Noble Lady

Today he was wearing a jade-colored robe made of light material, with a belt of the same material tied around his waist and his hair tied in a crown.

It is not as heavy as the previous brocade robe, and has a sense of elegance.

But the silver thread on his collar and cuffs still showed his wealth.

No wonder she was still wondering why she didn’t see her dad before.

After the initial surprise, Xue Chenyu was relieved. No one could match his demeanor.

Even though his father, a veteran of the battlefield, was dressed in black, he still felt like a subject when he followed him.

Xue Chenyu's appearance here was both unexpected and reasonable.

"Meet Prince Cheng."

Everyone in the main hall stood up.

Mr. Lu and Madam Qi also greeted Marquis Xue, "Mr. Xue."

"Don't be polite, just sit down."

Situ Zhen waved his hand and sat down without any hesitation. Influenced by him, everyone else also sat down.

Originally, only Mr. Lu and Madam Qi were here, and the people in the Marquis' Mansion were a little reserved. But when Prince Cheng arrived, everyone relaxed.

From their conversation, Xue Chenyu learned that Mr. Lu and Madam Qi had entered the city yesterday. The welcoming banquet was arranged by Prince Cheng, and the couple also stayed in Prince Cheng's mansion last night.

However, I only stayed for one night.

And with Situ Zhen around, no one else dared to have any thoughts about Mr. Lu, nor did they dare to come forward to disturb him.

This morning, Mr. Lu and Mrs. Qi wanted to eat wontons, so Situ Zhen accompanied them.

Then they walked together to the Wu'an Marquis Mansion.

In Xue Chenyu's opinion, this did not seem like something a prince from a royal family would do.

But then she thought again, this Prince Cheng had already done many things beyond her understanding.

Next came the gift-giving part.

Mr. Lu and Mrs. Qi were guests, so it was natural that they would not come empty-handed.

They brought some fruits and vegetables grown in the mountains, but they were still in the palace. Situ Zhen arranged for someone to deliver them later, so they could be used for the banquet.

Then came the rare ancient book that Mr. Lu prepared for Xue Huai. As soon as it was taken out, Xue Huai was so moved that his eyes filled with tears.

"These two volumes are both lost and unique copies, Mr. Lu. They are extremely valuable."

"Books are meant to be read. If you feel reluctant to read these rare copies, you can copy them down and treasure these two ancient volumes. That will be enough to repay my kindness."

Xue Huai nodded repeatedly.

Madam Qi also took out a makeup box and said, "Old lady, when I was young, I also collected some jewelry that I liked. Even though they are too big this year, it is difficult to pretend to be young."

As he spoke, he took out a golden hairpin of extremely exquisite workmanship.

Nowadays, there are also gold hairpins made in jewelry shops, but when you take out this one, you can feel at a glance its complicated craftsmanship and weight.

"Miss Xue, this hairpin is most suitable for a girl of your age."

Xue Chenyu was stunned. "Give it to me? No, no, no, it's too valuable. How can I accept it?"

"It's not too expensive. It was just a reward from the Queen Mother." Madam Qi never stopped talking until she was shocked.

Xue Chenyu was even more afraid to answer.

But Madam Qi was still not happy. "Why do you think my hairpin is too old-fashioned after so many years? Don't you want to wear it?"

"Nothing, I just..."

"Then wear it." While Mrs. Qi was speaking, she put the golden hairpin into Xue Chenyu's bun.

Today was the day she was going home, and although Xue Chenyu had dressed up, she didn't do her hair in that exaggerated bun, and simply tied it up. But when she put on this hairpin, her aura suddenly changed.

"Look, these things look great on young girls. They're elegant yet charming." Madam Qi said to Madam Xue. "It would be a waste on my wife."

"Madam, you don't look old at all. You are still young and beautiful." Mrs. Xue blurted out the compliment.

Mrs. Qi was so happy that she couldn't stop smiling.

Now that things have come to this, Xue Chenyu can no longer refuse.

