The group returned to the Marquis's residence from the outskirts of the city and went to the old lady's courtyard first.
After carefully inquiring about the details of the farewell, the old lady sighed and said, "The children have grown up, just like fledglings that have been raised. We send them out of the house and let them make their own way in the world."
Ning said with a smile, "Grandmother, look at what you're saying. Even if one of our daughters marries out, we still have to bring a wife back home, don't we?"
Chen Zhaoci said with a smile, "That's right, Grandmother. Not only have you brought a wife home, but your granddaughter-in-law is already pregnant. Soon you will be a five-generation ancestor."
Thinking of the two children in Li Yuexi's belly, the old lady's smile widened. She said to her sisters-in-law, Ning Shi, "You'll all be grandmothers soon! Oh my, time flies so fast. I feel like you're still the newlyweds, and now you're going to be grandmothers!"
Ning said with a smile, "We're not only about to become grandmothers, we're already maternal grandmothers! Our eldest daughter's child is already several years old. By the way, our eldest daughter wrote to us last time, saying that our eldest son-in-law is preparing to return to the capital to report on his work, and she wants to bring her child back to see us."
Everyone was quite happy to hear this. Xu Gao had been with her husband in Liaodong for several years. Military officers were not allowed to enter the capital without an imperial edict, so she had been with Cheng Kai in Liaodong and had never returned. The people in the household also missed her.
Ning said with some sadness, "Tuan Ge'er is already four years old, and I have never met him."
Chen Zhaoci said with a smile, "I've seen him before. Our Tuan Ge'er really lives up to his name. He's fair and tender, just like a glutinous rice ball. He's so cute. I wish I could hold him in my arms all the time."
Ning's eyes reddened, and she said to Chen Zhaoci reproachfully, "You're just trying to provoke me. So you're just after me?"
Chen Zhaoci said with a smile, "I'm just telling you how adorable our little nephew is, that you think about him every day. When your daughter comes back with him, you'll have to cherish him."
After chatting and laughing for a while, the old lady said to Ning Shi, "I heard that the Zhou family's daughter has arrived. It's not easy for a young lady to come all this way. She's unfamiliar with the capital. I found some things from a few years ago. Could you help me send them over?"
Ning agreed, looking at the carved mahogany box that the maid brought over. Inside were several pieces of gold and silver jewelry, a few rubies and sapphires, and about a dozen round pearls.
The gift was very generous. Others might think that the old lady was heartbroken to give these things away, but Ning Shi couldn't think that way. She knew very well why the Zhou family's daughter had to marry Zhao Sixing, and why the Marquis and Uncle Wu had gone to such lengths to find such a girl to be Zhao Sixing's wife.
Ning said with a smile, "Grandmother is so thoughtful. I was just thinking about going over to do a dowry for the Zhou family's daughter these past few days. In that case, I'll send Grandmother's things over."
The old lady glanced at Ning Shi and nodded in her heart. Her daughter-in-law wasn't good at household affairs, but at least she had found a shrewd and capable granddaughter-in-law. In the future, she wouldn't have to worry about the internal affairs of the Marquis's mansion getting out of control.
After everyone dispersed, Chen Zhaoci and Ning Shi walked to their respective courtyards together. Chen Zhaoci said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, you must let me know when you go to the Zhou family. We often visit Miss Zhou in Liaodong. I was also planning to go and dowry Miss Zhou. Let's go together."
Ning agreed and returned to her courtyard. She opened the small storeroom in the backyard and looked at the things inside, but she really couldn't decide what to give to Miss Zhou.
Since the old lady gave so many gifts, Ning Shi had to reduce the amount by 20% or 30% to match the old lady's gifts. Even with the reduction of 20% or 30%, it was still a considerable expense.
After pondering for a while, he found a few bolts of satin, some medicinal herbs, and some jewelry, put them in a box, and placed them together with the old lady's things.
The next day, Ning went to the Zhou family's courtyard with Chen Zhaoci.
Xu Di had already instructed that when going to the Zhou family, they should not use a large carriage. Ning Shi and Chen Zhaoci rode in a small, exquisitely designed carriage in the mansion. After the carriage stopped at the gate of the Zhou family, the people got off and the carriage drove straight ahead. After leaving the alley, they found a place to park. When the two ladies were about to leave, they would turn around from there and return the way they came.
Zhou Junhong and her brother Zhou Junyan were already waiting at the gate. When they saw Ning Shi and Chen Zhaoci, they quickly bowed. Ning Shi held Zhou Junhong's arm and looked closely. She saw a girl with willow-leaf eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes. Her heart couldn't help but flutter. She felt that this girl from the Zhou family looked really approachable.
Zhou Junhong bowed respectfully to Ning Shi Chen Zhaoci. Chen Zhaoci took Zhou Junhong's hand and said with a smile, "I've been looking forward to your arrival. Now that you're here, I think Miss Zhou is even more beautiful than when we last met in Liaodong."
Zhou Junhong blushed, a rare occurrence for her. Ning Shi laughed and said, "Look at you, why are you still calling me Miss Zhou? You should call me nephew's wife."
Zhou Junhong felt her face turn red and hot, and she felt a rare bit shy.
Chen Zhaoci understood perfectly well that Zhou Junhong was embarrassed. Pointing to Ning Shi, he said to Zhou Junhong, "See? This is to save the money for changing the way you address someone when you recognize your relatives. Sister-in-law, you can't skimp on this money."
Ning laughed heartily upon hearing Chen Zhaoci's words, and said to Zhou Junhong while laughing, "Your third aunt is just a joker. You'll understand in time. Our children really like your third uncle and aunt."
Chen Zhaoci followed Zhou Junhong into the house, looking around as they went. The small courtyard was spotless. Once inside, she saw that the furniture was all newly purchased. There were also several servants of the Zhou family standing respectfully in the courtyard, well-mannered and strict. Chen Zhaoci nodded inwardly, thinking that everyone said the Zhou family's daughter was capable, and judging from how she lived, she was indeed capable.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
