Chapter 47 Compensation
Seeing the steward leave, Song Luoning curtsied and called out, "Father."
"Hmm." Song Yunzhou nodded, shifted his gaze to Xiao Yu, looked him up and down, and smiled, "You're A-Yu? I almost didn't recognize you. You've changed so much, quite handsome, not bad at all." He praised him twice.
"..." Well, he was indeed good-looking. Xiao Yu pursed his lips, cupped his hands in greeting, and bowed to Song Yunzhou: "Father-in-law."
Song Yunzhou laughed heartily, stepped forward to support her arm, and patted her on the shoulder: "We're family, no need to be so polite. Ning'er mentioned some of your matter in her letter before. Don't worry, the Dali Temple is still giving me some face. Just wait for the investigation results."
"Thank you, father-in-law," Xiao Yu said respectfully.
"My child, why are you being so polite? If it weren't for your mother saving Ning'er and her mother back then, alas! I'm afraid I would have lost my daughter too." After saying this, Song Yunzhou looked up, unable to hide the sadness in his eyes, and sighed after a long while: "Let's not talk about these unhappy things. By the way, I heard your mother is here too, why isn't she here?"
Xiao Yu: "Mother is in the backyard. I'll send someone to fetch her right away."
"Hey!" Song Yunzhou waved his hand, stopping her: "No rush. I've heard that my son-in-law has invented a tool for husking rice. Is that available?"
Xiao Yu was taken aback for a moment, then nodded and said truthfully, "That is indeed the case."
"Good, good, I really didn't expect you to have such ability. Not bad, not bad. This solves the problem of people eating brown rice, and it is a great achievement that benefits the people." Song Yunzhou clapped his hands excitedly.
"..." Xiao Yu's expression froze instantly, and he subconsciously looked at Song Luoning. What did his father-in-law mean by this? What about benefiting the people? It wasn't what she thought, was it?
This is the business that made her rich.
If the tools are mass-produced, how will she support the young lady in the future?
Song Yunzhou patted her shoulder and continued with a look of satisfaction: "Young people are not arrogant or impatient, not bad, not bad. Another day, I'll have your second brother find a few craftsmen in the Ministry of Works. You can explain the manufacturing process to them. Their craftsmanship is among the best in Baisheng. If you are interested, you can also discuss it with them."
"..." Still discussing! Xiao Yu's lips twitched slightly. This was clearly not going to leave him any way out.
So, does the young lady know about her father's plan?
Xiao Yu could only force a smile.
After giving a few instructions, Song Yunzhou said, "Let's all have lunch together. Your three sisters-in-law miss you all very much. They should be here by now." He then looked at his youngest son, Song Yanyu, who was standing to the side.
Song Yanyu paused, then smiled and scratched his head. "Father, don't worry, I'll go take a look right away." With that, he turned and ran outside.
Song Yanyu was more lively and unrestrained, unlike Song Yanqi who had perfectly learned the Prime Minister's profoundness, and unlike the second brother Song Yanting who was steady and devoted to his studies. Among the brothers, he was also the closest to Song Luoning.
Song Yunzhou shook his head and sighed, "Such a grown man, yet so immature."
Song Yanqi quickly stepped in to smooth things over: "Father doesn't know about our third brother yet, but he's become much more mature since the New Year."
"Let him be." Song Yunzhou gestured for Xiao Yu to sit down: "Please sit down, we're family, no need to be so formal."
After everyone was seated, Song Yunzhou gave a few more instructions before letting a maid come in to serve tea. At this moment, Song Yanyu also brought in three female relatives from the Prime Minister's residence. The three daughters-in-law respectfully bowed to Song Yunzhou and sat down next to their husbands.
Li Yan, the eldest sister-in-law, was holding the hand of a four- or five-year-old little dumpling. The dumpling was exquisitely beautiful, with her hair tied in two double buns. She vaguely resembled Song Luoning and was incredibly cute. Upon seeing Song Yunzhou, she obediently called out "Grandfather" and snuggled up to Li Yan. Her big, watery eyes darted around the room. Suddenly, she exclaimed, "Auntie, it's Auntie!" The little dumpling immediately let go of Li Yan's hand and quickly ran into Song Luoning's arms.
"Aunt! When did you come back? Ling'er missed you so much." Her voice was soft and sweet. The little white dumpling snuggled in Song Luoning's arms, raising her head with innocent and bright eyes.
