A few days after returning to her parents' home, Xie Zhaozhao went to the Xie residence again to tell her grandmother that Gu Shaoyu had managed to squeeze out a position in the Salt and Iron Bureau.
The old lady happily pulled Xie Zhaozhao along and said to Xie Erye, "She's just a girl, married for only a few days, and she's already worrying about you, her uncle."
Master Xie was very excited. Over the years, he had been working in the Ministry of Works and was only an eighth-rank official. He had never taken the imperial examinations and was now over thirty years old, having accomplished nothing.
However, he has one advantage: he is popular and can be on friendly terms with anyone.
"What opportunity did Zhao Zhao find for Second Uncle?" Second Master Xie was eager for it. If he could be given an eighth-rank official position and his location changed, he would be satisfied.
Xie Anfeng was responsible for the entire Xie clan, and he was too cautious, especially when it came to promoting his own family members; he was even more demanding. Xie Yu was still a legitimate Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), but he was currently at the lowest level in the Ministry of Revenue.
Madam Xie's eyes lit up, and she swallowed nervously.
The old lady stopped being mysterious and said, "Grand Secretary Gu will help you get a job at the Salt and Iron Bureau as a Salt and Iron Judge. The rank is fifth grade. It's not easy to get into the Salt and Iron Bureau, so you must not embarrass Zhaozhao when you get there."
As soon as the old lady finished speaking, Madam Xie rushed to Xie Zhaozhao almost like an arrow, hugged her, and said excitedly, "Zhaozhao, you have helped your second uncle a lot! Your second uncle and I will be grateful to you for the rest of our lives."
Master Xie was overjoyed; he had actually been transferred to the Salt and Iron Bureau, a department that countless people would kill for!
They even gave him a fifth-rank official position right away. Hey, even a fifth-rank official is still considered a fifth-rank official.
This is a qualification that takes five or six years to achieve for those who passed the imperial examinations twice.
My nephew-in-law did it for him with just one sentence.
"Zhaozhao, don't worry, I definitely won't let you down. I'll be meticulous in everything and quick on my feet," Master Xie assured him. "I will never make a mistake, and I'll get along well with everyone so that no one will gossip about me."
Xie Zhaozhao just smiled and pursed her lips. Since her second uncle and aunt were happy, she didn't want to say anything more.
When Gu Shaoyu offered her this position, she had already decided that her second uncle was the most suitable.
Like Yin Jin'an and the others, Second Uncle was the second son in the family, but he received no resources or favor and was practically invisible.
Such a person, once given a chance, will be even more grateful.
Second Uncle treated Xie Yu very well. He was good at dealing with people and at mediating disputes. It was best to put someone like that in the Salt and Iron Bureau, the most lucrative department. Even if someone was dissatisfied, he could still fool others into not hating him.
My brother will be the head of the Xie family in the future. With these family members working together, the Xie family will not fall apart.
When she returned from the Xie residence, Second Madam Xie saw her off for a long distance, filling a whole cart with gifts; she was practically ready to have a plaque made to commemorate her.
Upon returning to the Marquis's residence, they arrived at Qingpu Courtyard and found Nanxing standing guard outside the bedroom gate.
"Is the Grand Secretary inside?" Xie Zhaozhao was surprised. Had he returned so early?
"Yes, he's inside." Nanxing didn't know what the Grand Secretary was doing inside. He ran out after the midday court session and brought back a bunch of things.
They moved things into the house, but I don't know what they were doing.
Xie Zhaozhao entered the house and heard a thumping sound coming from the pool. She knocked on the door, and a muffled voice inside asked, "Zhaozhao?"
"Yes, I'm back."
"Wait a minute, I'm not done yet."
Is this something being assembled?
It was hot in the summer, and even though there was ice in the Xie residence and in the carriage, she still sweated profusely during her trip to the Xie residence.
I was changing clothes in the bedroom when I lifted the curtain and suddenly saw a brand new cloth bag on the pillow. When I opened it, I found a soft pair of underwear inside.
Soft and delicate, but it's a private garment that can't be shared with outsiders.
Her face flushed red instantly, and she hurriedly stuffed the clothes back into the bag.
Before they had even finished changing, they heard the pool door open and Gu Shaoyu came out.
He was in his own courtyard, and it was hot. He was wearing only a dark blue silk shirt and thin white silk trousers, and his long hair was simply tied up with a yellow ribbon.
His chest was open, revealing his fair, broad, and firm pectoral muscles.
He was a civil official, but he was skilled in horsemanship and archery, and was physically strong.
This was the first time he had stood before her so casually, exuding an innate confidence that made her feel not sloppy, but rather hot-blooded and on the verge of a nosebleed.
So beautiful, it's impossible to look away.
Her face flushed instantly, and she asked, "What are you doing?"
Gu Shaoyu went to the bedroom to get the bag, then took her hand and said, "Come and see what I packed."
When Xie Zhaozhao saw him carrying the bag, alarm bells went off in her mind. She said, "I just came back from outside, I'm covered in sweat!"
"What are you afraid of?" he asked with a smile.
Xie Zhaozhao didn't respond to him, feeling that he had ill intentions.
Upon entering the pool area, one sees a tall iron beam, as thick as an arm, installed on what was once an open space.
With ropes hanging from the beam, isn't this a tall swing?
However, the ropes for the swing were not thick hemp ropes, but cowhide ropes, which were decorated with lace.
“Come on, try it out.” Gu Shaoyu took her hand. “I’ve been putting this up for most of the day. I’ve tested it myself, and it’s very sturdy.”
"Why did you come up with the idea of installing a swing indoors?"
"It's too hot outside."
As he spoke, he took off her clothes: "It's so hot, why are you wearing so many clothes?"
She continued undressing until she was only wearing her undergarments, but then Xie Zhaozhao refused to stop. Even as husband and wife, she couldn't bear to be completely naked in front of her husband.
Gu Shaoyu took a ribbon and covered his eyes, tying it behind his head, and said, "Is this okay? I can't see. Can you change into this new outfit so I can see?"
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