Chapter 43 Chapter 43 The mind is deeply hidden.
The warm sun was high in the sky. When Sheng Puzhu stepped into the conference room, the eldest lady Qin was already sitting upright in the armchair in front of the hall.
Seeing her come in, Qin actually stood up to greet her personally, with a huge smile on her face and an unprecedented enthusiasm.
"Puzhu, my dear child, I'm sorry that you've been exhausted these days."
"You've come just in time. I asked Nanny Wang to make some soup this morning, and it's the perfect temperature now."
Qin affectionately took Sheng Puzhu's hand and raised her chin towards Nanny Wang. "It's Poria cocos and pigeon soup, garnished with goji berries. Do you like it?"
Nanny Wang is a great soup stewer, and this is something everyone in the mansion knows.
Sheng Puzhu was surprised by Qin's sudden enthusiasm. She withdrew her hand without a trace and took the account books from the servant's arms. "These are some of the account books sent by the farm this year, as well as the estimated expenses for this month. Would you like to take a look first, Auntie?"
Qin's smile deepened as she took the food box from Nanny Wang. "Okay, there's no rush for the account book. Drink your soup first, dear."
The soup in the celadon cup is milky white with a few wolfberries floating on it, and it's obvious that it was made with great care.
Sheng Puzhu couldn't refuse, so he picked up the spoon and took a sip.
“It tastes great, thank you for your trouble.”
"We're family, there's no need to bother." Qin's eyes widened with a smile. "If you like, I'll have Nanny Wang stew it for you every day."
Sheng Puzhu pursed her red lips slightly, the tip of her tongue still lingering with the sweet, mild and unique woody aroma of Poria cocos. She stirred slowly with the spoon in her hand, without responding, but without refusing either.
Qin was not annoyed, but smiled even more enthusiastically.
"There's no rush for the accounts."
"I came early today, so I'll take the initiative to handle the affairs of the meeting hall for you. If you are free, you can go to Tingtaoju and sit with me."
Since Qin had said so much, Sheng Puzhu naturally couldn't refuse.
Moreover, although Qin Shi was sometimes not in a good mood, she was the eldest daughter-in-law of the century-old Xie family. She had the proper dignity and upbringing under normal circumstances.
Sheng Puzhu drooped her eyelashes slightly, and glanced at the stewards standing respectfully in the hall. Tingtaoju was quiet and indeed more suitable for talking than this conference room.
"Of course it's a good idea." She bowed to Qin and agreed generously.
Passing through the corridor, Tingtaoju had already received instructions and prepared all kinds of tea and snacks.
Qin personally held the teapot and poured tea for Sheng Puzhu, saying naturally, "I heard that you particularly like Huoshan Huangya tea. Coincidentally, my Erlang also likes it, so Tingtaoju always has it on hand."
The thick aroma of tea covered Sheng Puzhu's eyes and eyebrows.
The Erlang that Qin called was naturally her second son Xie Jiyan.
Because Princess Shoukang had two unborn children, Xie Zhiyan was the third child in the mansion. According to the main branch of the Xie family, Xie Jiyan should be regarded as the fifth son of the Xie family.
Sheng Puzhu lowered her eyes, and the clear tea reflected her beautiful and delicate features.
Qin smiled to herself and said in a gentle tone, "Mingshu was sick before, and I was too busy at the time and couldn't find time to visit her. Now I feel bad when I think about it."
"I know you are very considerate and considerate. You are lucky to have such a good marriage. It's a pity that my family says you are almost twenty years old and you haven't even arranged a marriage yet."
"Puzhu, good boy."
"I won't hide it, even if my aunt begs you."
"Look, Mingshu isn't young anymore. Instead of looking for someone else, it's better to find someone you know well. Could you privately ask Mingshu what she thinks?"
It seemed like it was snowing outside the window again. The shadows of the trees were swaying, and the rustling sound almost covered up Qin's silent sigh.
