Chapter 264 - 263: New Year’s Money
Ji Mingzhu wanted to go out, but Princess An He disagreed.
Upon hearing that Ah Zhen would accompany her, she reluctantly nodded, "Take more attendants with you, so you won’t get separated in the crowd."
Ji Mingzhu thought the same.
Though having many people might be cumbersome, it’s better than being short-handed when something happens.
"Don’t go to crowded places. If you really want to join in the fun, rent a box and enjoy it from a high place."
Xie Yunzhen had planned this from the beginning.
He wanted to take his wife out for a walk, which would be good for her and the baby’s health.
But safety cannot be taken lightly.
Now that the capital is calm, he’s willing to take Mingzhu out.
One should always be cautious, and it’s good to have more people around.
As Ji Mingzhu and Xie Yunzhen were about to leave, Princess An He called them back.
Princess An He instructed the nanny to bring a tray with a red envelope, containing New Year’s money.
It was prepared for the unacquainted grandson or granddaughter.
"I was planning to give this to you tomorrow morning, but it’s just as well to give it now. You can buy some small items for the child since some things won’t be available at the border."
Ji Mingzhu instinctively looked at Xie Yunzhen.
She was still not used to this version of Princess An He.
Even though she knew in her heart that the kindness was directed toward the child in her womb.
Xie Yunzhen accepted it openly and, upon opening, saw several large silver notes inside.
Ji Mingzhu glanced as well, noticing the top one was worth a hundred taels.
It was more than many court officials’ salaries...
Xie Yunzhen put the silver notes away, "When the child grows up, they can earn money to repay you."
Princess An He laughed, "Money is something you can’t bring with you in life or death. What’s mine is my grandchildren’s. I’ll be delighted to give it to them."
Back when she married into the Duke Mansion, she brought a generous dowry.
Now the unfaithful man is gone, and those illegitimate sons have been separated; everything of the main house is under her control.
She has only this one son, so she might only have two or three grandchildren in the future.
If I don’t spend more now, when will I use it all?
Xie Yunling was extremely envious, glancing towards Crane Dance Hall.
Both are grandmothers, so why is her grandmother so different from others’?
Silently, she decided that when she discussed marriage, she must find a good mother-in-law.
Not only would she be happy, but future children would benefit too!
"Sister Mingzhu, I’ll go with you."
Mrs. Guan scolded, "Child, why do you want to join in on all the fun? Sit properly and don’t trouble Ah Zhen and Mingzhu."
Xie Yunling pouted, "After the New Year, Sister Mingzhu will leave the capital; I won’t have a chance to cling to her."
"Wait for their return, and then you can go to the East House to chat with Mingzhu."
Xie Yunling’s tone was resentful, "Big Brother disagrees, says it’ll disturb Sister Mingzhu’s rest. Last time I went to Ji Mansion, he only allowed me to sit for a quarter-hour."
Mrs. Guan laughed helplessly.
She thought Ah Zhen was being too exaggerated.
But recalling how this young couple lost a child last year, she felt it was reasonable to be cautious.
"Today, keep calm in the mansion and accompany the elders. Tomorrow, I’ll take you out to a banquet, and as for Mingzhu, you can accompany her for a walk every morning."
The purpose of attending banquets was to discuss marriage.
Xie Yunling was mentally prepared but still somewhat dejected.
She feared marrying the wrong person.
And feared not getting along in a stranger’s household.
If only she could bring a husband into her home, she wouldn’t have to serve unfamiliar parents, deal with unknown relatives...
But unfortunately, her parents never considered that option.
Xie Yunling hung her head, and Ji Mingzhu felt only heartache watching her.
Once a woman marries, she faces many situations beyond her control.
"Aunt, let Yun Ling come along with us. More people make it livelier."
Upon hearing this, Xie Yunling immediately linked arms with Ji Mingzhu, "Sister-in-law is the best to me."
