Chapter 52: Visitors from the County

Mo Bai was extremely satisfied with the meal. Whenever he thought of the scene where the prince praised him, the corners of Mo Bai's mouth curled up with pride.

The group did not stay for long. Looking at the team going away, Old Man Xu said worriedly, "Big girl, will our return gift be too shabby?"

Xu Nian walked back with Wang and said with a smile, "Don't worry, Grandpa, Luo Jin'an won't give up."

"Oh, we have to call him Prince from now on, we can't be so rude."

Xu Nian nodded helplessly.

At the same time, the news that the Xu family had contacts with the Prince of Zhenbei Palace spread quickly throughout half of the county.

Lingshan County Government

The county government will be closed for holiday in three days, so Xu Yaozu has been busy sorting out paperwork these days and has no way of knowing the news from outside.

But County Magistrate Wu was different. He came here excitedly to deliver the news.

"My Lord, my Lord, I have received some news."

County Magistrate Wu wondered, "What happened?"

The master complimented, "Your Excellency is wise. Today, the news spread all over the city that the Xu family has an old relationship with Prince Chang of Zhenbei Palace, and the Prince even sent someone to deliver a holiday gift."

County Magistrate Wu stood up suddenly, pounded his fist against his palm and laughed, "I was worried that the magistrate would blame me, but now...haha..."

"Your Excellency is far-sighted. Now, I'm afraid the magistrate will give you a thank-you gift."

County Magistrate Wu stroked his short beard and thought, "It seems that I should ask my wife to go and pay a visit to Old Madam Xu."

After leaving the court, Magistrate Wu went to the main courtyard and told his wife about the incident.

Shen was shocked and said, "No way, could it be that Prince Chang is interested in Miss Xu?"

County Magistrate Wu scolded: "What nonsense are you talking about? The girl hasn't even reached the age of marriage yet."

Shen knew that she had said something wrong. If her words got out, the girl's reputation would be ruined. Wouldn't that just make her an enemy?

"But who knows what will happen in the future?"

Shen nodded in understanding. Putting aside the difference in status, just based on the prophecy about Prince Chang, she was afraid that the Xu family might not be able to fulfill their wish. But no matter what, he had a connection after all, unlike her old man.

"I understand what you mean, Master. I will go to see the old lady of the Xu family tomorrow."

County Magistrate Wu sighed deeply. Once he entered the officialdom, he had no choice but to follow his own path. He had been in this position for six years. Although he had excellent test scores, he had never been able to advance any further.

The next day, the county magistrate's wife prepared generous gifts and took her daughter Wu Ziqing to the Xu family's manor.

"Ziqing, when you get to the Xu family, you must build a good relationship with Miss Xu. If there is any friction in words, back off if you can. Remember that?"

Wu Ziqing nodded obediently.

"Mother, what's so special about the Xu family?"

Shen smiled and shook her head, "You don't have to worry about these, just be careful to make friends with her."

...

The Xu family was also very lively. For some reason, so many people came today to give holiday gifts. Some of these people were people the Xu family had never even heard of.

Xu Fugui and Xu Youliang were having a hard time responding, because some of the gifts sent by others were too expensive, and they didn't know whether to accept them or not. At this time, Zhang Bo came over and said loudly:

"Please tell the old lady that I thank the elders from all the mansions for their kindness. You can keep the food, but please take back the other valuables.

Tomorrow the Xu family will go to each mansion to return the gifts. "

Upon hearing this, the stewards and servants of each household took back the silver ingots and banknotes, leaving only the cakes and other food and some ordinary cloth.

When Shen arrived, he saw the scene of horse-drawn carriages leaving the county, and he could not help but sigh at the profit-seeking nature of the world.

When Uncle Zhang saw another carriage coming, he thought it was another wealthy family in the county coming to give gifts, so he repeated what he had just said.

At this time, the maid next to Shen got off the carriage and said, "My master is the wife of Magistrate Wu, and she is here to visit Old Madam Xu."

Zhang Bo was startled and quickly bowed to apologize.

"I am an old servant who is not very good at seeing things. Please wait for a moment, Madam. I will go and inform the old lady."

In the main hall, the Xu family was talking about the people who had given gifts today and discussing how to return the gifts tomorrow, when they saw Uncle Zhang walk in.

"Old lady, old lady, the county magistrate's wife is here and is waiting outside the door to see you."

Old Man Xu and Mrs. Wang were startled and stood up to greet the guests, but Xu Nian held them back.

"Grandpa, grandma, don't panic. You are the elders, just sit here and relax. Grandpa, take Uncle and the others to hide for a while. Aunts, let's go out and welcome the county magistrate's wife."

The Xu family members listened to Xu Nian's arrangements and started to get busy.

When he came out of the door, Xu Nian saw the old woman standing next to the bicycle frame.

The old woman bowed, and then Mrs. Shen and Wu Ziqing also got off the carriage.

The three Zheng family members stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Madam, how are you? We didn't know you were coming. We are sorry for not coming to greet you."

Shen smiled and said, "It was me who came here without a visiting card. I hope you don't blame me for being such an irritating guest."

"Where, where."

Mrs. Zheng and Mrs. Wang led Madam Shen in front, while Xu Nian accompanied Wu Ziqing behind.

"It's been a long time since I last saw Sister Wu. You are still as radiant as ever."

Wu Ziqing felt a little embarrassed by Xu Nian's straightforward look.

"Sister Xu always makes fun of me, but you are the one who is truly astonished."

Wu Ziqing's words were not really flattery. After not seeing him for such a short time, she found that Xu Nian not only looked better, but his aura was also different.

Mrs. Shen listened to the voices of the two people talking behind her, and the smile on her face became even wider.

Wang was waiting anxiously in the main room when she heard voices. She almost stood up to greet the county magistrate's wife when she saw her come in.

Madam Shen smiled and said, "I hope you are well, Madam. I hope you will not be mad at me for coming here uninvited."

Seeing how amiable the wife of the county magistrate was, Wang no longer felt so nervous.

"Madam, you are joking. I am so worried that I may not be able to wait for you. Please sit down and have some tea to warm yourself up."

"Madam, just call me Lingzhu. It makes us seem closer."

"Okay, okay."

Shen picked up the teacup on the table, and just as she put it to her lips, she smelled a lingering floral fragrance. It was fresh and sweet in her mouth, and she couldn't help but sigh, "Good tea!"

Wang smiled and said, "Lingzhu likes to drink. I'll ask the eldest maid to pack some for you to take back."

Shen said embarrassedly: "It's good enough to be in the old lady's rank. How can I be embarrassed to get such a good thing."

Wang said indifferently, "Changsheng sent quite a lot of it over. In our family, only the eldest and the eldest girl know about tea. It would be a waste if they left it for us to drink."

Shen's eyes flickered when she heard the word "eternal life" and she said with a smile, "Then I won't be polite to the old lady."

Seeing that her grandmother was able to handle the situation well, Xu Nian took Wu Ziqing's hand and said, "Sister Wu, I'll take you to my room."

Wu Ziqing obtained her mother's consent and then happily went to the backyard.