Sheng Puzhu lowered her head to drink tea, and after a long while she said, "Second sister has a stubborn temper, she won't listen to me just because I say it."
"Besides, marriage is a big deal, and the elders in the family will make the decision for her. Even though I'm the eldest sister, I can't break the rules."
Qin's smile froze. She looked up and quietly observed Sheng Puzhu's expression. She said dryly, "Don't misunderstand me. A marriage between two families naturally requires mutual consent. It's just that my family is known for their reserved nature. Ever since I got hurt, I've kept everything to myself."
"I noticed that he seemed to be interested in your second sister, so I wanted to find out Mingshu's intentions privately."
Sheng Puzhu was stunned for a moment, blinked slowly, and looked at Qin seriously: "You can't say such nonsense. Mingshu just broke off her engagement with the Marquis of Changxing not long ago. If this gets out, what will people think of her?"
"Don't worry, I'm not someone who doesn't know how to behave."
"That's why I came to you privately to ask." Qin said with a serious expression on her face.
Sheng Puzhu finally smiled. She didn't reject Qin explicitly, but said tactfully, "I know what you mean. If I have time, I'll have someone pass the message to Mingshu."
As for when he is free and when to pass on the message, it is naturally difficult to say in terms of time.
Qin pressed the handkerchief to the corner of her lips, took a deep breath and said, "I'm not in a hurry these few days, but I'm also worried that Mingshu will be too good. If my Erlang misses this opportunity, he won't have another chance in the future."
"So I thought Qinghui would be out of confinement soon, and the mansion would hold a full-moon banquet, so I sent an invitation to the Mingde Marquis Mansion, and asked Madam Sheng to invite the ladies in the family as well."
Sheng Puzhu's eyes fell on Qin's hand, which was tightly clutching the handkerchief. A faint smile flashed through her eyes. "You can send an invitation to Grandmother. If Grandmother allows, I will naturally bring Mingshu with me."
"That's right. I'm just afraid Mingshu won't come." Qin was a little anxious.
"I know that my aunt is worried about her children, and I understand your good intentions, but fate cannot be forced."
"If Mingshu foolishly marries someone because of me, I will only blame myself and regret it in the future."
After hearing this, Qin coughed lightly and waved her hand: "I was anxious about this matter. The word 'fate' really can't be forced."
"Good Puzhu, I'm sorry to have wasted your time today."
Sheng Puzhu gently put down the teacup in her hand and said softly, "You are too polite, Auntie. You have already taken care of the affairs of the meeting room for me."
"I hope my aunt will recover soon."
"I've already had the account books and the cards handed over to Nanny Wang."
After Sheng Puzhu left for a long time, Qin Shi was still a little dazed. She looked up and to the side: "What do you think Puzhu is thinking? She doesn't care about the cards or the account books, she just leaves them all with you, and she still tells me to take good care of myself?"
Seeing that no one was in the room, Nanny Wang softened her tone, "From what I can see, the Madam sincerely hopes that you will get better soon."
Qin was puzzled and couldn't help but shrill her voice: "What good will it do her if I get better?"
Nanny Wang smiled awkwardly, and a thought suddenly occurred to her: "Could it be that the eldest lady really dislikes the housekeeper as she said?"
"How is that possible?"
"In the whole Chang'an City, you can see which eldest daughter-in-law is unwilling to be the head of the household. Without the power of the head of the household, what can she rely on in the inner house? Moreover, Zhiyan is the prince, and she is the eldest daughter-in-law. How can she not care?"
"Even though the rules in the inner court of the Duke of Jingguo's Mansion are strict and we can't do anything mean, if we encounter a mansion with a chaotic inner court and a large number of concubines, we can't live a comfortable life without some power."
Nanny Wang couldn't find any reason to refute, so she could only pat Qin's back gently and comfort her, "You're still weak. The eldest lady is right. It's best to get better first."
Sheng Puzhu came out of Tingtaoju and turned to pay his respects at Yishoutang.
