"By the way, now that you're a princess, you should also be mindful of your words and actions," Jiang Shu reminded her.
He Yi smiled and nodded, "That's right, that's right. I will definitely ask my sister for help if I don't understand something in the future."
"I wouldn't even dare to utter the word 'ask for advice,' but since we're sisters, I'll naturally help you." To be honest, He Yi never imagined that she and Jiang Shu could become such close friends in such a short time.
A few days later.
He Yi arrived at the mansion bestowed upon her by the emperor. Amidst the festive atmosphere of lanterns and firecrackers, she pushed open the gilded vermilion gate.
Not long ago, she was struggling to survive in the Minister's mansion, but now she is a princess personally appointed by the emperor and owns her own residence.
Granny Li and her group of servants were already waiting respectfully in the courtyard.
That usually somewhat serious face was now beaming with smiles, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothing out, revealing genuine joy. "Congratulations, Princess! Congratulations, Princess!" Everyone knelt in unison, their voices booming.
He Yi smiled, but her gaze swept slowly across everyone's face.
She already had a general idea of which of these people were useful, which needed to be disciplined, and which should be sent far away.
In the following days, He Yi acted swiftly and decisively. Drawing on her observations at the Minister's residence, she quickly brought order to the household affairs. The maids and servants performed their duties diligently, and the entire household was transformed, no longer displaying the disorganization that had begun when she first took over.
Besides managing the household affairs, He Yi also didn't forget to improve herself.
She specially set aside an elegant room in the east wing as her study, personally selected writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, and asked Granny Li to search for some simple and easy-to-understand primers, while also finding herself a tutor.
She was not very literate and had not had many opportunities to study properly in the Ministry of Rites.
Now that my status is different, I can't just be a good-for-nothing princess and become a laughingstock.
The next day, Granny Li said, "According to the rules of the capital, we should also be mindful of social etiquette. I think we should prepare a small gift for the Emperor and the Empress Dowager."
At this point, Granny Li respectfully presented the gift box. Zheng Heyi opened the brocade box and saw a pair of white jade paperweights, on which the entire Heart Sutra was engraved in extremely fine detail. There was also a box of snail-shell ink from Bohai, all of which were quite valuable.
He Yi glanced at it and smiled appreciatively, "In the end, it still takes you, Granny Li, to do this. You're quite clever."
Li Mama's face flushed, and she quickly lowered her head and said, "Now that you are a princess, you must have people by your side. No matter what, this old servant will follow you wholeheartedly."
He Yi smiled and said, "Then I won't treat you unfairly."
[That Granny Li is so good at handling things! She chose such a perfect paperweight!]
The villainous female supporting character actually managed to win over such a loyal old servant.
[Roll on, Zheng Heyi!]
"Granny Li, have you chosen the female tutor I mentioned before?"
Granny Li chimed in at the opportune moment: "This old servant went to the academy and spent a fortune to hire a female tutor named Liuyun. This tutor was handpicked by this old servant. Not only is she extremely learned, but she also knows quite a bit of martial arts. She can also protect you, Princess."
She paused for a moment, then walked towards Zheng Heyi.
"Princess, we will bring the person with us, and we guarantee you will be satisfied. However, we still need to prepare gifts for Minister Zheng and Jiang Shu."
Zheng Heyi frowned. "I'll leave everything to you to arrange."
A moment later, Granny Li came out of the study and handed two boxes to Zheng Heyi.
"These are the things that this old servant prepared for the Minister and the County Princess according to your taste and wishes. The Minister has a piece of white jade from the General's Cave, and this old servant has prepared a nice set of jewelry for the County Princess."
Hearing this, Zheng Heyi smiled and said, "With you here, things are so much easier for me. Thank you so much, Granny Li."
"Not at all, it is my honor and duty to serve the princess. Besides, I have received many benefits from you."
In fact, Zheng Heyi also knew that this was the driving force behind Li Mama's actions. However, it was good that way; relationships that could be bought with money were more reliable the more money one had.
Zheng Heyi was a little annoyed. "Our mansion is too big, and there are a lot of things to take care of every day. By the way, I need you to find a few maids and servants, Li Mama, otherwise you will be exhausted."
"yes."
Granny Li obeyed her orders with utmost care and handled all matters perfectly.
Sure enough, three days later, Granny Li arrived at the study, smiling as she took out a booklet from her bosom. "Princess, these are a few maids that this old servant found at the brokerage. Would you like to take a look?"
Granny Li brought over several ivory tags, and the booklet contained the young lady's introduction.
He Yi pointed to the one in the middle: "This one is called Qingju. She looks honest and reliable. Let me take a look at her."
Qingju wore her hair in two buns and didn't look very clever, but she was indeed very reliable.
[Qingju is here! This girl's heart is completely with the villainous female supporting character.]
[If we encounter danger in the future, it will be Qingju who saves our lives.]
[Granny Li has a good eye; the maids she chose are all excellent.]
The barrage of comments was deafening. After learning about Qingju's character, Zheng Heyi paid extra attention to her, and Qingju was indeed very considerate towards her.
“From now on, you will follow me,” He Yi said softly, holding Qing Ju’s hand. “You will serve in the inner room, listen to Granny Li’s teachings, and don’t do anything reckless. From now on, if I have a bite to eat, you will too.”
Qingju suddenly looked up, tears welling in her eyes, her voice trembling like leaves in the autumn wind, "Thank you, Princess! This servant will serve you with all my heart and soul!"
[Qingju is indeed loyal! I'll bow down first in respect.]
[He Yi is so sweet! She really is an inspirational supporting actress.]
Granny Li coughed and said, "Hurry up and tidy up the study. The teacher will be arriving today."
The so-called study was originally a warm pavilion in the courtyard, but it has now been renovated. In Zheng Heyi's words, this is called respecting teachers and valuing education.
At noon, the female teacher Liuyun arrived on time. She was dressed in a simple blue cloth dress, and her eyes and brows were exceptionally clear.
[Liu Yun-jun is online too! Love it!]
[Fireworks, put on some fireworks. 】
Liu Yun stared at Zheng Heyi, "I heard that the princess wants to find a female tutor who is skilled in both literature and martial arts..." Zheng Heyi stared at Liu Yun, her mouth almost watering. Who said girls don't like looking at other girls?
"Well," Zheng Heyi chuckled, "someone who is both talented and beautiful would also be fine. I heard you know martial arts?"
"What does the princess wish to learn? I, Liu Yun, happen to know a little bit of martial arts." With that, Liu Yun picked up a leaf and threw it away.
"What's going on?" Zheng Heyi looked into the distance curiously, and then understood. Liu Yun smiled and said, "Let's go over there and we'll see."
When Zheng Heyi reached the wall a dozen meters away, she was dumbfounded.
That leaf actually embedded itself into the wall. "Wow, that's amazing. You taught me this. Starting tomorrow, I also want to learn what you called silk or something."
"It's the Four Books and Five Classics." Actually, Zheng Heyi just wanted to test Liuyun's patience and see if this female teacher was easy to get along with, but she didn't expect her to be so friendly.
That's good.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
