Xue Qiang humbly responded, "My grandchildren are like monkeys, used to running wild in the mountains and forests, and don't know any rules. It's better to let them stay in our hometown to guard the farm for the old lady and the prince."
Jiang Shuxiu sensed Xue Qiang's humility and tact from his words, so she signaled her steward Xue Zhong to give Xue Qiang an extra bag of golden buns as a reward, so that he could take them home and give them to the children.
After checking the accounts, the cash and banknotes were packed into boxes, sealed and locked.
Afterwards, the boxes were carefully carried into the inner courtyard warehouse.
After confirming that the three doors in front and back were locked, Jiang Shuxiu returned to Lanyue Pavilion with peace of mind.
Seeing Jiang Shuxiu return, Lai Xi served her hot tea and reported eagerly, "Just now, A Rui told me that the prince took a carriage back to Mao'er Hutong. Also, before leaving, the prince specially withdrew two hundred taels of silver from the account office."
After hearing this, Jiang Shuxiu's eyes flashed with surprise.
The royal palaces, official families and wealthy households in the capital city have a considerable amount of entertainment expenses every year, which are specifically set aside for the men in their families to entertain and socialize outside.
Xue Yuanchu had close contacts with many children from aristocratic families, and when the annual accounts were settled, the expenses often amounted to more than one thousand taels of silver.
At the end of every year, the owner of a restaurant would always come to the side doors of each mansion with a signed account book to collect money for the wine. The whole process was done very covertly to avoid attracting attention.
However, this was the first time that Xue Yuanchu personally withdrew money and went out.
Jiang Shuxiu couldn't help but wonder what secrets were hidden in Maoer Hutong?
She nodded slightly and replied simply, "I understand."
Lai Xi saw Rui'er already waiting in the room, so he consciously retreated to the outer room.
Jiang Shuxiu carefully put away the big key that was in charge of the household affairs, then took out a silver note with a face value of two hundred taels from the box where he kept his private money and handed it to Ruier.
"Take this banknote to the accounting office and settle the account that the prince withdrew. Remember, this matter must not be heard by the old lady."
Rui'er took the banknote and responded. She always obeyed her lady's orders and did everything she was told.
But Rui'er couldn't help but resent her son-in-law for drinking and having fun outside. When Jiang Shuxiu's mother, Madam Jiang, came to visit the Marquis's Mansion, she would definitely tell Madam Jiang about this and let her know that the girl had been wronged in the Marquis's Mansion.
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