The Challenge of a Farmhouse Son-in-Law
Chapter 700 - 691: There Are Capable People by Noble Consort Sheng’s Side

Chapter 700: Chapter 691: There Are Capable People by Noble Consort Sheng’s Side

The Empress Dowager had endured many hardships to achieve her current status.

Gu Youyou was lost in thought when Princess Jiu tugged at the hem of her clothing, awakening her from her reverie, and she hurriedly followed suit in paying respects.

"Commoner Gu Youyou pays her respects to the Noble Consort."

She bowed her head, unable to see Noble Consort Sheng’s expression, but she could feel the burning gaze fixed upon her.

It took a while before she heard her voice.

"Rise."

Noble Consort Sheng examined Gu Youyou and said indifferently, "That outfit is rather lovely, did you make it yourself?"

Gu Youyou wore this outfit today precisely for the purpose of advertising Manxiu Building. She immediately responded, "Replying to the Noble Consort, this dress was a gift from Miss Du of Manxiu Building, personally made by her and the clothing masters of Manxiu Building."

"Manxiu Building?" Noble Consort Sheng repeated softly, then inquired, "Is it the recently reopened Manxiu Building? They also make clothes?"

Her palace maiden replied, "Your Highness, it must be the Manxiu Building that Princess Zhang mentioned the last time she returned to the palace. The owner is surnamed Du, the eldest daughter of the former Prime Minister Du. She is the wife of the second son of Zuo Zongzheng Jie, although they are already divorced."

Noble Consort Sheng raised her eyebrows and asked, "The one who caused quite a stir with her divorce from her husband?"

"Precisely!" the palace maiden answered.

Gu Youyou thought to herself: No wonder Noble Consort Sheng has thrived well for many years without any notable background—all because she has capable people by her side, as evident by her palace maiden.

Noble Consort Sheng chuckled and then asked Gu Youyou, "Manxiu Building makes clothes too?"

Before Gu Youyou had the chance to reply, having been interjected by the palace maiden,

She said, "Responding to the Noble Consort, I am not aware. Miss Du gifted me this dress as a token of gratitude for saving her life."

"Unaware?" Noble Consort Sheng spoke to her palace maiden behind her, "Then arrange for someone to inquire at Jinxiu Building. If they do make them, order a set for me as well, just like Miss Gu’s dress."

Gu Youyou was overjoyed within, as the first Imperial family business deal had been established. It seemed she would have to meet with Miss Du early and get the business of a complete clothing store up and running as soon as possible.

The palace maiden acknowledged the order, and Noble Consort Sheng’s gaze fell back onto Gu Youyou, giving her a glance and then smiling at Princess Jiu.

"Jiujiu, how come you have time to visit the lotus pond today?"

Gu Youyou felt a chill in her heart, thinking: This clever child must be astute, and must not reveal that it was I who brought them out for modern education.

She had forgotten to coordinate their stories before coming out.

Princess Jiu glanced at Gu Youyou before turning to reply to Noble Consort Sheng, "The teacher has been to the Imperial Palace many times but has never seen the Imperial Garden, so I decided to take the teacher to have a look."

"Oh? Teacher?" Noble Consort Sheng turned to Gu Youyou with a smile, "What has Miss Gu taught Princess Jiu?"

Gu Youyou did not dare to lie and honestly replied, "I was originally Miss Cui’s teacher, instructing her in medical skills. When the Princess learned of this, she also wished to become my apprentice, and the Empress Dowager allowed me to take her under my wing. However, after spending time with her, I found that the Princess has a greater talent for painting, so I have been teaching Princess Jiu to paint."

"Is that so?" Noble Consort Sheng asked Princess Jiu.

Princess Jiu nodded and said, "What the teacher said is true, Jiujiu enjoys painting lotus flowers." She looked towards the lotus pond.

Gu Youyou breathed a sigh of relief, thinking: Princess Jiu is indeed quite astute.

Once again, Noble Consort Sheng’s palace maiden reminded her, saying, "Your Highness, this Miss Gu is presumably the same person from our Zhuzhao Country who is quite renowned as the doctor from Jisheng Hall. The Emperor himself wrote the words ’Divine Doctor’ for the signboard bestowed to this doctor."