Chapter 704 - 343 Everlasting Affection_2
Li Zhandong finally met his idol, Mr. Pan, and was incredibly excited. He even asked the former top scholar for some advice. Prince Consort Pan, having heard from Yixiu that Qian Xiang had been very helpful to them in the past, patiently guided Li Zhandong for a whole day.
In a few days, it would be time for the spring imperial examination. With the mentorship of a famous teacher, Li Zhandong undoubtedly benefited a great deal.
Huo Lixing, on the other hand, was following closely behind Liang Jinzhao. His two brothers-in-law, one a favored Second-ranking official of the Emperor and the other a trusted Third-ranking General of the Crown Prince. Not only did his brothers need to curry favor with them, but so did his father. His presence in the Huo family had become much more significant than before, and even his maternal aunt received more favor.
After lunch, Qian Sangui pulled Qian Yixiu aside for a confidential chat. It was only with Lady Wu’s intervention that Pan Yue finally took Yixiu to the east wing to speak privately. Knowing that she was well-cared for in the Liang family, that her son-in-law cherished her, and that Lady Cui had not troubled her again, their minds were at ease.
Qian Yixiu, knowing that the first and second branches of the family would be leaving in two days, presented each family with a departure gift of one hundred taels of silver and also gave Duo Duo two sets of bridal headpieces from Hengtai Silver Building as a dowry addition.
Duo Duo, holding the hands of Qian Yixiu and Qian Manting, was on the verge of tears. They were close in age and had often played together in the past. She said, "The two of you can still see each other often, but I’m afraid it’ll be difficult for me to see you again."
Yixiu smiled and said, "I hear your in-laws are also in the shipping business, which makes travel convenient. If you miss us, just take a ship to Capital City to visit." Thinking of Duo Duo’s straightforward character, she added, "When you get to your in-laws’, be gentle and respectful, and get along well with them. But if they bully you too much, don’t just endure it. Send a message to your family if there’s a problem. If they can’t handle it, send a message to Capital City."
Qian Manting also advised her, "You must try to win your husband’s heart so that you can live comfortably in your in-laws’ home. A cunning young wife is not to be feared. As long as you handle it just right, you can not only gain your husband’s favor but also turn her into your ally..."
When Qian Yixiu and Liang Jinzhao rode back to the Liang family, the lamps were just beginning to light up. Monkey Brother and Monkey Sister did not return with them, instead staying at the Qian family.
Indeed, they were free to live wherever they wanted, be it the Eastern Palace, the Liang family, or the Qian family.
Liang Jinzhao, with his arms around the slightly red-eyed Yixiu, smiled and said, "The two families are so close; if you miss them, you can just go back." He thought for a moment and then said, "It’s not suitable to visit your parental home frequently in Capital City, but when the weather gets hot, my grandfather will go to Lan Courtyard to escape the heat. I’ll let you go with him under the pretext of serving your elders. Your grandparents and mother-in-law will also go to Plum Court, and then you’ll be able to see them often."