Chapter 591 - 219: Making a Decision (1)

Chapter 591: Chapter 219: Making a Decision (1)

De’an added, "If we leave a bit later, we might even be able to travel with Mr. Sheng."

Chen Wanqing asked, "Why is Mr. Sheng returning to the capital?"

Zhao Jing said, "Mr. Zhou is retiring, and he internally recommended Mr. Sheng. Mr. Sheng has the seniority and experience, and his political achievements over the past three years have been quite good. If he isn’t promoted, even if a new governor is dispatched, they probably wouldn’t be able to keep him in line."

In short, Mr. Sheng was returning to the capital to report on his duties and undergo an evaluation for promotion. If the process went smoothly, he would be the governor upon his return.

This was great news. Chen Wanqing congratulated her brother, "You really lucked out."

While they were chatting, a young maid came over to announce, "The in-laws have arrived."

The three of them hurriedly got up to welcome the guests. Even Mrs. Zhao and Xiang’er quickly followed.

The anticipated awkwardness didn’t occur. Xu Suying knew Mrs. Zhao was a woman of few words, and worrying about dead air, she had tagged along. With her there to smooth things over, an awkward silence was simply impossible.

Moreover, due to the strict separation of men and women, Mrs. Zhao didn’t need to specifically entertain Xu Yanlin and Xu Shiling. After the two sides exchanged greetings and a few polite pleasantries, Zhao Jing led the men to the front courtyard.

Xu Suying remained in the backyard. Taking Mrs. Zhao’s hand, she said, "Having only found me after twenty years, my brother feels deeply guilty and just wants to make up for it as much as possible. Even towards Qing’er, he harbors a sense of guilt and wanted to see with his own eyes if she is living well..."

Mrs. Zhao said earnestly, "It’s only natural. Don’t worry, I didn’t overthink it."

Xu Suying was speechless. Having such an in-law was, to some extent, truly worry-free. At the very least, she wouldn’t let her imagination run wild or create extra trouble. Aside from being a bit wooden and socially awkward, she was perfect in every other way. Such a wonderful in-law had also raised such a promising son. It was her Qing’er’s good fortune. She had to help Qing’er protect this blessing.

Xu Suying and Mrs. Zhao fell into an even more lively conversation.

In the front courtyard, Zhao Jing showed Xu Yanlin and Xu Shiling around briefly before leading them to the front parlor.

As they sat down for tea, Xu Shiling said, "I’ve discussed it with Yanlin. You shouldn’t set off just yet. When the time comes, you can head to the capital with me."

Zhao Jing and De’an exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement.

Seeing this, Xu Shiling chuckled. "Aren’t you going to ask why?"

De’an said with a cheeky grin, "What is there to ask? You’re our own uncle; it’s not like you’d harm us."

"You rascal, always so cheeky, yet you have such a sweet mouth... The reason I’m not letting you travel back with Yanlin is that he has to rush his journey. If you follow him, you’ll just suffer. Moreover, no matter where you go, the roads are never free of bandits. Your group is made up of either women and children or frail scholars. I wouldn’t feel at ease letting you go with him."

De’an replied, "If that’s what you’re worried about, you should definitely let us go with our cousin. After all, he’s an imperial envoy. He’ll have escorts along the way."

Xu Shiling let out a hearty laugh. "When the bandits come, everyone will be too busy protecting your cousin. You’d just be standing there waiting to die."

De’an looked a bit sheepish. "It wouldn’t be that bad. We know a bit of martial arts, after all. But for safety’s sake, we’ll stick with you..."

Seeing this, Xu Shiling playfully pointed a finger at his nephew, then brought up the matter of De’an going to the Sheng family to propose marriage the following day. As his uncle, it would have been one thing if he hadn’t known about this, but since he did, he absolutely had to contribute something. He couldn’t let the occasion look too shabby.

Noticing Zhao Jing sitting to the side, quietly sipping tea, Xu Shiling teased him. "Don’t feel left out. Once I free up some time, I’ll put together a hefty dowry for Qing’er."

Zhao Jing didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but he didn’t decline. He simply cupped his hands and said, "Then I shall respectfully accept."

Xu Yanlin and his uncle didn’t stay long. They left right after having lunch. Having achieved their goal, there was no need to linger. They figured that making this appearance would ensure Qing’er had an easier time with her in-laws.

Chen Wanqing and Zhao Jing were left somewhat speechless. Although the gesture was a bit unnecessary, they still appreciated the sentiment.

The next morning.

Chen Wanqing and Zhao Jing got up and headed to the Chen family’s home.

At that moment, Xu Suying was holding a gift list, verifying the boxes and chests in the room. These were all betrothal gifts that would be sent to the Sheng family later. There weren’t too many items; the main focus was on auspicious symbolism.

Among them were a pair of wild geese; two portions each of pastries, tea leaves, and liquor; two complete sets of jewelry; eight bolts of brocade and silk; ten gold ingots; and ten silver ingots. Furthermore, there was one large sack each of rice, wheat, and unhusked grain to symbolize a life of abundance, as well as a pig, a sheep, and fish intended for offering sacrifices to the bride’s ancestors as a sign of respect.

The items weren’t considered numerous, nor were they exceptionally precious, but there were many miscellaneous pieces. Piled haphazardly all over the floor, they made Xu Suying dizzy just looking at them.