Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 840 Squeaky Rules for Talented Individuals [Thank you! Bow again! 6k chapters owed]

evening.

Northeast of the inner city

Guangfufang
The Prince of Wei's Mansion
A gatekeeper was hanging two lanterns at the main gate.

The lit lanterns cast shadows on the pair of enormous stone lions crouching on either side of the gate.

After hanging the lanterns, the servant walked to the stone lion and looked in the direction from which the commotion was faintly coming from. The situation around the Prince's mansion unfolded in the servant's mind.

If you walk south from this Prince's Mansion, you only need to cross a canal to reach the famous Fanlou restaurant in the capital.

You don't have to go far to the west to reach Zhengdian Yanglou, and from Yanglou you can go south to Donghuamenwai Street.

Walking straight from the main gate into the Prince's Mansion, and reaching the northernmost part of the courtyard, you can go upstairs and see the beautifully landscaped royal garden.

Thinking about the vast area of ​​the Prince's Mansion, which was still under construction behind the gate, the servant shook his head in amazement and walked back inside the gate.

at this time,

Lanterns were also lit up under many of the corridors in the Prince's Mansion.

One of the courtyards was the main kitchen of the Prince's residence.
The lanterns and the firelight from the stove illuminated the cook inside the kitchen, sweating profusely, and the maids waiting at the door with food boxes in their hands.

Every now and then, large pots would be lifted, and white steam would rise outwards along the newly painted door frame.

Occasionally, the sizzling sound of oil being heated and stir-fried vegetables could be heard, and the enticing aroma quickly wafted outside the kitchen, making the maids swallow their saliva.

"Tap tap tap!" The sound of the spatula hitting the iron pot rang out, and the fragrant meat and vegetables were shoved into the porcelain dish by the spatula.

"Come in! All the dishes for Consort Rong's courtyard are ready!" the cook called out.

"Yes, it's here!" a maidservant responded, handing in the food box.

After the food was packed into boxes, the food containers were handed out.

As the maid carried the food box toward the courtyard gate, three more maids carrying various fruits and drinks followed behind.

After leaving the kitchen yard,

The maids passed through the doorways and corridors.
After walking for a while, they finally arrived at a rather large side courtyard.

In the courtyard, illuminated by the candlelight inside the house, one can see lush greenery, with plants that repel mosquitoes emitting a faint fragrance.

On the windowsill and doorway, which were covered with thin gauze, there were red dots lit up – those were mosquito repellent incense sticks that had been burned.

The maids went to the front of the main room, filed in, and came out a moment later with empty food boxes and trays.

Because of the ice chests placed around the room, it wasn't very hot inside.

After bathing and changing her clothes, Rong Feiyan lifted the beaded curtain and walked around the screen to this place, where she even felt a little cool.

Looking at the empty table, Rong Feiyan looked at Ningxiang, who was standing beside her, with a puzzled expression.

Ningxiang looked to the side.

After taking a few steps, Rong Feiyan saw Xu Zaijing standing by the wall, rubbing his bent arm.

"Officer."

"Hmm?" Xu Zaijing turned his head and looked at Rong Feiyan.

Looking at Rong Feiyan, who looked stunning after her bath, Xu Zaijing couldn't help but smile.

Seeing Rong Feiyan's gaze fixed on the bow arm in his hand, Xu Zaijing smiled and said, "It looks vaguely familiar. Why didn't I see it on Quyuan Street before?"

Rong Feiyan pursed her lips: "My lord, we only got married recently on Quyuan Street, how could I possibly hang it up?"

Xu Zaijing smiled, put the bow back in its original position, glanced at the wide-mouthed porcelain cup on the table next to him, and then walked over to the table and sat down.

Seeing Rong Feiyan still standing, Xu Zaijing smiled and said, "You sit down too."

Rong Feiyan: "Me"

"Well?"

"Yes."

As Rong Feiyan sat down, Xu Zaijing waved to Xibu and Ningxiang, "You may leave."

Seeing Rong Feiyan nod slightly, the two of them retreated behind the screen.

Rong Feiyan habitually rolled up her sleeves, preparing to pick up the wine pot and pour Xu Zaijing a cup of wine.

But as soon as she reached out, she found that the wine pot was already in Xu Zaijing's hand.

Then, Xu Zaijing tilted the wine pot in his hand, and clear wine gushed out from the spout and fell into the wine cup.

Seeing Xu Zaijing pour her wine with a faint smile, Rong Feiyan took a deep breath to suppress her surprise.

