Su Xiaoqi knew that the Princess Royal's mansion was in disarray even if the Old Madam hadn't said anything. Otherwise, how could the Princess Royal, who was so famous outside, be unable to manage her own household and allow an old wet nurse to bully her most beloved son? It could be said that if she hadn't been present at the time, Bao Ge'er would have simply disappeared without a trace. Even if the Princess Royal punished those who served him afterward, the person would not have returned. Furthermore, that person was truly vicious. Bao Ge'er, a child of only five years old, had been poisoned. It was by chance that she had saved his life with spatial spiritual medicine. Su Xiaoqi hadn't yet figured out how to tell the Princess Royal about the matter. However, she eventually found out. This was also good, so she wouldn't have to worry about when to speak and miss the timing, causing the Princess Royal to lower her guard and Bao Ge'er to be harmed again.
"Girl, then come with us to the Liu family tomorrow," the Old Madam said, holding Su Xiaoqi's hand, her face full of reluctance. Su Xiaoqi really wanted to agree, but she suddenly remembered that she had promised the Princess Royal to ride in her carriage together. Although there were differences in closeness, one must have principles in doing things. She could only tell the truth. Fortunately, the Old Madam was a reasonable person and didn't blame her. She just said she would send her back. She looked a bit like a child throwing a tantrum. Su Xiaoqi couldn't help but laugh, thinking that this Old Madam was indeed interesting, and she felt even more inclined to get closer to her.
Originally, the Old Madam wanted to personally see Su Xiaoqi out. However, her health was not good, and moving around made her uncomfortable, so Su Xiaoqi pressed her back down. She also had Wen Shi and Granny Lin, who had led them in, see them out. On the way, Wen Shi smiled and apologized to Su Xiaoqi, saying that their Old Madam missed their third niece-in-law very much. And she looked a bit like her, which was why she had gotten her name wrong. Wen Shi explained, "Actually, ever since Mother knew about Xiaoqi, she has been mentioning you." Su Xiaoqi shook her head, indicating that she didn't mind the matter. As long as the elderly lady was happy, anything was fine.
"You are truly filial. It's no wonder our eldest niece-in-law wrote so many letters praising you," Wen Shi said with a loud laugh, holding her handkerchief. Su Xiaoqi's eyes lit up. She had always thought that she had never had any dealings with the Duke of Yu's mansion. She hadn't even met them, so even though she nominally held the title of adopted daughter of Yu Shi, they would at most give her some face. How could they treat her like this? It turned out that her godmother had put in considerable effort behind the scenes to ensure she had a strong backing in the capital.
"Alas, Xiaoqi, I'll tell you the truth. It wasn't just our eldest niece-in-law who wrote good things about you. Even the usually picky second niece-in-law and Yiyi praised you highly. And my useless eldest son, Chang Feng, also asked me to thank you for helping him complete his mission. If he hadn't gone to the palace today, he would have thanked you in person..." Wen Shi said a lot, completely resolving Su Xiaoqi's doubts. So, there was no love in the world without reason. Of course, all of this was a matter of fate. It wasn't that Su Xiaoqi had deliberately done anything. She believed she had a connection with the Duke of Yu's mansion.
Seeing her say so much, Wen Shi found the young girl in front of her smiling and composed, without any hint of arrogance. She was even more pleased with her, believing that she was indeed someone the Old Madam liked at first sight and that she truly had the qualifications. As the two walked to the second gate, they were informed that the son-in-law, who had left earlier for some business, had come to pick up the cousin. Wen Shi personally saw Su Xiaoqi onto the carriage and watched as Shen Yun carefully helped Su Xiaoqi, the two of them speaking in low voices, their eyes meeting with deep affection. They were indeed a perfect match, and the smile on Wen Shi's face deepened.
