Tianliangyuan

Chapter 223 First meeting

Chen Cong was handsome, but he wasn't as tall as the Xu family's sons. Standing next to Xu Junqing, he was about half a head shorter.

In the Marquis's residence, Xu Junqing and Xu Junting, the two young men who were destined for civil service, were the shortest.

Xu Zhaozhao bowed to Chen Cong, but Chen Cong simply stepped aside to avoid her.

"No. Now that you are a county princess, even though we are relatives, it would be a breach of etiquette."

“Brother Chen, there’s no need for that. We’re in our own home, so let’s treat each other with the proper family etiquette. Where are you two brothers headed?”

"I was just about to pay my respects to the old lady. Would you like to come along, Zhao Zhao?"

"I just got back and need to go back and freshen up first, otherwise it would be impolite. You two brothers go ahead first, I'll be there shortly."

Xu Zhaozhao returned to Ziyuan, tidied her clothes and combed her hair again before going to pay her respects.

The old lady's place is bustling with activity these days. Not only do two younger members of the Chen family come to serve her, but Xu Lin also comes almost every day.

Wang Ruolan and Li Shi were also sitting inside, enjoying tea. Xu Zhaozhao could hear their laughter coming from inside the house from afar.

Xu Zhaozhao raised an eyebrow. Her aunt really wanted to meddle in everything.

Chen Cong was quite talented and intended to study in the capital for two years before taking the imperial examination. However, Chen Cong's father was about to be transferred back to the capital; otherwise, the Chen family would not have sent the Chen siblings to the capital first at this time.

"It's good that my cousin was transferred to the capital. We are all family. I haven't seen my cousin for many years. I don't know if he has gained or lost weight. As for my cousin's wife, I can hardly remember what she looks like."

Xu Lin's words were naturally intended to please the old lady, and at the same time, she also hoped to use this opportunity to get closer to the Chen family.

Xu Lin had already inquired and found out that Chen Cong's father was being transferred to the capital this time, and would at least be a fifth-rank official, with a high probability of being promoted to the fourth rank.

In Daxing, officials of the fourth rank generally wielded real power.

As for officials of the first and second ranks, they were either nominally appointed or merely mascots of the Great Xing Dynasty. In terms of real power, they were no match for high-ranking officials of the third rank.

The old lady was overjoyed. Chen Cong's father was also her son, and with her family able to rise up, she naturally felt more confident.

Besides, over the years, she has indeed missed her family and relatives.

"Cong'er, how's it going with your studies?"

"Reporting to my great-aunt, everything is in order. I have also passed the previous examinations at the academy without any problems. I will go to the academy to report for duty in two days."

"That's good. Make sure you bring everything you need. You're only going with one servant; will he be able to take care of everything? I think it would be good to bring a guard as well."

Wang Ruolan remained silent, thinking to herself that the old lady was confused. Who goes to the academy with guards?

They're afraid there won't be any fights in the academy!

Besides, the academy has its rules; you can't just do whatever you want.

Chen Cong naturally wouldn't bring it along, and he explained the matter clearly in a few words, which made the old lady nod repeatedly.

Looking at Chen Cong's dignified appearance, Xu Lin also felt that such a fine young man was hard to come by.

It's a pity that my daughter Qian'er's appearance was ruined; otherwise, she would have been a suitable son-in-law.

Xu Lin's ambitions are naturally not as high now.

She also realized that even if Sun Qian hadn't been disfigured, she would never be able to compare to Xu Zhaozhao in this lifetime.

That's a county princess of the second rank!

The emperor granted the title without hesitation, and even bestowed upon it a real title.

Now, Xu Zhaozhao can confidently say that she doesn't rely on the Xu family for support.

Xu Lin felt a surge of anger when she thought about how she was now middle-aged and didn't even have an official title.

She resented Sun Qingyang for being incompetent, and also resented her two elder brothers for being unwilling to lend a helping hand.

If my two elder brothers had been willing to speak well of Sun Qingyang before the Emperor, things would not have turned out this way.

The room fell silent for a moment as soon as Xu Zhaozhao entered.

After bowing and greeting her, she obediently sat down beside Wang Ruolan.

Neither of her two sisters-in-law came today. Zhang was helping with the household management and was currently sorting out the accounts. As for Princess Anhe, she had returned to the Prince's Mansion today.

After Xu Zhaozhao sat down, she first noticed an unfamiliar girl, about fourteen or fifteen years old, whose appearance was two or three parts similar to Chen Cong, but whose eyebrows and eyes seemed to be more delicate. It should be Chen Xiang.

"Xiangxiang greets Sister Zhaozhao."

Xu Zhaozhao remained seated, smiling as she raised her hand slightly: "Sister, no need for formalities, please sit down."

With Chen Xiang's looks, it wouldn't be difficult for her to find a good family in the capital.

Moreover, it is said that her father is about to be transferred to the capital. If she also has the support of a marquis's family, it will not be difficult for Chen Xiang to marry into a higher social class.

It all depends on whether the Marquis's mansion is willing to give the Chen family this face.

The old lady was eager to bring Xu Zhaozhao back, precisely because of this intention.

Xu Han and Wang Ruolan both knew that the noble ladies Xu Zhaozhao associated with were of good character, and the old lady naturally knew it too.

Moreover, the old lady values ​​the status and position of those noble ladies even more. If Xu Zhaozhao helps with introductions, it won't be long before Chen Xiang can break into the circle of noble ladies in the capital.

In this way, Chen Xiang's marriage will proceed more smoothly.

Moreover, the people around Xu Zhaozhao are naturally more likely to attract attention than others.

"Zhao Zhao, you're back just in time. When you go out to play with your girlfriends again, take Xiang Xiang with you. You're about the same age, and she calls you 'sister,' so you should take good care of her."

"Grandmother is right. If we get the chance, we will take Xiangxiang with us."

In matters like this, Xu Zhaozhao never contradicted the old lady; she simply went along with her. Besides, even if she took her out, whether she could integrate or be schemed against was not something she could control.

Take Sun Qian for example. Didn't she take advantage of her close relationship with her to keep trying to get into the circle of wealthy women a few years ago?

The results of it?

He did manage to get involved with Jiang Ning.

But now Jiang Ning is the Lady of the Prince Zhong's Mansion, so at least she has some air of nobility. But what about Sun Qian?

With her appearance disfigured, it's uncertain whether she'll have anyone to rely on in her later years.

Chen Xiangxiang glanced at Xu Zhaozhao from time to time, sometimes at her makeup, sometimes at her clothes and jewelry, her eyes filled with curiosity but without any jealousy or greed.

If that's the case, then Chen Xiangxiang is someone I can befriend.

Lunch was naturally served to the old lady.

Zhang and Xu Jun'an also came to dine together.

The old lady originally enjoyed lively gatherings, but she had been unwell recently, which is why her place was relatively quiet.

Now that the younger generation has gathered, the old lady likes Gao Le, so Wang Ruolan lets her have her way.

It's just a matter of spending a little money. As long as the old lady behaves herself and Xu Lin stops causing trouble, it's fine no matter what.

Xu Lin was quite tactful today and didn't say anything to spoil the mood. However, when she was leaving, the old lady still suggested that Xu Zhaozhao see her off.

“You’ve been away from the manor for a long time this time, and your aunt hasn’t seen you for quite some time either.”