The Zhang family members joined the army in this generation, but their ancestors were doctors, and one of the most famous prescriptions in Beijing was written by the Zhang family.
However, General Zhang has not taken over his family's business. The prescriptions for the clinic are now managed by Zhang's second uncle. Many herbs are even sold to the military camp at low prices. After deducting the cost of raw materials and labor, the Zhang family clinic hardly makes any money.
Even during the previous floods and epidemics, the Zhang family medical clinic in the capital was the first to donate medicines, without accepting a single penny from the imperial court. They even sent their most outstanding apprentice with Uncle Zhang to provide free treatment to people suffering from the epidemic.
The front hall was filled with guests who had come today, most of whom were relatives from the Zhang family. Li Shiyue and Madam Zhang walked to the flower hall in the back courtyard, where all the female relatives were seated.
"Please have a seat, Lady of the Heir Apparent."
Today, Madam Zhang wore a deep red jacket with light patterns, over which she wore a silver-red brocade. Her hair was parted in a three-seven split, with the seven-sevenths part slightly covering her left forehead.
She has beautiful features, with willow-leaf eyebrows and shallow dimples when she smiles.
She married into the Zhang family three years ago, and now she has the eldest son of the General's Mansion, who is only one year old.
She sat down with Li Shiyue on the two chairs at the head of the table, smiled, and gave a brief introduction to the large group of people in the room.
Some of those sitting in front were women from the Zhang family, while others were women from the families of officials who were on good terms with the Zhang family. All of them were prominent figures in the capital.
Although there were quite a few people and it was a bit noisy inside, fortunately, she had seen most of them before when she went out, and most of them were familiar faces. Li Shiyue recognized the names at a glance.
The woman sitting first on the left is the new bride of Zhang's second uncle. She got married last year and only has one child.
"The Rongguo Duke's Mansion has always been a large and powerful family. Today is the day that the Duke's Mansion is betrothing my Zhang family's only daughter. Why is it that the young master's wife is here, but the previous Madam Xu is nowhere to be seen?"
Madam Zhang's voice was high-pitched, her peach blossom eyes darted around, and the smile at the corners of her mouth deepened.
As soon as she finished speaking, Madam Zhang looked displeased and glanced at her, saying, "Madam Lü, how dare you be so presumptuous in front of the Crown Prince's wife?"
Madam Zhang the Second turned to look at Madam Zhang, her eyes showing a hint of innocence, but clearly a provocation in them: "My sister-in-law didn't say anything wrong. The Duke's mansion has long since split up. Young Master Xu has parents, so why are the Heir Apparent and his wife here today?"
"Could it be that you look down on the Zhang family because you think our family is not as prestigious as the Duke's mansion?"
Li Shiyue withdrew her gaze, turned her head and smiled as she spoke: "Today, my husband and I have come on behalf of our elders. Knowing that General Zhang cherishes the Zhang family's younger sister, we have specially brought our fourth son to propose marriage."
"Just as General Zhang dotes on his sister, the young master also cares for his younger brother in the same way. Since the two families will be united by marriage in the future, we will not talk about separating the family today. This gift was specially ordered by my ancestor to be brought here as a gift for his sister."
Li Shiyue glanced sideways, and Chunling stepped forward, holding a bright red brocade box with exquisite and delicate golden patterns on it, which did not look like an ordinary object.
The attention of everyone in the room was drawn to this, and even the strange words spoken by Madam Zhang just now were replaced by curious gazes.
Li Shiyue gave a slight nod with her eyes. Chunling's brocade box was placed on a red lacquered wooden tray, and behind her was Liandong, who was also holding something.
"What is this?" Madam Zhang asked, puzzled, without reaching out to take it.
Li Shiyue smiled slightly, and Chunling and Liandong placed the things they were carrying on the table between the two of them, but closer to Madam Zhang's side.
"Inside this brocade box is a jade bracelet. Jade is good for one's health, and warm jade is even more precious. Our matriarch cares most about the young man in the family marrying a good bride. This jade bracelet is something our matriarch specifically instructed me to give to Sister Zhang today."
"The other item is a ruyi (a type of scepter) that the Crown Princess prepared for the Zhang family's younger sister. I hope that everything will go smoothly when the two families become related by marriage."
"The eldest brother is like a father, and the eldest sister-in-law is like a mother. Please give this to the Zhang family's younger sister on behalf of Madam Zhang."
After Li Shiyue finished speaking, she didn't look at the surprised faces of the others. Even Madam Zhang, who was sitting to the side, couldn't hide her shock.
The Crown Princess sent gifts from the palace, while Old Madam Xu sent gifts from the Rongguo Duke's Mansion. Regardless of the level of the gifts, they were both a great honor for the Zhang family's daughter, and would only make people envious if word got out.
"There are also four bolts of brocade, all in bright red, personally selected by the Crown Princess, which will be included in today's betrothal gifts. Just tell Miss Zhang to choose whatever she likes."
"However, the phoenix crown to be worn on the wedding day has not yet been finished and will have to be delivered in a few days. I hope your family will understand."
Actually, there are brocades and ready-made clothes included. It all depends on how the Zhang family's daughter chooses; the Duke's mansion will provide everything.
"Your Majesty's thoughtfulness makes me feel somewhat ashamed."
Madam Zhang smiled somewhat embarrassedly, and the unpleasantness caused by Madam Zhang's words just now instantly dissipated.
Especially seeing the expression on Madam Zhang's face, which was a mixture of embarrassment and envy, Madam Zhang was as happy as if she were the one about to get engaged.
"I have something else that I must personally deliver to Miss Zhang. Would it be convenient for us to meet?"
Li Shiyue looked at Madam Zhang, and it wasn't a lie; there really was something that could only be given to the Zhang family's daughter.
The general's mansion was much quieter than ordinary residences. After entering the inner courtyard, we met Zhang's daughter in the old lady's courtyard.
"Lady of the Crown Prince, you want to see me."
Zhang's features were very similar to those of General Zhang, whom they had met earlier, as if they were made from the same mold. However, Zhang's temperament was more gentle and mild, quite different from what Zhou had described.
Li Shiyue didn't think much of it, smiled slightly and took out the item: "This is something that Fourth Prince specifically asked me to give to you."
It is a gold hairpin with plum blossom branches on it.
The fact that her husband presented her with a hairpin speaks volumes about his feelings; Zhang Shi would understand Xu Yunyao's intentions without Li Shiyue needing to elaborate.
A blush instantly spread across her face as she gripped the gold hairpin tightly.
In fact, Zhang and Xu Yunyao had not been in contact for long, but at this age, they were already engaged, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, they would naturally spend their lives together.
Having made up her mind, receiving a gift from her future son-in-law will naturally change her feelings.
Li Shiyue didn't expose Zhang's thoughts. She turned her head slightly and pretended not to see anything.
"Now that we are engaged, you can come with me to the palace to pay your respects when you have time in the future. Her Majesty is also very eager to meet you."
"It's getting late, so I won't keep you any longer. We'll see each other many more times in the future."
Li Shiyue nodded slightly and led Chunling and Liandong back the way they had come. When she turned around, she saw Zhang staring blankly at the hairpin in her hand.
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