"His Lordship has returned to the residence!"
The news spread through the residence as soon as Chen He entered.
Chen Cuo's Mother had been speaking with her daughter in the rear quarters. Delighted by the news, she sent someone to fetch Chen Cuo so she could give him a few instructions.
To her surprise, the servant had barely taken a few steps when Chen He brought Chen Cuo back with him.
"Chen He, you handled the matter I assigned you well. Later, write a few more letters in Second Son's name to some of the eminent figures and offer them his greetings." The moment Chen Cuo's Mother saw Chen He, she began issuing instructions with enthusiasm, not noticing anything unusual about her steward's expression.
"I've already had people make inquiries. In half a month, many eminent figures will gather, and one of them holds an extraordinary position. He's not only a celebrated figure of our time but also an Assistant Director of the Secretariat: Yu Ji, the Grand Master of the Palace! He's a distinguished official and accomplished in both calligraphy and painting. For Second Son to win the favor of such a man, who will even preside over the judging himself, is truly a blessing..."
After speaking for some time, Chen Cuo's Mother finally noticed Chen He's strange expression. She stopped and asked, "What is it? Is there some difficulty?"
"Old Madam..." Chen He weighed his words, unsure how to phrase this. He knew perfectly well how the mistress of the household regarded His Lordship, and had once relied on that attitude to overstep his bounds himself. But things were different now. After witnessing the spectacle of all those monks paying their respects to His Lordship, how could he dare treat him lightly?
"Why are you hemming and hawing?