Too high to reach

Chapter 183 The Princess's Treatment
Mo Yi has met all of Li Jing's concubines, wives, and children.

The maid went out and summoned several stewards from the inner quarters. These included those in charge of the gates, the kitchen, the storeroom, the laundry and cleaning, the flower room, and the carriage and horse stables. Except for the man in charge of the carriages and horses, who was in his forties, the rest were all women.

Everyone was dressed neatly and cleanly, and bowed with smiles on their faces, saying, "Congratulations on the Prince and Princess's marriage."

It was just to introduce the princess to everyone; nothing more was said.

The beauty had already prepared rewards, some for the managers, and others for them to take back and distribute to their subordinates.

The tips were neither too generous nor too stingy, adhering to the principle of not letting people gossip, but also not trying to save face.

Even so, there are still quite a few people in the inner quarters, which adds up to a considerable expense... In any case, the Mo family cannot afford it.

Consort Feng secretly observed Granny Zhao, and she was certain that this money must have come from the prince's private treasury!

What is this old hag after?

He had recalled their past interactions countless times, and he had never offended her. Apart from their last confrontation, he had no leverage over her!

Why would she do this to herself?
It seems... whatever methods are used against her, she has only herself to blame!
For the past half day, she had been on pins and needles. Shao Ge'er was leaning against her, and although she had been holding his shoulder, she had suddenly tightened her grip in her excitement.

Shao-ge'er was in a little pain and twisted his shoulder to avoid it, saying, "Mother..."

Consort Feng quickly let go, forced a smile, and straightened his clothes, feeling that she had come here to suffer.

Just then, someone came in and said, "Your Highness, Your Highness, the banquet is ready."

Li Jing stood up and said to Mo Yi, "Let's go over there. There are some people ahead, and I'll let you meet them too."

Everyone stood up and put on their cloaks.

The weather was already quite cold by then. It was warm indoors, so everyone wore relatively light clothing. When going out, everyone had to wear a leather cloak.

Mo Yi didn't have this before. This one was newly made before the wedding, and it was made with a very high standard... it's made of mink.

While Hongyan was dressing her, Consort Feng had already walked up to Princess Wenxiu and said softly, "It's hot inside. Xiangxiang, put on your hat when you go out, so you don't catch a cold."

Princess Wenxiu nodded slightly, and the maid behind her quickly said, "Thank you for reminding me, Consort." Her voice was not quiet.

Li Jing, dressed by her maid, turned to look when she heard this. Mo Yi saw and heard it too, and suddenly remembered: she also "has children!" She felt really uncomfortable... and her face turned red.

Although it was late, the outlines outside were still clearly visible.

A maidservant led the way with a lantern. Oil lamps also hung on poles on both sides of the road... Thinking of my own courtyard, which was pitch black every night... I couldn't help but sigh: there are differences everywhere.

Will this oil lamp burn all night? How much oil must it use...?

Li Jing and Mo Yi walked in the middle, while Consort Feng walked on Li Jing's other side, holding Shao Ge'er's hand.

As they walked, she spoke to Li Jing: "I've already prepared the gift list for the Princess's homecoming. Your Highness can take a look and see if anything needs to be added. Also, all the arrangements for the New Year have been listed, and I'll send them to the front study later. Since the Princess is newly married this year, some adjustments may be needed. Please review them, and I'll make the necessary revisions..."

She spoke softly the whole way, which made Mo Yi, who was not talkative to begin with, stand out even more as a newcomer.

Granny Zhao followed beside Mo Yi, pointing out, "The backyard is basically built around the garden, and the main courtyard where you live is closest to the front courtyard..."

Mo Yi followed along and saw that the main road was paved with blue bricks, and surrounding the garden were courtyards of different sizes and shapes.

"From here onwards is the backyard, the laundry area, the stables, and the servants' kitchen. Walking to the side leads to the front courtyard of the Prince's mansion. That building on the left is the dining hall. The Changhui Pavilion on the right was built in the last two years..." Granny Zhao leaned closer to Mo Yi: "Consort Feng manages the household affairs here every day..."

Mo Yi glanced at Changhui Pavilion; its style was quite different from the other courtyards. However, it was still quite pleasing to the eye…

Thinking back to Zhao Mama's subconscious action just now, I realized that she seemed to have some distance between herself and Consort Feng...

Consort Feng was very polite to Granny Zhao, showing no affection. Wasn't she raised by Granny Zhao?
Aunt Mei, supported by her maid, walked at the back. A gust of wind blew by, and she coughed twice.

Granny Zhao turned around, "Aunt Mei... how are you?"

