Xie Zhaozhao guessed that he must be saying something to the person whose memorial tablet had no inscription.
Maybe it's related to him, maybe it's not, but in any case, they are someone very important to him.
She solemnly promised in her heart: "Although I do not know who you are, I also respect you the most because your husband respects you so much."
After the two finished offering incense, they didn't stay long and went out again, with Aunt Cui following them out.
Xie Zhaozhao then noticed an old woman dressed in monk's robes sitting in a corner of the hall.
Liu Yiyi had finished packing, and everyone returned to the city.
As soon as they returned, Taxue came to inform Xie Zhaozhao that the old lady said she would be attending a palace banquet tomorrow, and everyone should discuss it further.
Gu Shaoyu frowned and said, "Wasn't this already discussed? What else is there to discuss?"
Ta Xue didn't dare to say much. Xie Zhaozhao smiled slightly and said to Gu Shaoyu, "If something happens to Mother, I'll go check on her. You rest first."
Upon arriving at Ci'en Temple, the old lady, Madam Tu, Madam Lu (the second wife), and Xie Xiangxiang were all present.
For grand banquets like the New Year's Eve palace banquet, the principal wife would bring her legitimate daughter to attend, while concubines and illegitimate daughters were not qualified to participate.
The old lady gave a final instruction, reminding everyone not to make any mistakes tomorrow. Finally, she said, "Your uncles have all returned to Ouyang. Only your cousin Zhi Baiju has stayed in the capital, studying at the Luyi Academy in the north. The three Zhi sisters, Zhi Yaoyao, Zhi Yao ...
As she finished speaking, she looked at her three daughters-in-law and Xie Xiangxiang.
No one uttered a sound, and resentment rose on Mrs. Lu's face.
Xie Zhaozhao's expression didn't even change.
The old lady protected her family; she knew this from her previous life.
In his previous life, Gu Chengyan used her dowry to make a fortune during the Grand Canal project and natural disasters. The Marquis's mansion was not short of money and could support the entire Zhi family without any pressure. The Zhi family had been living in the mansion and had not returned home.
Eat her food and drink her water, eat and drink to your heart's content, then curse her for not laying eggs.
The word "filial piety" weighed on her for her entire life.
It's impossible in this lifetime!
"Several of the young ladies of the imperial family were unable to participate in the talent show arranged for the palace banquet. The three sisters, Zhi Yaoyao and her sister, were particularly talented, and the Empress granted them permission to enter the palace to perform, which also broadened their horizons."
Mrs. Lu found it both laughable and infuriating. What kind of beasts were the Zhi family?
Uncle Zhi and Zhi Baicheng almost ruined Gu Huanhuan and Gu Mianmian's reputation, and even brought the Zhi family into the palace.
Unable to resist a sarcastic remark, she said, "Mother, I don't have your magnanimous heart. You can bring anyone, but not the Zhi family."
The old lady became sad: "I also have the surname Zhi! Who told them to be my relatives? You'll understand when you reach my age. When you get old, you all cherish the past and miss your relatives."
Madam Tu comforted her, saying, "Mother, don't be sad. We'll take the sisters to the palace tomorrow."
Xie Zhaozhao said calmly, "I need to dine with the ladies in the palace, so it's inconvenient for me to bring anyone with me."
A first-rank imperial consort! Xie Zhaozhao's status is too high; the three Zhi sisters can't even dream of it.
This is like asking for directions; you can find a common laborer or even a thug, which is better than going to the palace to ask the emperor.
The old lady wept and said, "They lived in a dilapidated temple in the north of the city. In the dead of winter... they didn't even have a decent set of clothes to wear to the palace. There was simply no time to prepare anything."
Madam Tu added fuel to the fire, saying, "Mother, don't be sad. Yan'er worked very hard to get this opportunity to enter the palace. You have done right by your grandfather."
"Alas, if the three of them perform exceptionally well at the palace banquet and receive good fortune, they will surely be eternally grateful to those who helped them," the old lady said, glancing at Xie Zhaozhao.
Xie Zhaozhao remained silent, saying, "Please continue your performance."
The old lady had no choice but to call out, "Third Madam, you're going to wear your imperial robes to the palace banquet. Could you lend your clothes to the sisters for a bit?"
Both Tu Shi and Xie Xiangxiang were looking at Xie Zhaozhao.
You couldn't hold back anymore? I thought you guys would put on a show a little longer.
She asked casually, "How much does Mother-in-law need?"
The old lady's eyes lit up immediately as she looked at Madam Tu.
Madam Tu said, "Each of the three sisters wore a set of headdresses, plus a cloak and hood, adorned with pearl hairpins or floral crowns..."
She listed them one by one, and seeing Xie Zhaozhao's eyes as calm as water, Madam Tu said, "Anyway, the three sisters will return to you when they come back. Dress them up nicely, and if they are lucky enough to receive a reward, I will decide that the reward is yours."
Xie Zhaozhao remained noncommittal and then asked, "So, roughly what price range would be appropriate?"
The old lady and Madam Tu were almost bursting with excitement. The third madam is so wealthy and powerful! Just listen to the price range!
The old lady immediately said, "It doesn't need to be expensive, just something similar to your chrysanthemum banquet set will do."
Madam Tu: "Yes, yes, that set is the most bright and elegant. Of course, it doesn't matter if it's been worn before; it's always better to have new clothes for a palace banquet."
It had to be good, and new. The costumes for the Chrysanthemum Banquet were made of the finest and newest fabric from Jiangnan, a rare find even in a year. Consort Xi received two bolts, which she gave to Xie Zhaozhao.
The old lady and Madam Tu have excellent judgment.
“Oh, that kind of material, paired with Master Qu’s design of a glass and kingfisher feather hairpin, a Hualu inlaid luminous pearl hairpin, and a hollowed-out peony and red coral hair ornament… is most suitable for young girls to wear!” Xie Zhaozhao said in detail, “A complete set of that kind costs more than ten thousand taels of silver.”
“Ah, yes, yes, yes,” the old lady and Madam Tu strongly agreed, “If we’re talking about discerning eyes, the Third Madam is the best.”
The two men showered Xie Zhaozhao with praise, eager to carry out several boxes of her dowry.
Madam Lu was furious. Her daughter was only wearing a set of clothes from the manor that cost a few dozen taels of silver, while the Zhi sisters were wearing clothes that cost more than ten thousand taels of silver!
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