The emperor listened to the advice and threw down the small piece of melon rind he was holding.
Steward Yi quickly poured tea, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief when he didn't hear the Emperor say how to deal with the Chang family women and children.
Perhaps it's because he's getting old, but in recent years he's become more and more soft-hearted and can't bear to see bloodshed and death.
Commander Chang betrayed his master for a woman, which is absolutely unforgivable. It is also understandable that the emperor would send the concubine to the underworld in his anger.
But Madam Chang was completely innocent.
A perfectly good woman was betrothed to the Chang family by imperial decree, but her husband's heart was always with a concubine, and he neglected her and their son for many years. The two of them lived like invisible people.
She probably guessed the reason for Commander Chang's death, which is why she rushed back to her ancestral home to protect her family.
Such a smart and strong woman, anyone who hears about her would want to lend a helping hand.
Whether the Emperor heard Chief Steward Yi's thoughts or not, he drank half a cup of tea before saying, "Enough, let's leave it at that. It would be best if the Chang family lived a quiet life from now on."
Steward Yi quickly said, "His Majesty is magnanimous and benevolent, and has pardoned the women and children of the Chang family. Madam Chang is also a sensible woman, and she will surely be grateful and teach her children to study hard and serve Tianwu."
The Emperor clearly liked these words, and his expression softened considerably.
But as he picked up another list, his eyes turned icy cold...
Perhaps because it rained the night before, the sun in Xindu didn't seem as intense as before.
People who are cooped up at home rarely go out for a walk and see the hustle and bustle outside.
Across from Baiyunjian is a teahouse with two floors, featuring a lobby and private rooms. It is decorated in an elegant and comfortable style and is a favorite gathering place for literati.
One of the main reasons is that you can eat freshly baked pastries from Baiyunjian here.
Since we were so close, I called the waiter to buy a plate of it as soon as I smelled the sweet aroma. I bet it would still be steaming hot when it was served to me.
Don't say that writers can't be gluttonous. Writers are human too. Who doesn't love soft snacks, fragrant milk tea, and ice-cold juice?
At this moment, a few middle-aged literati gathered together to chat and appreciate the ancient paintings they had brought from home. When they were thirsty, they instructed their pageboys to go across the street to buy a few cups of Jade Melon Juice.
As a result, they were so thirsty that their throats were parched before the little pageboy, covered in sweat, finally returned.
The servant boy's master was furious and scolded, "Why are you only coming back now? You can't even do such a small thing right!"
The pageboy felt wronged and quickly apologized, explaining what had happened.
"Sir, it's not that I'm being lazy, it's just that there are too many people at Baiyunjian across the street. The shopkeeper and the staff are all extremely busy! I barely managed to squeeze to the front and buy a few cups of juice."
Everyone listened with curiosity and pressed their eyes against the window to peek.
Sure enough, the area in front of Baiyun Pavilion was bustling with people, a truly lively scene.
Someone asked, "What day is it? Why is business so good at Baiyunjian?"
"I don't know, it's not a holiday," someone else replied.
Finally, the young pageboy ran out to find someone to ask him the truth, and then he cleared up the doubts for all the gentlemen.
"I heard it's Grand Tutor Cai's birthday, and they're having a celebration banquet tomorrow. All these guests today are here to order pastry boxes and birthday cakes!"
"Oh dear, it's Grand Tutor Cai's birthday? Of course! Look at my memory, I actually forgot about such an important event!" someone exclaimed in surprise. "Grand Tutor Cai was my mentor during the imperial examinations back then."
“Me too, me too!” another person quickly chimed in, “We’re in the same year for the exam.”
"Let's go order some pastry boxes too! We also need to prepare some other congratulatory gifts!"
"Together, together!"
The group quickly drank their juice while talking, then took their antique paintings, paid for their tea, and hurriedly left.
This kind of situation occurs almost everywhere in the city, in teahouses, restaurants, and calligraphy and painting shops.
In the courtyard of the relief office, Li Lao Er was reading a book while drinking herbal tea.
Zheng He came in to refill the tea and couldn't help but ask, "Lord, I heard that Baiyun Pavilion and Baihua Garden are doing extremely well, with crowds thronging the shops. Would you like to go and take a look?"
"No need. It's been a business for many years. The manager is very responsible and almost never makes mistakes."
Li Lao Er put down his book and smiled, a rare occurrence for him. "Make the arrangements. Once this month's profits are settled, use them to buy grain as usual. There will definitely be a grain shortage this year, so stockpiling more will give us peace of mind."
"Don't worry, Lord, it's all been arranged long ago." Zheng He asked, "Just now, the eldest young mistress sent someone to ask if you would like to pay your respects at Grand Tutor Cai's birthday banquet? What kind of birthday gift would you like to prepare?"
After thinking for a moment, Li Lao Er said, "Go back and tell the eldest young mistress not to worry, I will make the arrangements. Also, tell Lao Cao to leave two pots of clivia and deliver them to the Cai family tomorrow. Tell them I am not feeling well and will visit them another day."
"Yes, Lord." Zheng He silently repeated to himself, and, feeling that he hadn't forgotten anything, quickly went about his work.
The next day, the Cai family's birthday banquet was very lively.
Cai Taifu, who was nearly seventy years old, had a head of silver hair, white eyebrows that reached his temples, and a ruddy complexion. He looked energetic and did not look old at all. On the contrary, he had a dignified and otherworldly air that made people feel respectful when they saw him.
He specially changed into a long robe with a longevity character pattern made of maroon silk, and accepted the kneeling and birthday wishes from his children and grandchildren with a smile. Afterwards, he exchanged pleasantries with everyone.
Just as the celebrations were in full swing, the Emperor sent someone to deliver birthday gifts.
This person was neither Steward Yi nor Eunuch Feng, but actually Lu Zong, the heir apparent.
This was completely unexpected and brought great joy to the Cai family.
You should know that Lu Zong is the future husband of the Third Princess and the Emperor's son-in-law.
The Emperor sent him on this trip because he respected Grand Tutor Cai.
The Cai family and all the guests knelt down to express their gratitude, and then the Cai family invited Lu Zong to sit in the seat of honor.
Soon, the food and wine were served, and everyone toasted and congratulated Cai Taifu, making him laugh continuously.
Lu Zong naturally offered a toast as well, but after a while, unable to bear the noise of the crowd, he excused himself to change his clothes and left his seat.
Because there were so many guests, a total of twenty tables were set up in the front yard.
If it weren't for the sheds that were set up beforehand, the guests would probably have dried into jerky before they even had a chance to eat their fill.
Lu Zong hesitated for a moment, then thought of talking to an acquaintance.
As a result, after going around in circles and being stopped by guests for a long time to chat, they still couldn't find Li Lao Er and Mr. Wen.
Although these two people did not have a deep relationship with the Cai family, they couldn't help but add to the joy of such a happy occasion by visiting to offer their congratulations and drink some celebratory wine.
But neither of them showed up...
He immediately summoned his attendant and gave him a few detailed instructions.
Just as the attendant left, two more guests came to greet them.
"Your Highness, when will I have the honor of attending your wedding?"
"Yes, the young master's wedding day is probably not far off, is it?"
Lu Zong smiled gently and replied, "Thank you for your concern, but that depends on His Majesty's decree. This year's northern expedition is the most crucial year, and the drought has reduced production, which has truly troubled His Majesty."
"As a subject, I already feel extremely guilty for not being able to share the Emperor's burdens, and I really don't want to cause the Emperor any more trouble. If possible, I would like to get married next spring when the flowers bloom."
Two updates today!
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