Before ascending the throne, Xu Wen returned to the Sheng family. Sheng Huairen seemed to have forgotten the unpleasantness between them that day and even went to the palace gate to pick up Xu Wen. Xu Wen naturally did not get angry outside, but when she returned to the mansion, she completely ignored Sheng Huairen.
Sheng Huairen had long been accustomed to Xu Wen's attitude and did not take it seriously. He went to the study in the same annoyed mood as usual.
After Xu Wen had packed herself up, she asked about what had been going on at the mansion during her absence. Everyone in the mansion was just like usual; Sheng Wei and Sheng Shu were just studying and doing their homework, with Yu Jiaxing dropping by occasionally.
Speaking of making trouble, it was Aunt Lan. The next day when Xu Wen was not around, she went to the public account to withdraw money, but naturally she didn't get any. Now that Xu Wen was back, Aunt Lan came over early and knelt in the yard.
Xu Wen didn't want to bother with Aunt Lan. If Aunt Lan continued to make trouble when Sheng Hong turned ten, she would have to sell her off. Xu Wen really didn't like this noisy life.
It wasn't until sunset that Xu Wen said to Fang's mother, "Let her go back."
Madam Fang nodded in agreement and went out. She walked up to Aunt Lan and said, "Aunt, please get up. The eldest lady is kind enough to let you go back."
Aunt Lan quickly kowtowed to the main room and said, "Thank you, Madam, for your kindness. I will never do that again."
Aunt Lan had said this many times, and she would definitely do it again if given the chance. Fang Mama rolled her eyes inwardly and said to Aunt Lan's maid, "Why don't you help your aunt go back?"
Lan Yi Niang had been kneeling for so long that her knees were no longer her own. Her whole body was pressed against the maid, almost causing her to fall. It took a long time for the two of them to stand up together. Lan Yi Niang leaned on the maid and slowly left the main courtyard.
Mother Fang watched them leave until Aunt Lan was out of sight, then she laughed out loud. She thought to herself, "It really serves you right. You only remember to eat and not to be beaten. One day you'll end up courting death."
After returning to the main house, the housekeeper accompanied Xu Wen to sort out the unfinished accounts. Seeing that Sheng Huairen had taken out 500 taels of silver to give to Sheng Hong two days ago, Xu Wen shook her head and said, "Take out the writing brush and ink from the emperor's reward this time and send it to Shu'er in the front yard."
Whoever's son is loved by him, Sheng Huairen loved Sheng Hong, so I will love Sheng Shu well.
Speaking of Sheng Shu, Xu Wen couldn't help but think of her marriage. Wealthy families often arranged marriages early, collected tokens, and then waited until the girl reached the age of marriage to arrange an engagement. Sheng Shu was also old enough to be engaged, and Xu Wen put down her account book and thought about the families of the right age around her.
I couldn't think of any girls of my age in the capital. Then I thought about Jinling, and then, after much thought, I remembered my childhood playmate, the eldest daughter of the Hai family in Jiangning. I heard a while ago that she would be coming to the capital in March or April. If she was the daughter of the Hai family, she would be hard to find even with a lantern.
The Hai family has been a family of scholars for generations, with many serving in the imperial court. They were often described as having five Hanlin scholars. Such a family was considered a truly exceptional one. However, when it came to marriage, Hai women were not favored, while Hai men were highly sought after. This was likely due to a family rule that prohibited the taking of concubines until the fourth son had no offspring. This rule prevented many families of comparable social status from choosing Hai women as their daughters-in-law.
After making up her mind, Xu Wen stood up and prepared to go to sleep. She couldn't finish reading the account book in one day. She didn't need to worry so much about the affairs of the mansion.
Xu Wen, combing her hair at the dressing table, accidentally noticed the fine lines at the corners of her eyes. She blinked and said, "How did you age so quickly?"
Mother Fang looked at the bright mirror and wondered if the young lady missed Empress Jing'an. The mirror was a gift from Empress Jing'an. She said softly, "Young lady, you haven't slept well recently. Let's go home and rest for a few days, and this won't happen again."
Xu Wen smiled and said, "Really?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
