Zheng Yuanyuan said, "Of course I know that my sister-in-law is not an ordinary young lady, but nanny, if I say these things to my sister-in-law like this, will she be angry with me?"
Granny Wang smiled and said, "No, on the contrary, if the young lady has troubles and doesn't tell her, she'll probably be unhappy."
Hearing what Granny Wang said, Zheng Yuanyuan put on her shoes and got off the kang. After coming to Hexi, Zheng Yuanyuan was no longer like she was in the Pingxi Marquis's mansion, taking eight steps for every step. She never bothered others with things she could do herself. Over the years, Zheng Yuanyuan not only took good care of herself, but also learned a lot of skills from the cooks in the kitchen. Now she can prepare a whole table of banquets.
When Zheng Yuanyuan arrived at the front yard, Xu Zhi and Zheng Boyuan had just finished breakfast.
Upon seeing Zheng Yuanyuan arrive, Zheng Boyuan asked her, "What brings you to your sister-in-law?"
Zheng Yuanyuan asked with a smile, "Why can't it be that you've come to see your brother about something?"
Zheng Boyuan said, "Your sister-in-law takes care of everything at home. If you come here, who else can you go to if not your sister-in-law? If you want to come to me, I'll have to come to your sister-in-law again."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Yuanyuan understood what her brother meant: from now on, her sister-in-law would be the head of the household.
Zheng Yuanyuan didn't seem to think anything of it, but Bai Guo, who was following behind Xu Zhi, had a slight change in expression and quickly looked at her girl, who still had a smiling face.
Zheng Yuanyuan held Xu Zhi's hand and said, "Sister-in-law, there are some things I can't figure out, so I came to talk to you. I didn't want to disturb your peace with your brother, did I?"
Xu Zhi said, "No, no, I have a few ounces of tea that my great-uncle brought from the south. I find it very good. Sister, please come with me and have some."
Seeing Xu Zhi pulling Zheng Yuanyuan's hand to go to the inner room, Zheng Boyuan said to the two of them, "Then you two talk here, I'll go to the front yard to take a look."
Xu Zhi gave Zheng Boyuan a slight bow and said, "Please go ahead, my lord."
Watching Zheng Boyuan leave the house, Xu Zhi took Zheng Yuanyuan's hand and went into the inner room. They sat down on the kang (heated brick bed) by the window. Bai Guo quickly served tea, and Xu Zhi picked it up and took a sip, saying, "What's the matter, sister?"
Zheng Yuanyuan then recounted her conversation with Granny Wang. Xu Zhi listened and smiled, saying, "Sister, you're overthinking it. There are only a few people in our family, so why are there so many rules? When I was at home, my parents always said that girls should abide by the rules of their husband's family after marriage. While you're at your parents' home, do whatever makes you feel comfortable."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Yuanyuan said, "But I can't be in such an awkward position with my sister-in-law."
Xu Zhi sighed and said, "Sister, there's no need for that. We've known each other for many years and have always had a good relationship. You said yourself that you'll be getting married in a few years. After that, your brother and I will be your family. I naturally share the same thoughts as my parents. In this family, just be as comfortable as you can and don't let those so-called rules make you unhappy."
Seeing Zheng Yuanyuan's puzzled expression, Xu Zhi smiled and said, "It's true. Our family has always been like this. And I also have something to tell you, sister. I told your brother this morning that I want to learn how to do business from my third uncle. After I make some money, I'll open a few orphanages to take in homeless elderly people and children without relatives, so that the elderly can be cared for in their old age and the children can be educated. This skill will also give me a way to make a living in the future."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Yuanyuan looked at Xu Zhi in surprise and said, "Sister-in-law, can women do business too?"
Xu Zhi said, "No one said it couldn't be done. Since no one said it couldn't be done, then it can be done. I saw my mother using her knowledge to treat and save people, and I thought I couldn't stay in this small house all day long. The outside world is so big. We only live for a few decades, so we have to go out and see it."
Back then, Xu Zhi was exiled to Lingnan along with the Duke's family. Although the journey was very arduous, she was able to find joy in the hardship, enjoying the scenery along the way. They traveled from autumn to winter, and then from winter to spring. By the time the group arrived in Lingnan and settled down, it was already summer.
Along the way, Xu Zhi experienced a lot, and fortunately, she had an open mind and was able to find contentment in such a harsh environment.
Upon returning, Xu Zhi had always had a wish: to explore every mountain and river of Daliang on foot. When she was little, she didn't dare to pester her parents and brothers to take her. She thought that when she was older and able to travel on her own, she would make this request. She knew that her parents were open-minded and her brother was a good brother who supported his sister's decision. Unfortunately, before she could make this request, she had to get married.
Xu Zhi knew that Zheng Boyuan would not stay at Yanmen Pass. Since that was the case, she would have to go with him. As for her aunt, she would ask her properly when the time came. If she was willing to come, then she would naturally be taken along. If she could not endure the hardships of the journey and was unwilling to go with him, then she would be sent back to the old house in the capital. At worst, her sisters from her maternal family could visit her often, and she could bring a few capable servants to serve her.
Zheng Yuanyuan's eyes grew brighter and brighter. She grabbed Xu Zhi's hand and said eagerly, "Sister-in-law, do you need to go to many places? Can you take me with you? Don't worry, I'll just go with you and see the sights. I won't bother you while you're doing your work."
Seeing Zheng Yuanyuan's appearance, Xu Zhi knew that this girl was not content to stay in the inner quarters. She smiled and said, "If you are willing, I will naturally take you with me. Your brother may be moving to a different place in a few days. I have already talked to him and I will go wherever he goes. I was thinking that if my sister is not willing to come with me, I will send her back to the old house in the capital. At worst, I will send a few more capable servants with her."
Zheng Yuanyuan quickly waved her hand and said, "Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, please don't send me back. I won't go. I've had enough of that Marquis's mansion. It's not as comfortable as staying outside here. Wherever you and brother go, I'll go too. Just don't think it's too much trouble for me, sister-in-law."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
