Zhao Huai'an arrived at the Sixth Prince's Estate with his New Year's gifts.
"Mr. Zhao, you're quite early," the Butler said with a smile.
Jun Hui valued his strategists, so the Butler naturally treated them very well, making the advisors feel valued and needed. This was also why so many people were willing to follow Jun Hui wholeheartedly.
Zhao Huai'an pulled out a purse, slipped it into the Butler's hand, and chuckled, "Happy New Year to you, Butler."
The Butler smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Zhao. His Highness is in the study. Please, Mr. Zhao."
Outside the study, the Butler knocked on the door. "Your Highness, Mr. Zhao has arrived."
"Enter."
The Butler turned back, smiling, "Sir, please come in."
Zhao Huai'an entered the study and saw Jun Hui engrossed in a book. Seeing him enter, Jun Hui put down his book and smiled, "Mr. Zhao has arrived?"
"Huai'an wishes Your Highness a Happy New Year. May Your Highness enjoy eternal peace and prosperity, utmost joy and abundance, and may all your desires be fulfilled!"
"Thank you, Sir. I hope, as you say, that with your assistance, my wishes will be granted. Please, have a seat, Sir."
Zhao Huai'an sat down, just about to speak, when the Butler's voice came again. "Your Highness, the advisors have all come to deliver their New Year's gifts."
One after another, strategists entered from outside the door, each uttering more beautiful auspicious greetings than the last. Jun Hui responded to each with a gentle smile.
Zhao Huai'an sat in a corner, finding no opportunity to speak for a while. He felt anxious. There were quite a number of strategists in the Sixth Prince's Estate; how could he make His Highness value him?
He thought of the piece of paper Rong Qing had given him that morning as he left the house. Though he didn't know its purpose, it was worth a try.
Jun Hui chatted with the group for a while, then changed the subject. "Thank you all, gentlemen. It's not convenient to keep you for a meal today, as this Prince must go to the palace. Tomorrow, I'll invite you all to grace us with your presence, and we'll drink to our hearts' content!"
"Your Highness is too kind."
"Your Highness need not concern yourself with us. We shall take our leave then."
"Yes, yes, we'll trouble you again tomorrow."
Jun Hui smiled. "My apologies for the poor hospitality. I trust you gentlemen are understanding. Butler, don't forget the red packets I've prepared for everyone."
The Butler replied, "Understood, Your Highness. This way, everyone, please."
Everyone started to leave, but Zhao Huai'an remained seated. Jun Hui looked puzzled. "Mr. Zhao, is there anything else?"
Zhao Huai'an rose, took the paper from his sleeve, and handed it to Jun Hui. "Your Highness, please take a look. This was written by Rong Qing, and she asked me to deliver it to Your Highness."
Jun Hui frowned as he took it, then unfolded it. It contained only a few unremarkable lines of poetry, but the handwriting seemed familiar. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. He remembered! This was Minister Su's handwriting!
Minister Su was the foremost civil official, not because of his high rank, but because he was incorruptible in office, upright and selfless. At that time, the Emperor Father had even praised Minister Su, saying his calligraphy reflected his character, embodying pure integrity. Minister Su's calligraphy rubbings had even been circulated throughout the court back then.
Jun Hui quickly asked, "This was written by Su Yue, oh no, Rong Qing?"
Not understanding why Jun Hui was suddenly so agitated, Zhao Huai'an nodded. "Precisely."
Jun Hui slapped the paper onto the table, exclaiming excitedly, "Heaven truly helps me!"
Jun Hui quickly spread out a sheet of Xuan paper and wrote furiously. After finishing, he handed it to Zhao Huai'an. "Have Rong Qing transcribe a copy of this exactly as it is!"
Zhao Huai'an unfolded it and his eyes widened. "Your Highness! This is...!"
Jun Hui said calmly, "You only need to do as I say. As for anything else, you and Rong Qing need not concern yourselves. After this matter is concluded, it will be counted as a great meritorious deed for both of you."
Zhao Huai'an, with a trembling heart, carefully folded the paper and tucked it into his robes. "Yes, Your Highness."
"You may return now. Butler, are Mr. Zhao's red packets ready?"
The Butler glanced at Jun Hui, instantly understanding his meaning. "Rest assured, Your Highness. Mr. Zhao, please follow this old servant."
