Zhao Zhu respectfully bowed, explained what had happened earlier, and asked, "Master, there are simply too many people sending gifts. Now even nobles with titles have sent over presents, and they are all quite valuable. This servant does not know how to arrange things appropriately. What do you think?"
He could refrain from associating with military officials, but it was not the time to offend people either.
With this sort of gift-giving, when everyone sent gifts and he accepted them all, nothing would happen. If only one or two families did so, then he would need to avoid suspicion.
Besides the estate stewards, some officials of lower rank had personally come to deliver gifts. Such guests naturally could not be sent away as casually as the stewards from other estates. After repeatedly declining, they were invited to rest for a while in the outer courtyard.
The ducal estate was now enormous. Clearing out a courtyard near the gatehouse for everyone to rest in did not make things crowded in the least. Civil and military officials could coexist peacefully there.
Zhao Zhu was quite capable. Once he had received Su Ziji's instructions, all his worries vanished. Entertaining guests and directing the servants, he handled everything in perfect order.
Since no female guests had come today, Ye Buhui could not suitably show herself at this time. There were too many people coming and going in front, making it exceedingly chaotic, so she could only temporarily withdraw to the rear.
Su Ziji could not leave Zhao Zhu, the steward, to handle all the socializing alone. He had already come out to exchange pleasantries and offer thanks to each arriving guest. In name, they were congratulating him on moving into his new residence, but everyone knew perfectly well what they were truly celebrating.
"Lord