After Rebirth, She Becomes the Revenge Queen
Chapter 155 - 154: Lacking a Person to Manage Domestic Affairs

Chapter 155: Chapter 154: Lacking a Person to Manage Domestic Affairs

After sending Liang Chen and his group off, Fu Zhen also planned to return home.

Just as she lifted the curtain, she saw Jin Zhu standing outside.

She exclaimed in surprise, "What are you doing here?"

Jin Zhu smiled and curtsied, "I was here on Madam’s orders to fetch some materials, so I took the opportunity to keep an eye on the door for you."

Fu Zhen looked outside at her words, only to realize that the entire backyard was spotless, with not a single staff member having disturbed them from start to finish.

Although she had already informed the shopkeeper and Zhang Cheng about it, she still felt that since she had never visited the family shop before, many people did not recognize her. Her presence could not compare to the effectiveness of Jin Zhu, the head maid beside Mrs. Ning.

Fu Zhen felt a bit regretful.

Her matters always seemed to trouble Mrs. Ning.

She asked, "Where is my mother?"

"At Wanbin Building."

The name of the new shop had been decided, and it would soon open for business, yet Fu Zhen had not been able to genuinely help until now.

On hearing this, Fu Zhen headed towards Wanbin Building.

Inside the restaurant, preparations were almost complete, with the shopkeeper directing staff to refine the details. Mrs. Ning was accompanied by Manager Su and several other shopkeepers, inspecting all around.

"The opening is on April 12, the day before, give out extra bonuses to attract some buzz. By the way, are the invitations for those distinguished guests all prepared?"

"Everything is ready."

Manager Su spoke as he conveniently took out an invitation to present.

Just as Mrs. Ning took it in her hand, a second shopkeeper hurriedly came over with a letter, "Master, there’s a letter from the Imperial Censorate for you to review."

Upon hearing "Imperial Censorate," Mrs. Ning immediately paid attention, received it, and saw indeed it was sealed from the Imperial Censorate, promptly opening it!

Beside her, Manager Su also couldn’t help but feel anxious, as ordinary people fear the government, and this time it was even from the Imperial Censorate, how could one not feel apprehensive?

"It’s good news!" Mrs. Ning smiled after reading it, "Mr. Xie sent a notification; Fu Jun has already left the capital with his family this morning to take office."

"Great news!"

The shopkeepers cheered upon hearing this.

"What news is making everyone so happy?"

Suddenly, Fu Zhen’s voice came from outside the crowd.

Mrs. Ning looked up, "Zhen Er, come here quickly! There’s good news!" With that, she handed over the document.

Fu Zhen took a look and indeed, it was a joyous occasion.

She laughed, "With this major threat gone, shouldn’t we celebrate?"

"Indeed!"

Mrs. Ning immediately instructed, "Uncle Su, have someone set up a few tables in the backyard. Everyone has been working hard lately, and with the opening imminent, let’s get the kitchen started and also reward everyone."

Manager Su immediately went to make arrangements.

Fu Zhen, after reading the document, said, "Speaking of which, Mr. Xie has been very considerate to us, and we haven’t properly thanked him yet."

Mrs. Ning nodded, "You’re right. In principle, I should personally visit to express my gratitude, but I heard that Mr. Xie is a widower, and it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to go. Zhen Er, it’s still early; why don’t you go on my behalf?"

Fu Zhen immediately accepted the task.

Xie Zhang, having served as an official in the capital for many years and with a wealthy family heritage, had established a mansion in the capital not far from Shuntian Prefecture, in Ruyi Square.

Fu Zhen brought the gifts and went to the door, sent someone to knock, and explained her purpose. The doorman politely led her to the front hall for tea, as it turned out Xie Zhang was just at home, having recently returned from the government office.

At that moment, in the study of Xie Mansion, Xie Zhang was conversing with a staff advisor.