Zhao Huai'an cupped his hands. "My thanks to Your Highness. Then Huai'an shall take his leave."
Watching Zhao Huai'an's retreating back, a dark cloud descended upon Jun Hui's eyes. If this scheme succeeded, the Su family would cease to exist. Jun Mo certainly wouldn't stir up trouble for the sake of a woman. By then, he could secretly replace her and keep Su Li by his side! Su Li, since you disdain the position of Princely Consort, then be a canary.
At the manor gate, the Butler placed a thick red packet in Zhao Huai'an's hand. "Congratulations, Mr. Zhao, this is a unique one!"
Zhao Huai'an's heart thumped with excitement. It seemed Rong Qing had told him the truth! "Please convey my gratitude to His Highness, Butler!"
Zhao Huai'an boarded his carriage before opening the red packet. His eyes instantly widened. A full fifty thousand taels!
At this moment, the Su Manor was filled with an atmosphere of joy. Su Father, Su Mother, and everyone in the Su Manor gazed in shock at the New Year's gifts sent by their prospective son-in-law. Had Prince Jing's Estate been emptied out?
Su Li whispered to Jun Mo beside her, "Ziyan, isn't this a bit too much?"
Jun Mo smiled. "Not at all."
He then stepped forward, cupped his hands, and bowed to Su Father and Su Mother, declaring in a clear voice, "Ziyan wishes Uncle and Aunt a Happy New Year. May you both shine like the stars of longevity, may your parents flourish in health, may your children and grandchildren be numerous and talented, and may your home be filled with blessings."
Su Father laughed. "Excellent, excellent, Ziyan. Today, let's have a good drink. Your Mother has already declared she won't interfere today. Come, let's go to the study and play a game of chess. Xu Jin, bring some wine."
Su Mother smiled. "Though I say I won't interfere, you must know your limits and not make a fool of yourselves in front of the younger generation."
Jun Mo chuckled. "Don't worry, Aunt. Uncle won't overindulge."
Su Li stepped forward and linked her arm with her mother's. "Mother, in all my life, I've never seen Father drunk."
Su Mother watched the two men head towards the study, then instructed the Butler to move the New Year's gifts into the storeroom. Turning back to her daughter, she chuckled, "Your Father, well, that's because he once made a fool of himself from drinking."
Su Li asked curiously, "What kind of fool?"
Mother and daughter walked towards the inner rooms, chatting as they went. Su Mother still found the memory amusing. "Your maternal grandfather was fond of drinking. When your father first came to propose marriage, your maternal grandfather saw his scholarly, frail appearance and utterly despised him, finding fault in every way.
He'd seize every opportunity to ply your father with wine. Your father knew your maternal grandfather was displeased, so he went back and diligently practiced his alcohol tolerance. Practicing martial arts was too late, but practicing drinking was feasible. If he could get his father-in-law happy with drink, he naturally wouldn't pick on him anymore."
"When your maternal grandfather tried to ply him with wine again, he could handle it with ease. In the year your father married me, your maternal grandfather saw that this young man was truly sincere, and gradually his attitude towards your father improved."
"But what really made your maternal grandfather nod his head was that one time, your maternal grandfather seized another opportunity to challenge your father to a drinking contest, and both ended up completely drunk. When your maternal grandmother and I arrived, we saw them with their arms around each other's shoulders, calling each other sworn brothers, pffft..."
At the end, Su Mother burst into laughter. Su Li listened, finding it amusing. Father truly had a difficult time trying to marry Mother.
"So, from then on, Father never overindulged in drink?"
Su Mother smiled. "Yes, your maternal grandfather sobered up, recalled his outrageous behavior, and after a good scolding from your maternal grandmother, he stopped plying your father with wine. He also finally agreed to the marriage."
Su Li looked at her mother. The years had barely left a trace on her face; even while pregnant, she was radiant, gentle, and serene. Before her marriage, she was the Duke's Manor's cherished daughter, and after marriage, Father treated her like a precious jewel.
In her previous life, if not for Madam Xia, if not for herself, Mother would have been very happy. In this life, she would definitely protect this family and ensure Mother remained happy! Anyone who wished to destroy that happiness would receive no mercy from her!
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