Chapter 504 Father's money is all yours too
Eunuch Xu glanced at Madam Qian but said nothing. Madam Qian was also quite perceptive.
"His Majesty and the Empress have instructed the Ministry of Works to tidy up this courtyard as well, and to see if there's anything that needs to be added. Anything will be sent to the Ministry of Works!"
Steward Xu had a hint of a smile in his eyes, but there was a strange look in his gaze as he looked at them.
Mrs. Qian was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting this.
The people behind Eunuch Xu went directly into the courtyard he had bought.
Qian was grateful and slipped some more silver to Steward Xu.
Steward Xu accepted the silver without ceremony and went inside to supervise the Ministry of Works.
Qian and her entourage entered the courtyard of the princess's residence.
The princess's residence is very large, with countless courtyards of all sizes.
It's not on the same level as the courtyard they bought.
This kind of courtyard is simply not something they can afford to buy.
Lady Qian couldn't help but gasp in amazement, and felt a surge of gratitude towards the emperor.
After all, such a large house must have cost a lot of money, and the emperor had it decorated very beautifully, with tables, chairs and benches made of the finest materials.
Looking at her, Mrs. Qian felt increasingly happy for Xiao Su Bao.
Thinking of something, Madam Qian looked at the whole family and said, "From now on, Su Bao will live across from us. If there's anything you want to eat, just tell your mother!"
Little Su Bao was taken aback, but looked at Madam Qian and said, "Mother, don't you want me anymore?"
When Qian saw the little girl's pitiful appearance, her heart softened.
Now, Xiao Su Bao is eight years old and has grown into a beautiful young woman.
How could she not want it!
"This place was bestowed upon you by His Majesty; it is your princess residence. It is not suitable for your mother, your brother, and your sister-in-law to live here. It would make others look down on your brother and sister-in-law, and it would also make people talk about you!"
Qian's voice was quite loud, and her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson behind her could all hear it clearly.
She could distinguish all of this because she truly loved Xiao Su Bao.
In case anything bad happens.
After all, people's hearts are fickle!
"From now on, your mother and brothers will live across the street, and you'll be living here all by yourself!"
Seeing that Xiao Su Bao was about to speak, Madam Qian continued, "Alright, it's settled then!"
Little Su Bao was a little unhappy, but she didn't know how to tell Qian Shi.
The little girl puffed out her cheeks, looking a bit aggrieved.
Just then, Tang Bugui came in from outside.
Tang Bugui only learned today that the Emperor was preparing a princess's residence for Xiao Su Bao. He had just returned from the palace after receiving the imperial decree, but his expression did not look very good.
He had finally had a daughter, and his bad luck couldn't hurt his little darling, so he wanted to live with her as much as possible!
Tang Bugui went to see His Majesty about this matter, but the princess's residence had already been prepared, and the imperial edict was given to him along the way, which made Tang Bugui even more depressed.
He didn't argue with the emperor, but he just 'had another episode'.
The emperor was almost beaten to death by his own wife because of this incident.
Fortunately, Princess Chang'an returned at the crucial moment and saved her own father.
When Princess Chang'an heard about Xiao Su Bao's princess residence, she also asked her father for one.
Once the princess's residence is completed, I'll be able to move out!
I don't have to squeeze in with Dad and the others all the time anymore!
Tang Bugui looked at the princess's residence, then at his daughter, and said, "I'll move in with you!"
Little Su Bao was taken aback, but seeing her father's serious expression, she immediately smiled and nodded decisively.
"Okay!" The little girl nodded excitedly.
A slight smile finally appeared on Tang Bugui's face.
Looking at the childish Tang Bugui, and then at the children, a hint of a smile appeared in Qian's eyes.
Because the project was handed over to the Ministry of Works, the courtyard couldn't be finished in a short time, and the Qian family was getting in the way, so they were disliked by the officials of the Ministry of Works.
The Princess's Mansion and the Tang Mansion were not fully completed until June.
The Qian family was considering moving.
Somehow, Zhou Zhenghai found out about this and volunteered to come and help.
