o be heated up because tonight Kong's family will be hosting relatives and friends who arrived early. At least two tables need to be prepared in advance.Mrs. Kong sent three maidservants and two young...>

Nine

The emperor also listened to the advice and threw away a small piece of watermelon rind from his hand.

Yi Zongguan deftly poured tea, not hearing the Emperor say how to dispose of the Chang family's women and children. He secretly let out a breath of relief in his heart.

Perhaps it was because he was getting older, but over the past few years, he had become increasingly soft-hearted and couldn't bear to see bloodshed and death.

The General, for a woman, betrayed his lord. This is absolutely unforgivable. The concubine was also punished by the Emperor and sent to her death; it's hardly surprising.

But Mrs. Chang was too innocent.

A good and virtuous woman was married into the Chang family through a decree. However, her husband's heart belonged to a concubine, neglecting both his wife and their legitimate son for years. The mother and son lived like invisible people.

This time, with the death of General Chang, she probably guessed the reason, and this is why she hurried back to her ancestral home to protect her family.

Such a clever and strong woman, anyone who hears it will want to help.

I wonder if the Emperor heard what Master Yi had to say. After drinking half a cup of tea, he said, “Forget it, let's just drop this matter. The Chang family should just live peacefully from now on.”

Yi Zong quickly said, “Your Majesty is magnanimous and benevolent. You have shown great mercy to the Chang family’s women and children. Mrs. Chang is also a woman of intelligence, she will surely be grateful and teach her children to study hard and strive for progress, serving Tianwu.”

The Emperor seemed to like this story very much, and the corners of his eyes and brows softened considerably.

But as he picked up another list from the table, his eyes turned icy cold again...

Perhaps the rain from last night had a cooling effect, for the sun in Xindu seemed less scorching than before.

Even those who usually stay at home have found themselves venturing out to experience the excitement.

Opposite the white clouds, there was a tea house with two floors. It had a large hall and private rooms, decorated in an elegant and comfortable manner. It was also a favorite gathering place for literati.

One important reason is that here you can taste freshly baked pastries from the clouds.

Since it was so close, the sweet aroma lured him to call a boy over to buy a plate. It would be served piping hot right at his table.

Don't say that scholars can't be tempted by delicious food. Scholars are people too! Who wouldn't love soft snacks, rich milk tea, and icy fruit juice

At this moment, a few middle-aged scholars gathered together to chat and appraise the ancient paintings they had brought from home. When they were thirsty, they told the young attendant to go across the street and buy a few cups of jade melon juice.

As a result, their throats were parched and they were sweating profusely when the little page boy finally returned.

The little boy's master was very angry and scolded him, "How could you be back so late You couldn't even handle such a small task!"

The page boy, feeling wronged, quickly apologized and explained the situation.

"Master, it wasn't that I was lazy. There were simply too many people in front of me, beneath the white clouds. The shop owner and his helpers were all busy! It took me a lot of effort to squeeze to the front and buy a few cups of juice."

Everyone was curious and leaned out the window to take a peek.

As expected, people came and went before the gate amidst the clouds. It was indeed bustling with activity.

Someone asked, "What a day! How come business is so good even among the white clouds"

"I don't know, it's not a particular holiday or anything." someone replied.

Finally, the young apprentice ran out to ask someone for clarification and then explained everything to the old masters.

It's said that Master Cai is celebrating his birthday tomorrow, and a feast will be held. Today, these guests are all here to order sweet boxes and birthday cakes!

"Oh my, Master Cai's birthday Of course! How could I forget such an important occasion!" one person exclaimed in surprise, "Master Cai was my teacher during the imperial examination all those years ago."

"And me, and me too!" the other person chimed in quickly, "We're both from the same graduating class."

"Come on, let's go get some dim sum boxes! We also need to prepare some other gifts!"

"Together, together!"

Several people finished their juice in a hurry, then took out their ancient paintings, paid for the tea, and hurried away.

