Chapter 52: Guests from Various Families in the County

The meal left Mo Bai extremely satisfied. Just thinking about the scene where the Prince of the Commandery praised him made him curl his lips in delight.

The group did not linger for long. Watching the departing procession, Grandpa Xu expressed his concern, “Big girl, do you think our return gift might be too modest?”

Supporting Madam Wang as they walked back, Xu Nian smiled and reassured him, “Don’t worry, Grandpa. Luo Jin’an won’t mind.”

“Oh dear, from now on, we must address him as the Prince of the Commandery. We can’t ignore the rules of status and respect.”

Xu Nian helplessly nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, the news of the Xu family having connections with the Prince of the Commandery from the Northern Guard King’s residence quickly spread throughout half of the county.

Lingshan County Office

There were only three days left before the county office would close for the seasonal recess. Xu Yaozu was busy organizing documents and had no time to keep up with external affairs.

However, Magistrate Wu was different. His advisor rushed in, brimming with excitement, to deliver the latest news.

“My Lord! My Lord! I have some news!”

Magistrate Wu, puzzled, asked, “What happened?”

The advisor flattered him, “My Lord, your insight is truly remarkable! Today, news has spread all over the city that the Xu family has ties with the Prince of Chang from the Northern Guard King’s residence. Moreover, the prince even sent gifts for the festival.”

Magistrate Wu immediately stood up, clenching his fists and striking his palm in excitement before bursting into laughter. “I was worried that the Assistant Magistrate might find fault with me, but now… Haha!”

“My Lord is indeed far-sighted. Now, the Assistant Magistrate might even have to send you a gift of gratitude instead.”

Magistrate Wu stroked his short beard in thought. “It seems that my wife should visit Old Madam Xu.”

After finishing his work at the office, Magistrate Wu returned to his residence and discussed the matter with his wife.

Lady Shen was shocked. “That can’t be! Could the Prince of Chang truly be interested in the Xu family’s daughter?”

Magistrate Wu scolded, “What nonsense are you talking about? The girl hasn’t even reached marriageable age yet!”

Realizing her mistake, Lady Shen bit her lip. If such words were to spread, it would ruin the young lady’s reputation—wouldn’t that create enmity?

“But who knows what might happen in the future?”

Lady Shen nodded in understanding. Regardless of the difference in status, the prince’s prophecy alone might make it difficult for the Xu family to achieve their wishes. However, one thing was certain—the Xu family now had a connection, unlike her own husband.

“I understand, my lord. Tomorrow, I will visit Old Madam Xu.”

Magistrate Wu sighed deeply. Once one enters officialdom, personal freedom becomes a luxury. He had been the county magistrate for six years. Though his performance was outstanding, he had yet to advance further.

The Next Day

As expected, the magistrate’s wife prepared generous gifts and took her daughter, Wu Ziqing, to the Xu family’s estate.

“Ziqing, once we arrive at the Xu residence, make sure to build a good relationship with Miss Xu. If there are any disagreements, step back and avoid confrontation. Do you understand?”

Wu Ziqing nodded obediently. “Yes, Mother. But is there something special about the Xu family?”

Lady Shen smiled and shook her head. “You don’t need to concern yourself with that. Just focus on making a good connection.”

The Xu Residence

The Xu household was bustling with activity. For some reason, many people had come to deliver festival gifts that day—some families the Xu family had never even heard of before.

Xu Fugui and Xu Youliang were struggling to handle the situation. Some of the gifts were far too valuable, leaving them uncertain whether they should accept them or not. At that moment, Steward Zhang stepped forward and announced loudly:

“Old Master Xu has spoken: We deeply appreciate the kindness of the gentlemen from various households. Edible gifts may be accepted, but all valuable items must be taken back.

Tomorrow, the Xu family will personally visit each residence to return the favor.”

Upon hearing this, the stewards and attendants from various families retrieved their silver ingots and banknotes, leaving behind only pastries, other food items, and some ordinary fabrics.