The old lady took her hand and looked her up and down: "It seems that you haven't lost any weight."
"I was worried that you would be tired from managing the household, so I specifically told Nanny Jiang to be more careful in everything. If any servants or old women rely on their seniority to deceive you, she will teach them a lesson for you."
"Don't worry, it's nothing."
"Madame Wang never made things difficult for me. She helped me with everything." Sheng Puzhu said nice things to the old lady.
The old lady didn't point it out when she heard it. She knew in her heart that if Sheng Puju hadn't refused to take the right card and caught her eldest daughter-in-law off guard, Nanny Wang would not have been so easy to talk to.
She liked Sheng Puzhu's sensible nature in everything, and her eyes were full of kindness: "If you are tired, just tell me. It's a waste of time for the housekeeper, and you are so young."
"A girl's best years should be spent wearing beautiful clothes and jewelry, playing polo with close friends, and admiring the flowers and snow. How can she waste all that time being a housekeeper?"
"When your aunt was young, I told her the same thing, but unfortunately she wouldn't listen. After the eldest princess gave birth to Zhiyan, she lived in seclusion in Tianchang Temple for many years. I also considered it for a long time before agreeing to let your aunt take over as my housekeeper."
“But she’s very dedicated and does a good job.”
"It was only when Qinghui gave birth that she was so confused that I had to take her power away and give her a good beating."
Sheng Puzhu shook the old lady's hand and said, "The granddaughters-in-law you mentioned understand everything. They made mistakes and were punished according to the family rules."
"There's just one thing I've thought about, and I still want to tell you to avoid any misunderstandings in the future."
Sheng Puzhu mentioned Qin's intention to arrange a marriage for Xie Jiyan, and explained seriously, "My second sister just broke off her engagement not long ago. According to my grandmother's wishes, even if we meet, I'm afraid it won't be a quick engagement."
"You should also know that the incident at the Changxing Marquisate left a lingering feeling in Mingshu's heart. Apart from her brother, Mingshu doesn't dare get too close to other gentlemen."
After hearing this, the old lady lowered her eyes and thought for a long time: "You are right."
"Although he is my grandson, every child is spoiled and pampered."
"Besides, you are Sanlang's wife. If Mingshu marries into our family and the couple love each other, you will become sisters-in-law, which is a double joy. But if the couple does not get along after marriage, it will not be a good thing for you or Mingshu."
The old lady's smile remained unchanged: "Don't worry, no matter how confused Qin is, she won't mess around with her own son's marriage."
"Besides, given his personality, I don't think he would be attracted to a quiet and reserved girl like Mingshu. Perhaps your aunt has misunderstood something."
Sheng Puzhu also laughed: "My granddaughter-in-law thinks so too."
Seeing that it was almost time, she stood up and bowed.
"I had the kitchen prepare lunch for you today. Qingshi said that the emperor has shown mercy and that when it's mealtime in the palace, ministers close to the emperor like you are allowed to leave the food in the 'Food Room' on the east side of Wangxian Gate for inspection and delivery to the palace."
"I'm afraid the food prepared by the Guanglu Temple won't suit my husband's taste."
"Silly child." The old lady heard this and could not hide the joy in her eyes, "If it's not too much trouble, go there yourself."
"Sanlang spends most of his time in the palace, so you and your wife can only talk at night."
"He's very secretive most of the time, so you have to be more proactive."
This has nothing to do with the host not taking the initiative. In Sheng Puzhu's view, this is a very polite reciprocity. After all, they are a "loving" couple bound by rules.
"Grandmother, you've misunderstood. The palace has many rules, and the food in the corridor is the same every day. It's definitely not to your taste, and it's not as refined as at home."
The old lady smiled broadly and did not point it out, thinking that Sheng Puzhu was just being rude.
After all, the more you explain, the more you are covering up the love between husband and wife.
"Then go quickly and don't waste time with me."
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