Seeing this softened Song Luoning's heart. She smiled and patted the little white dumpling's head, saying in a gentle and doting voice, "Little Ling'er is getting cuter and cuter."
The little dumpling was a bit embarrassed by the praise, and hid in Song Luoning's arms, giggling. After a while, she raised her little face and said seriously, "Auntie is pretty too."
Children's innocent words drew laughter from everyone. Li Yan walked over and took Song Ling'er's little hand, her smile undiminished, and said reproachfully, "You're so sweet-talking. Your aunt has been clinging to you ever since she came back. What did your mother tell you when she came?"
Song Ling'er tilted her head and thought for a while. Her expression was a little listless, and her little face fell. She said reluctantly, "Mother said that Aunt is not well, so I can't bother Aunt. I still have to greet Uncle when I see him."
"So what did you do?" Li Yan patted her head, her gaze falling on Xiao Yu. She had heard her husband mention this brother-in-law yesterday, and today she saw that he was quite handsome, but he looked a bit thin. Her younger sister was not in good health to begin with, and she wondered if he could take good care of her if he was so thin.
She bent down and whispered in Song Ling'er's ear, signaling her to greet him. Song Ling'er looked up at Xiao Yu after hearing her mother's words. A little shy, the little girl hid behind her mother, blinking her big eyes and scrutinizing the unfamiliar uncle in front of her. After a while, her face flushed, she twisted her body and whispered, "Uncle."
"You're already shy?" Song Luoning teased her with a light laugh.
Song Ling'er quickly hugged her mother's legs and buried her face in them.
This caused everyone to burst into laughter again.
Xiao Yu squatted down: "You must be Ling'er. You're so cute."
Song Ling'er peeked out and said in a soft voice, "I'm Ling'er. Uncle is really handsome."
"......"
Li Yan scolded her: "How can you describe a man as good-looking?"
Song Ling'er blinked her innocent big eyes and looked at Xiao Yu: "Can't I?"
The adorable little girl was so endearing that Xiao Yu's heart melted. He reached out and picked her up, saying, "If Ling'er thinks she's pretty, then she's pretty."
Li Yan was a little embarrassed. She glanced at Xiao Yu and then looked at Song Luoning: "How has your health been lately, little sister?"
Before she got married, she got along very well with her three sisters-in-law, especially her eldest sister-in-law. Song Luoning smiled and said, "Luoning is much better now. Thank you for your concern, eldest sister-in-law."
Hearing her say this, Li Yan then noticed that she hadn't heard any coughing since she came in. She was slightly surprised. Her younger sister's illness was something she had been born with, and even the imperial physicians were helpless. Yet, she had recovered after going out for a while. She couldn't help but look at her closely.
My younger sister's face was indeed paler than before, and the smile in her eyes didn't seem forced, which made me realize the truth.
"It's a good thing that my little sister has recovered from her illness; it's a joyous occasion, don't you think, sister-in-law?" Second sister-in-law Liu Yuanyuan looked at third sister-in-law Zhang Wen.
Zhang Wen smiled and agreed.
Jiang Wanrou arrived with Chen Yu, and the family exchanged a few pleasantries. With the adorable little dumpling there, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
Soon it was lunchtime. The banquet was set up in the side hall. Song Yunzhou sat in the main seat, followed by Jiang Wanrou. Xiao Yu and his wife sat next to Jiang Wanrou, then Chen Yu and Liang Chengqiu. Opposite them sat the three Song brothers in order. The steward and maids set out the dishes one by one.
The Song family is a prominent and distinguished family, and they are particular about their meals. Only when Song Yunzhou asks a question will the younger generation respond with a few words. Jiang Wanrou, on the other hand, follows local customs, and the atmosphere is harmonious.
Finally, after everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Song Yunzhou, who still had official business to attend to, left early with his three sons.
Upon returning to the Prime Minister's residence and dismissing the servants, Song Yunzhou asked, "What do you think of the person?"
Song Yanqi: "We'll listen to our father." The other two echoed him.
Song Yunzhou stood with his back turned for a long time before taking out a sandalwood box from a hidden compartment in the bookshelf. The box was exquisitely carved, and one could tell the importance of the contents just by looking at it.
With a somber expression, Song Yunzhou opened the box. Inside was an imperial edict: "This is the edict of the late emperor deposing the emperor. I originally thought I would never need it, but I never expected..." The new emperor was incompetent and tyrannical, indulging in pleasure, favoring his relatives, and disregarding the common people. Song Yunzhou sighed heavily: "Take it."
