Chapter 454: Invite the No.1 Scholar to Join Us
Years ago, the first snow of winter fell, covering the ground.
Five days before the New Year, the emperor put down his pen, and all the officials could finally take a holiday after a busy year. They only needed to take turns on duty every day.
The last morning court of the day ended, and everyone walked out of the palace one after another, making a crunching sound as they stepped on the winter snow.
Wu Anhou walked beside Lu Youping and said with a smile: "Lord Lu, it's freezing cold, let's find a place to have a drink?"
Lu Youping first bowed to Marquis Wu'an, and then said, "I am honored by your invitation, Your Majesty. Please come in, Your Majesty."
Marquis Wu'an was very pleased with Lu Youping's polite and respectful attitude.
Look, although he is more valued by the Eighth Prince, Lord Lu still respects him very much. The only bad thing is that this guy is too tight-lipped. He still won't tell you how he became friends with the Eighth Prince, which makes him curious like an ant crawling.
"Call the number one scholar to come together." said Marquis Wu'an.
His wife was very nagging and insisted that he and Qiao Yuanan spend more time together.
How ridiculous! As a marquis, does he have to be so humble as to curry favor with a newly crowned number one scholar?
Marquis Wu'an was resisting in his heart, but when he thought of his wife's ferocious and unyielding domineering appearance, he couldn't help but shudder.
He was not forced to argue with women because of his wife's tyranny.
Lu Youping was stunned for a moment, nodded in response, and then ordered the servant who was accompanying him to go to the Hanlin Academy to invite someone.
There were tens of millions of students in the Wei Dynasty, but only one number one was born in three years, which shows how outstanding he was. During these days, many people wanted to make friends with him, and Lu Youping did not think about anything else.
Furong Pavilion's reputation had spread, and business was booming. Orders had been queued up until after the New Year, and they could not be fully received. Lu Xiang had been staying in Furong Pavilion for several days to do the accounting and the annual profit and expenditure of the two gambling houses, Zhaocai and Jinbao. If it weren't for someone's help, she felt that her neck would be broken.
As expected, when people become lazy, they also become pampered.
In her previous life, she managed the Xiao Mansion and all the businesses. No matter how hard or tiring it was, she never complained. Instead, she was happy to support Xiao Muheng.
"A new batch of female embroidery and textile workers have been recruited, and their accommodation has been prepared. We just have to wait for them to come to Beijing after the New Year." Wen Ruoxi closed the last account book, shook her fingers that were sore from writing, and said to Lu Xiang.
"Miss, these are the rewards and gifts for everyone during the New Year. Please take a look." Mu Jin handed a list to Lu Xiang.
Anyone who works in Furong Pavilion will receive a generous reward during the Chinese New Year, so everyone works more enthusiastically and seriously.
Lu Xiang took a look and said with a smile: "You have arranged it very well, just do it as you wrote. Some people can't go back for the New Year, so you have to take good care of them during the New Year."
Hearing the master's words of trust, Mu Jin had a happy smile on her face. There was nothing more gratifying than getting the master's affirmation after working so hard for so long.
"Yes, don't worry, Miss. I will make sure everyone has a happy New Year." Mu Jin smiled and then asked, "Can Hong Yin come back from the palace during the New Year?"
That reckless and impulsive girl was fortunate enough to be favored by the Third Miss and caught the eye of the Queen. I wonder how she is doing in the palace?
Lu Xiang smiled slightly: "Of course, just in these few days, you all come back to the Lu Mansion for the New Year."
"Yes." Mu Jin replied happily.
She was extremely grateful that she was assigned to serve the Third Young Miss since she entered the Lu family. She always reminded herself to stay in her duty and not to have any inappropriate thoughts, otherwise she would not have the good life she has today.
Since the Third Miss asked her and Hongyin to come to Furong Pavilion, she has returned their indentures to them.
Now they are no longer slaves, but once a master, always a master. Even though they are free, the Third Miss is still their master.
On the day of the Little New Year, Hong Yin left the palace at the Queen's order, bringing with her a lot of rewards for Lu Xiang.
"Miss Third, Miss Third, I'm back..."
Before Hongyin entered the door of Qixiayuan, her voice could be heard from afar.
When Yun Zhai and others heard the voice, they quickly put down what they were holding and went out to greet them.
"You've become quite successful now, girl. How are the maids and palace servants in the needlework department treating you well?" Yun Zha said happily.
"It's pretty good. When I first went there, they didn't dare to do anything to me but they excluded me together because of my relationship with the Queen. However, after seeing my embroidery skills, they were all convinced by me. Except for a few short-sighted and jealous ones, they all got along well with me." Hong Yin said, shaking her head proudly.
Hongyin said it lightly, but they were not stupid. Although they had never seen the methods used by the people in the palace, they also knew that it was extremely difficult to survive in the harem. Hongyin was arranged by the Queen Mother to the Needlework Bureau. This was her advantage, but it was also very easy for her to get into trouble.
However, being able to enter the palace is a blessing that not everyone has.
Hong Yin once felt that smoke was coming out of her ancestral graves for her to have met such a special master like the Third Miss.
"I'll go and pay my respects to Miss Three first. I'll tell you later. This is a gift I brought for you. Please help me get it first."
Hong Yin handed a bag on her shoulder to Yun Zha, smiled, and then strode towards the warm room.
Qiao Jingru was discussing with Lu Xiang how to celebrate New Year's Eve tomorrow, how the mansion should reward people, and what gifts each family should prepare for New Year's greetings during the first month of the year.
The assets of the Lu family are now gradually increasing. Since 30% of the silver mine's profits were allocated to the public treasury, Lu Xiang and Qiao Jingru used the money to buy a few shops and two farms. There has been no profit this year, but there will be a profit next year.
Lu Youping no longer had to live a tight life. Whenever he saw something he liked, he could just buy it without blinking an eye. He felt so happy.
The thick curtains blocked the severe cold outside, and the warm room was cozy and warm.
Hong Yin knocked on the door and received a response from Lu Xiang, then she lifted the curtain and walked in.
"This servant greets the Third Miss. May the Miss be well."
Hong Yin stood in front of Lu Xiang and bowed deeply with a smile.
Then she bowed to Qiao Jingru and said, "This servant greets the eldest young lady. She is Jin An."
Lu Xiang smiled and raised his hand towards her: "Don't be polite, didn't the queen agree to let you leave the palace a long time ago? Why did you come back only now?"
"It's almost the New Year, and there's no rush to make new clothes for the concubines in the palaces, so I stayed for two more days."
Lu Xiang nodded in understanding: "Since you are back, have fun in the mansion for a few days."
"Yes, young lady." Hong Yin smiled and said, "When I left the palace, the Queen called me to Jingren Palace and asked me to bring a lot of things back to you. I was anxious to see you and didn't wait for them to finish moving. The servants were moving at the door and would deliver them to Qixia Courtyard soon."
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