Neither Wang Mingtian nor the nameless old Taoist could use it; the nameless old Taoist even kept mentioning it for several days.
Fortunately, Zhou Zhenghai was quite capable. He calculated the dates and set the moving date for the princess's residence as August 15th.
After all, this day is a good day for family reunion, and the best day of the whole year.
The Qian family's house was built a little earlier, on June 19th.
Both housewarming parties were organized by Zhou Zhenghai.
The main reason is that this person offered both money and effort, and the Qian family refused many times, but all attempts failed!
Zhou Zhenghai was also very happy, feeling that he had gained a lot.
He took this opportunity to keep pestering Wang Mingtian and the nameless old Taoist.
If you can squeeze out even a little more, it's all thanks to your own skill.
Anyway, they'll catch whoever they can each time, and their main strategy is to forcibly learn from others!
Wang Mingtian and the nameless old Taoist priest did not deliberately make things difficult for him; they taught Zhou Zhenghai quite a lot.
Seeing that they were having a great time, Ms. Qian had no choice but to leave them alone!
However, Zhou Zhenghai's presence resolved many issues.
After moving, the Qian family moved out of General Tang's mansion.
Under the intervention of the Ministry of Works, this courtyard has become less mercenary and more refined.
The three Tang brothers each lived in their own courtyard, so they wouldn't fight over these things.
Xiao Su Bao's room was next to Qian Shi's, but it was the best courtyard in the whole family.
The Qian family has been sending a lot of things lately, especially poems, books, calligraphy and paintings, which have been placed in the largest library in the Tang family.
The children of the Qian family and the children of the Tang family usually study in the Tang family's study building.
Every time Tang Si returned from the Hanlin Academy, he would keep an eye on the younger students reading.
The little guy looked at Tang Si with a mixture of fondness and fear.
October arrived in the blink of an eye, and Xiao Su Bao had grown quite a bit taller, with more and more things to do at home now.
"Mother, we're a little short-handed!" Gu Xi, who was also pregnant, stood in front of Qian Shi, supporting her round belly.
Madam Qian nodded, looking at the large courtyard. The maids and servants there were all brought by Gu Xi and Qi Meng.
After thinking it over, Madam Qian also decided to add some maids and servants to the household.
Otherwise, there would be so many things to do at home that we wouldn't be able to finish them.
I can do it myself, but my daughter-in-law won't let me!
The emperor and empress originally planned to send some palace maids, but in the end the empress only sent one nanny, mainly because they were worried that Qian Shi and the others would not be able to adapt.
"Yes, Mother understands. Now that you're pregnant, just stay home and rest. Don't worry about these things. I'll go and buy some servants!" Madam Qian said to her daughter-in-law.
Gu Xi smiled, a hint of amusement in her eyes: "Thank you for your understanding, Mother. Your daughter-in-law is very good!"
At this moment, Qi Meng came in carrying her son.
Even though he's only two years old, you can imagine how mischievous he is.
"Mother, look at this brat! He ruined a painting his father just finished today. That painting was wanted by Minister Lin's family, and it's worth at least several dozen taels of silver!"
Tang Liubao looked at Qian Shi pitifully, his big eyes blinking with a hint of nervousness.
Little Su Bao just came in from outside, and Tang Liu Bao immediately felt like he had seen a savior and hugged his aunt's leg.
"DouDou, help me!"
Xiao Su Bao reached out and picked up the little guy.
Mrs. Qian rubbed her temples, feeling quite helpless towards the sixth son.
"Mother, Third Sister-in-law, Fourth Sister-in-law!" The little girl was wearing a light green long dress, with her hair in two buns and adorned with a green hairpin, looking very refreshing.
"Little sister, put the sixth son down, and I promise I won't hit him!" Qi Meng looked at her son, whose head was stuffed into Xiao Su Bao's neck, with a forced smile.
That brat really needs to be taught a lesson.
Xiao Su Bao, holding Xiao Lao Liu, reached out and took Qi Meng's hand: "Third Sister-in-law, don't be angry. Nephew Liu Bao is still young. He'll be fine when he starts his early education next year!"