"Li Xing, being a scholar from Hanlin, and now appointed as Junior Vice Secretary of the Chamberlain’s Office, is qualified enough. Since Assistant Minister Xu of the Ministry of Rites has recommended him, I think there’s no need for you to oppose."

"Currently, Vice Minister Xu is in high favor on his career path and is expected to enter the cabinet soon as prime minister. Why go against his sharp edge?"

Xie Zhang replied, "You are wrong in saying so. If I, Xie Zhang, fear those in power, would I not then betray the emperor’s benevolence in promoting me? As an Imperial Censor, how can I neglect the duties of a Censor?"

"Back then, I vowed strongly in front of my grandfather, leaving for the capital alone to assume office. If I can’t uphold my original intention, wouldn’t I also be laughed at by the members of my clan?"

"Li Xing has been impeached for misconduct more than once; how can such a person be sent to the Eastern Palace to assist?"

The staff advisor pondered and nodded, "You are indeed correct. The emperor has been ill for many years, and only since last year’s cessation of the Northwest conflict has there been some recovery."

"After the upcoming coming-of-age ceremony, the palace will likely begin to establish the Crown Prince’s authority for future preparedness."

"Certainly, no carelessness is allowed beside the Crown Prince."

"I will go draft a memorial for you to submit to the palace."

At this moment, someone outside announced, "Master, there’s a Miss Fu requesting an audience."

Xie Zhang mused for a moment and then immediately suspected it was Mrs. Ning’s daughter, the young girl who, with her own strength, collaboratively dismissed the unworthy man.

He walked out immediately.

During her time waiting in the hall, Fu Zhen casually observed the courtyard of the Xie household.

The house was decently built, with a wide entrance and exquisite materials, though it wasn’t kept very tidy.

The doors and windows had many faded spots, and there were weeds and uncleaned fallen leaves at the corners of the courtyard.

It wasn’t that the owner was impoverished; Xie Zhang was from the primary line of a prominent family, so the family assets should be substantial.

Moreover, their servants were not dressed poorly.

It seemed Xie Zhang was lacking in household management.

It crossed her mind that she had heard of Xie Zhang’s wife having passed away, and with no subsequent marriage, he, holding important office, might have left household matters to the servants.

As she pondered this, Xie Zhang walked in, "Miss Fu, sorry to keep you waiting."

Fu Zhen quickly stood and greeted, "Greetings to Mr. Xie!"

Xie Zhang smiled, "What brings you to see me?"

Fu Zhen presented the gifts she had brought, "Having benefited from your care on multiple occasions and never expressing gratitude, I specially came to visit. Please kindly accept this token of appreciation."

Xie Zhang glanced at the hefty package in front of him, smiled as he stroked his beard, and sat down, "Miss Fu, are you aware that I am now an Imperial Censor of the Imperial Censorate?"

"I know!" Fu Zhen then offered congratulations, "I forgot to congratulate you!"

Xie Zhang said, "Since you know I am an Imperial Censor, responsible for monitoring the conduct of all officials, these things, there’s no need to mention, Miss Fu will surely take them back."

Fu Zhen knew about his straightforward nature and hadn’t expected him to be so direct. Observing he was smiling yet with a resolute expression, showing he was a principled person, she refrained from further words and said, "Your integrity is admirable, it was presumptuous of me."

"I take my leave."

After returning to Wanbin Building, Fu Zhen reported the situation to Mrs. Ning, who felt slightly apologetic, "It’s not like those things were valuable, just a couple of inkstones and rocks. What harm is there in accepting them?"

Fu Zhen glanced at her without a word.

For Mrs. Ning, these might not be worth much, but in reality, those two Duan inkstones were worth two or three hundred taels of silver, not to mention the three cinnabar stones, which anyone would scramble for outside.

After contemplating, she recalled, "Mr. Xie, busy with official duties, seems to lack someone for household management.

"If you sincerely want to repay, why not see if we can help him resolve this issue?"

Mrs. Ning said, "How can I help in that?"