Such situations were common in teahouses, restaurants, or art and calligraphy shops throughout the city.

In the courtyard of the Relief Agency, Lao Er Li was reading a book while sipping on iced tea.

Zheng He came in to refill the tea and couldn't help but ask, "Master, I heard that Baiyun Guan and Baigui Garden are doing very well, with customers coming in droves. Would you like to take a look"

"No need, we've been doing business for years. The shopkeeper is responsible and almost never makes mistakes."

Li Lao'er put down his book and, rarely, smiled. "Go ahead and arrange it. When the profit silver from this month is settled, use it to buy grain as usual. There will definitely be a shortage of grain this year, so stockpile more; that way, you'll have peace of mind."

"Rest assured, Master Zheng. I've already made arrangements." Zheng He asked, "Earlier, the young mistress sent someone to ask if you would attend Chancellor Cai's birthday banquet What kind of gift should we prepare"

Li Lao Er thought for a moment and said, "You go back personally and tell her not to worry. I will make arrangements. Also, tell Lao Cao to keep two pots of orchids. Tomorrow, you deliver them to the Cai family for me and say that I am unwell and will visit another day."

"Yes, master," Zheng He silently repeated in his heart, feeling that he hadn't missed anything and hurried off to get busy.

The second day, Cai's birthday banquet was very lively.

Mr. Cai, nearly seventy years old, has silver hair and white eyebrows that reach his temples. His complexion is rosy and he looks full of energy. He doesn't look like an old man at all, instead, he has an ethereal and dignified air that commands respect from those who see him.

He specially changed into a long robe of crimson silk with auspicious patterns, smiling as he accepted the filial piety from his descendants. Afterward, he chatted cordially with everyone.

Just as the celebration was in full swing, an imperial messenger arrived bearing gifts for the birthday.

This man is not Master Yi, nor is he Eunuch Feng. He is actually Lu Zong, the young master of the Lu family.

This was beyond everyone's expectations, and the Cai family was overjoyed.

You have to know, Lu Cong is the future husband of the third princess, and the emperor's half-son.

The Emperor sent him on this trip out of respect for Grand Tutor Cai.

Cai Jia and all the guests knelt down to show their gratitude, then Cai Jia's family asked Lu Zong to take the chief seat.

Soon, the wine and dishes were served. Everyone raised their glasses to toast Cai Taifu, making him laugh continuously.

Lu Zong also naturally toasted, but after a while he couldn't stand the noise of the crowd, so he excused himself to change his clothes and left his seat.

Because there were so many guests, the entire front yard was set up with twenty tables.

If a shelter had not been built beforehand, the guests would probably have been sun-dried into jerky before they could finish their meal.

Lu Cong hesitated for a moment, then decided to go find someone he knew to talk to.

As a result, after going around in circles and being stopped by guests for idle chatter for quite some time, I still couldn't see Li Lao Er and Mr. Wen.

Although these two didn't have deep connections with the Cai family, such a joyous occasion couldn't be missed. They paid their respects and offered congratulations, sharing in the celebration with a cup of wedding wine.

But neither of them came...

He immediately summoned his attendant and gave him several instructions in detail.

Just as Long Sui had just left, two more guests came over.

"Young Master, when will I have the good fortune to drink your wedding wine"

"Indeed, the day of great joy for the young master is surely not far off, isn't it"

Lu Zong smiled gently and replied, “Thank you for your concern, but this depends on the emperor's will. This year's northern campaign is the most critical one, and with the drought and reduced harvest, it has truly been a cause of worry for the emperor.”

As a subject, I am already deeply ashamed for not being able to ease the Emperor's worries. I truly do not wish to add any more burdens to him. If it is possible, I would prefer to marry next spring when the flowers are in bloom.

Two updates today ~~navoidable.Fortunately, the garden was about to open. Having sold the silver and put it in his pocket, he felt at ease.The village head, with a hearty laugh, retrieved the axe from behind the hut's do...