“Dou Dou, start learning…” Little Six shook his head like a rattle drum.
He doesn't like reading, and every time his older brother Sibao reads, he feels a splitting headache!
Reading is impossible!
He wants to learn from his maternal grandfather how to fight and fight bad guys!
Qi Meng was about to slap him in annoyance.
Good morning, Madam Qian took the girl's hand.
"Alright, why are you arguing with a child!"
Madam Qian glared at Qi Meng, then turned to look at Xiao Liubao.
"Liu Bao, come here. Tell Grandma, what do you want to learn?"
Madam Qian looked at Tang Liubao and hugged the little guy into her arms.
When Tang Liubao saw that Qian was protecting him, he immediately made a face at his mother and then quickly hid in Qian's arms.
"Mom, no, get out of the way, I'm going to beat this brat to death."
Qi Meng's fists were itching to punch him. Her man was so gentle, how could they have given birth to such a child...?
No, Qi Meng had imagined something, and she became even angrier.
Little Su Bao stepped forward and quickly grabbed Third Sister-in-law's arm.
"Third sister-in-law, don't be angry. Anger damages the liver. I've noticed that your liver fire has been a bit too strong lately. I'll make you some cooling herbal tea later."
Little Su Bao smiled sweetly, showing no fear, and instead muttered something to Qi Meng.
Qi Meng looked at the little girl and tapped her head in annoyance, saying, "You little brat, all you do is make fun of your third sister-in-law, and you don't even discipline this brat!"
As Qi Meng spoke, she took Xiao Su Bao's hand again: "By the way, Su Bao, your third sister-in-law went to the street a few days ago, guess what she saw?"
Little Su Bao was slightly taken aback, her eyes filled with confusion.
Qi Meng pulled Xiao Su Bao and Qian Shi aside and said, "I saw a little girl who looks about seven or eight parts like Su Bao. I thought it was Su Bao at first, but the little girl's face looks a bit strange!"
Qi Meng thought of the previous men who had served her in bed, and couldn't help but shake her head.
Madam Qian frowned slightly and looked at her third son's wife, saying, "Are they really that similar? Could they be other relatives of the Lan family?"
Seeing her mother-in-law's interest, Qi Meng raised her voice a few decibels: "No, that girl said her surname is Qiu Qiu, this is the first time I've heard that!"
Ms. Qian felt something was off; she had a vague, uneasy feeling about it.
I have a feeling something bad is going to happen soon.
"Moreover, that girl is about the same height as my younger sister, and their mannerisms are somewhat similar. I was worried that something might happen, so I had someone secretly follow that girl!"
Qi Meng was, after all, General Qi's daughter, and her keen intuition made her feel that something was amiss.
"We still need to tell my uncle about this, just in case that person has ulterior motives!" Qi Meng said seriously.
Little Su Bao also felt that something seemed a little off, and nodded in agreement.
At this moment, Tang Bugui also came in from outside.
Qi Meng told Tang Bugui about the matter, and Tang Bugui's expression turned serious upon hearing it.
"I'll have someone investigate this matter. If there's nothing else going on, Su Bao should go out less often!" Tang Bugui said to Su Bao.
Su Bao nodded. Thinking of Qian Shi's previous plan, she looked at her father and said, "Father, Mother wants to buy some servants for the Tang family. Does the General's Mansion need any?"
Tang Bugui was taken aback, having overlooked the matter!
These things used to be handled by the housekeeper.
"Your steward grandfather is in charge of the affairs of the General's Mansion, so Father doesn't need to worry about it. However, if you are going, it would be better to have your steward grandfather take you with you later."
Looking at his daughter, who had grown quite a bit, he continued, "You'll need to get some more people around you too!"
Little Su Bao was stunned and stared blankly at Tang Bugui.
She is now surrounded by many people; the princess's residence is packed with people inside and out.
Some were given by the Emperor's grandfather and grandmother, others by the Crown Prince's uncle, the Second Prince's uncle, the Third Prince's uncle, and even by Princess Chang'an!
There's no shortage of young girls to hire!
These people have all given themselves their indentures.
