Suddenly, Lady Yan Qingqing of Mingzhao Mansion became a celebrity in the capital again, and even a storyteller wrote a story about her.

It tells the story of her journey from a widow who lost her husband to a diligent businesswoman who gradually rose to the rank of a first-class noblewoman.

Yan Qingqing sent someone to listen to it, and it has to be said that it was quite inspiring.

Of course, a story is just a story, and Yan Qingqing only took it as a joke.

Yan Qingqing is now gradually handing over the affairs of Mingzhao Prefecture to Yuan Huiniang.

Having experience managing a household in Canghe Town, Yuan Huiniang picked things up very quickly.

Now I am basically proficient in handling these social interactions in the capital.

Yuan Huiniang had all the gifts she received carried to Yan Qingqing's courtyard.

Yan Qingqing looked at the things piled up in her yard, which were far more impressive than the gifts she had received in Canghe Town.

Yuan Huiniang smiled and said, "Mother, I'll have them sort these things out and move them to the warehouse for you."

Yan Qingqing shook her head and said, "My warehouse can't possibly hold so much stuff."

Pick out some of the imperial gifts and put them in my storeroom; the rest you can divide among yourselves.

Remember to give Mu Xi a separate copy.

Yuan Huiniang smiled happily upon hearing this, for there were many good things inside.

Although she shouldn't have coveted her mother-in-law's things, who wouldn't be tempted by something good?

Besides, Yan Qingqing doesn't lack any of these things.

So Yuan Huiniang grinned and said, "Thank you, Mother. Don't worry, Mu Xi will definitely get her share."

As she spoke, Yuan Huiniang directed the servants to pick out all the gifts bestowed by the Emperor and the items sent by Xiao Mochen.

The remaining dozens of boxes were carried back to the front yard.

Then someone was sent to inform Li Xiang'an, Mu Xi, Li Xiangkang, Li Xinniang, Li Yueniang, Li Xiangyang, and Li Jinxiu.

Li Jinqian was too young, and he was her own son, so Yuan Huiniang decided to let it go. Otherwise, it would be unfair for them to divide the property into three parts.

By the time everything was sorted out, it was already dark, but everyone was very happy, since each person had received several large boxes of things.

After thinking for a moment, Yuan Huiniang took out another box from her own and asked Li Xiangkang to give it to Ding Xiu.

Ding Xiu lived in their house, and although he was provided with all his food, clothing, and daily necessities, Master Ding still gave him money.

Since the mother-in-law was able to get Ding Xiu into the Imperial Academy, it meant she wanted to completely subdue the Ding family and make them part of their power.

Yuan Huiniang understood perfectly. Yan Qingqing had given all the spots for entering the Imperial Academy to Ding Xiu, and now that she was the young mistress of the household, she naturally wouldn't be stingy with these funds.

Having spent more time by Yan Qingqing's side, Yuan Huiniang's horizons broadened, and she naturally became much more magnanimous in her actions than before.

Ding Xiu was deeply moved when he received these gifts; the entire Li family treated him so well.

Thinking of his father's high expectations for him, he knew he couldn't bring shame to the Li and Ding families.

So that night, Ding Xiu surprisingly stayed up late reading.

Yan Qingqing was quite pleased to learn about this and praised Yuan Huiniang for her magnanimous actions.

Meanwhile, on the Han family's side, they sent Li Yueniang and Han Yu's birth dates and times to the Ministry of Rites, and a few days later, the calculations showed that the two were a match made in heaven.

This made Madam Han extremely excited, and she began rummaging through her belongings to prepare the betrothal gifts.

Although the Han family ran a small business, their wealth was nothing compared to that of the Li family.

Although Madam Han brought many betrothal gifts from Chengyang County, it was still not enough.

This really worried Mrs. Han and Mr. Han.

The engagement is in a few days, what should I do?

When Han Yu returned home after his shift, he was startled to see his parents looking worried.

He quickly stepped forward and asked, "Father, Mother, what's wrong?"

Han's father glanced at Han Yu and then lowered his head. Han's wife knew that her husband was a man without a "mouth" and could not be relied on at all.

He pulled Han Yu aside and said, "Son, the betrothal is about to take place, but you know our family's situation."

Although your mother prepared a lot of betrothal gifts for you, it's simply not enough compared to the Li family.

Moreover, Lady Mingzhao had only been promoted to the first rank of imperial consort, and the Li family was at the height of its power.

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Upon hearing this, Han Yu immediately understood what his parents were thinking. They were afraid that if the betrothal gifts were too small, he would not be able to hold his head high in his future in-laws' family.

However, Han Yu felt that his parents had nothing to worry about, because Lady Mingzhao knew their family situation very well.

The Li family naturally had a good idea of ​​how much wealth they had and how much dowry they could afford.

Besides, since Yan Qingqing has high hopes for him and Li Yueniang likes him, they certainly won't care how much the betrothal gifts are; as long as they do their best, that's enough.

So Han Yu comforted his parents, saying, "Don't worry about the betrothal gifts. We'll do our best."

It's a reality that our family isn't as well-off as the Li family's, and I'm sure Auntie and Yue'er won't mind.

Besides, the betrothal gifts our family prepared, plus those prepared by the Ministry of Rites and the Emperor's bestowal, are not a small amount.

I'll invite a few colleagues to support me then, and that should be enough.

Han Yu also wanted to give Li Yueniang the best, but the reality of the Han family's situation was what it was.

So Han Yu thought of putting some effort into other aspects, asking Ji Tongwen, Mu Yang, and Xing Wenfeng to help him with the betrothal and to give him face.

If word gets out, it will surely become a wonderful story.

Han's parents were somewhat relieved after hearing this, thinking that with Yan Qingqing's perspective and personality, she shouldn't have any prejudice against Han Yu because of the amount of the betrothal gifts.

Soon it was the eighth day of the second month, the day the Han family went to Mingzhao Prefecture to propose marriage.

Not only the Han family is extremely busy, but the Li family is also extremely busy.

As Li Yueniang's sister-in-law and the young mistress of Mingzhao Mansion, Yuan Huiniang got up early in the morning.

He instructed the servants to keep the courtyard spotless so as not to cause a laughingstock when guests came to visit.

Then he ordered people to hang big red silk at the door and on the trees, and the whole Mingzhao Mansion was filled with joy.

After finishing these tasks, Yuan Huiniang led her people to Li Yueniang's courtyard in a great hurry.

Unexpectedly, Li Yueniang was still sleeping in.

Yuan Huiniang was speechless with anger. How could someone still be sleeping at this hour? She had seen people who were carefree, but she had never seen anyone as carefree as this.

Yuan Huiniang disregarded everything else and barged into Li Yueniang's bedroom.

They forcibly dragged her out of bed.

Li Yueniang, who was fast asleep, was startled. She squinted at Yuan Huiniang and muttered, "Sister-in-law, why are you up so early?"

Yuan Huiniang was so angry she laughed, and asked, "Do you even know what day it is today?"

Li Yueniang was still half asleep and asked groggily, "What day is it?"

Yuan Huiniang said helplessly, "Today is the day the Han family is to present their betrothal gifts!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yueniang exclaimed "Ah!" and jumped out of bed. Looking at Ruhua beside her, she scolded, "Ruhua, why didn't you call me? Quick! Quick! Bring me my best dress."

picturesque:……

She called several times, but the girl didn't respond at all.

She didn't dare to pull the person out of bed like the young mistress did.