"It's alright..." Aunt Mei smiled.

"If you can't hold on, go back and rest." She had watched him grow up, so Granny Zhao still cared about him.

“Yes, let’s have someone deliver the food to Aunt Mei’s room,” Mo Yi said.

"Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness and Granny. I'm really fine. I'm just happy today and want to join in the fun..." Aunt Mei insisted with a smile. As she spoke, she entered the dining room.

The dining room is a large hall that can accommodate about twenty or thirty tables. Two small private rooms are separated from the entrance.

There were about twenty or thirty people. When they saw them enter, they stood up and bowed.

Li Jing gestured and beckoned Mo Yi over. "Let me introduce you. These are the people from the front study. Some assist with official duties, some manage the business, and some maintain connections. They are my right-hand men."

Everyone smiled humbly, saying, "We were able to get in touch and do these things only because the Prince gave us opportunities at every turn."

Li Jing smiled, "This advisor, Mr. Yang, will..."

The two men, who looked every bit the scholars, bowed and greeted Mo Yi, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness!"

Mo Yi nodded: "Gentlemen, you may dispense with the formalities."

Li Jing then pointed to an old man, "This is the head steward, who has worked in the mansion for many years. Now that he's old, he doesn't manage things much anymore. His children and grandchildren are all doing very well; some have passed the imperial examinations and entered officialdom, some are serving as officials elsewhere, and some are in the Zhao family army!"

The old man grinned broadly, "Greetings, Your Highness! My children and grandchildren have all been greatly promoted by the Prince..."

"This is the butler, Wan Daoping..."

Wan Daoping was a handsome middle-aged man. He bowed to Mo Yi and said, "Greetings, Your Highness!" His attitude was respectful, his voice was gentle, and his every move was composed and elegant.

"Wan Daoping is also Zhao Mama's son-in-law..."

Mo Yi was somewhat surprised; she really didn't know that. Turning to look at Granny Zhao, she saw a smile on her face, indicating she was quite satisfied with her son-in-law.

"He has been in the government for many years. He was previously burdened by his family and his career was delayed. A few days ago, he found a job outside and will take up his post after the New Year."

"Congratulations, Mr. Wan, and congratulations, Granny Zhao," Mo Yi said with a smile.

"This is all thanks to the prince's patronage..." Wan Daoping said with a smile.

“This is Xiao Zhao. He will take over Wan Daoping’s business in the future.” Li Jing pointed to a young man of medium build, with an ordinary appearance and bright, piercing eyes.

"Meet the princess!"

Among the crowd was Meng San, who silently bowed to Mo Yi and his group. Zhao Zuo and Zhao You were also there, with Li Chang standing between them, all grinning foolishly…

As each person was introduced, Consort Feng could no longer maintain her pretense.

The stewards behind them were introduced by Granny Zhao. Those in the front study were introduced personally by the Prince. This is the kind of treatment only a princess receives!
It's lamentable that I've dealt with some of these people, yet I've never received this kind of attention...

The atmosphere was so lively that no one noticed her changing expressions.

After the introductions, everyone took their seats and raised their glasses. "Your Highness and Princess, congratulations on your wedding!"

Li Jing also raised his wine glass, and everyone drank their wine in one gulp before sitting down to eat.

Mo Yi looked at the dishes on the table. There were four meat and four vegetable cold dishes alone, and four desserts... There were twelve plates laid out at first. Then the dishes were served one by one... All of them were rare and precious, and all of them were steaming hot.

The squirrel-shaped mandarin fish was served with the sauce poured on top, making a sizzling sound; it was both visually appealing and appetizing.

At this table, each master had a maidservant attending to them. As soon as a dish was served, the maidservant knew whether the master wanted to eat it and how much.

Behind Mo Yi was a beautiful woman.

Hongyan suppressed a laugh as she served Moyi dishes she had and hadn't tried before. Sure enough, the dishes were placed on small plates and immediately went into the princess's mouth. It seemed her mistress was probably the biggest eater at the table…

Granny Zhao even disregarded the rule of not speaking while eating, and said to Mo Yi, "The kitchen is right behind this dining room, so the dishes can be served as soon as they are made, which is why they taste so good."

Mo Yi thought of the food at the palace at noon, and realized that this was really not as good as it!

"If you want to eat something freshly cooked, come here for your meal. If you're too lazy to walk, just have the maids fetch it for you. There are two large kitchens in the mansion. There's also a small kitchen in your courtyard where you can make some simple dishes and snacks."

Mo Yi nodded as he ate.

"Mo Yi?" Li Jing called her...

(End of this chapter)