At the same time, a sweet feeling emerged in my heart.

Seeing Xu Zaijing raise his wine glass, Rong Feiyan quickly raised hers as well. The two smiled at each other and clinked glasses.

After finishing her drink, Rong Feiyan quickly picked up the wine pot and poured wine for Xu Zaijing. Xu Zaijing looked around the room and smiled, "The flower arrangement looks quite novel."

Rong Feiyan glanced at the vase in the room and nodded with a smile: "Yes, I picked these flowers from the garden this afternoon."

"It's a pity that Commandant Tan has already left the capital, otherwise we could have seen the twin lotus flowers blooming together a few more times, just like when we got married."

"Hehe!" Xu Zaijing nodded: "That kid has some kind of supernatural ability; he always manages to find lotus flowers like these."

Rong Feiyan smiled and glanced at Xu Zaijing, then playfully raised an eyebrow.

The two talked and drank, and with Xu Zaijing present, the food on the table disappeared quickly.

Rong Feiyan had seen Xu Zaijing dine a few times before, so she wasn't too surprised.

After dinner, Xu Zaijing ate a few slices of watermelon and then took a shower.

It's getting late,

From a high vantage point, the candles in the three courtyards of the Prince's mansion that had been lit gradually went out.

In Rong Feiyan's courtyard,

Although plants and trees have the effect of repelling mosquitoes and insects, there are still insects chirping in the corners, making the yard seem even more quiet.

In the main house,
Perhaps the bed wasn't assembled as perfectly as it was when we moved.

When someone moves around on it, a squeaking or rubbing sound can be heard.

The maidservant, Xibu, stood outside the curtain, holding a palm-leaf fan, fanning herself to cool off.

Hearing the squeaking sound that had been going on for half an hour, Xi Bu couldn't help but increase the frequency of waving his fan.

The next day,

morning.

"Duo duo duo—"

The rhythmic sound of chiseling wood came from outside the yard.

Rong Feiyan, lying on the bed, reached out and touched the side, only to find nothing, and then she woke up immediately.

"Hiss!" Feeling the soreness in her waist and legs, Rong Feiyan couldn't help but gasp.

"What a beast!" Rong Feiyan cursed, frowning.

"Duo duo duo—"

Hearing the commotion outside, Rong Feiyan sighed helplessly: "Xiabu."

As the maid helped her get up, Rong Feiyan asked, "When did my husband leave?"

"Reporting to Miss, it is exactly 3:00 AM! The Lord exercised for an hour, and after bathing, went directly to court."

"Hmm! Send someone to find the younger sister of the Sheng family later and tell her that I will go with her to pay my respects to my elder sister."

"Yes."

"By the way, don't scent any of your clothes."

"Yes."

Minglan Courtyard

Main room bedroom

Minglan sat in front of the dressing table.

Cuiwei stood behind Minglan, looking at Minglan's reflection in the bronze mirror while adjusting the position of Minglan's hair.

Xiao Tao squatted to the side, and following Cui Wei's instructions, she would occasionally pass jewelry out of the jewelry box.

Danju, with her light coat draped over her shoulders, said from the side, "Miss, I didn't look carefully when I came yesterday before it got dark! When I took a look this morning, I realized that the things we use in our courtyard are really good."

Xiao Tao nodded in agreement: "Sister Danju is right! That screen in the outer room, which is covered in mica, could probably buy a house in the capital."

Minglan sighed softly as she sat on the embroidered stool. She had never imagined that the Prince's mansion would be furnished in this way when she moved there.

The farmland, estates, shops, and cash that the old lady had given her as dowry were completely useless, as the entire Prince's mansion had taken everything.

At this time,

A young maid who had come with the Sheng family as part of her dowry announced from outside, "Madam, the Rong family's concubine has sent someone to invite you to pay your respects to the Princess later."

The three maids inside the room exchanged a glance.

Minglan said, "Alright!"

The Prince and Princess's Courtyard.

A large, valuable screen was placed at the entrance of the main house.

Inside the screen,
In the spacious side room,

The table was moved to the wall.

With her hair styled in a mature woman's bun, Chai Zhengzheng sat at a heavy table, with Rong Feiyan and Minglan sitting on either side of her.

A group of maids stood beside Rong Feiyan and Minglan. In addition to Yunmu Fuyi and others who came with the Chai family, Qingcao, Yunxiang, and Huaxiang also stood to the side with smiles on their faces.

