to Madam Sun and asked, "Madam, what do you think of this set of jewelry?"

After examining the quality, Madam Sun nodded slightly: "As expected of the craftsmanship of the Li family's jewelry shop, it's much better than what I've seen before."

Dan's mother nodded with a smile: "Fortunately, we have relatives like the Lu family."

"Alright, let's make two more sets like this. As for the differences between the three sets, let the Li family's master craftsman decide. We'll offer the highest possible fee."

"Yes, ma'am."

After saying that, Madam Sun looked at her two daughters-in-law sitting to the side and said with a smile, "You two shouldn't mind."

"How could that be, Mother?" Xie and Hualan said with a smile.

(End of this chapter)