"Alright, go and see for yourself. If you like anything, just buy it!" Tang Bugui said with a smile when he saw the little girl's adorable appearance.
"Okay, Daddy!" Little Su Bao replied happily, a smile playing on her lips.
Tang Bugui summoned the steward and Qian Shi to go and select people, while he himself wanted to see the face that looked very similar to Xiao Su Bao.
He vaguely felt that this matter was related to the Underworld.
The Empress's younger brother is quite a troublesome person, and a bit difficult to deal with.
Watching the Qian family walk out, Tang Bugui called the steward back and asked him to take some silver from the account, which he would pay all at once in a little while.
He should have thought of this earlier, but he was too busy to remember.
The butler readily agreed.
"By the way, the profits from the shops in Madam's dowry have also arrived this quarter. Give them all to Su Bao then. The young lady always needs more money and people around her!" Tang Bugui instructed.
When Xiao Su Bao returned to find the butler grandpa, she overheard her father's words.
Little Su Bao was slightly taken aback, but then said to Tang Bugui, "Daddy, I have money!"
"Your money is yours, and your mother's dowry is rightfully yours. Don't overthink it. Your father's money is all yours too!" Tang Bugui patted Xiao Su Bao's head, a smile playing on his lips.
Ms. Qian stood at the door and paused slightly when she heard these words.
She didn't go in and disturb them; these things weren't her responsibility as their cousin-in-law.
Madam Qian had no idea how much dowry Xiao Su Bao's biological mother had, nor did she care, much less covet it.
As long as her family is doing well, she feels that's enough.
Inside the house, Tang Bugui felt a warmth in his heart as he looked at the little girl's grateful face.
"Have a good day today, after all, you'll be going to the palace to study in a few days, and the teachers there are very strict!"
The Imperial Academy was not a place for ordinary people.
The emperor learned from someone that Xiao Su Bao wanted to study and become a prime minister.
Upon hearing this, the emperor was delighted and immediately ordered the little girl to study alongside the princes and nobles.
There aren't many people who get this kind of treatment anymore.
"I understand, Father. I will definitely study hard!" the little girl said solemnly to Tang Bugui.
Tang Bugui looked at the earnest young girl and seemed to see Lan Shuyu in her eyes.
"Go!" Tang Bugui said to the little girl.
Upon hearing that someone was going to be bought, Wang Xiuer rushed over in a panic.
She looked at Qian Shi and Xiao Su Bao with a hint of happiness in her eyes.
"Mother, I'm busy!" Wang Xiuer approached Qian Shi.
Looking at her second daughter-in-law, Madam Qian couldn't help but ask, "Speak, what is it?"
"Hehe, Mother, I heard you're going to buy servants, and I want to go with you..." Wang Xiuer tugged at Qian Shi's sleeve, her voice becoming coquettish.
Qian looked at Wang Xiuer, her eyelids twitching wildly. This girl, can't she just speak properly?
I'm not her man, why am I acting all cute?
Own……
"Mother~ please~" Wang Xiuer tugged at Qian Shi's sleeve, blinking her eyes as if they were about to fly away.
Ms. Qian got goosebumps all over her body.
"Go away, go away, come with me! And you better behave yourself, stop speaking in that tone, it's awful!"
A hint of helplessness lingered in Qian's eyes, but a slight smile played on her lips.
Wang Xiuer's eyes lit up immediately; sure enough, her mother was falling for this!
She needs to study more in the future...
Wang Xiuer, who was standing to the side, immediately became happy.
Sun Cuihua, who had come along, seemed to have something on her mind.
Looking at her eldest daughter-in-law, Madam Qian guessed some of the answers.
Now that the New Year is over and the weather is getting warmer, the eldest daughter-in-law is probably homesick!
Qian couldn't help but worry about the dragons she raised at home, as well as the chickens, ducks, geese, and rabbits she kept!
The fourth son is now an official in the capital, the third son is studying painting with Master Hua in the capital, and the second son is adaptable anywhere; I heard he's planning to do business with someone...
Mrs. Qian thought he might be tricking people into sending all the bitter tea seeds to the pawnshop.
