Tianliangyuan

Chapter 396 A Mother and Daughter

Xu Zhaozhao hadn't been happy for long when Xu Zhuzi came over again.

"Is something wrong?"

Xu Zhuzi glanced around, and Xu Zhaozhao left only Shaoyao and Haitang to serve, while the rest of them withdrew.

"Your Majesty, I have just discovered something that may affect Miss Xie's marriage, so I have come to report it."

"Explain in detail."

"Yes, the man I sent out today reported that a mother and daughter moved into the Li family home yesterday afternoon. They were wearing mourning clothes. I have already found out that the mother and daughter are Lord Li Shun's aunt and cousin. They said that their family suffered a great misfortune and came to seek refuge with him."

"Have you been able to find out where your ancestral home is?"

"Reporting to Master, this Madam Qian, oh, she is Lord Li Shun's aunt. She married into the Qian family of Lantian County and had only one daughter. Master Qian had previously taken several concubines and maids, but he had not been able to have any more children. So he intended to adopt a member of the clan, but before he could make arrangements, Master Qian passed away."

After the funeral, Madam Qian and her daughter Qian Pan'er claimed that their family's property was being coveted by relatives. Madam Qian was quite shrewd; she had already sold off a portion of the family property when Mr. Qian was seriously ill, depositing the proceeds directly into the Daxing Bank.

After her husband's death, Madam Qian regarded Lord Li Shun as her support. She repeatedly mentioned to the Qian clan that she had a nephew who held an official position. Therefore, the Qian family dared not act too rashly. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Madam Qian brought her land deeds and house deeds directly to Chang'an County to seek refuge with Lord Li, hoping he would intervene on her behalf.

After hearing the whole story, Xu Zhaozhao thought that this Madam Qian was quite remarkable. She was able to protect her family's property amidst a pack of wolves, which showed that she was quite resourceful.

"If they, mother and daughter, wanted to find a patron, they only needed to write to Li Shun and invite him to Lantian County. Why did they have to come here in mourning?"

Wearing heavy mourning clothes is considered extremely taboo when staying at the homes of relatives and friends.

This is very unlucky.

Moreover, Li Shun's mother, Zhou, was already somewhat ill, and it was clear that Madam Qian and her daughter were acting without proper consideration.

Could it be that it was intentional?

"Your Majesty, it was precisely because I considered this point that I felt it was inappropriate, which is why I came to report this. Moreover, the Seventh Miss is getting married this autumn. It is truly inauspicious that a mother and daughter in deep mourning have moved into the Li family now."

Xu Zhaozhao frowned. It seemed that she needed to figure out the purpose of the mother and daughter's visit first, and at the same time, she also needed to find out Li Shun's attitude.

Li Shun is the eldest son in the family, and Zhou Shi has a gentle personality, so she probably wouldn't force Li Shun to do anything. However, one can't be too careful.

"Zhu Zi, tomorrow you take some people to the Li family in person and say you want to measure the dimensions of the new house."

"Yes, master."

The bride's family needs to prepare a lot of dowry.

From beds, cabinets, cupboards, dressing tables, and so on, the sizes vary, so it's perfectly reasonable for the bride's family to go to the groom's house to measure the dimensions before the wedding.

Let's take this opportunity to see what's really going on.

Xu Zhaozhao instructed Xu Zhuzi to bribe the servants of the Li family to find out as much information as possible.

Two days later, Xu Zhuzi came to report.

"On the surface, Madam Qian said that the Qian clan was after the Qian family's property, so she wanted to ask Lord Li to go to Lantian County to help keep things quiet. But I've heard in private that Madam Qian intended to betroth Qian Pan'er to Lord Li, but after learning that Lord Li was already engaged to a daughter of the Duke's family, she had the idea of ​​making Qian Pan'er a concubine in the Li family."

Xu Zhaozhao's expression immediately changed: "Is this true?"

"Your Majesty, it's true. This was said by a young maid who serves Madam Li. After all, Qian Pan'er is still a young girl, so we avoided talking to her at the time, but I think Qian Pan'er must have known about this."

"That's unreasonable!"

Xu Zhaozhao was furious.

He had just been engaged to a girl from the Xie family, and now he was already thinking of taking her as a concubine?

This is blatant disregard for the Xie family!

However, they had no evidence for this matter, and the information was obtained by bribing the servants of the Li family, so they couldn't speak about it openly.

"Did Madam Qian and her daughter have any servants with them?"

"Yes, he brought an old woman and a clever little maid."

"Well, if that's the case, then things will be easier."

Xu Zhaozhao asked Xu Zhuzi to wait a moment, and after a short while, she took out a bottle and handed it to him.

"Go to the Li residence again tomorrow, and that's how it will be..."

Xu Zhuzi's eyes lit up after hearing this.

His master is too amazing!

In this way, we will have evidence, and it will be perfectly justified and reasonable to hold Li Shun accountable!

"In addition, send someone to Lantian County to find out what's going on with this Mr. Qian's family. If they really have already discussed the adoption with the elders of the clan, then check what kind of person they are. Also, find out if this Qian Pan'er is engaged in Lantian County."

"Yes, Master, I will certainly do my best."

Xu Zhaozhao noticed that his expression was off and called out to him, "Your eyes and brows are full of joy, something's not right!"

Xu Zhuzi paused for a moment, then chuckled, "Reporting to Master, Dingxiang found out she was pregnant a few days ago, but it's still early and her family doesn't want her to tell anyone. But I couldn't resist and let you find out anyway."

Xu Zhaozhao raised an eyebrow. This kid is something else!

Dingxiang has only been married for a few months, and she's already pregnant?

That's really impressive!

"Don't tell anyone! That refers to outsiders. Dingxiang grew up with me, how can she be considered an outsider! You handled this matter wrong and should be punished!"

"Yes, yes, Master is right, I accept the punishment."

Xu Zhuzi was overjoyed.

Miss, you really don't treat Dingxiang like an outsider.

"Peony!"

Peony immediately knelt down: "Master, this servant is here."

“I remember there was a pair of pomegranate-shaped silver hairpins. They are auspicious. Go and get them, and have Zhu Zi take them back to Ding Xiang.”

"Yes, I will go find it right away."

Xu Zhuzi immediately knelt down to express his gratitude.

"Thank you for the reward, Your Majesty! Once Dingxiang's pregnancy is stable, I will definitely bring her over to pay my respects and express my gratitude."

"Get up quickly, this is good news. You must tell Dingxiang to take good care of herself during her pregnancy. When she gives birth to the baby, whether it's a boy or a girl, I will give her a generous reward."

"Yes, master."

Xu Zhuzi knew that Xu Zhaozhao had plenty of money, so he was always very generous when it came to giving tips.

Moreover, he knew that his master disliked people who were two-faced, so he always accepted the rewards readily, then kowtowed to express his gratitude. Doing his job well was the greatest reward he could give his master.

"By the way, how's your place now? Is everything you need convenient? Dingxiang is pregnant now, we can't let her get too tired."

"Don't worry, I've already brought my mother here. She's helping to take care of her now, and she's doing very well!"