As Lady Shen arrived, she saw carriages from different families departing from the Xu residence, sighing at the world’s relentless pursuit of power and gain.

Seeing yet another carriage approaching, Steward Zhang assumed it was another wealthy county family delivering gifts. He repeated his earlier words out of habit.

At that moment, a maidservant from Lady Shen’s entourage stepped down from the carriage and announced, “My Lady is the wife of Magistrate Wu. She has come to visit Old Madam Xu.”

Steward Zhang was startled and immediately bowed in apology.

“Forgive my poor eyesight, Madam. Please wait a moment while I inform Old Madam Xu of your visit.”

In the main hall, the Xu family was discussing the visitors who had brought gifts today and planning the return visits for the next day when Steward Zhang walked in.

“Old Master, Old Madam, the Magistrate’s wife has arrived. She is waiting outside to see the Old Madam.”

Father Xu and Madam Wang were taken aback and immediately stood up to welcome the guest, but Xu Nian quickly held them back.

“Grandfather, Grandmother, don’t panic. You are the elders, so just sit here calmly. Grandfather, you should take Second Uncle and the others to another room for now. Second Aunt, Third Aunt, let’s go outside to greet the Magistrate’s wife.”

The Xu family followed Xu Nian’s arrangements and busied themselves accordingly.

When they arrived outside, Xu Nian saw an elderly maid standing beside the carriage.

The maid bowed, and at that moment, Madam Shen and Wu Ziqing stepped down from the carriage.

Zheng Shi and the other two women stepped forward and greeted them, “Greetings, Madam. We did not know you would be visiting today and failed to welcome you properly.”

Madam Shen smiled and said, “I did not send a formal visiting card in advance and arrived unannounced. As long as you don’t blame me for being an impolite guest, that is enough.”

“Not at all, not at all.”

Zheng Shi and Madam Wang led Madam Shen inside, while Xu Nian accompanied Wu Ziqing behind them.

“It has been a long time, Sister Wu. You look as radiant as ever.”

Wu Ziqing felt a little flustered under Xu Nian’s direct gaze.

“Sister Xu, you’re teasing me. You are the one who looks absolutely stunning.”

Wu Ziqing was not simply flattering her. In just a short time apart, Xu Nian’s beauty had grown even more striking, and her entire presence felt different.

Hearing the conversation between the two young ladies behind her, Madam Shen’s smile deepened.

Inside the main hall, Madam Wang was growing anxious when she finally heard voices approaching. Seeing the Magistrate’s wife enter, she nearly stood up to bow.

Madam Shen smiled warmly and said, “Old Madam, I hope you are well. I came uninvited and hope you won’t hold it against me.”

Seeing how friendly the Magistrate’s wife was, Madam Wang felt much less nervous.

“Madam, you must be joking. I have been hoping for your visit and was afraid it wouldn’t happen. Please, sit down and have some tea to warm yourself.”

“Please, just call me Lingzhu. That way, we will feel closer.”

“Alright, alright!”

Madam Shen picked up the teacup from the table, and as she brought it to her lips, a delicate floral fragrance reached her nose. The tea was smooth, rich, and had a pleasant aftertaste. She couldn’t help but exclaim, “What excellent tea!”

Madam Wang chuckled and said, “If you like it, Lingzhu, I’ll have my eldest granddaughter pack some for you to take home.”

Madam Shen hesitated and replied, “It’s enough just to enjoy a cup here. How could I take such fine tea for myself?”

Madam Wang waved her hand dismissively. “Changsheng sent us quite a bit. In our family, only my eldest son and eldest granddaughter truly appreciate tea. If we kept it for ourselves, it would only go to waste.”

At the mention of “Changsheng,” Madam Shen’s expression flickered slightly, but she quickly smiled and said, “Then I won’t refuse your generosity, Old Madam.”

Seeing that her grandmother was handling the conversation with ease, Xu Nian took Wu Ziqing’s hand and said, “Sister Wu, let me take you to see my room.”

With her mother’s approval, Wu Ziqing happily followed Xu Nian to the backyard.