Chapter 138 Yuan Hongqu's Students
“In that case, we’ll accept it without worry. When my father returns, he can go and express his gratitude.” Daiyu smiled broadly, looking innocent and naive.
Chen Li couldn't help but laugh and said, "Miss Lin is absolutely right."
"There's another matter I'd like to ask Eunuch Chen. Which noble person in the palace mentioned my former nanny? When we go to express our gratitude, we should also thank this noble person," Daiyu said, seemingly unintentionally.
Chen Li glanced at Yuan Hongqu before speaking.
"Mr. Yuan has students all over the world. In previous years, there were students of Mr. Yuan in the palace, and after this year's imperial concubine selection, several more have been added. The nobles did not know that Mr. Yuan had come to the capital until a few days ago when the disaster relief in Xicheng ended and the rewards were distributed. Both Prince Xian and Lord Jia Zheng mentioned Mr. Yuan. Recently, the famous Qingwang grapes in the capital are said to have come from Mr. Yuan's estate... The Emperor once said in private that he wanted to thank Mr. Yuan properly! If it weren't for the cold winter, the estate would still be able to grow these grapes. Because of that heavy snow, the Emperor would probably have to issue an edict of self-reproach during the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven."
Chen Li is the Emperor's confidant. He took on this mission today for two reasons: first, to remind some people that the Lin family is protected by the Emperor; and second, to say a few words for Yuan Hongqu on behalf of the Emperor.
“Eunuch Chen, those grapes can’t be credited to me,” Yuan Hongqu said.
If we take credit for her now, what if she gets angry with us one day and accuses us of taking credit for someone else's work? Then we'll be at a disadvantage.
Instead, Eunuch Chen said that there was more than one noblewoman in the palace who was the original owner's student?
This made Yuan Hongqu suddenly feel a sense of crisis.
However, she immediately thought of the women in the palace, who would never be able to leave the palace in their entire lives, and she herself could never enter the palace. As long as she didn't run into them, there was nothing to be afraid of.
Chen Li was amazed to see that Yuan Hongqu didn't take any credit for herself. This was the Emperor's praise, yet Yuan Hongqu didn't seem to care at all, instead deflecting the blame by saying it wasn't her own achievement. Truly worthy of being a teacher praised by all the nobles in the palace, her character was truly unmatched.
"Mr. Yuan," Chen Li spoke again, his tone now carrying a hint of respect he himself didn't realize.
"His Majesty has sent people to investigate, so please don't refuse. After the New Year, His Majesty will give you a real reward!"
“Eunuch Chen, I am now merely Miss Lin’s governess, no longer the former Mr. Yuan. Also, please ask Eunuch Chen to say a word for Hongqu when you return to the palace: Hongqu does not need any reward. The grapes were just a coincidence, and there will be no more in the winters to come,” Yuan Hongqu said earnestly.
She knew that what she was doing might attract a lot of attention, but she never expected that it would attract the emperor's attention.
This is not a good thing.
“Mr. Yuan, this servant will take your words back.”
Chen Li was truly puzzled. If Mr. Yuan wanted to keep a low profile, then every single thing he did was high-profile!
The Emperor's investigation revealed that the coconuts, jackfruits, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and fruit radishes that Prince Xian sent to the palace were all related to Yuan Hongqu.
There was also the interrogation of the biggest salt smuggler in Huaiyang, which was prompted by a clear stewed lion's head meatball dish prepared by Yuan Hongqu.
Recently, the Jia family was the first to step forward and go to the West City for disaster relief, and Yuan Hongqu was also involved in this.
As for the Lin family's disaster relief team being the first to enter the disaster area, that must also be related to Yuan Hongqu!
The wife of Jia Lian, the initiator of the charity auction that has been making headlines these past few days, is also a disciple of Yuan Hongqu…
With so many things accumulating, it would be difficult for Yuan Hongqu not to attract the Emperor's attention.
After Eunuch Chen left, the Lin family's New Year's Eve banquet began.
The table was laden with a dazzling array of delicacies, and the maids and servants vied to offer toasts. Yuan Hongqu drank the fruit wine and even felt a little tipsy.
After the banquet, Yuan Hongqu accompanied Daiyu to the small pavilion. Daiyu absentmindedly adjusted the star-gazing mirror, while Yuan Hongqu felt a little drowsy and leaned against the chair by the fireplace.
"Granny, the weather is terrible today. The clouds are too thick, and we can't see the stars at all."
Finally, Daiyu gave up stargazing and came to Yuan Hongqu's side, leaning against her as she sat down, reaching out to pluck a large Buddha's Hand citron from the potted plant next to her and playing with it.
"Granny, how about we go back to Yangzhou?"
"You want to go back? The roads are difficult to travel now. The water is frozen and boats can't sail... On the land, without the escort of a security company, we probably won't make it to Yangzhou."
“Hmm, Granny, but I feel that after Eunuch Chen came tonight, you wanted to run away,” Daiyu said seriously.
"Heh, run away? Why would I run away?" Yuan Hongqu gave a bitter smile.
If she wanted to escape, could she? The whole world belongs to the king, and she doesn't even know the country or geographical location she is in. Where could she possibly escape to?
Besides, she didn't commit a crime, did she? Why is she feeling guilty, making Daiyu worry about her?
Yuan Hongqu tapped her head, feeling a bit more awake.
"Daiyu, don't worry about me. I just find those things troublesome, with so many red tape and formalities. Just thinking about them gives me a headache."
Daiyu suddenly realized, "I understand now. Granny is a fairy from Peach Blossom Spring. That's why she's impatient with these formalities."
Yuan Hongqu smiled and said, "If Daiyu thinks that way, then let her think that way."
"I am a little impatient, but it's not like I should go back to Yangzhou over something like this." Yuan Hongqu was bitter inside. Was Yangzhou so easy to go back to?
She has even more students in Yangzhou!
Hearing this, Daiyu felt much more at ease.
"Granny, I heard that although Baoyu has moved to the outer study, he caused trouble again yesterday, and his second uncle gave him a good scolding."
"Hmm, the Second Master still has such a bad temper. He's already middle-aged, yet he doesn't seem to care about toning down his temper." Yuan Hongqu's voice was languid, as if she could fall asleep at any moment.
Seeing this, Daiyu stopped trying to get Yuan Hongqu to speak.
In the still of the night, in the darkness without stars or moon, you can't see your hand in front of your face.
After Yuan Hongqu had settled Daiyu down to sleep, she found herself unable to fall asleep. Upon returning to her room, she lowered the curtains and slipped into her spatial dimension.
Yuan Hongqu has been posting on her social media profile quite frequently lately.
I just moved a lot of flowers, plants and fruits out of the space a few days ago, and now I'm going to go and fill these places up.
Yuan Hongqu buried the cut branches in the soil of the space, and before long, the plant took root and sprouted, and after a while, it became lush and leafy!
She planted all the plants she had taken out last time, but when she turned around, she realized that there seemed to be empty space.
Could it be that the space has actually become larger?
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