The next day, after saying goodbye to her family, Tang Zhuyun took Nanxing to the Xue Family.
Because the Xue Family had just arrived in the capital, they rented a house. However, military officers are not short of money, and with a large family, they rented a large house with five courtyards and a huge garden.
It's not much different from the Prince's Mansion.
Old Madam Xue eagerly awaited Tang Zhuyun's arrival. She first burst into tears, then took Tang's hand and began to recount the events of that year.
"... I was unwilling; they are my own flesh and blood. Your grandfather and I have never argued before, but that time we had a huge fight."
"However, in the end, I compromised, and looking back now, it was all my fault."
"Even if I took her to Liaodong, she might not have frozen or starved to death; but now, she's being tortured to death."
Tang Zhuyun listened silently to her sobs without saying anything.
When a person dies, it's like a lamp going out; any talk of regret is futile.
For an elderly person who has lost a child, let her cry it out.
The women of the Xue Family family all tried to persuade her, and it was only with great difficulty that Old Madam Xue stopped crying.
Tang Zhuyun then said, "Grandmother, I'll treat your eyes. Your eyes won't get better immediately, so take it slowly, don't rush..."
Old Madam Xue nodded. "Alright, A-Yun, I'll listen to you. They all say you look exactly like your mother, I want to take a good look at you."
Tang Zhuyun gave her acupuncture and prescribed a medicine.
After finishing her work, she suddenly felt somewhat lost.
She was still too unfamiliar with the Xue Family.
Fortunately, First Madam Xue was understanding and noticed her unease. She smiled and said, "Mother, I'll take A-Yun to see the accommodations we've arranged for her. If there's anything she's not satisfied with, we can have it renovated."
"Alright, alright," said Old Madam Xue, holding Tang Zhuyun's hand. "A-Yun, you're back home now. If there's anything you're unhappy about, just tell your aunt."
The Xue Family is managed by First Madam Xue.
First Madam Xue led Tang Zhuyun out, whispering to her on the way, "The old lady is getting old and misses your mother. If she goes a little too far in some things, please forgive her."
It turns out, there are indeed people who understand.
What could Tang Zhuyun say?
She said a few words of modesty and smiled, "We're all family, Auntie, there's no need to be so polite."
First Madam Xue, "You're such a lovable child; you're truly a member of the Xue Family. You'll see soon enough that no one in the family has any ill intentions, especially towards their own family."
Tang Zhuyun smiled and nodded.
"I've assigned you a maid, Xiaoying. Why don't you come forward and greet the young lady?"
Tang Zhuyun quickly thanked her.
She was completely clueless about the Xue Family and definitely needed a maid from the Xue Family to help her.
After Xiaoying greeted Tang Zhujun, Tang Zhuyun rewarded her with a gold ring.
Nanxing followed behind expressionlessly, but in reality, he was observing his surroundings discreetly.
--This Xue Family truly lives up to its reputation as a family of military generals; even their maids often possess martial arts skills.
Your Highness, things are a bit difficult. Best wishes.
First Madam Xue added, "Don't be shy, this is your own home. If you need anything, just let me know!"
Tang Zhuyun smiled and said, "Aunt, please don't be so polite. We're relatives, and we'll be visiting each other often in the future. Don't treat me like a special guest; it would make me feel uncomfortable."
When Tang Zhuyun arrived at her courtyard, she found that the plaque above the courtyard was empty.
But the other courtyards clearly have names. As we walked along, there were Pine and Crane Courtyard, Sparse Parasol Tree Tower, and Sword-Washing Hall... It was obvious that they were set up after the Xue Family family arrived.
"Your courtyard," First Madam Xue said with a smile, noticing her question, "Is for you to name yourself."
Tang Zhuyun: Big head.
She's not picky; just don't make her think.
First Madam Xue smiled and said, "You've followed someone as learned as your father, so your scholarship must be excellent. Write this inscription well, and I'll have it carved into a plaque."
Tang Zhuyun waved her hands repeatedly. "This really won't do."
She practiced her calligraphy, and it was indeed passable, but it was still a long way from being able to carve a plaque.
Ugly handwriting, hanging there in the bright light, isn't that just embarrassing?
First Madam Xue took it as mere modesty and instructed Xiaoying not to forget to remind Tang Zhuyun.
Tang Zhuyun: My heart is breaking.
She couldn't help but look at Nanxing.
Perhaps Nanxing's handwriting can still hold its own?
As it turned out, she was overthinking it.
Nanxing's writing is only legible, nothing more.
While Xiaoying went out to get lunch, Nanxing advised Tang Zhuyun, "Just leave it there. If you don't write it, are you going to be beheaded?"
Besides, if we keep at it, someone will start writing.
Okay.
Xiaoying was a talkative girl, not the shrewd type. While setting out the food, she said, "Miss, the old lady originally wanted you to stay for dinner, but the first lady advised against it beforehand, saying that you've just arrived and might feel awkward, and that you might not have enough to eat."
Tang Zhuyun smiled and said, "Please thank your aunt properly for me later."
Those who manage the central administration are indeed different.
After dinner, while Xiaoying was tidying up, she said to Tang Zhuyun, "You should get some rest. I reckon the masters and young masters of the house will be back soon. Especially Fourth Master... he's probably going to cause trouble."
Xue Lie... he wouldn't be himself if he didn't cause trouble.
After Xiaoying left, Nanxing said to Tang Zhuyun, "Your Majesty, when I was in the courtyard earlier, the Second Madam and the Third Madam came out to relieve themselves and were discussing your marriage to the Prince in private..."
"What are we discussing?" Tang Zhuyun lay on the bed, feeling the cool and soft silk beneath her, and couldn't help but reach out to touch the gauze curtains. She thought to herself, "The Xue Family really has let their daughter down."
Which sister-in-law is so lucky to give birth to a daughter? She'll be the apple of everyone's eye.
"The question is whether or not we should ask you if you are willing to follow the Prince of Jin."
Both ladies meant well; on the one hand, they felt they should ask Tang Zhuyun, but on the other hand, they were afraid that bringing up the matter would cause the old lady to overreact.
In this family, the one with the strongest stance is still the old lady.
Tang Zhuyun said, "Whatever, just say you're willing if you mention it."
Nanxing nodded and said nothing more.
Tang Zhuyun closed her eyes.
She was woken up by Xue Lie.
"Sister, sister, look what I brought you!" Xue Lie exclaimed excitedly.
If Nanxing hadn't stopped him, he probably would have barged in already.
Tang Zhuyun got up, quickly combed her hair, and straightened her clothes before coming out.
When her gaze fell on the deer in the yard, her eyes lit up instantly.
Her reaction made Xue Lie very proud.
"Sister, I knew you'd like it, so I specially picked this out for you! Come, come, bring the things in."
The deer he bought is very precious; it's said to have only eaten the leaves of one type of tree since it was a cub.
So he bought a lot of leaves, and even bought the deer farmers.
Tang Zhuyun's mouth watered as she looked at the deer's plump hind legs. Then, glancing at the basket of leaves, she exclaimed excitedly, "Come on, let's prepare to roast the venison! Wrap it in these leaves, add some seasoning, and it'll be amazing!"
Little Tyrant was stunned.
Something's wrong with his sister!
Aren't all other girls as Lovely as Lulu?