Song Yanqi bowed and stepped forward to receive the imperial edict with both hands, his eyes filled with determination.
On the other side, Xiao Yu and Song Luoning saw off their three sisters-in-law and returned to the courtyard. After making a fuss all day, afternoon tea was a must. Xiao Yu couldn't help but stretch, shake his head, and lean against the soft couch.
Cuizhu helped her mistress remove her outer garment and then stood behind Song Luoning to wait and serve her.
Song Luoning sat down at the other end of the soft couch. In the middle of the couch was a small low table. The maids carried tea and snacks, placing them on the low table in plates of exquisite pastries. The presentation was very elegant.
Xiao Yu sighed, picked up a pastry from the plate, and thought to herself with some emotion, "Ling'er is really lovable. I really want to keep her here, but my sister-in-law will definitely not be willing to part with her. However, I think my mother likes her very much too."
Song Luoning curved her lips, picked up the teacup, took a sip, and smiled slightly: "Yes, Ling'er is indeed a lovable child. Sister-in-law has taught her very well."
Xiao Yu suddenly sat up straight, leaned closer to Song Luoning, and lowered his voice: "Everyone says that nieces resemble their aunts. I think Ling'er does look somewhat like your wife, especially her eyes. Your niece is so beautiful now, your wife must have been incredibly cute when she was little."
Song Luoning: "......"
This lecherous scoundrel is spouting nonsense again, and in broad daylight no less.
Song Luoning blushed, turned her face away, and remained silent. Cuizhu covered her mouth to suppress her laughter, but was glared at by Song Luoning. Knowing her mistress's temperament, Cuizhu shut her mouth, curtsied, and quietly withdrew without leaving. Before leaving, she thoughtfully closed the door behind her.
The door closed, leaving only the two of them in the room. Song Luoning glanced at her and said, "How can you say whatever you want in broad daylight?"
"What did I say?" Xiao Yu asked in surprise, her eyes suddenly widening and blinking. The young lady actually blushed because she said she was pretty when she was little!
Xiao Yu was delighted and leaned forward even closer, tilting his head to look at her, deliberately teasing her, "Actually, I misspoke."
"Hmm?" Song Luoning frowned.
Seeing her blank expression, Xiao Yu continued with a smile, "My wife was not only cute when she was a child, she is still cute now. I think she is no less cute than Ling'er."
Song Luoning: "......"
"Be serious. What do you think about what Father said today?" Song Luoning glanced at her.
Xiao Yu sat back down, looking listless. She pouted reluctantly, picked up a piece of pastry, and popped it into her mouth: "It's not that I don't want to, it's just that everyone else knows how to do it, and we'll have to find other ways to make money in the future, which is quite troublesome."
Hearing this, Song Luoning understood. She knew that the lecherous man loved money, and it was truly difficult for her to make such a sacrifice. Her expression gradually softened: "Promoting rice hulling tools is a matter that benefits the people, my husband shouldn't..."
“I know.” Xiao Yu interrupted her, glancing at her and muttering under his breath, “How am I supposed to support you without income?”
"What?" Song Luoning didn't hear clearly and turned to look at her. The young man's eyes were already slightly closed. The afternoon sun shone on half of his face. His delicate cheeks, which were previously sallow and withered, were now rosy and healthy. His lips were slightly pouting, so he probably wasn't happy.
Song Luoning pursed her lips, got up and walked to the wardrobe, opened the door, took out a silver note and handed it to Xiao Yu.
This should at least make up for her loss, right?
“Take this thousand taels for now, and get more from me when you’ve used it up,” Song Luoning said.
"Hmm?" Xiao Yu opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the silver note that Song Luoning handed him. He was surprised and raised an eyebrow: "What does my wife mean by this?" Why is she giving me money all of a sudden?
Song Luoning choked, staring at her for a long while before letting out a soft sigh: "Luoning knows that if rice hulling tools are widely adopted, my husband's livelihood will also be affected..."
So, the young lady is making it up to herself!
Xiao Yu opened her mouth, as if to say something.
etc!
Xiao Yu was taken aback. Where did the young lady get the money? Didn't she say that all the money would be given to her?
Xiao Yu stared wide-eyed at Song Luoning.
I finally understand. The young lady was lying to herself when she said she had no money!
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