“Father is already a Duke, and His Majesty can't bestow any more titles upon him. My eldest brother is also a Marquis, so this time the title should fall to my second brother and second uncle. I didn't ask, but I imagine my second brother should also be an Earl, and my second uncle should also be an Earl. The Yan family originally rose to prominence through military achievements. Now, with me added to the family, it's even better.” Yan Nangui smiled.
"Before returning to the capital, the general said that the family's current success is all thanks to the Empress. He has no other thoughts but to serve His Majesty even more diligently. The children in the family have grown up and have all been provided with good teachers. This child entered the academy two years ago and is doing quite well in his studies. Now that the Empress has become the Empress, not only the Yan family but also my family has benefited greatly."
Madam Yang rose and curtsied: "Words of gratitude would be insincere. But the Yang family will certainly support Your Highness."
“The Lin family has the same idea,” Madam Lin hurriedly said.
As for the Zou family, things aren't going well these days, so I didn't say anything more.
Yan Nangui waved his hand: "Sit down. When the Seventh Princess returns later, she should also meet her older brother and sister."
Yan Nangui then inquired in detail about his two nephews' studies.
Then he asked if the eldest daughter had been engaged yet.
"The general means that it's uncertain whether we'll return to the capital or stay there in the future. So nothing has been decided yet. If Your Majesty has someone in mind, then it wouldn't hurt to make a decision. We'll do as you say."
“If you want her to stay in the capital, have her stay here. The princesses in the palace will also have to accompany her in her studies. However, in a year or two, the Seventh Princess will be going to study at Bailu Academy,” Yan Nangui said.
"The Seventh Princess is going? The Seventh Princess is of such high status, how can she travel so far?" Madam Yang exclaimed in surprise.
"Honor is honor, but a princess must also be well-mannered." Yan Nangui smiled. "Second sister-in-law, it's up to you. If you want to keep your niece, she can live in the palace. Anyway, there are many noble ladies in the palace now. It would be good for her to stay for a few years. There's only one condition: our Yan family's power has reached this point, so your niece cannot marry a prince. Otherwise, it would be too much."
"Your Majesty is absolutely right. The General has no such intention, and neither does this humble woman. It would be good if the child could stay for a few years. After all, Your Majesty has taught her. But... I wonder if Your Majesty can afford to take care of her? Things are different now than before." As a mother, Madam Yang naturally hoped for the best for her daughter in the future.
Having been instructed by the Empress, it's certainly different.
“I’ll live with the princesses and other companions for a year or two, studying alongside them. With people to serve me, I won’t have to worry about anything,” Yan Nangui said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I am willing." Yan Jingxue curtsied.
Yan Nangui was pleased to see her poised and confident demeanor.
This is the only daughter in this generation, which is quite good.
As they chatted, noon arrived. The Seventh Princess returned and first paid her respects to Yan Nangui, followed by the others.
Yan Nangui pulled her along: "This is your second maternal aunt, who gave you specialties from Bailu Prefecture. You mentioned the delicious shrimp porridge, and those dried shrimp came from Bailu Prefecture. This is your second maternal grandmother. This is your third maternal aunt. These two are your second maternal uncle's children, your eldest cousin and your third cousin."
"What about my second cousin?" the Seventh Princess asked.
“You’ve met your second cousin every year, haven’t you? He’s your eldest uncle’s son. Your eldest uncle’s family has your eldest cousin, second cousin, and fourth cousin. Your second uncle’s family has your eldest cousin, third cousin, and fifth cousin. Your third uncle’s family also has a younger cousin and a younger cousin.”
"Oh." The Seventh Princess nodded.
"Cousin, Third Cousin."
“You dare not address me as a princess. I am Yan Jingxue.” Yan Jingxue hurriedly replied.
"A commoner named Yan Jingsong".
"I am Shu Hengyu, and my nickname is Bao'er." The Seventh Princess said happily.
"How dare I address the princess by her name?" Yan Jingsong said, which was both laughable and wicked.
"Alright, take your cousins around to see the sights, then come in for a meal." Yan Nangui waved his hand.
The seventh princess then pulled her cousin away.
“We’re family, what could be closer than this? Of course, it’s good to get closer,” Yan Nangui said.
"Your Majesty is absolutely right," said Madam Zou, trying to please her. "The Seventh Princess is indeed intelligent and beautiful. No wonder His Majesty dotes on her so much."
Yan Nangui gave a polite smile.
At lunchtime, Shu Chengfeng ordered a large table of dishes to be served, along with fresh fruits that were rare in winter.
Anyway, it was a feast.
They were a bit too shy to eat directly, except for Yan Jingsong, who was more relaxed.
After lunch, we drank tea for a while before I saw them out.
On the way back in the carriage, Madam Yang finally breathed a sigh of relief.
She didn't come from a high-ranking family, and although she married into a wealthy and powerful one, she left the capital shortly after the marriage.
So I've never seen such a big scene before.
My sister-in-law was just a concubine back then, and now she's the Empress.
Once you become empress, even if you don't move, the rules and regulations become much more numerous, and the number of people around you also increases significantly.
Everything inside and out is governed by rules.
The geese were used to returning south, but how could Yang, who had been living a leisurely life in Bailu Prefecture for several years, get used to it?
Isn't it just a constant worry about making mistakes?
“Mother, you’re being too tense. Isn’t Aunt very easy to talk to?” Yan Jingsong said casually.
“You child, you are, after all, the Empress. How dare you act like this? You should know the rules. What's the point of teaching you?” said Madam Yang.
“No, but your aunt has already been promoted, it’s not right for you to continue like this. My sister wants to stay. Over time, we’ll need to get to know each other better. Is it really okay to be like this every day?” Yan Jingsong said.
"Xue'er really wants to stay? This palace..." Madam Yang sighed.
"Didn't my aunt say that she wouldn't marry a prince? I didn't intend to marry a prince either. Since I'm just staying at my aunt's house, what's the big deal?" Yan Jingxue smiled.
These kids all took after their father; they're quite outgoing.
Madam Yang sighed, "Very well, since your father has spoken, let them stay. Just make sure they know some rules and don't cause trouble. This is the capital, the imperial palace, not Bailu Prefecture."
“Bailu Prefecture isn’t the most powerful place in our family, so how could I be ignorant of etiquette? I know that noble ladies in the capital are all well-mannered and have impeccable manners. That’s why I’ve learned for a few years in the palace; wouldn’t that make me even better? So you won’t always call me a wild girl,” Yan Jingxue said.
Yang had nothing to say and could only sigh.
In Zhaochun Palace, Yan Nangui rested for a while before getting up and offering incense, saying, "This servant observes that the eldest young lady is lively and knows how to behave appropriately. The third young master is also clever and sensible. They are both very good. Your Highness and your sister-in-law are both very good at teaching their children."
"It's certainly good to have a mother to teach you. Think about my childhood, and my second brother's childhood too." Yan Nangui smiled faintly.
"Yes, it's good that you stay, to keep our princess company. After all, you're family. When it comes to marriage proposals, having someone you've raised will be a significant advantage." Jiangxiang was wholeheartedly devoted to Yan Nangui.
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