As expected of the Jiangning Prefecture, Jinling, the Marquis's residence occupies a vast area, comparable to the Ningyuan Marquis's residence in the capital. Jinling is located in the south, adjacent to Suzhou, so the palace is filled with pavilions, terraces, and towers, and the rockery and flowing water landscape are awe-inspiring.
Princess Jinyi, who grew up in the palace and visited many gardens in Suzhou, was taken by Jin to visit the marquis's mansion. Looking at the carved corridors and painted buildings that were so exquisitely crafted, she couldn't help but sigh in her heart that Jiangning was indeed a wealthy place.
Just now, Princess Jinyi arrived at the Marquis's residence, and everyone knelt to pay their respects. After entering the residence, Princess Jinyi met with the female members of the household, not even glancing at the men. Unnoticed, a man in a blue shirt knelt on the ground, looking up at her in a daze.
Accompanying Princess Jinyi, Jin Shi smiled triumphantly and kept talking until she was quietly pushed aside by the palace maids brought by Princess Jinyi. Only then did Jin Shi give an awkward smile and shut up.
From Jin's account, Princess Jinyi learned that the Marquis of Yongyi had three legitimate children: two sons and a daughter. The daughter was Xu Wen, the second wife of the Sheng family, who had married far away in the capital. The eldest son was the heir apparent of the Marquisate, and thus the husband of Jin. The youngest son was only in his early twenties and currently unmarried. The remaining illegitimate sons and daughters totaled nearly ten, and there were six concubines.
Thinking that her mother was the only one in the palace's backyard, Princess Jinyi felt that the Marquis's Mansion was nothing special. If that girl married into the Marquis's Mansion, she would probably live a life of chaos and smog.
Sitting in the pavilion, enjoying some refreshments, Xu Xia, the third daughter of a concubine, was stopped a few blocks away. Blushing, Xu Xia raised her voice and asked, "Why are you stopping me? Is there a place in the backyard that I'm not allowed to go to?"
The maid said calmly, "Don't disturb the princess's pleasure."
Xu Xia's blush deepened as her intentions were seen through. She lowered her head and murmured softly, "I was worried that my sister-in-law couldn't take care of the princess alone, so I thought of going over to serve her."
The maid, still with her original expression, replied, "Please go back, young lady."
"Hmph!" After a delicate chuckle, Xu Xia stomped her feet and turned to leave. After walking a few steps, she looked back and left reluctantly.
The wife of the Marquis of Yongyi fell ill with a fever after returning home that day and remained bedridden, unfit to see guests. So, it was Jin who entertained Princess Jinyi. Princess Jinyi took a dislike to Jin, whose temperament was remarkably similar to Concubine Li's. After touring the Marquis' residence and enjoying a cup of tea, Princess Jinyi suggested going to see the Marquis' wife.
"Forgive me for my disheveled appearance. I pay my respects to the princess." The marquis' wife, who was lying on the bed, was about to stand up and salute, but was held down by Princess Jinyi.
Seeing the Marquis's face, which had lost its rosy glow and had lost weight in just three days, Princess Jinyi dismissed everyone and asked, "Madam, are you ill? Or what? I'll summon the imperial physician to treat you."
The Marquis' wife, who was held down by Princess Jinyi, said uneasily, "Princess, the rules must be followed. Please accept my gift." Seeing the Marquis' wife's serious look, Princess Jinyi had no choice but to obey her.
After the ceremony, the Marquis's wife covered her mouth with a handkerchief and coughed for a while, then replaced it with another handkerchief and said, "I am fine, I just caught a cold. Thank you, Princess, for your concern."
Princess Jinyi felt that the Marquis's illness might not be that simple. She looked at the Marquis's obviously sick face and recalled what had happened to her mother a few months ago. She turned around and shouted, "Someone come!"
Ah Da pushed the door open and walked in. He knelt down and received the order: "I am here."
Holding the Marquis's hand, Princess Jinyi ordered, "Go and bring Doctor Wu here."
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