"Dagu" is a respectful title, referring to women who are highly respected in certain circles and possess various talents. These women are often either unmarried or widowed. They often frequent the inner courtyards of wealthy families and are treated as honored guests.
Families would not dare to offend such people easily. Not only because they are highly skilled and well-connected, but also because if they say something bad about you, everyone in the street will know about it the next day.
Just like midwives and matchmakers often divide their territory, "big aunts" also have their own "territory." Aunt Xiao is well-known in Baihe Town. Of course, such famous big aunts usually only frequent the wealthy and not ordinary households.
"Aunt, how come you have time to come here today?" After sitting down, Old Mrs. Ren greeted her with a smile on her face and a very polite and warm attitude.
Aunt Xiao is also a frequent visitor to the Ren family. She is only in her thirties, with a pretty face, simple and neat clothes, and no accessories on her body. At first glance, she is a very upright and decent person.
"Today I'm here to deliver next year's calendar to your residence." Aunt Xiao wore a modest smile and spoke at a moderate pace. Her attitude didn't come across as aloof, nor did it come across as servile. This made it easy for her to win the favor of those in higher positions.
Old Madam Ren laughed and patted her forehead lightly: "Look at my memory! I forgot about this matter."
"It's not that the old lady has a bad memory, it's just that this year's imperial calendar was printed half a month earlier than in previous years." Aunt Xiao gestured to the maid who followed her in to present an exquisite red lacquered wooden box.
Old Madam Ren asked Aunt Gui to take it over. "Now that you've said that, I remember that you always delivered it in early October. Why is it so early this year?"
Aunt Xiao said, "In previous years, the imperial calendar was issued by the Imperial Supervisor and then printed by our Yanbei bookstores. However, this year is a little special. It has passed the approval of the Yanbei Palace."
Mrs. Ren was stunned when she heard this, and said with a smile: "I only heard that the court issued the imperial calendar, but there is no..." At this point, Mrs. Ren realized that this was wrong, so she smiled and picked up her teacup to offer the tea.
Aunt Xiao pretended not to hear Mrs. Ren's slip of the tongue and simply said, "Last year, the imperial calendar of Yanbei had several errors, which resulted in several bookstores being raided."
This matter is known to everyone in Yanbei.
"After what happened last year, which family would dare to get involved in this this year?" Old Mrs. Ren asked curiously.
The imperial calendar had always been issued by the imperial court's imperial supervisor, and then printed by bookstores in various prefectures and counties, generally without error. Last year, for unknown reasons, the Yanbei calendar, compared to the one issued by the imperial supervisor, contained numerous errors. This led to a complaint to the court, resulting in the loss of many lives. Some also accused the Yanbei royal palace of condoning this practice and attempting to overthrow the dynasty.
"I heard that the clerks at the Yanbei Palace checked it at least ten times this year, so there can't be any mistakes." Aunt Xiao said with a smile, "And this time, the calendars for several states in Yanbei are all printed by the Han family."
"The Han family?" Mrs. Ren thought for a moment. "But that's the Han family that just moved from Jizhou to our Baihe Town last year?" This chapter has been read (please click on the next chapter to continue reading!)
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