Chapter 383: Fire in the Backyard?

The next day, when He Zhaojun opened her eyes, she saw Shaoshang's smiling face. She sat up from the bed in a daze: "Shaoshang? Why are you here? But I got up too late."

Shao Shang shook his head. "Sister Zhaojun, I heard you've entered the Third Prince's palace. All of your caravan captains, escort agency bosses, and shop owners near the capital have agreed to come and support you today. I've already invited them to the front hall, and they're all waiting for you."

He Zhaojun blushed slightly. She usually woke up early, but she didn't know what had happened today. She slept in for the first time ever. "Why are these people here to join in the fun?... Frugality is the norm in the palace, and I wasn't willing to be extravagant. I didn't expect them to come anyway."

"Maybe they are afraid that you will be bullied. I heard that it was Liu Qingshan who took the lead and they are here to support you." When Shao Shang mentioned Liu Qingshan, He Zhaojun paused. This time he came to visit her under the pretext of visiting her, but it was not certain what he came for.

Two nimble maids finished washing and dressing her. He Zhaojun looked in the mirror. The tung oil she had applied had mostly faded over the past two days, revealing her original pale complexion. She was slightly stunned, feeling that this scene was so familiar.

"Sister Zhaojun was fascinated by herself in the bronze mirror." Shao Shang sat beside her, chattering as he selected hairpins and rings for her, trying them on her head one by one, as if he wanted to decorate every exposed strand of hair.

He Zhaojun simply chose a headband to tie her long hair together, and walked to the front hall in a clean and fresh manner. She walked slowly along the way, waiting for Shao Shang. The atmosphere in the front hall was hot, and everyone was looking forward to the two girls.

"What brings you here today?" He Zhaojun sat at the head of the table, looking at her subordinates standing in the hall. Although she hadn't yet recalled her past interactions with them, she had been able to deduce their personalities from the information and picture albums she had left behind, and concealing their true intentions was not difficult.

Liu Qingshan raised his hands, revealing several rows of large boxes behind him. "Young Lady has returned to the capital after a year. The brothers are very happy to know. And since Young Lady is entering the Third Prince's residence, we naturally have to celebrate."

Two clever servants opened the box and revealed the silk inside. "This is silk presented by Shu. It is most suitable for making new clothes for the young lady. This is..."

He continued to introduce the gifts, and He Zhaojun stood up and walked towards the boxes containing the gifts. Without even looking at what was inside, just looking at the wood of the boxes—the soft texture and intricate patterns—it was clear they had come from the far south. For an ordinary person, even a piece the size of a tabletop would be worth boasting about, let alone a container hollowed out from a whole block of wood.

It is said that if such wood is used to make a coffin, the body can be guaranteed not to decay for a hundred years. It is really too extravagant to use such precious wood just to ensure that the gifts given to He Zhaojun would not be affected by moisture and develop black spots due to traveling by water.

"I've already said that I don't need congratulations on my entry into the mansion, let alone these gifts. It's enough that you're kind enough. If you want to see me, just come and see me. Why do you have to..." He Zhaojun's tone couldn't help but become a little stern. These people lowered their heads one after another, and no one dared to speak.

He Zhaojun glanced at Liu Qingshan who was standing in the front. Unexpectedly, he didn't even feel any guilt, which shocked He Zhaojun. Many people had already lost control along with Liu Qingshan.