Accompanied by Granny Zhou, Xu Zhi met several ladies. A richly dressed lady who looked to be in her forties took Xu Zhi's hand and said in surprise, "This Madam Zheng looks so young. How old is she this year?"
Xu Zhi smiled and said, "Madam, you are fourteen years old."
The lady exclaimed in surprise, "It's so small!"
Xu Zhi smiled but remained silent. Granny Zhou glanced at Old Madam Shen and saw Old Madam Shen frown slightly. She smiled and said, "Madam Xi, I heard that General Zheng and Madam Zheng were childhood sweethearts. They got married early to respect the wishes of their elders."
Xu Zhi hadn't expected that the Shen family would already know so much about her background. Come to think of it, Feng Wan'er came from the capital, and to be honest, Feng Wan'er was actually harmed by the same person. Naturally, Feng Wan'er knew the inside story of Xu Zhi's marriage to Zheng Boyuan.
Upon hearing this, the lady, who was addressed as Madam Xi by Granny Zhou, said somewhat embarrassedly, "Madam Zheng, please don't take offense. I just find it rare that Madam Zheng is so young yet so composed."
Xu Zhi smiled and said, "I don't deserve such praise from Madam Xi. I will have to rely on the help of you ladies in the future."
Madam Xi was a straightforward person. Holding Xu Zhi's hand, she smiled and said, "Of course. Madam Zheng is so young, yet she has to manage the household affairs herself. And thinking about our daughter, who is two years older than Madam Zheng, who only knows how to play at home all day, my heart aches. Madam Zheng, my husband's surname is Xi, and he is the Assistant Magistrate of Yuezhou. Our family lives in the alley behind the Yuezhou government office."
Xu Zhi curtsied to Madam Xi and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Madam Xi."
Seeing that Madam Xi seemed ready to have a detailed discussion with Xu Zhi, Feng Wan'er bowed to Old Madam Shen and then took Zheng Yuanyuan outside to play.
Madam Xi took Xu Zhi's hand and made her sit beside her, asking with great concern, "May I ask what Madam Zheng's maiden name is? It feels strange to always call Madam Zheng that."
Xu Zhi smiled and said, "Of course it's convenient. My maiden name is Xu Zhi, which means 'Xu at noon' and 'Zhi' means 'gardenia.' Madam can return A-Zhi to me."
Madam Xi nodded and said, "Azhi, I feel comfortable just looking at you. We're acquainted now. I'll send you an invitation in a couple of days. Would you like to bring your aunt to my house for a visit?"
Xu Zhi observed that Madam Xi was a straightforward person, much like her own mother. Among the many people in the hall, only Madam Xi held Xu Zhi's hand and asked her questions with concern, which made Xu Zhi feel much more relaxed, and Xu Zhi began to want to befriend her.
Granny Lu secretly nodded to Xu Zhi, indicating that Madam Xi was someone worth befriending. Xu Zhi sat down next to Madam Xi and spoke to her softly.
Before Xu Zhi arrived, Marquis Yongning had thoroughly investigated the backgrounds of the prefect, assistant prefect, and general of Yuezhou.
Qin Nanqi, the prefect of Yuezhou, was a subordinate of the Third Prince. Although Qin Nanqi was a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), his abilities were limited. Even his position as prefect of Yuezhou was obtained through a deal between the Third Prince and the First and Second Princes. The Third Prince took control of Yuezhou because he valued the prosperous maritime industry there. After the establishment of the Great Liang Dynasty, the maritime ban was lifted, and the court received substantial tax revenue through this ban. Qin Nanqi's purpose in Yuezhou was actually to make money for the Third Prince.
Qin Nanqi was incompetent, so all the work in Yuezhou relied on the second-in-command, Xi Chuning, the Assistant Magistrate of Yuezhou.
Xi Chuning came from a poor family but excelled in his studies in his early years. His father-in-law was a wealthy local gentry who admired Xi Chuning's talent and married his daughter to him. With the support of his in-laws, Xi Chuning passed the imperial examination and became the top scholar in the second class. Because he had no connections in the court, he was sent to various posts in the provinces for many years. He worked steadily and made his way up from county magistrate to assistant magistrate based on his political achievements.
Unlike Xu Rao, Xi Chuning started as the magistrate of Hexi County. The things Xu Rao did were all quick and effective, and they benefited the people. Most importantly, the Battle of Hexi made Xu Rao famous overnight. Not everyone can have such an opportunity. Most people, like Xi Chuning, start as magistrates in other counties, with performance reviews every three years. Those who do well can get an excellent grade each time and climb the ranks step by step according to normal promotion.
Xi Chuning did not pledge allegiance to any prince. In the words of the Marquis of Yongning, she was someone worth winning over and befriending. Xu Zhi naturally knew that because of Xiao Yuan, it would be best to bring some important court officials to her side now. After all, when Xiao Yuan was ready to compete, these would be her trump cards.
Xu Zhi was inspired to befriend her. Madam Xi was no ordinary young lady; having lived with her husband, she was naturally well-informed. Before they knew it, the two had talked a lot.
As Xu Zhi was speaking, she saw Hong Lian come in from outside and look in her direction. Xu Zhi smiled and said to Madam Xi, "Madam, I am young and there are many things I don't understand. I need someone like you to guide me. I will definitely pay you a visit another day."
Madam Xi held Xu Zhi's hand and said, "Of course. Even if you don't come to visit, I will still invite you to our house for a proper chat. Ah Zhi, I never expected that you would have such a broad mind at such a young age."
Xu Zhi smiled and said a few more words, then excused herself and got up to go to the side.
Honglian quickly came over and whispered, "Grandma, the girl got into a fight with someone outside."
Xu Zhi said in surprise, "Yuanyuan? How could she get into a conflict with someone?"
Honglian said, "Grandma should go out and take a look."
Upon hearing this, Xu Zhi quickly led Granny Lu outside. She was very puzzled. Given Zheng Yuanyuan's personality, how could she have gotten into a conflict with someone? Zheng Yuanyuan was neither a high-profile person nor someone who liked to cause trouble. Even if someone came to provoke her, she would stay far away. Now that Honglian had come to call her, she guessed that things must have gotten quite serious.
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