Chapter 191 Looking for a House
What he said probably meant that he would not take her if she didn't pay. Qing Xing thought that after all, things in the capital were indeed more expensive than in small places, so she agreed after hesitating for a while.
The two of them agreed and set off immediately. The shopkeeper walked fast, and Qingxing ran all the way. After turning four alleys, the shopkeeper knocked on the door and said, "Old Ji, open the door. I'm here with my people."
The door opened, and a middle-aged man appeared, dressed in clean clothes.
The shopkeeper said, "Old Ji, this is the person I was talking about renting the room. There's another woman who didn't come today. Anyway, they are two young girls, and I think they like to keep clean."
Old Ji glanced at Qing Xing and said, "Come in and take a look." He led them in. "Nothing else, the things in my house must not be damaged. As for the scenery and layout, I'm not exaggerating, a yard like this is hard to find anywhere else."
Qingxing followed him in and fell in love with the house at first sight. There was a huge willow tree in the yard, which was very refreshing. She decided to buy this house immediately.
"Okay, don't worry, my master and I will never damage your things. You can come and check when we move out.
Lao Ji said, "Okay, I'll go get someone to sign."
Lao Ji was about to leave the next day, so he asked someone to bring the documents, signed and sealed them, handed over the silver, and asked the shopkeeper to be a witness.
In the evening, Qingxing happily said that the matter had been settled, and she also specifically explained the location and layout of the courtyard.
Yu Huatang was surprised, "So fast? You found it in just one day?"
Because she was going to Tianjing Pavilion, she asked Qingxing to find a place that was not too cheap so as to avoid a mix of good and bad people.
Qing Xing said, "I originally thought it was too fast, but since the shopkeeper is guaranteeing it, I think it's okay. After all, he can't run away."
Yu Huatang nodded. "Siyuan Lane isn't far from Tianjing Pavilion. This courtyard is a great find. Besides, many scholars live there. I'm really lucky to have rented it for five taels of silver."
"Maybe he's in a hurry to leave, but they said we can't destroy anything. I don't think that's a requirement at all." Qingxing said.
"Well, let's move our things over there tomorrow."
Qingxing nodded.
At this time, the shopkeeper had handed over his shift and was reporting to Zhao Yan in the alley outside the inn, "The young lady agreed as soon as she saw the yard, and also agreed to give 800 coins as travel expenses. I also did as the young master said and only asked for five taels of silver, and my friend also did as the young master said." As he said this, he was about to give the 800 coins in his hand to Zhao Yan.
Zhao Yan waved his hand. "Take this money. You must keep this matter a secret. When the two ladies leave, you can go and help them."
The shopkeeper accepted it and said with a smile, "Don't worry, sir. I will bring people to help the ladies clean up tomorrow."
Zhao Yan took a look at the attic where Yu Huatang lived and left in silence.
Behind him, the shopkeeper weighed the silver in his hand and sighed, "It's been a long time since I've seen such a loving and loyal couple. It's more exciting than a play."
It snowed heavily for several days, and in the blink of an eye it was New Year's Eve, so Tianjing Pavilion was closed for ten days.
On the night before New Year's Eve, Zhao Yan knocked on the courtyard door. It was Qingxing who opened the door. She was a little stunned when she saw him.
"Where is your master?" Zhao Yan asked gently.
Qingxing went to call for Yu Huatang, who came out. Zhao Yan hesitated for a moment and said, "I went to the inn to look for you. The innkeeper said you moved here."
Yu Huatang asked, "Master Zhao, is there anything wrong?"
At this time, Rong's mother appeared from the side and said, "Hello, Miss Yu."
Rong Madam was someone Madam Zhao brought from her family. She was kind and had never embarrassed her in the Zhao family. She respected her after all. After opening the door, she invited her in and said, "Why are you here, Madam Rong? Please come in and sit for a while."
Mama Rong went in, and Zhao Yan followed. Yu Huatang led them to sit in the front yard and brought some hot water. "We just finished cleaning the yard and haven't had time to buy tea yet. Mama Rong and Master Zhao, please have some hot water first."
"Miss Yu, please sit down. I'll do it myself." Mother Rong took it with both hands. After all, she was the master before, and she didn't want Yu Huatang to be like this.
After taking a few sips of hot water, Rong's mother looked at the yard and said, "This yard is very nice. How long will it be rented for?"
"Three months in total." Yu Huatang replied.
Mother Rong nodded and casually said, "Tomorrow night is New Year's Eve. Madam is grateful to Miss Yu for her hard work in finding a miracle doctor for her. That's why she asked me to come here and specially invite Miss Yu to have New Year's Eve dinner at her house tomorrow."
"Mom, you're too polite. I took the money anyway, so there's no point in saying that. Besides, it's not appropriate to go to your house for the New Year's Eve dinner." Yu Huatang said.
Rong's mother hurriedly shook her head. "That's what they said, but other people paid and still couldn't cure Madam. Not everyone is so kind. Madam also said something when I came out today. If I don't get Miss Yu's consent, I'm afraid I won't be able to go back today."
"Mom, you're joking. New Year's Eve dinner is usually a family reunion. Qingxing and I have no relationship with the Zhao family, so it's really inappropriate." Yu Huatang explained.
Zhao Yan looked at her silently from the side. Rong Mama continued, "Let's not talk about the treatment for now. Let's talk about the matter of Concubine Huang a few days ago. Chu Rui has already left the mansion, and the Second Young Master's wife has handed over the household affairs to the Fourth Young Master's wife. The Madam also scolded her, saying that the matter of Concubine Huang had wronged Miss Yu, and now she hopes Miss Yu will give us a chance to make amends sincerely."
Yu Huatang was not a hard-hearted person. When she arrived at the inn before, Mrs. Zhao sent someone to pick her up, but she did not agree.
Now Mother Rong is someone close to her and represents her face. It is difficult for her to refuse such an invitation today.
She also understood that if she did not go to the Zhao Mansion now, people in the capital would discuss the matter and think that the Zhao family was ungrateful.
While thinking, she unconsciously looked at Zhao Yan. Zhao Yan had been watching her expression the whole time, so he naturally knew what she was worried about. He said gently, "I'll come pick you up tomorrow night. I'll take you back after dinner, so it won't delay anything."
Yu Huatang nodded, "Thank you for the invitation."
Rong's mother's face was full of joy. "That's good. I'll go back and tell my wife to prepare some dishes from the girl's hometown."
Zhao Yan's expression brightened up. "Wait for me to pick you up tomorrow."
Yu Huatang said, "Thank you, Master Zhao."
That night, Zhao Yan brought Yu Huatang and Qingxing to the Zhao Mansion.
Because it was the New Year, the house was full of joy. Zhao Yan was successful in his career, and Mrs. Zhao had returned from the brink of life and death, so the house was naturally even more joyful.
Zhao Yan took her to the courtyard where the banquet was held. Madam Zhao was sitting there with Jun Ge'er next to her. Madam Zhao smiled and said, "Miss Yu is here. It's cold outside. Please take a seat." She then ordered the maid to bring a hand warmer and a charcoal basin.
Tucked under their seats.
In a short while, the yard became as warm as spring. Although it was just a yard, the servants had built sheds.
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