Looking at the head housekeeper sitting on the embroidered stool with a smile on her face not far ahead, Chai Zhengzheng said with a smile, "Aunt Cui, you are the master's wet nurse. The mother-in-law and the master trust you very much!"

"From now on, I will have to trouble you to take care of all the affairs of our household."

Without the slightest arrogance, Madam Cui rose, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your high regard! Whatever the task, whatever you command, I will do my best and never be sloppy!"

Chai Zhengzheng smiled and nodded, gesturing for Cui's mother to sit down, and then beckoned to the outer room.

quickly,

Qingzhi, with her hair styled in a woman's bun, and another woman walked in.

Upon seeing the people inside, the two quickly bowed and greeted them.

Qingzhi was born into the Xu family, and her husband was Alan, who held a military position. The other woman was born into the Du family, and her husband was Xunshu.

Now, because of his merit in saving the emperor, Qingyun has been granted a title of nobility in the Great Zhou Dynasty. He can stay by Xu Zaijing's side, but he cannot continue to be Xu Zaijing's personal attendant.

Hua Qing, the eldest daughter-in-law of Qingyun, has not been in charge of the Xu family's businesses for the past two months and has stopped showing her face in public.

Alan and Xun Shu are different.

The wives of the two were also to be arranged by Chai Zhengzheng.

Chai Zhengzheng smiled and nodded: "Qingzhi, you two must work hard to learn from Yunmu and the others in the future. There are still many things in the manor waiting for you to take care of."

Qingzhi and the old lady who was looking for books quickly smiled and agreed.

Then, Qingzhi and the other person also stood aside.

Previously, the wives and stewards of the various industries under the jurisdiction of the Prince's Mansion, who had been assigned by the Sun family, reappeared in front of Chai Zhengzheng.

Looking at everyone in the room, Chai Zhengzheng smiled and said, "Now that our Prince's Mansion is newly established, there are many affairs to attend to. We will need everyone to work together in the future."

"Yes, ma'am."

Everyone inside bowed and agreed.

Chai Zhengzheng nodded with a smile, exchanged a knowing glance with Rong Feiyan and Minglan, and continued, "Of course, there should also be new rules in the manor."

Upon hearing Chai Zhengzheng's words, the room fell silent for a moment.

Just as the stewards' wives and steward mothers were feeling uneasy, Chai Zhengzheng smiled and said, "From today onwards, all stewards, mothers, and first-class maids will receive an additional three strings of cash per month! The cleaning maids and servants will receive an additional one string of cash per month."

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces lit up with joy.

Xiao Tao's eyes widened in surprise, and she exchanged a surprised glance with Dan Ju and Cui Wei.

"Thank you, empress!"

"Your Majesty is so kind!"

"."

As the crowd's expressions of gratitude gradually subsided, Chai Zhengzheng smiled and nodded: "If you do a good job in the manor, there will be additional rewards, but if you are not diligent enough, don't blame me for being heartless."

Everyone inside responded in agreement.

Then, Chai Zhengzheng nodded to Cui Mama, Xu Zaijing's nanny.

Mrs. Cui stood up: "Alright, everyone, disperse! Go about your own business."

As everyone hurried outside, Qingzhi was left behind.

With Yunmu's help, Chai Zhengzheng stood up and led Minglan, Rong Feiyan, Qingcao, and the others to the side.

As they walked, Chai Zhengzheng and the others arrived outside the screen in the inner room.

Apart from Minglan and Rong Feiyan, who each took Xiaotao and Xibu and followed Chai Zhengzheng into the screen, everyone else remained outside.

quickly,

Yunxiang and Huaxiang were led by the wisteria to walk inside the screen.

Upon entering the screen,
The two sisters bowed to Chai Zhengzheng, Rong Feiyan, and Minglan, who were seated.

Chai Zhengzheng smiled and nodded: "From now on, you two don't need to serve us anymore."

Seeing the two sisters' utter surprise, Chai Zhengzheng continued, "They'll live in the side courtyard in the future."

Chai Zhengzheng glanced at Minglan and Rong Feiyan, then continued speaking to the Yun sisters, "In the future, the Lord might visit you!"

Yunxiang and Huaxiang quickly bowed and said, "Yes, Your Majesty! Thank you for your great kindness."

"Well, let's go!"

"Yes."

After the two left, Chai Zhengzheng breathed a sigh of relief and exchanged a smile with Minglan and Rong Feiyan.

As Yun and her sister stepped out from behind the screen, they saw a tall, simply dressed woman walk in and stand quietly to the side.

