Mistaken identity

"Aunt, are there any cabbages for sale today——"

The autumn flowers make everything intoxicated, and the branches are covered with gold, spreading across the world.

The plum trees planted in the inner city of Bianjing have turned yellow, and the brilliant colors in Huaiqingfang have spread to the end of the road.

The wind blew the trees, and a tall door was hidden under the lush branches.

An old man, hawking his wares along the rich houses, followed the sound and saw the words "Taishi's Residence" faintly visible on a gilded plaque. He said, "It's you. We have some cabbages. I wonder how many would you like?"

The girl in green clothes and a plain hairpin behind the door received a response and walked out briskly. The swallows embroidered on the corner of her skirt flew up and down with the wind.

Tai Shi Zheng came up to the old man and smiled, narrowing his eyes. "Excuse me, old man. One is enough. There are not many people in the house who can eat so much. It would be a pity if it went bad."

"Okay."

For such a wealthy family, it would be a bit shabby to just buy a cabbage.

But the old man, as usual, picked out some cabbage for Tai Shi Zheng and handed it to her. "Hey girl, we just happen to have some featherless chickens and ducks and clams left today. Do you want to take them with you? If you do, I'll pack more for you. The extra ones can help you and your father improve your meals. I don't think the host will notice. You're so thin, you need to eat some more."

Improvement? Food…

What is Aung talking about?

Tai Shi Zheng looked at the old man blankly.

After a while, she remembered that when she saw the old man injured ten days ago, she kindly gave him a bottle of her father's medicine.

After getting to know each other, the old man chatted with Zheng and casually asked what your father was doing now. Tai Shi Zheng said that he had nothing to do and was cooking at home.

The old man thought she was the daughter of this "stingy" rich family.

But in fact, the Taishi's house is deserted. Firstly, it is because the Taishi family is indeed sparsely populated, and secondly, it is because the old uncle of the emperor joined the army when he was young and developed the habit of doing everything by himself.

A few years ago, he suddenly retired from the army and returned to the countryside. He was not lucky enough to enjoy a life of luxury. He simply dismissed the servants rewarded by the government and kept only the maids who took care of the daily maintenance and cleaning of the courtyard. He and his daughter lived a quiet and self-sufficient life.

And what about Taishi Zheng?

However, he lost his mother at a young age and was raised and cared for by Empress Shunhe.

Therefore, before the age of ten, Tai Shi Zheng lived a life no different from that of a princess or an heir to the throne.

It was not until seven years ago when the Queen passed away and the old uncle retired and returned to the capital that Zheng was taken back to be raised by the old uncle. Although life is not as good as before, she has never complained. Taishi Zheng feels that as long as she can be with her family all the time, she will be happy no matter what.

It's just that sometimes, looking at this empty house, it's really too boring...

"Aunt, you misunderstood. My father and I are not actually--" Tai Shi Zheng held a cabbage bigger than his face and shook his head to explain.

The old man was attracted by two small cars of different shapes and colors outside the street and did not listen to her words.

The little car came closer and closer until the ground was covered with gray smoke and then stopped at the path in front of the house.

Taishi Zheng looked at the newcomers in confusion, but before the person in the first sedan chair had even landed, the accompanying servants began shouting, "Make way, make way! My master has dismounted, and all outsiders, please leave immediately."

The old man often did business with wealthy families, so he didn't panic when he saw such a scene. He picked up his shoulder pole and turned to Taishi Zheng and said, "The host has a guest. You should go and do your work to avoid being scolded. I will come back tomorrow and we will settle the bill for the cabbages. Don't panic, don't panic."

"Aunt, Aunt—that's not it, I haven't…"

"I haven't finished yet..."

Before he finished speaking, the old man wisely walked away. Tai Shi Zheng hurriedly took a few steps but failed to catch up with him.

She was a little discouraged.

At this time, the sedan chairs behind Taishi Zheng landed one after another. Perhaps it was because the road from the Earl's Mansion in the west of the outer city to Taishi's residence in the east of the inner city was too long, but Zhang the matchmaker (second wife) who came out of the sedan chair in front leaned against the side as soon as he landed, holding his chest and saying nothing.

When Qian the matchmaker (the eldest wife) came forward, someone finally spoke up: "Little girl, may I ask if you are the maid of this family?"

Maid?

Why is it always like this! So annoying!

Tai Shi Zheng came to her senses and was about to respond when Matchmaker Zhang, seemingly having regained her composure, overpowered Matchmaker Qian and said in a huff, "May I ask? Why are you wasting your words on her? Didn't you hear what the inspector said to her about the master?"

"Hey, little girl, go and tell them quickly that the matchmaker Zhang from Changlefang is looking for a match for the Earl of Pingkang, Cui."

Zhang's attitude of looking down on the weak made Qian unhappy.

But she ignored him, turned around and took out a visiting card and handed it to Taishi Zheng, "Little girl, since you are the maid of this family, please take the visiting card to the master and say that the matchmaker Qian from Ruyizhai is here to visit. I'm sorry to bother you, but I hope to meet you."

