Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 292: Second Update

Chapter 292: Chapter 292: Second Update

The Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family originally had no external relatives except for one sister of an uncle of the Eldest Madam Zong Sheng, who had since become the Second Madam of the Yannian Aristocratic Family.

Although aristocratic families often interacted frequently, there was a very strict hierarchy behind the scenes. Groups like the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family and Shiping Aristocratic Clan were leading the Four Great Families, interacting only among themselves. This order excluded the minor gentry who naturally couldn’t even engage in conversations with them.

However, Second Madam Geng of the Yannian Geng Family had a very advantageous path. That was, she and the Eldest Madam Zong Sheng had fewer sisters, and they had interacted since childhood, playing together at their maternal grandfather’s home, and had maintained affection for each other from childhood to adulthood.

Thus, this insignificant minor gentry family, the Yannian Aristocratic Family, could appear honorably at the entrance of the Zong Sheng Residence.

"It’s Second Madam Geng, please come in, please come in, our madam has been waiting for quite some time," greeted Nanny Liu at the door, all smiles, personally helping Second Madam Geng enter.

Second Madam Geng, grinning, where dared to trouble the house manager Nanny Liu, stubbornly removed a half-mountain half-river jade bracelet from her arm and put it on the hand of Nanny Liu.

Nanny Liu refused, but couldn’t resist the insistence of Second Madam Geng; the two of them chatted and laughed and had already reached the courtyard.

"Second Madam Geng, you don’t know, our madam is just hoping for someone to talk with, she has been waiting for you to come over," Nanny Sang also came out to greet.

Even though Eldest Madam Zong Sheng was born into a noble family, among the ladies from prominent families, the daughters of the Wu Family were considered a joke, and they could not speak objectively.

Moreover, Eldest Madam Zong Sheng’s days at the Zong Sheng Residence were not easy. Old Lady Zong openly disdained her for being inefficient, not clever, and impulsive, which in turn made Madam Zong Sheng looked down upon by other noble ladies.

Fortunately, Eldest Madam Zong Sheng did not care about these matters; even if she was lonely, she did not take it to heart but actually got along very well with Second Madam Geng.

Eldest Madam Zong Sheng wore a casual light overcoat with common embroidery, and the sleeves were more convenient than ordinary clothes. She was holding a long stick as tall as a person, having just performed two sets, now stopped and walked toward Second Madam Geng.

"Second sister, care for a round?" Eldest Madam Zong Sheng said, about to throw the stick in her hand.

"Oh, no, no, my body isn’t up for it, now that autumn’s here and my old back ailment has flared up again, it’s even worse," Second Madam Geng hastily waved her hands.

Eldest Madam Zong Sheng did not insist and handed the stick to the Nanny nearby, walking towards Second Madam Geng.

"Third sister, look at you, still fond of these things," said Second Madam Geng, shaking her head. It wasn’t her first time reproaching Eldest Madam Zong Sheng; by now they were old enough to be grandmothers, wielding weapons which might undermine her authority in front of her daughter-in-law someday.

"Just fooling around when I’m bored, how’s that old back ailment again, seen the physician? Do you want me to have..."

Second Madam Geng quickly waved her off.

"A minor issue, no need for such fuss. Why talk about this when we’re pressed for time today? Weren’t we supposed to go out for a stroll?"

"Alright, we’ll talk another time. Second sister, I’ve brought you here today to take you to a delicious place," Eldest Madam Zong Sheng immediately had the Nannies change clothes.

"Third sister, what delicacy has you so enthusiastic?" Second Madam Geng asked with a smile, personally picking out an outfit for Eldest Madam Zong Sheng.

"Third sister, not to lecture you, but you’re so easy to talk to, letting the old woman take care of the marriage," Second Madam Geng said when there were no others around, as the carriage had already far left the Zong Sheng Residence.

Eldest Madam Zong had already sighed deeply upon hearing that. The livelier Yunqian became, the more she felt that Princess Chao Ren was not suitable for her son.

Not to mention that he was the Princely Heir of the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family, and also a disciple of Qiandao Temple. She even looked down on the Yannian Aristocratic Family, where her second sister resided.

Eldest Madam Zong would not think that Second Madam Geng was overshooting her capabilities; rather, it was Princess Chao Ren’s background that was too difficult to mention.

If it hadn’t been for the urgent situation at the time, when Yunqian’s life was hanging in the balance, Old Lady Zong forced Duke of Qing to finally issue a life-or-death command, allowing Princess Chao Ren to truly become the wife of the Crown Prince.

However, now that things had been settled, Eldest Madam Zong felt even more aggrieved. She didn’t like going out as it was, and now she felt even less inclined to show her face. At the gatherings of ladies from prominent families, she felt that they were laughing at her, both openly and secretly.

"What else can I say? If it hadn’t been so urgent, this Princess Chao Ren—" Eldest Madam Zong started to say but then stopped, not wanting to continue. After all, things had already been decided, and she was going to be her daughter-in-law. Even though she was not satisfied, Yunqian was adamant, and what else could she do.

"Sister, although they are married, I heard that Princess Chao Ren grew up without her mother’s teachings and probably doesn’t know the proper etiquette. Hasn’t she sent the Diligent Gift these days?" Second Madam Geng said quietly.

Eldest Madam Zong nodded empathetically upon hearing this. The Diligent Gift was a custom in Nanzheng; every promised bride must send a set of her own hand-embroidered items to the groom’s family to demonstrate her ability in needlework.

Although the Noble Families don’t care about the actual ability in needlework, as a custom, it was still expected to send a set, even if it was purchased.

Second Madam Geng sighed as well.

"Sister, a wife needs to be trained before she can remain calm and composed after the marriage. You must not be negligent," Second Madam Geng said, holding Eldest Madam Zong’s hand.

"I was actually thinking along those lines," said Eldest Madam Zong. "Since no one has taught Princess Chao Ren, after she marries into our family, it will inevitably require spending more time to teach her properly, especially since she saved Yunqian’s life."

"Sister, you are just too soft-hearted," Second Madam Geng said, glancing outside the carriage. Was this Imperial City’s busiest street they had arrived at?

"Let’s not talk about this now. Today, let’s enjoy a good time together. I will take you to try something delicious. Did you know, recently in Zheng Capital, there is a new way of cooking that Prince Duan’s Mansion introduced yesterday by sending half a lamb? It’s unique in its method, roasting the whole lamb over charcoal fire, which has its own taste. However, this lamb is only fragrant when eaten freshly roasted, so I am taking you to eat it while it’s hot."

Second Madam Geng had naturally heard of this new method of cooking, but such a whole lamb, costing several hundred Silver, was not something even a lady from an Aristocratic Family could afford on a regular basis.

"Sister, you shouldn’t have to spend so much," Second Madam Geng felt that the expense was quite significant for Eldest Madam Zong.

"Ah, what expense. You don’t know, I only had a few bites of the lamb yesterday. I didn’t get to enjoy it fully, but with Old Madam present, I felt uncomfortable asking for more," Eldest Madam Zong said unashamedly.

"Well, today we’ll eat our fill," Second Madam Geng smiled. These words meant she was considered family.

"We’re here," said Eldest Madam Zong, as she and Second Madam Geng arrived at the Riverfood Restaurant and entered together.

On the other side, Zheng Nianru’s carriage had also just arrived at the Riverfood Restaurant, followed by Fu Dong, Nian Xia, Xing Yu, and Yin He. At this moment, everyone was quite excited.

"I said I’d treat you all to a meal, and I won’t shortchange you," Zheng Nianru glanced at Yin He walking alongside him. He felt that the young man was useful and worth employing.