She deliberately extended her pronunciation of "sister-in-law," full of teasing.
Ji Mingzhu cast her a glance, this little girl was teasing her again!
Princess An He frowned, "Be careful, don’t bump into Mingzhu’s belly. Watch where you’re going, don’t be careless and cause her to fall."
Xie Yunling cheerfully said, "Aunt, now that you have grandchildren, you can’t just treat me like a weed. You used to like me a lot when I was little."
Princess An He thought, can that be the same?
The child in Ji Mingzhu’s belly is her real grandchild, her own flesh and blood!
No one can touch them.
Even Ji Mingzhu will have to be moderate in disciplining them; otherwise, she won’t agree.
Waving her hand, she said, "Go early and come back early, the New Year’s Eve dinner starts early, don’t miss the time."
And she let an experienced nanny follow them before finally allowing them to leave the mansion.
On the carriage, Xie Yunling complained to Ji Mingzhu, "I think I behave well, so why does Aunt and Big Brother see me as careless?"
Ignored, Xie Yunzhen felt a moment of awkwardness.
Looking at the back of the little girl’s head, he explained, "It’s just that the situation is special now, not that you’re really careless."
Xie Yunling huffed, "You’re just bullying me."
Xie Yunzhen really hadn’t thought about it much then. He was just afraid someone might accidentally bump Mingzhu’s belly.
Thinking about it now, it indeed seemed a bit hurtful.
Fortunately, Yunling was broad-minded and didn’t take the words to heart; otherwise, she might have distanced herself from them.
He cleared his throat, "Whatever you want, I’ll buy it for you."
Xie Yunling’s mouth curled into a wide grin before she quickly restrained it, "Don’t think you can dismiss me with money; I’m not someone who lacks ambition."
Ji Mingzhu pinched her cheek, "Only a fool would refuse money."
Upon hearing this, it seemed right.
Xie Yunling finally gave Xie Yunzhen a frontal smile, "I have my eye on a screen, it’s double-sided embroidery, very exquisite and beautiful, but also very expensive."
Xie Yunzhen nodded, "Buy it."
"Zhu Yanfang released a skincare balm."
"Buy it."
After he said this, Xie Yunzhen asked, "Can pregnant women use it?"
This, Xie Yunling really didn’t know.
Ji Mingzhu didn’t lack these things, "You don’t need to buy them for me."
Knowing his wife loved beauty, Xie Yunzhen knew.
For the sake of their child, she wasn’t even using lipstick.
Though she was naturally beautiful, carrying a cold beauty without makeup.
But Xie Yunzhen thought if she could dress up freely, Mingzhu would be happier.
Thinking it over, he said, "I’ll have someone prepare a special one for you."
Ji Mingzhu was happy to spend silver for things bought for Xie Yunling.
She raised an eyebrow, "Where did you get private money to prepare skincare balm?"
Calmly, he pulled out the red envelope, "Borrowed from the child’s."
Ji Mingzhu couldn’t help but burst into laughter, "You have no shame!"
Xie Yunzhen smiled faintly, "He doesn’t even know how to spend it, so I might as well teach him how to be filial to his mother in the future."
Xie Yunling was amused by the couple.
Resolutely, she said, "When I discuss marriage, I want to find a good man like Big Brother!"
Proudly praised, Xie Yunzhen gave Ji Mingzhu a smug look.
Ji Mingzhu patted Xie Yunling’s head, "Truly grown up, can say sweet words."
Xie Yunzhen: "..."
Was his wife denying that he was a good man?
He looked resentfully at Ji Mingzhu, then closed his eyes to rest, ignoring them.
Xie Yunling, holding Ji Mingzhu’s arm, silently gave a thumbs up.
Three years ago, Xie Yunling wouldn’t have dared to imagine.
One day, Big Brother would be so tamely controlled.
The once majestic tiger suddenly turned into a proud housecat.
The contrast is truly extraordinary!