This year's summer has been exceptionally long, with the heat and humidity even in September making it unbearable to sit still.
Li Shiyue was free from work that day and was chatting with Old Madam Xu when she suddenly heard hurried footsteps in the corridor.
This rarely happens unless something major has occurred. Li Shiyue and Madam Xu both looked up and saw Granny Sun running in.
Having spent quite some time with Granny Sun, she rarely showed such excitement. Upon entering, she hurriedly apologized and said, "Someone from the palace has arrived. Please, Madam and the young master's wife, proceed to the main hall quickly."
"Do you know which noble person in the palace sent them?"
As Li Shiyue spoke, she and Granny Chang helped Old Madam Xu down from the bed.
Looking at Granny Sun with a hint of doubt in her eyes, she saw that Granny Sun could not hide her excitement and was really curious about the people from the palace.
Since Qin Wanyin and Xue Yue's marriage was arranged, the rumors about the Grand Tutor's mansion in the capital have been quelled. As for Fan Zhuo, he is still imprisoned in the Jingzhao Prefecture.
The sudden arrival of someone from the palace inevitably raises suspicions.
When they arrived at the main hall, most of the masters of the three households had already arrived. Even Madam Wei, who rarely left the house, was there. Li Shiyue helped Old Madam Xu forward, then stepped back and stood beside Xu Yunci.
On either side of the two are Xu Yunyao and his three siblings, Xu Yunxu and Xu Lingqing.
The Duke of Rongguo was in the very center of the first row, flanked by Madam Yang and Old Madam Xu on his left and right, respectively, with the elderly head eunuch in front of him.
The couples from the third and fourth wives also stood on either side of the eldest wife's house, all bowing their heads respectfully with their hands crossed in front of them.
"By imperial decree, this old servant will first offer my congratulations to the young master."
The Xu family members were all bewildered until the eunuch read out the imperial edict, at which point they learned that the edict was sent out of the palace by the Emperor to specifically promote Xu Yunci to a higher official rank.
The current Prefect of Jingzhao is Xu Yunci; the previous one is preparing to retire and return to his hometown.
Several officials from the Jingzhao Prefecture were also promoted, two of whom were spies for the King of Zhao.
She politely had the eunuchs escorted away from the mansion. When Old Madam Xu stood up, she could no longer hide the smile on her face, and she held Xu Yunci's hand, praising him repeatedly.
“Our second son is already the Prefect of Jingzhao at such a young age. Grandmother knows you are an excellent person.”
Madam Xu couldn't stop smiling, and even when she was helped to sit down, she refused to let go of Xu Yunci's hand.
She continued speaking slowly, "Now that you've been promoted, you must be even more careful with your words and actions. You'll be Yuan Niang's protector in the future. You and your siblings must support each other. With Yan Yan managing this Duke's mansion for you, I can say to your grandfather that I've done right by the ancestors of the Xu family."
Xu Yunci bent down and sat down on the round stool brought by the maid after the whole family sat down, letting Old Madam Xu hold his hand tightly.
"Erlang served as the junior magistrate for only four or five years, but to be fair, what he did during that time was far more accomplished than those who did nothing."
Master Xu couldn't hide his joy; in fact, everyone was smiling.
Li Shiyue turned to look at Xu Yunci's expression, and it wasn't until they returned to Tongxintang that she couldn't help but speak.
"Why is Your Majesty so sudden? Generally speaking, promotions and demotions should be based on the Ministry of Personnel's assessment at the end of the year. You even told me that it would be at least next year."
There was some worry in her eyes. She hadn't known much before, but since taking over the affairs of the Duke's mansion, she had been dealing with those ladies from noble families from time to time, and she had come to understand some things.
For example, serving a ruler is like serving a tiger. You may be a favorite in the eyes of the official today, but tomorrow you may be disliked by the official and find it difficult to move forward in the officialdom.
So some things may look good, but they are like poison disguised in sugar coating. This is exactly what Li Shiyue was worried about. She was worried that Xu Yunci might have done something wrong to displease the emperor.
Xu Yunci had carefully put away the bright yellow imperial edict in his hand before returning, which is why he came back empty-handed.
Although he had some doubts, he remained patient, held Li Shiyue's hand, and the two stood close together.
"Perhaps the officials are rewarding me in advance because they think I've done well. Let's not think too much about it."
Looking at his expression, Li Shiyue sighed softly, "I'm worried about you. Now that you've become the Prefect of the Capital, there are still spies in the Capital. If someone tries to harm you, you should be extra careful when you're out there."
Especially now that they know about the Prince of Zhao's ambitions, Chonghua Palace already has the triple protection of the Grand Tutor's Mansion, the Duke of Cheng'en's Mansion, and the Duke of Rongguo's Mansion. Now, with the addition of the Grand Commandant's Mansion, there's a fear that some people might resort to desperate measures.
The previous rumors targeting the Grand Tutor's Mansion and Qin Wanyin probably stemmed from this.
While it's easy to dodge a spear in the open, it's hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. Xu Yunci himself is not a cause for concern, but the person behind him has a sinister mind and is unpredictable in what he might do, which makes people worry.
"Don't think too much about it. I just want to ask how you are doing at home lately. Because of those matters at court, Father and I haven't been able to return home on time very often."
Xu Yunci held her hand tightly, his eyes filled with tender affection. Hearing her worried words and looking into her eyes, he understood what she was thinking.
Even if it weren't for the Duke's mansion, I should still think about her. If something happened to me, what would my little cousin do?
He couldn't bear to see her suffer.
"It's all good, but Grandmother wants... she wants you and me to have a child soon."
After Li Shiyue finished speaking, she looked up and met Xu Yunci's smiling gaze. Her cheeks flushed and she turned her head away.
"You know, Grandmother is getting old and likes to think about these things. Before, she was looking forward to our marriage, now she's looking forward to Fourth Cousin and A-Qing, and for some reason, she's looking forward to the arrival of her great-grandson."
"This matter can't be rushed. You should go and talk to her yourself."
He rarely comes home, he's so busy he barely has time to breathe, how could she hold him back at a time like this?
She was still young, and while having children couldn't be rushed, she could afford to wait. She had clearly noticed the changes in Xu Yunci since their marriage.
For example, after court, he would bring her food from outside, and even if it wasn't on his way, he would make a special detour.
For example, he would discuss all matters, big and small, with her, and they would work together to find out if anything seemed amiss. He also listened to her most of the time.
No matter who in the household is involved, when Xu Yunci is mentioned, everyone will say that the young master Xu treats his wife no less well than the duke treats his wife.
But it's true that he's aloof, and it doesn't necessarily mean he likes children very much. Even after being married for so long, he's never mentioned having children, but judging from his treatment of his younger siblings, it doesn't seem like he dislikes children.
He held one of Li Shiyue's hands, while she couldn't help but clench her handkerchief tightly with the other.
Although she turned her head away, she couldn't help but glance at Xu Yunci out of the corner of her eye.
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