"Proposing a marriage?" Taishi Zheng looked at Zhang's impoliteness and didn't bother to argue too much. She simply accepted Qian's invitation and asked, "This matchmaker is talking about a marriage with the Earl's Mansion. May I ask which marriage you are talking about?"

When asked about this, Matchmaker Qian was a little embarrassed. "I'm talking about... also relatives from the Earl's Mansion."

Tai Shi Zheng was extremely surprised.

What did she mean? Was she talking about relatives from the Earl's Mansion? Could it be that her charm had become so great that the young men of the Earl's Mansion were vying for her? I never thought I could have such a reputation without leaving home!

That truly is the spirit of a saint and a mother in heaven.

"Little girl?" Seeing Taishi Zheng stunned and speechless, Qian reminded softly.

However, Zhang scoffed at Qian's humility.

Taishi Zheng glanced back at Zhang, then turned around, holding the visiting card given by Qian, and walked a few steps to the door, saying, "No need to pass on the message, both of you, please follow me."

Unexpectedly, Zhang mocked Taishi Zheng, "You naive little maid. This is Taishi's residence, and you think you're in charge? Go and tell them quickly, don't let them miss the Earl's wedding."

As soon as the words fell, Qian, who was dissatisfied with Zhang, actually followed suit, "That's right. Little girl, you'd better go quickly."

Tai Shi Zheng stopped and looked thoughtful.

If it weren't for her good upbringing, she would have definitely quarreled with Zhang. But while Taishi Zheng didn't make a scene, she certainly wouldn't let it go. After she stepped into the house, Taishi Zheng simply said, "Then you two will wait a little longer," and then she closed the door and left.

The people outside the door stopped talking at this point and waited quietly for good news.

But Tai Shi Zheng did not go far. She walked out of the porch quickly, held her skirt and sat in the middle of the steps.

After putting the cabbage down, Taishi Zheng casually took out a date ring and walnut kernel wrapped in oil paper from his arms and began to savor it leisurely.

One word, two words, three or four words.

Every word brings leisure.

No matter how furious Qian and Zhang were, they couldn't find anyone to ask. But it was hardly Taishi Zheng's fault for not giving them face. They deserved the pain they endured.

"Why are you here? It's hard for me to find you."

At that time, in front of the courtyard, Fu Yuanzi, the only female servant beside Taishi Zheng, came from the inner courtyard and looked up.

Tai Shi Zheng raised his eyes and signaled her to be quiet.

Seeing this, Fu Yuanzi followed his master's instructions and carefully stepped forward to ask, "Young lady, the master asked me to ask if you bought the cabbage?"

Tai Shi Zheng patted the cabbage beside him speechlessly.

Fu Yuanzi nodded, squatted in front of her and continued to lower his voice in confusion: "Since you bought it, why are you staying here, young lady? You are not allowed to make any sound, it's scary. Could it be... that you were robbed! Where is the thief? Where is he? Wait a minute, I'll go call the master..."

Fu Yuanzi was about to turn around on tiptoe when Taishi Zheng grabbed her. She looked back in surprise, her squatting posture looking really funny.

At this moment, Tai Shi Zheng slowly handed over the oil paper in his hand and smiled with narrowed eyes.

"Thank you, young lady."

Fu Yuanzi's vigilance was finally shattered by the fragrant date rings.

She squatted back down.

After a few mouthfuls, Taishi Zheng, with the wrinkled empty oil paper, said to Fu Yuanzi, "Are you done eating?"

Fu Yuanzi rubbed his palms together. Tai Shi Zheng saw that the time was just right and pointed outside the door. "Then go and invite that person in. You don't have to say anything, just let them in."

Fu Yuanzi walked towards the door in confusion, "Outside?"

But after she opened the door a crack, she hurriedly closed it and said in fear, "What's going on? Why are there so many people outside?"

"They all came to propose marriage." Tai Shi Zheng answered calmly.

Fu Yuanzi asked foolishly, "Marriage? For whom?"

Taishi Zheng smiled, "Of course... I'm here to propose marriage to Yuanzi."

"No, young lady, don't tease me. Yuanzi will go and invite the person in." Fu Yuanzi came back confused and scratched his head embarrassedly.

Tai Shi Zheng didn't say anything more, just smiled and watched him leave.

Fu Yuanzi then ushered them all the way to the gate of the mansion. Qian and Zhang stopped just inside the gate and looked up to see Taishi Zheng standing in the open space in the courtyard. He greeted them with a smile, "Gentlemen, we meet again. The master has a request. I apologize for keeping you waiting."

After Taishi Zheng finished speaking, he nodded in apology.

Zhang, still relying on her prestige as a matchmaker for the Han Palace, ignored him. Qian, on the other hand, politely replied, "Thank you for your help."

"Little girl."

But just as the word "little girl" fell, an indignant voice suddenly emerged from the crowd, "Wait, this person is really bold! Little girl? Who are you calling a little girl——"