Cui Yanjin scratched his head and said in a quiet voice, "From my mother’s private collection."
Su Rong laughed, "Fourth Aunt must be very reluctant to part with them."
Those who know martial arts have a fondness for weapons. And for someone from the Evil Ghost Sect like Liao Yuying, they might love weapons even more.
Cui Yanjin shook his head solemnly, "My mother picked them out with me especially for you, Sister-in-law. She didn’t seem to mind parting with them. If they were for someone else, I doubt I’d be allowed anywhere near her private stash."
Su Rong patted his head, "Your cousin always thinks you’re not very good with words, but it seems you speak quite well. ", She then opened another box to find an incredibly beautiful bracelet. "This can’t also be a weapon, can it?"
"Um, it’s also for self-defense, hiding twelve bone-piercing needles inside." said Cui Yanjin.
"I really thank you, my dear cousin. I love both your gifts." She held the fan in her hand, not wanting to put it down, and ordered Lan Zhi, "Come, help me put on this bracelet."
Lan Zhi approached smiling, took off the top-grade jade bracelet from her wrist, and replaced it with this exquisitely crafted gold wire bracelet.
Su Rong swung the bracelet and fanned herself with the fan, and cheerfully asked Cui Yanjin, "Little cousin, you gave me these two wonderful gifts, which I really like. How about I promote you as a return favor?"
Cui Yanjin immediately stepped back, making a bitter face, "No, Sister-in-law, I don’t want any promotion right now."
His days as a rank six official were hard enough; he didn’t want a promotion.
"Alright!" Su Rong was happy, "Whenever you want to get promoted, I will help you."
Cui Yanjin was overjoyed, "Then I’ll go and play."
"Sure." Su Rong waved her hand, letting him go to play.
Cui Yanjin hopped away.
Without his official robe today, he could not contain his excitement as a government official. He presented a gift that wrapped around his sister-in-law’s heart. In front of all the family members, there may be hundreds or even thousands of gifts given, but his sister-in-law only wore the two gifts he sent on the spot, how could he not be happy? His efforts in looking through three private reserves to find such a cherished gift were not in vain.
The giver was happy, and the receiver was pleasant.
The Old Grandmother watched in fascination from the sidelines. The royal family members could see the potential in Cui Yanjin. Who knows how far this child could develope in the future? Especially at twelve, not only can he give gifts, but he can also refuse what he doesn’t want. With such a mentality, what opportunities and choices wouldn’t his future present to him?
Truly a worthy descendant of the Qinghe Cui Family.
Judging by how much the Princess loved these gifts, one could well estimate the rewards the deliverer, who had put in such an effort, would get in the future.
Therefore, when all the royal family members were looking for a spot to take a break and gave the Princess over to the women of the Imperial Court who arrived later, led by Officer Ye Xiang’s wife. Officer Ye Xiang’s wife noticed at once that the Princess held a fan in her hand. When the Princess opened the fan to cool herself, the gold wire bracelet on her wrist was exceptionally eye-catching. It paired well with Princess’ elegant attire
She chuckled and asked, "Where was this fan made, Your Highness? Such a beautiful twelve-ribbed fan is rare."
At least they were not available in the market.
Su Rong smiled, "My little cousin gave it to me as a birthday gift, Ma’am, isn’t it beautiful?"
"It is beautiful." Officer Ye Xiang’s wife queried, "The little cousin you mentioned, is that Cui Yanjin?"
"Yes, it’s him."
Officer Ye Xiang’s wife inspected the fan, "It’s pretty and unique. It’s perfect for fanning in the summer as the weather is getting warmer. The gift is quite timely."
"This isn’t just for fanning. It’s also a hidden weapon with six flying knives inside," Su Rong didn’t see any need to keep this a secret, after all, no one would dare harm her now.
Officer Ye Xiang’s wife was surprised, "I really couldn’t tell. This is actually a weapon."
She looked at it from left to right, "Such craftsmanship is extraordinary. Whoever made this fan must be a master artisan."
"Isn’t it!" Su Rong had never seen such a fan weapon before. It doesn’t seem to be in her father’s private collection, either. The weapons deposit she gave Zhou Gu was so big; she didn’t know if it had a fan.
"This bracelet is also beautiful, and it doesn’t look like it was commissioned by the palace." Officer Ye Xiang’s wife then turned to the bracelet. It was not that she hadn’t seen anything before, but such fans and bracelets were rare.
Su Rong chuckled, "It’s also from my little cousin."
Officer Ye Xiang’s wife let out an ’Ah!’, "Is this bracelet also a weapon?"
"Yes, it hides twelve bone-piercing needles." Su Rong had a smile on her face.
After inspecting the bracelet for a moment, the officer’s wife expressed her admiration, "Such lovely gifts. They’re attractive and can serve as weapons. He must have gone through a lot of effort."
Su Rong nodded, "Yes, my little cousin bartered it out of his own mother’s hand, all for me."
Hearing that, Officer Ye Xiang’s wife broke into a laugh. The Qinghe Cui family was an odd couple, known by everyone. Right after Cui Yuanbin and Liao Yuying come to the Nanchu Capital with Mister Cui, the two have nearly scoured the entire city within a month.
In contrast to Mister Cui, who was so busy helping with the Imperial Examination that he hardly had time to set foot on the ground, despite being tied up with studies and the Qinghe Cui family members who were busy settling into the social circle in Nanchu Capital. This couple simply enjoyed themselves all day long. However, they had an obedient and thoughtful son.
They were truly a pair to be envied and also worthy of jealousy.
Qin Luan, the only sister of Qin Ruo, had followed her brother into the palace to celebrate the princess’s birthday as a female relative.
It was only after everyone else had paid their respects to Su Rong that she stepped forward and presented her gift, "Your Highness, there isn’t much I can offer. I hope you won’t be disappointed by my modest gift, and accept brother’s blessing for you."
Su Rong smiled softly and personally took the silk box from her hand, "Thank you, Miss Qin. If you were here to give me such a gift during my childhood, I probably would’ve been overjoyed considering I was always short of money"
While her words were amusing, what Su Rong said was also a fact.
Qin Luan’s heart, which was a bit anxious, relaxed with Su Rong’s words and she also laughed, "What a pity I didn’t know the Princess then, otherwise I would have celebrated your birthday each year."
At that time, the mansion of the former censor wouldn’t be considered a top-class family, but it held a high position. As far from Jiangning County as the poles, not just because of geographical distance, but also Governor Su’s official position was far from a court official.
Su Rong laughed and asked her, "How is your preparation for the exam coming along? Are you confident?"
Qin Luan shook her head, "My brother teaches me every evening, but since there’s not much time, I’m not sure if I can secure a position."
Su Rong nodded, "There will be another examination next year."
Qin Luan understood that even if she fails the exam this year, there will be an opportunity next year. The imperial examination, which was held every three years, seems to have turned into an annual event because of Su Rong’s kindness.
She smiled, "I’ll work hard. Thank you, Your Highness."
"You should thank your own perseverance more." Su Rong smiled, "What kind of path each person chooses to walk is up to them. Since Miss Qin chose this path, please stick to it. The heavens favor those who persevere a little more."
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