“Mr. Liu, you’ve been here for two years now, and I’ve seen your character and conduct. I heard that your youngest daughter is already engaged. We don’t have much to give you, so we’ll give her this pair of begonia silver hairpins as a token of our wish for a happy marriage and many children.”

Similarly, He Zhuo instructed Bai Xia to deliver it to Mr. Liu, which was packaged in a wooden box.

"Thank you, Master. This is my duty as a student. How can I accept such a generous gift from you?"

"You were recommended by Physician Liu, so we trust you. Your accounts are clear and well-organized, which is excellent. Here, this is a reward for you."

After some initial refusal, Mr. Liu accepted the pair of silver hairpins. He had only taken up the job as an accountant because of financial hardship at home, so he accepted them after a few words of polite refusal.

Zhou Fugui and his group had already packed the fruit to be delivered to the Irgen Gioro family and sent it over.

He Zhuo thought for a moment. His second uncle worked at the Hanlin Academy, but his official rank was not high. He asked Qiu Fen to pick two watermelons and some apples and peaches to send over.

Also, send some to the Guo Luoluo family, since Lady Guo Luoluo is He Zhuo's aunt.

As for my second aunt's family, well, I won't send them. My second aunt passed away many years ago. She only had one daughter, who is already married. Since my grandmother passed away, she hasn't had much contact with the Irgen Gioro family.

After all, my second aunt married into the Guarjia clan. Although she was the youngest son of a collateral branch, the clan was very powerful and had many officials in the court, so it was best not to send her off.

My eldest uncle, on the other hand, took over as the Prefect of Fengtian Prefecture while my eldest brother was in mourning, a position of the third rank. It is said that the third and fourth ranks are a big hurdle. My eldest uncle inherited the family's military command at a young age and worked hard to raise his younger siblings, see his mother off, and raise his children, which delayed his advancement. Now, his hard work has finally paid off, and he has been promoted to the third rank. As long as his political achievements are outstanding, he can be promoted further.

My eldest brother has already passed the mourning period and is now serving as the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, a third-rank official position, which is considered a lateral transfer. Now that he's in the capital, he can spend more time with our mother, unlike before when we could only see each other during the New Year.

There was still plenty of fruit in the yard.

"Put two watermelons in the well and let them sit. Also, cut another watermelon for the maids in our courtyard to have a taste."

The maids were delighted to hear what the princess said, for watermelons were a precious commodity that they couldn't usually afford.

"These peaches won't keep, Bai Xia, take some to the front yard for Xiao Si and Xiao Wu, as well as the teachers and tutors. Also, give some to the family physician. Oh, and don't forget to send some to Physician Liu as well."

Physician Liu was sent to the Prince Zhi's residence last year.

The fourth son, Hongshao, and the fifth son, Honghan, were born to Princess Guan and Concubine Qian, respectively. Because they were illegitimate sons, they could not enter the palace study to study. Instead, they were taught by Yinzhi's advisors and taught horseback riding and archery by the guards in their residence. They could not rest every day, just like in the palace, and could only take a break once every ten days.

"Yes, this servant will go right away. Our Fujin is the best primary Fujin. She never forgets the Fourth Prince and the Fifth Prince when she has something good."

Bai Xia smiled broadly.

"You brat, go ahead and take the other two baskets to Zhilan Courtyard. Let Xiao Zhenbao decide how to distribute them."

"Granny Shi, keep some of these green fruits in our courtyard, and take the rest to the main kitchen. Also, prepare the wild game that came from the estate for lunch today. Keep some of the chickens and ducks that came from the estate in our courtyard, and take the rest to the main kitchen."

Green fruit is salted duck egg.