"Green Grass, come in."

Chai Zhengzheng's voice came from inside the screen.

Upon hearing this, the Yun sisters couldn't help but exchange a smile.

Qingcao walked blankly into the screen, and before she could even bow, Yunmu grabbed her and pressed her down onto an embroidered stool.

Minglan and Xiaotao had known Qingcao for many years and were very familiar with her. Seeing Qingcao sitting on the embroidered stool, they couldn't help but smile.

Chai Zhengzheng and Rong Feiyan also had a very good impression of the polite and dutiful Qingcao.

Looking at the beautiful green grass, Chai Zhengzheng took a deep breath and said, "Green Grass, do you really not want to stay in the Prince's Mansion, just as my husband said?"

"You really don't want to stay by your young master's side?"

"Did he really ask you that, sir?"

Qingcao pursed her lips and nodded, "Yes, Your Highness! The young master asked me!"

Looking around at everyone in the inner room, Qingcao forced a smile: "I have been with you, young master, for several years and I can sense that although you are good to me, you have never had any romantic feelings for me."

"Now that you are married, it is really inappropriate for me to stay by your side any longer."

Hearing Qingcao's words, Xiaotao and Minglan exchanged a glance and nodded repeatedly.

Previously at the Sheng family academy, Qingcao was about the same age as Sheng family's Yanghao sister. They could usually sense that Xu Zaijing never treated Qingcao as a maid, but rather as a younger sister.

Rong Feiyan looked at the beautiful green grass and glanced at Xibu.

Having followed Rong Feiyan closely since childhood, he immediately understood his mistress's thoughts. After thinking for a moment, he lowered his head and whispered in Rong Feiyan's ear, "Miss, among the shops and estates under your name, there are few young men who are worthy of Miss Qingcao."

Rong Feiyan shook her head and said softly, "Think about it again. If it doesn't work, we'll ask around more." Xi Bu agreed.

Chai Zhengzheng smiled and nodded: "Alright. Then you can wait outside."

"Yes, ma'am."

Subsequently,

Wei Fangzhi, who had just arrived outside the screen, followed the wisteria into the screen after the green grass emerged.

Wei Fangzhi didn't stay behind the screen for long before coming out and following the maid to the courtyard where the Yunxiang sisters were.

After talking with Chai Zhengzheng for a while, Minglan and Rong Feiyan, knowing that Chai Zhengzheng was pregnant, took their leave.

Before leaving, Xiaotao and Minglan glanced at Qingcao with some concern.

"Qingcao, let's go, the Empress wants you to go in," Yunmu said with a smile.

"Ah."

The grass went back inside the screen.

Looking up, she saw that Chai Zhengzheng had already stood up and was walking towards her.

When Chai Zhengzheng took her hand, Qingcao was quite shocked: "Your Majesty."

Chai Zhengzheng looked at Qingcao, smiled and shook his head, and Qingcao quickly stopped talking.

Standing in front of Qingcao, Chai Zhengzheng looked her up and down again and said, "Qingcao, my personal maid Qingxue was your sister from the same village. You must know about this."

The grass nodded.

"You and Qingzhi are from the same hometown, but in my heart you are different."

The grass continued to nod.

“It’s fine if you don’t stay in the Prince’s mansion! But I’m not at ease if you go elsewhere. I couldn’t protect Qingxue before, and I can’t not protect you who grew up with my husband.”

"Today, as you have said, I will first restore your status as a free person."

As she spoke, Chai Zhengzheng looked at Yunmu.

Yunmu handed over a wooden box.

"From today onwards, you will no longer be called Qingcao, but will revert to your original name, Yuanhe."

Qingcao pursed her lips tightly, but two streams of hot tears still welled up in her eyes.

Chai Zhengzheng smiled and used a handkerchief to wipe away Qingcao's tears, saying, "My husband and I will also find you a good husband."

"Of course, as you said, it must first pass through your eyes."

"Huh?" Green Grass looked up in surprise, her eyes filled with tears.

Chai Zhengzheng smiled slightly: "Many outstanding and well-established young talents from my properties and estates have come today. Go and take a look behind the screen first, and tell me which one you like!"

Qingcao was somewhat surprised and at a loss: "Your Majesty, I..."

Yunmu and the other maids smiled as they looked at the green grass.

At Chai Zhengzheng's signal, Fuyi and Ziteng walked outside hand in hand with Qingcao.

"Little Grass Sister, let's go take a look!"

(End of this chapter)