Tianliangyuan

Chapter 404 Xu Zhaozhao also started to show favoritism.

It wasn't that Gu Erlang and Zheng Bao'er were being cautious; rather, they had a very clear understanding of Princess Anle.

That was Princess Anle. Although she seemed to be of the same generation as them, she was actually of a position where she could eat and talk at the same table as their elders.

You can't simply assume that just because you're of the same generation, you're the same as everyone else.

It was precisely because of their clear understanding that Xu Zhaozhao was more satisfied with them, which made Gu Erlang's job much smoother in the future.

After listening to their story and looking at the things that were brought to him, Gu Dongyang exclaimed, "Wow, these are all good things!"

That inkstone alone would probably cost at least fifty strings of cash.

"Since it was given to the child by the county magistrate, then keep it on his behalf, and let the child know who gave him these things."

"Yes, father."

Zheng Bao'er withdrew, while Gu Erlang remained in the study.

Gu Dongyang could see that his second son was usually unassuming and not the type to show off, but he had a good wife!

She had several daughters-in-law, but only Zheng Bao'er caught Xu Zhaozhao's eye. What does that mean?

This shows that Zheng Tuo caught the eye of several generals, and Zheng Bao'er's gentle nature was why she was invited by the county princess several times.

"Your wife is great! You're not good at anything, but you've married a good wife. If you do your job well, maybe one day you'll get a promotion."

Gu Erlang dared not believe these words completely, and quickly acted as if he was very frightened: "Yes, son will remember it and will definitely treat Zheng Shi well."

"Well, let's go back. Now that your wife has caught the county princess's eye, if there's an opportunity in the future, you can have her take the child to pay her respects to the county princess. His Majesty values ​​the county princess, and the rewards he bestows upon her in the future will likely be even more generous."

Gu Erlang's eyes widened. What had he just heard?

Does His Majesty value the county princess?

Generally speaking, a father would say that His Majesty favors a certain official or a younger member of a family, but he never said that he favors a female relative.

When Gu Dongyang saw his son's expression, he knew that his words had frightened him.

Tsk, how can she compare to Princess Anle in this state?

If it were Princess Anle, she would certainly be unmoved by honor or disgrace, and no one would be able to see her emotions.

"Okay, back off."

"Yes, father."

Gu Erlang didn't miss the hint of disdain in his father's eyes at the end, as if his son wasn't as good as his daughter-in-law.

Gu Erlang wasn't annoyed. His wife was favored by his father, which wouldn't do him any harm, so he happily went back home.

Gu Dongyang sat in the study for a while longer. Thinking of the things His Majesty had instructed him to do earlier, he had to pull himself together and get to work!

At times like these, Gu Dongyang would feel envious of Marquis Anxin.

Look at them, they've had a cushy job their whole lives.

That's not right either. Except when there was war or training, he could attend court whenever he wanted and do whatever he wanted. He received a decent salary, but he didn't do much work.

How come Xu Mutou is so lucky!

Now the children have all grown up. Look at the Xu family's children, both boys and girls, they are all so outstanding.

Gu Dongyang looked back at his own family members, and not one of them could stand up and fight against the Xu family's children.

He was so angry!

Despite my anger, I still had to get the work done.

No matter how capable the Xu family's children are, they don't bear the surname Gu, so he still has to find a way to train his descendants and prevent them from becoming spoiled brats.

Zheng Bao'er caught Xu Zhaozhao's eye, and many of the younger generation in the Gu family felt a pang of envy.

But there was nothing they could do about it. After all, Zheng Bao'er's younger brother was going to marry Xie's seventh daughter, and people would occasionally discuss this marriage, but they couldn't get a word in edgewise.

So, all we can do is watch.

Because of this, Zheng Bao'er's status in the mansion quietly rose.

She herself didn't even realize it, because the change happened gradually.

One day, Zheng Bao'er realized that she had been eating bird's nest for several days, and then she realized that she must be different in her mother-in-law's eyes.

Since Zheng Tuo has no parents, Zheng Bao'er naturally has to worry more about his marriage.

Xie Chan's dowry is almost ready.

Everyone has selfish motives.

Xu Zhaozhao naturally had one too.

She disliked Xiao Songshi, and by extension, she also felt a slight dislike for Xie Juan.

Moreover, after spending several months together, Xie Chan clearly came to her liking more. She would often come over to pay her respects and chat, and occasionally bring over handkerchiefs or shoes that she had made herself. This showed that Xie Chan was a truly thoughtful girl.

These two illegitimate daughters did not have as comfortable a life as the legitimate daughters of the other households in the mansion, but if they were willing, how could they not have something to offer?

For example, Xie Chan, although she didn't have any precious jewels or gold and silver, was willing to spend time and effort doing needlework to send them over, which was very gratifying.

Compared to her, Xie Juan was somewhat lacking.

Anyway, Xu Zhaozhao was already wearing the shoes Xie Chan had given her, but Xie Juan still hadn't sent her a handkerchief since the engagement.

Therefore, there are reasons why this person might be biased.

We can't blame everything on those who are biased.

If you can't do anything that makes people favor you, who else can you blame?

I wonder when Xie Juan will finally understand this.

Xu Zhaozhao had Shaoyao secretly prepare two extra boxes of things, which were meant to be Xie Chan's last possessions.

These things cannot be carried over now; we'll have to wait until the time of the wedding.

Xu Zhaozhao just didn't want Xie Juan to cause trouble again.

Since these are the most treasured items, they must all be top-quality.

For example, gold and silver, flying coins, gemstones, jade pendants, etc.

Xu Zhaozhao wasn't biased from the beginning.

Xie Chan is just too sensible and considerate.

Moreover, Xie Chan made the first sacrifice, so it's only natural that Xu Zhaozhao reciprocated with her affection.

August has arrived in the blink of an eye.

On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, everyone who was at home came to pay their respects to the old lady.

Xie Xiaolin was there, but Xie Zheng was on duty and not present.

Before they had exchanged more than a few words, Madam Lin steered the conversation toward Xu Zhaozhao.

"It's been almost a year since Sanlang's wife entered the family, hasn't it? Why haven't we heard any good news yet? It's not that I'm being nosy as an elder, but no matter who is the one with poor health, you and Sanlang should not hide your illness from medical treatment."

Xu Zhaozhao merely glanced at her indifferently, without saying a word, or rather, she disdained to pay her any attention.

It was precisely because of her somewhat contemptuous attitude that she instantly angered Ms. Kobayashi.

“Mother, look at her attitude! As a junior, how can she be so disrespectful to her elders? Isn’t that incredibly rude?”

Xie Xiaowei tilted his head and closed his eyes, looking as if he couldn't bear to look at her, clearly knowing that his wife wouldn't get away with it.

As expected, the old lady didn't speak, and Xu Zhaozhao didn't apologize, but Xie Xiaolin spoke up.

"Sister-in-law, if we're talking about elders, shouldn't it be Mother and me who are most qualified to lecture Sanlang's wife?"