Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 150 - 148: Making a Fortune

Chapter 150: Chapter 148: Making a Fortune

The Emperor asked Shen Chengyao several agricultural questions, a field in which Shen Chengyao was expert, and he answered them smoothly and confidently.

The Empress also asked Xiao’er several questions typical for a girl, and bestowed upon Xiao’er a pile of jewelry and fabrics as a gift. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say it was a pile - they filled two large wooden boxes. It seemed the Empress had prepared the varied jewelry Xiao’er would need from the age of eight to eighteen!

In reality, the Empress’s heart was filled with gratitude towards Xiao’er for curing Shangguan Xuanyi’s poison and also for saving the life of another son with her medicinal pills. The Emperor would grant them the honorary titles they deserved, and she could only show her gratitude by giving more material rewards. Besides, a large part of these rewards were added upon the request of her own son, knowing that they were meant as gifts.

But Xiao’er could not accept such an extravagant gift! There had to be something wrong!

"Thank you for your generous gift, Empress, but I have not performed any meritorious service worthy of such rewards. I feel guilty about accepting them!" Xiao’er rose and bowed.

"When given a gift from your elders, it cannot be refused. The Lady Rui’an is smart and wise, beyond ordinary people, talented in colored glaze, cement, tumbrils, threshing machines, hand water pumps... any one of these skill sets is worth the reward!"

"Girl, feel free to accept it." Seeing Xiao’er reluctant to accept, Shangguan Xuanyi persuaded her.

Hearing this, Xiao’er could only bow in gratitude. Any further refusal would be unwarranted.

Indeed, the Empress was a local tycoon!

Once they had knelt in acknowledgment, the Emperor asked the Empress, "It seems you have taken a keen interest in the Lady Rui’an?"

The Empress nodded, "Indeed, I appreciate her. Haven’t you noticed, she is more disciplined than our Ruining, and looking at the entire Imperial Capital, which other lady can match her? Besides, she is just a village girl! She knows when to advance and when to retreat, is calm and composed. Her manners are dignified and courteous. Even during her first meeting with us, there was not the slightest bit of stage fright. The word ’wise’ falls short in describing her. Her intrinsic and radiant quality is appealing."

The Emperor nodded, "Marquis Shengping also surprised me slightly. I thought he would just be an ordinary farmer. But his refined language, biting wit, clear logic, and well-formulated sentences indicate he is well-educated with considerable insights. It is worth considering him for a senior role."

If the Marquis was illiterate, then he could only be of use in agricultural affairs, a symbolic Marquis who held no real power.

In the official circles, the difference between having power and not having it was considerable.

"Their entire family is intelligent and honest," said Shangguan Xuanyi, sharing his greatest impressions.

The Emperor nodded. Those in high positions liked to employ such people; they were trustworthy and took good care of work!

Once they returned to their mansion, Shen Chengyao ordered that the two large boxes of jewelry and fabric bestowed by the Empress on Xiao’er be locked away in a small private store in Xiao’er’s courtyard, "Save these for Xiao’er’s dowry."

Mrs. Liu naturally had no objections.

Both husband and wife shared the same thought. In case Xiao’er’s future in-laws turned out to be greedy like Mrs. Shen and wished to confiscate Xiao’er’s dowry, then these rewards from the Empress would be left untouched!

"Mother, let’s not trouble over dowry matters in haste, let’s share some with my sisters."

"We will prepare dowry for your sisters too, and not let them feel wronged. But these items have been conferred upon you by the Empress- they are for you and only you!"

Upon hearing this, how could Xiao’er not understand her parents’ intent? Even though she was moved, she can’t help but chuckle at their need for worry. She wouldn’t give away what she didn’t want to, and no one could take it from her!

Xiao’er didn’t refute them now. She planned to save it bit by bit for Yun’er and Xi’er in the future.

Mr. Shen, Mrs. Shen, Shen Yuzhu and the family of the second branch all hurried over upon hearing that Shen Chengyao had an audience with the emperor and returned.

"Third Brother, I heard that the Emperor gifted us two large boxes. Where are they? Where is my share?" Mrs. Shen asked, examining her surroundings for the gifts.

"Third Brother, the Emperor gave so many gifts. Does that mean the Emperor knew we were present too, and the gifts include our share as well?" Shen Chengzong asked anxiously.

Listening to this, Xiao’er was not pleased in her heart. It seemed that the servants in the manor were too loose-lipped! They had even forgotten who was master and who was a guest!

On hearing these words from both, Mrs. Liu’s face instantly darkened. Did these people feel suffocated if they didn’t have a piece of their family’s fortune each day? Their greedy nature was now as natural as breathing!

"Those items are the Empress’s gifts for Xiao’er to honor their meeting. I have had them moved to Xiao’er’s courtyard to save for her dowry." Shen Chengyao couldn’t agree with the behavior of his relatives.

"What!" Mrs. Shen shrieked.

Xiao’er felt as if her ears were about to burst and found herself needing to cover them with her hands.

"So many gifts were bestowed only to welcome her? How does she merit that kind of favor! Third brother, are you intending to seize the gifts the Emperor gave to us and call them your own!"

On hearing this, Shen Chengyao felt anger rise within him. Was he that kind of person?

"Mother, the Emperor doesn’t even know who you are. Why would He gift anything to you? The items are the Empress’s gifts to Xiao’er to welcome her. If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do. No part of these items can be given out; they will all be saved for Xiao’er’s dowry!"

"All of it to this wretched girl’s dowry? Third Brother, are you out of your mind? Yuzhu is your own sister, you are not even preparing a dowry for her! I don’t care; even if the Emperor doesn’t know us, since we are all in the Imperial Capital, we should have a share!"

Having heard these words, Shen Chengzong nodded, "Third Brother, what you eat alone, cannot grow fat!"

"Why should you have a share in what the Emperor gifted to our family? Don’t forget, we have already divided our households; we even severed ties. We were kind enough to let you enter the Imperial Capital, yet you still bite the hand that feeds you! I suggest you not be too greedy, or I won’t hesitate to have you removed from the manor!"

"..." On hearing this, Mrs. Shen, taken aback and unable to speak, pointed at Xiao’er, her face filled with anger, "You ungrateful child, you..."

Xiao’er was angry too, they all shameless and she has her reputation to protect. Word getting out about the grandmother wanting to grab gifts from the Empress to the granddaughter would surely tarnish their family’s reputation within half a day!

"Enough of this squabbling, Mrs. Shen. Did Third Brother shortchange you in food, or necessities? He will give you what you should have--just wait. You are in the Imperial Capital, under the eyes of the Emperor, not in the village; do not make this into a public spectacle. Being censured by the imperial censor and reported to the Emperor, there will be plenty of canings waiting for you!" Mr. Shen spoke, words laced with double meanings!

She was still waiting for gifts from their family, just too insatiable!

As for the imperial censor, naturally it would be Marquis Shen who would face action. Would they censure a commoner? Who would be caned then? This was indeed a threat!

Hearing this, Xiao’er laughed inwardly. The old are always more cunning. But who’s scared of whom? Threats meant nothing to her!

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