Only the eldest brother is left!
The eldest son was, after all, a minor village official. Although he wasn't a proper government official, he still managed quite a few things.
During my stay in Kyoto, my elder brother went to the Imperial Estate and I heard he had a good relationship with the Minister of Agriculture.
Qian unconsciously agreed with her eldest son and his wife's plan.
Qian saw Sun Cuihua's appearance out of the corner of her eye, thought for a moment and said, "Eldest daughter-in-law, you should go with us too, and choose a few maids that you like."
Sun Cuihua was taken aback. She was just the daughter of a butcher and had never imagined that she would hire a maid.
"What do I need a maid for? There's only so much to do at home, she's useless!" After saying that, Sun Cuihua subconsciously looked at Qian Shi, wanting to explain something.
Then they heard Madam Qian say, "The eldest son came to see me yesterday. He said you want to go back!"
Madam Qian didn't really want her sons to go back. After all, the capital was a prosperous city, and Tang Bugui would be there to support her sons, giving them more options in the future.
Qian didn't care much about herself; she could manage on her own three meals a day. But the child was the future of the Tang family.
Sun Cuihua's eyes lit up when she heard Qian's words. She hadn't expected that her husband had already told her mother.
It wasn't that she didn't want to stay with her mother, but she felt out of place here.
Sun Cuihua said to Madam Qian, "Mother, it's not that Dalang doesn't want to stay in the capital, it's just that we have so many things to deal with in our family right now, and it's not good to let others manage everything!"
"Besides, spring planting is just around the corner, and we don't even know if the improved wheat varieties in the village have been planted yet, and..."
Sun Cuihua's eyes lit up when she talked about the village.
She disliked life in the capital; the noblewomen always looked at them strangely.
Sun Cuihua still prefers to go back to the village, where everyone speaks their mind and there are fewer ulterior motives.
Ms. Qian listened quietly as Sun Cuihua finished speaking, a slight smile playing on her lips.
"Yes, Mother knows you miss home..."
Sun Cuihua's cheeks flushed slightly; she really missed home.
Wang Xiuer was taken aback, looking at her sister-in-law with some reluctance.
Madam Qian paused, then looked at her eldest daughter-in-law and said, "I want to ask you, do you want Da Bao and Er Bao to come back with you, or do you want them to stay in the capital?"
Sun Cuihua was slightly taken aback; her two sons were not young anymore!
Especially Tang Dabao, who will be thirteen by the end of the year.
It was time to arrange a marriage.
His relationship with Fu Manduo is about to be settled, and now that Fu Lin is an official in the capital, it will be more convenient.
As for the second child...
Thinking of Princess Chang'an, who would come to play with the second son whenever she had nothing to do, Sun Cuihua paused.
Could it be that my son would marry a princess?
Thinking of her second son's temper, Sun Cuihua felt that he might not be able to win the princess's favor.
Sun Cuihua helped Qian Shi out of the gate, while Wang Xiuer stood on the other side.
Wang Xiuer didn't say anything. She couldn't bear to part with Sun Cuihua. With her sister-in-law by her side, she felt protected when she thought her mother was beating her.
And she really likes her sister-in-law.
Qian let them help her out. She glanced back at the little Su Bao and the others who were following obediently behind her, and paused.
"Mother's idea is to let them stay in the capital. That way, with your uncles and Xiao Si taking care of them, it will be easier for them to study whatever they want in the future!" Madam Qian said solemnly to Sun Cui.
Sun Cuihua knew that this was good for the child, and she clenched her fists slightly.
"Mother, let these two children stay in the capital with you and the second son!"
Sun Cuihua took a deep breath and then looked at Qian Shi and said.
Little Su Bao glanced at her sister-in-law, feeling reluctant to part with her. Her sister-in-law had been very good to her, and she wanted to earn money for her to buy her flower belts and other beautiful jewelry!
Thinking of the gifts His Majesty and the Empress had bestowed upon her, Su Bao decided to share some with her sisters-in-law and nephews...
"Sister-in-law, Su Bao will miss you!" Little Su Bao tugged at Sun Cuihua's hand, acting all cute and affectionate.
