Xu Zhi nodded and said, "Merchant families don't pay much attention to whether a member is legitimate or illegitimate. Giving them a sum of money to let them set up their own household is a good thing. At least they have their own path in life, which is better than being entangled in a large family, having no freedom, and living a stifled life."
The carriage arrived at the gate of the Yun family's residence, where Madam Ming was already waiting.
Ming helped Ping and Xu Zhi down from the carriage, and said with a smile, "It is an honor to have you two grace my humble abode."
Xu Zhi stood behind Ping Shi with a smile, and Ming Shi smiled and said to Xu Zhi, "Madam Zheng looks very well. She should go out for walks more often with Madam Feng."
Xu Zhi smiled and said, "I'm not a very active person. When the weather gets hot, I like to go out even less. In a few days, when the weather cools down, I'll go out more."
Ping held Ming's hand and said seriously, "It is indeed too hot. Let me tell you, if it weren't for something important, Zheng and I wouldn't have bothered to go out today. This matter is of great importance, so we need to ask Grandma Yun for advice."
Seeing the seriousness of Ping's words, Ming's expression darkened slightly. She nodded and said, "In that case, please come in, both of you."
After following Ming through the main gate, Ming whispered a few words to an old woman beside her. The old woman glanced at Ming and then headed toward the second gate.
Ming led Xu Zhi and Ping slowly towards the back of the house, and went straight into a large courtyard behind the second gate.
Upon entering the main gate, there is a passageway directly in front of you. Beyond the passageway lies a large courtyard with five main rooms and covered walkways on both sides. A path leads directly to the entrance of the house, with two small ponds on either side. The ponds contain some Taihu stones and lotus flowers. Upon closer inspection, you can see several koi carp under the lotus leaves. Perhaps sensing someone's presence, they flick their tails and disappear under the lotus leaves, leaving only ripples on the water's surface.
Xu Zhi walked between the two ponds and realized that they were connected. Moreover, both small ponds had running water, and she didn't know where the water came from. However, Miaozhou had a lot of water, and many families had small ponds with running water in their backyards.
Before they even reached the door, an old woman standing at the door lifted the Xiangfei curtain, revealing Old Madam Yun standing there.
Xu Zhi and Ping Shi bowed to Old Madam Yun, who smiled and said, "No need for formalities, please come inside and sit down."
Ping, supporting the old lady Yun, said with a smile, "My sister Zheng and I have encountered a problem. We have been thinking about how to solve it, but we don't know. Since you are so knowledgeable, we came to ask you for advice."
Grandma Yun smiled and said, "I like your straightforwardness. If there's something to discuss, let's sit down and talk it over how to resolve it. I wouldn't dare to make the decision myself, but since we're all here, you can speak up. I'm an old woman who's lived to this age, and I think I've seen more than you. Let's think about it together."
After they were seated, a maid served tea. Xu Zhi took out the piece of paper she had written on. Old Madam Yun took out her tortoiseshell glasses, saw the words on the paper, and praised, "Beautiful handwriting!"
Xu Zhi smiled and said, "You flatter me, madam."
Grandma Yun smiled and continued reading. The more she read, the more serious her expression became, making Ming, who was sitting to the side, feel uneasy. Finally, she stood up and walked behind Grandma Yun to read the few pages in Grandma Yun's hand with her.
After Grandma Yun finished reading, Madam Ming took it and continued reading. Grandma Yun lowered her head and pondered for a long time before asking Xu Zhi, "Madam Zheng, did you come up with all of this?"
Xu Zhi nodded and said, "Let the old lady know that this was all my idea. I'm sure the old lady already knows. My husband has been on the dam for quite some time now. This predicament in Miaozhou is not a problem for one person, nor can it be solved by one person or even a few people. If we want Miaozhou to get out of this predicament safely, the best course of action now is for us to unite and make a good plan."
Grandma Yun looked at Xu Zhi seriously, nodded, and said, "Like father, like daughter! I have heard about your father's deeds. Today, it seems that not only has Lord Xu done a good job as an official, but he has also raised his children very well."
Xu Zhi said somewhat shyly, "Grandma, you flatter me."
Grandma Yun waved her hand and said, "Lord Xu is a man of great integrity. He has served as an official for more than ten years, working diligently to benefit the people. My Yun family has great respect for Lord Xu. If Madam Zheng needs anything from us today, we will not hesitate to help."
Xu Zhi hadn't expected that Old Madam Yun would be such a straightforward and bold person. She looked at Ping Shi, who pulled Xu Zhi along and bowed to Old Madam Yun, saying, "Old Madam, we two are limited in ability and knowledge. With your help, how could we not do this well?"
Madam Ming had finished reading the few pages in her hand, her cheeks flushed, and she said excitedly, "Mother, your daughter-in-law wants to help the two ladies with these matters, and I hope that you will agree."
Grandma Yun nodded and said, "Not only you are going, but you should also take Qiang'er and Wei'er with you. If there is anything, just tell them to do it. They are like flowers growing in a greenhouse. They look beautiful, but they can't withstand the slightest wind and rain outside. Second daughter-in-law, we have to learn to change from now on. Not only should we change, but the children should too."
Thinking of her eldest daughter who was still lying in bed, Madam Ming nodded with tears in her eyes and said, "Mother, I will go to Qiang'er's courtyard to talk to her later."
Grandma Yun asked Xu Zhi and Ping to sit down and said, "I am an old woman and my energy is limited. I can't stay with you all the time, but don't worry, with me, your second daughter-in-law, here, you can ask me for help or money whenever you need it. As long as the Yun family can do it, we will do it without hesitation."
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