Chapter 59: The Princess Investigates – Xu Nian Arrives in Wansheng County

What Xu Nian never expected was that her actions had already reached the ears of the Princess of Zhenbei.

During the New Year’s Eve banquet, the Princess of Zhenbei heard that a young lady had appeared by her youngest son’s side. Intrigued, she immediately sent people to investigate.

To her surprise, the two had known each other for quite some time. Even more unexpected was that this young woman was merely the daughter of a minor official, and the position her father held had been granted by her own son.

The Princess of Zhenbei read through the report on the table once more. She had to admit that the young girl had some skills—within just two months, she had managed to secure industries for her family. However, that was far from enough. Forget about being a princess consort, she wouldn’t even qualify as a concubine for An’er.

Madam Wei, a long-time servant of the princess, noticed her furrowed brows and gently advised, “Your Highness, you must take care of your health and not let these worries burden you too much.”

The Princess of Zhenbei set down the letter and massaged her temples.

“You know An’er’s temperament, Madam Wei. The moment he mentioned the Xu family girl at the New Year’s banquet, how could I not understand his intentions?

If he merely wanted to keep her as a concubine, I wouldn’t be concerned. But look at the things he’s done—he is truly invested in her. If the prince and I were to treat Miss Xu lightly, I fear An’er would only drift further from us.”

Madam Wei understood her mistress’s dilemma.

“In my opinion, Your Highness need not worry too much. Both the young lord and this Miss Xu are still young—who can say what the future holds?”

The Princess of Zhenbei, however, was not as optimistic. She knew her son all too well, and she suspected that An’er had already set his heart on this girl.

Just as Madam Wei was about to offer further comfort, a maid entered the room.

“Your Highness, a letter has arrived from Yanwu.”

Madam Wei took the letter and handed it to the princess.

Upon opening it, she found the latest updates on Xu Nian—details about her journey, her stops at relay stations, and even her time spent watching an opera. Not only were her actions documented in great detail, but even her speech, tone, and expressions were meticulously recorded.

Seeing the princess’s lips curve into a slight smile, Madam Wei couldn’t help but feel curious. What in the letter had pleased her so?

After setting the letter aside, the Princess of Zhenbei instructed, “Tell our people to keep an eye on her. Once the Xu family girl arrives in Wansheng County, send Liu Yun and Liu Qin over.”

Madam Wei was surprised. “Your Highness, you mean to…?”

“Since An’er values her so much, I might as well put in some effort and teach her myself. Also, prepare some suitable gifts for the young girl.”

Madam Wei agreed but was deeply astonished. This arrangement seemed very much like grooming a future princess consort. After all, Liu Yun and Liu Qin were the very same etiquette instructors who had once trained the late crown princess.

The Princess of Zhenbei read through the letter once more, her fingers gently tracing the line that read, ‘A loving parent always plans far ahead for their child.’

Perhaps, this girl could indeed change An’er’s heart.

---

After ten days of travel, Xu Nian finally arrived in Wansheng County with her father and grandmother. Upon entering the city and asking for directions to the county office, their three carriages proceeded straight there.

As soon as they reached the entrance, members of the Xu family, having received the news, rushed out to welcome them.

“Father, Mother, you’ve finally arrived! You have no idea how worried we’ve been.”

Xu Yaozu, clad in his newly appointed seventh-rank official robes, had even broken into a sweat from running.

Xu’s father and Madam Wang, however, were less concerned with his words and more focused on inspecting their son from head to toe.

“My son looks so dignified in his official attire,” Madam Wang praised.

Xu’s father nodded in agreement, grinning from ear to ear.

Tian Shi saw so many people gathered at the entrance of the county office and found it inappropriate. Smiling, she said, “Father, Mother, let’s go inside and rest first. You must be tired after the long journey.”

Wang Shi held Xu Nian’s hand, her eyes crinkling with joy.

“Not at all! Our eldest girl took such good care of us along the way. If we weren’t worried about making you anxious, we would have stayed out traveling for a few more days.”

Zheng Shi glanced at the three carriages in surprise. “Mother, I remember only one carriage was left behind when you departed.”

Only then did Wang Shi remember and turned to Tian Shi. “The carriages are filled with things we bought along the way. Have someone move everything inside and settle the fare for the coachmen.”

Tian Shi immediately instructed Zhao Lan to find some servants to handle the task.

She then walked ahead with Zheng Shi, supporting Wang Shi on one side while introducing various courtyards and scenic spots along the way. Meanwhile, Xu Fugui accompanied Xu’s father, explaining everything that had happened at the county office since their arrival. As for Xu Yaozu, he had to return to his official duties and couldn’t stay with them.

As they walked, Xu Nian noticed that the back courtyard of Wansheng County was more than twice the size of the one in Lingshan County. It was exclusively for the families of county magistrates, whereas, according to her mother, the families of the county chancellor and registrar did not live here.

The estate had multiple courtyards—more than enough to accommodate the entire Xu family comfortably.

Along the way, not only Xu Nian but also Wang Shi noticed many unfamiliar faces. These people would respectfully bow and address Wang Shi as “Old Madam” when they saw her.

Noticing her mother-in-law’s puzzled expression, Tian Shi explained, “Mother, these are the new servants we hired after arriving here. Once we reach Shou Zhu Courtyard, I’ll have them come greet you.”

Wang Shi waved her hand dismissively.

“No need for formal greetings. You’re in charge of managing the household affairs, and I wouldn’t know how to deal with these matters anyway.”

Tian Shi didn’t insist. “Then, Mother, you should rest for now. Tomorrow, I’ll take you around properly.”

“No need to worry about me. There’s plenty of work to be done now that we’ve just arrived. Focus on the important matters first. If your father and I need anything, we’ll just go to our eldest girl.”

Tian Shi agreed, realizing that the elderly couple had truly enjoyed themselves while traveling with their daughter these past few days.

Xu’s father and Wang Shi were settled in Shou Song Courtyard. Initially, Tian Shi had arranged for four servants to attend to them, but the elderly couple declined and only kept Zhang Bo and Zhang Shen by their side.

Before leaving, Tian Shi still assigned a low-ranking maid to assist with basic chores.

Xu Nian’s courtyard was the closest to Shou Song Courtyard, just a few steps away.

“This Qing Teng Courtyard was originally unoccupied, but your second aunt spent the past few days getting it ready. See if you like it.”

Xu Nian noticed a long trellis in the corridor of the courtyard. Though it appeared barren now, she could imagine it covered in blooming vines in the spring. The thought filled her with delight.

“I love it! I really love it! Thank you, Second Aunt! Thank you, Mother!”

Zheng Shi laughed heartily. “I was worried you wouldn’t like what I picked out. Now, I can finally put my mind at ease.”

They chatted and laughed as they entered the house. Tian Shi didn’t assign any additional servants to Xu Nian, leaving only Xiu’er to serve her.

The Xu family had spent a significant amount of silver buying servants, but they didn’t keep many for personal service. Most were assigned to assist Xu Yaozu in his official duties.

A county magistrate’s role was different from that of a registrar. Previously, as a registrar, Xu Yaozu only handled official documents and had no real authority, so he didn’t need a personal attendant.

But now, as the county magistrate, he was responsible for overseeing agriculture, irrigation projects, and managing the county’s affairs. He required a team to handle errands and administrative duties.

Not only had Zhang Da and Zhang Er been assigned to assist him, but even Xu Wei’an had been kept by Xu Yaozu’s side to help with his work.