After getting into the carriage, Shen Yun carefully examined Su Xiaoqi's face. Seeing her in good spirits, he assumed her trip to the Duke of Yu's mansion had gone very smoothly. He didn't ask much, just put his arm around her shoulder, allowing her to lean on him and rest. "Husband, do you know what kind of person the Old Madam is?" Su Xiaoqi had followed Yu Shi's instructions to come to the Duke of Yu's mansion to acknowledge her relatives. However, she had only regarded it as an inaccessible place and hadn't spent much effort understanding them. After all, one was the noble Duke's mansion, and they were just newcomers. The distance between the two was worlds apart.
Shen Yun thought for a moment and told Su Xiaoqi: The Old Madam, Shen Mingying, came from another legitimate branch of the Shen clan of the Ning Prince's mansion. In fact, her father should have succeeded the Ning Prince. However, he died early, shortly after getting married, leaving only her as his daughter. She was later sent to her maternal grandfather's Zhenyuan General's mansion at the border, where she grew up and learned all eighteen martial arts, including archery and riding. She had even gone to the battlefield with General Zhenyuan. It was there that she met the Old Duke, who was stationed at the border, and they got married.
"So, my grandmother was such a heroic figure," Su Xiaoqi said, unaware that a hint of filial affection had appeared on her face. Shen Yun noticed her change in address for the Old Madam and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Su Xiaoqi saw it and couldn't help but explain, "Since we acknowledged our relatives, my grandmother has recognized me as her adopted granddaughter. I'm telling you, I'm now a cousin of the Duke of Yu's mansion. If you dare to bully me, I'll go back to the Duke's mansion and complain." Su Xiaoqi pretended to glare at Shen Yun.
Shen Yun chuckled and cupped Su Xiaoqi's chin with both hands, saying, "People from Bashu have always feared their wives, commonly known as 'pa'erduo.' Although I am not a true Bashu person, I have eaten the grain of Bashu for over twenty years. Naturally, I have also picked up this custom. So, my dear wife, you can rest assured. I'm too afraid of my wife to even think of bullying you." Su Xiaoqi was amused by Shen Yun and couldn't help but lightly pat his cheek, "Don't try to trick me."
"If my wife doesn't believe me, perhaps she should wait and see," Shen Yun said seriously, looking intently at Su Xiaoqi. His gaze was both deep and profound, as well as solemn and affectionate, making Su Xiaoqi feel uncomfortable. She quickly struggled to sit up properly in his arms, only to hear him say, "I'll accompany my wife to the Liu family tomorrow." "Ah... but, isn't that a flower viewing banquet?" Moreover, the Princess Royal had only sent her an invitation. How could he go?
Shen Yun explained that today at the Zhuangyuan Tower, there was a young master from the Liu family, and he could naturally issue an invitation on his own. "It's called a flower viewing banquet, but it's actually a matchmaking banquet," Shen Yun said gloomily. Most of the invited guests were unmarried young men and women. He had to go and keep a close eye on his wife, lest she be seen by some inexplicable people. As they talked, they returned to the residence.
He Qiulei was already waiting for them at home. Knowing that they were both very busy today, he kept his explanation brief: "My elder brother sent word that the matter is done, and the appointment will be announced soon." Shen Yun raised an eyebrow, "What rank?" "From the fourth rank, Guozijian Jijiu." He Qiulei was beaming with joy. It was no wonder he was happy. For officials remaining in the capital, once they reached the fifth rank, it was extremely difficult to advance further, to be transferred, without strong backing or finding the right path. It was simply a bottleneck. If they could break through, perhaps there would be room for further advancement. But if they couldn't break through, it was possible to serve in the position of a fifth-rank official until retirement. He Qiulei smiled broadly, his round, plump face full of joy, "My elder brother cannot come, so he asked me to thank you both profusely for your great kindness."
"There's no need for that. We are also getting what we need," Su Xiaoqi said, pointing her index finger at the ceiling. This meant that Shen Yun's calligraphy and paintings had been exchanged for this residence, and that was that.