The Duke's mansion has been making some big moves these past two days. The servants in the mansion have been re-screened, some of them have been sold off, and some have been given a warning. Even the old servants who have been in the mansion for many years have not been spared this time.
A tense atmosphere permeated the Duke's mansion. The remaining people moved with extreme caution, afraid of inadvertently offending their master and bringing unforeseen disaster upon themselves.
Even if it wasn't Song Ning this time, the matter of Steward Xie alone would be enough to enrage Princess Jianing.
The Duke's mansion is no ordinary official residence. If someone were to exploit a loophole, there would certainly be arguments in the imperial court.
Ultimately, all these arguments will become arrows aimed at Xie Linzhou.
In Song Ning's box, besides the silver notes, there was also the gold medal that Princess Jianing had given him last time. That medal represented the Duke's mansion and was not something that ordinary people could touch.
If they were to be used by those with ulterior motives in the mansion, the consequences would be unimaginable.
The Duke's mansion only has this one son, and we absolutely cannot let these people influence or drag him down.
In summer, dawn breaks exceptionally early, and birds begin to sing very early as well.
Early in the morning, two nannies helped Princess Jianing with her dressing and grooming.
Princess Jianing sat before the bronze mirror, wiping her hands with a soft silk handkerchief as she asked, "Has the letter to the young master been sent out?"
"Your Highness, rest assured, it was sent yesterday by fast horse, and the young master will receive it in a few days."
Princess Jianing couldn't help but show a hint of excitement: "Have the orders been given in the manor as well?"
"Your Highness, rest assured, everything has been arranged according to your instructions."
Princess Jianing nodded slightly. It was her future daughter-in-law's first visit, so she had to ask her a question.
Even Madam Xie got up early today, just waiting for Song Ning to come to the door.
Princess Jianing had never been so nervous before. In all her life, what kind of big occasions hadn't she seen? She had never even felt this way in front of His Majesty.
"Granny Chang, please take a look at me quickly. Is this appropriate? Is it even proper?"
Granny Chang chuckled, "Your Highness, please rest assured, everything is fine, and I certainly won't be impolite."
Princess Jianing sighed, "Alas, I've really worried myself sick over my daughter-in-law and my eldest grandson."
Previously, I worried that Song Ning was young and not in the capital, and what if she fell in love with someone else?
Now that they've finally arrived in the capital, this has happened, and now the Song family is worried about having a bad impression of the Duke's Mansion.
Although the Duke's mansion is of such high status that others would be eager to curry favor with them, the Song family is different; they are future in-laws.
Her family is powerful and influential, but the Song family are not the type to curry favor with the powerful. If they treat her well, they can get closer to their daughter-in-law.
The Song family also got up early today to prepare, after all, they were going to visit the Duke's mansion, so they had to be more serious.
"Xiao Cui, I'm leaving this place to you."
"Don't worry, boss, you can go ahead. I'll take care of things here."
They went to the Duke's mansion today to collect His Majesty's reward, but it wasn't appropriate for too many people to go, so they had to leave the rest behind.
At 9:00 AM, Jiang Shuyue sent a carriage to take the three of them to the entrance of the Duke's mansion.
There were already people waiting at the gate of the Duke's mansion. Granny Qi was an old servant who served Princess Jianing, and there weren't many people who would have her personally come out to greet them.
As soon as the three of them got out of the carriage, Granny Qi quickly stepped forward to greet them warmly: "Miss Song has arrived! His Highness has been waiting for you. Please come in."
"Thank you, Granny Qi."
The family followed them into the mansion, which was not as extravagant as they had imagined, but something strange happened.
As they walked along, they didn't see a single servant in the mansion.
However, Song Ning didn't ask, probably because the Duke's mansion was frugal.
The servants of the Duke's mansion were standing behind a row of trees by the roadside. After Song Ning and the others walked over, the matron in front said sternly, "Have you all seen clearly?"
"Yes, Granny, I saw it clearly."
"Keep your eyes open. From now on, whenever these three people come to our mansion, serve them well. They are our distinguished guests and cannot be neglected."
The head maid bowed respectfully and said, "Don't worry, Granny, we've remembered."
"Alright, everyone go ahead and get busy."
Everyone bowed and then dispersed.
The Song family of three were invited into the front hall. Princess Jianing, who was standing at the door, quickly came down the steps to greet them when she saw them enter: "Oh, you've finally arrived! Come in quickly!"
Although they had both met Princess Jianing, the last time was at their own home, and this time it was at the Duke's mansion. The places were different, so their feelings were different.
The servants served tea, and Song Dahai and Liu Yuelan quickly wiped their hands and solemnly accepted the teacups.
"I didn't know you were coming a few days ago, and I only invited you to my home today. Please take it to heart."
"Your Highness, you are too kind. We have only been here for a few days. We need to prepare ourselves before we dare to come here," Song Ning said, handing the things she had brought to the old woman beside her.
Princess Jianing was very satisfied, and the Song family did not mention the incident from that day.
Without further ado, Princess Jianing got straight to the point: "Perfect timing. His Majesty's previous rewards are still at the residence. I've already had them prepared. Please take a look."
No sooner had she finished speaking than the old woman outside the door led people in.
A small box, a big trunk.
Princess Jianing handed over the small box: "These are the land deeds for your house and shop, as well as some silver notes. The land deeds have been officially approved. I have people cleaning the place every day, and the furniture is all set. You can move in right away when you arrive."
Song Ning and her parents exchanged glances, feeling somewhat flattered.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I'm really sorry to have troubled you."
"It's no trouble, it's just a matter of convenience. This big box contains the gold. If you like gold, just carry it. If you find gold inconvenient, I'll have someone exchange it for silver notes and deposit it in a bank for easy access."
"And that shop, you'll definitely need to open it after you arrive. Your household has dealt with many craftsmen over the years, so I'll send the craftsmen there to you. You can decide how the shop should look, and the shop assistants too..."
Princess Jianing went on and on, leaving Song Dahai and Liu Yuelan completely bewildered.
Only Song Ning knew what Princess Jianing was thinking.
If possible, she didn't want to get too involved with the Duke's mansion, so that she could keep her distance from Xie Linzhou in the future.
If we maintain close ties with the Duke's mansion, it won't be easy for us to distance ourselves from Xie Linzhou in the future.
Sigh, this is too difficult.
"Your Highness is very thoughtful. However, Your Highness is of noble status, while we are just commoners. We dare not trouble Your Highness with such a matter. But when the shop opens, Your Highness is welcome to visit."
Princess Jianing also realized she was being a bit too hasty, and immediately laughed and said, "That's right, you haven't even seen that shop yet, I was just being impatient."
Song Ning had planned to leave after taking the things, but when Grandma Xie arrived, she insisted that they stay for dinner.
This is the Duke's mansion; refusing it would make them seem ungrateful.
Helpless, they had no choice but to stay and eat this meal, which was also the most unpleasant meal that Song Dahai and Liu Yuelan had eaten in many years.
They finally managed to leave the Duke's mansion, both of them covered in sweat.
Once on the carriage, Liu Yuelan finally voiced her question: "Er Ya, don't you think Her Highness the Princess... seems a bit too enthusiastic?"
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