Sun Cuihua was already relieved, and her smile became even brighter upon hearing the little girl's words.
“Your sister-in-law is also reluctant to part with you, but there are still many things to do in the village. Your older brother is the village head, and he can't just ignore them!”
They boarded the carriage, and Sun Cuihua lowered her voice again, saying, "Besides, our Su Bao's fiefdom is over there now, and those coal mines are a lucrative business, so we have to keep an eye on them!"
Madam Qian had also considered these things. Although she was reluctant to let her eldest son go back, she still made the decision.
Besides, both the eldest son and Sun Cuihua preferred the village to the capital.
Xiao Su Bao didn't say anything, probably realizing she couldn't persuade her sister-in-law, her eyes were a little red.
Sun Cuihua reached out and hugged Xiao Su Bao, her eyes filled with tenderness.
"It's alright, your sister-in-law will come to see you again in a while!" Sun Cuihua wiped away the girl's tears, and her own nose tingled as tears also fell.
Looking at them, Qian felt a pang of sadness.
But as her child grew older, she couldn't take him everywhere she went.
"Waaah... Sister-in-law, now that you're gone, who will protect me when Mother beats me? And who will I show the pretty handkerchief I bought when I come back?"
While Qian Shi and Xiao Su Bao were feeling sad, they heard Wang Xiuer's unique crying.
"Shut up!" Madam Qian covered Wang Xiuer's mouth, afraid that this silly girl would cause any more trouble.
The somber atmosphere was interrupted, making it seem less unbearable.
As they spoke, they arrived at the brokerage firm.
This wasn't the first time Xiao Su Bao and Qian Shi had come, but today they were greeted by an unusually large number of people.
The little girl gripped Qian's hand tightly, her eyes blinking as she looked at the people.
Ms. Qian was also a little surprised. Although she was a bit nervous inside, she didn't show it on her face.
"Mother, there are so many people! We feel like we're some kind of important people!" Wang Xiuer couldn't help but whisper in Qian Shi's ear.
Qian paused, glanced at Xiao Su Bao beside her, and then thought of Tang Si's identity, and Tang Bugui...
It doesn't seem that hard to explain!
"Well, we... are quite important now!" Madam Qian took a deep breath, appearing much more composed.
The emperor and empress often dine with me, so what do I have to be afraid of!
The steward had already gotten off the carriage at the back.
He walked to the side of Madam Qian's carriage and said, "Second Madam, I had someone come and inform you in advance, so there are more people here."
The steward explained that, in fact, many households would send people of similar age directly to the household when selecting servants.
That's why the Qian family came over on their own.
Madam Qian steadied herself and said calmly, "Yes, I understand. Thank you for your help, Steward!"
The butler smiled and reached out to help Madam Qian and the others lift the curtain, his whole demeanor full of respect.
Everyone in the brokerage firm knew the steward, and seeing his appearance, they became even more nervous.
The Tang family is a newly wealthy and powerful family!
While there may not be a top scholar every year, there are still some every few years.
But there aren't many princesses, especially those from the current dynasty.
These people had already received word of the situation, so naturally they were all more obedient and quiet than the last.
They couldn't help but secretly take a look.
Xiao Su Bao and the others were all wearing veils, and those people stood up straight, not daring to raise their heads at all.
"Greetings, Your Highness Princess Fu'an!" The people in the brokerage all knelt down to pay their respects.
Little Su Bao was startled, taken aback by their sudden appearance.
Wang Xiuer, however, stood at the front with the little girl in her hand, and whispered, "It's alright, Second Sister-in-law and Mother are here, don't be afraid!"
Little Su Bao breathed a slight sigh of relief, though she was still somewhat unaccustomed to this kind of thing.
"No need, no need for such formalities!" Little Su Bao looked at them, calmed herself down, and imitated Princess Chang'an's manner.
"Thank you, Princess!" Everyone stood up in unison.
Their faces were obscured by the fine white veils of their veils, making it impossible to see them clearly.
"Honorable guest, please come in," the head steward said, bowing.
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