So he asked Qiuhua to bring the box over.

Qiuhua moved over without changing her expression.

Xue Chenyu: "Madam Qi, the gifts I want to give you are in that box. They are all unique copies."

When Mr. Lu heard about the rare copy, he was very excited. He thought that the Wu'an Marquis Mansion was really amazing, as they could actually collect such a large box of rare copies.

Mrs. Qi just exchanged a glance with Xue Chenyu and realized that this was not the only copy.

Mrs. Xue is smart, and her daughter is also smart.

She must appreciate it carefully when she gets back.

Although the banquet is scheduled for noon, since the guests have arrived, the itinerary should be arranged.

Mrs. Xue suggested, "It's not that hot yet. Why don't you go to the study first, Mr. Lu?"

"Okay." Mr. Lu agreed readily.

The group turned towards the study again in a mighty manner.

The study was converted from a courtyard of the original marquis's mansion.

The location is quite secluded, which is a bit far for living, but it is quiet and peaceful when used as a study.

The layout was painstakingly modified by Mrs. Xue and the craftsmen she hired, and it now looks spacious, bright, and grand.

Hanging on the wall of the study are two paintings and calligraphy by famous artists of the previous dynasty.

It says, "Heaven's movement is vigorous, and the gentleman should constantly strive for self-improvement; the earth's state is gentle, and the gentleman should carry all things with great virtue."

The brushstrokes are vigorous and powerful, with iron-like strokes and silver-like hooks, which is quite imposing.

Mr. Lu looked at it and nodded.

There is a small courtyard behind the study, which is also very elegant. It has only three main rooms, two side rooms, a kitchen and a toilet.

It can be said that although the sparrow is small, it has all the five internal organs.

Mr. Lu and Mrs. Qi looked at each other.

Madam Xue said, "Since Mr. Lu is coming to teach here, there's no reason for us to have you two stay away. Firstly, it would be inconvenient to travel back and forth, and secondly, it would be convenient for us to look after you if you were close by."

After a pause, Madam Xue added, "If we really let you two live outside, people will think our mansion is just a facade. We invited you to live here, but we can't even vacate a courtyard for you to live in."

This is true.

Mr. Lu nodded calmly, "That's thoughtful."

But Madam Qi had already started rolling her eyes. This old man just liked to pretend in front of others, even though he was obviously already happy in his heart.

"Madam Xue, the study in the Marquis's Mansion is ready. I wonder how the private school we mentioned earlier is going?" Mr. Lu asked calmly, stroking his gray beard.

Madam Xue and Marquis Xue exchanged a glance. See, this man was indeed a cautious man. He was afraid that the Marquis' Mansion was just trying to deceive him with empty promises.

Mrs. Xue did not explain and told Mother He, "Tell the accountant to stand by over there."

"Yes."

As soon as Mother He left, Madam Xue said, "Mr. Lu, and everyone else, please follow me."

Everyone followed Mrs. Xue to a room in the front yard.

That's next door to where the accounting office is.

At this moment, the room was piled high with account books, and the accountant had arrived accompanied by Mother He.

"Mrs. Xue, what is this?" Mrs. Qi was a little surprised.

Logically speaking, they are guests, and the accounting office is in an important position, so generally no guests are invited.

"These are the estimated initial costs for running a private school. Our company has selected locations in several counties outside Beijing. I plan to open a few first as a prototype, and then promote it to other parts of the south."

Mr. Lu became more alert upon hearing this. He greeted everyone and went forward to look at the account book.

From renting a place, to hiring a teacher, as well as the tables, chairs, benches, food, clothing and other expenses needed for the private school, everything is included.

"Mrs. Xue has made such thorough preparations, why hasn't she implemented them?"

"The Marquis' Mansion has been subject to much criticism over the years. If a private school is run under the name of the Marquis' Mansion, it might be seen as a publicity stunt and might not achieve the intended purpose."

"So I invited you here today, hoping to get your consent. Please come forward."