Chapter 510 - 504_1
This was also the most valuable gift in this year’s tribute, the most precious one. Not to mention the screen frame carved from exquisite golden Phoebe nanmu by Zhang Qiusheng, complemented by Lin Yue’s drawings. As for the embroidery on the screen, although Lin Yue didn’t use the Double-sided Three Unique Embroidery this time, it was still not any ordinary double-sided embroidery. She used double-sided embroidery in contrasting colors. Although this technique may not seem as magical as the Double-sided Three Unique Embroidery, it was definitely very impressive. Such a four-panel screen’s embroidery work would make even the Marchioness of Zhenbei, no matter how much she pretended, unable to contain her surprise and admiration.
Lin Yue also thought that since it was her first time sending New Year gifts to the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Zhenbei, even though all the items were exquisite, there should be one or two particularly valuable ones. After much consideration, she decided to present this piece of double-sided embroidery in contrasting colors. Although this technique was new as well, it was not as astonishing as the aforementioned Three Unique Embroideries. However, she believed it wouldn’t be a problem if people found out about it, especially since the Zhao Family now had quite a substantial backing, capable of warding off the covetous looks of ordinary people.
With all the New Year gifts displayed, the Marchioness of Zhenbei and her son were at a complete loss for words, looking as dejected as defeated roosters—arriving with heads held high only to leave in low spirits. Little Jinzi found the despondent faces of the mother and son pair hilarious, but even more amusing was Feng Lingling. Seeing so many wonderful items, especially the food she couldn’t bear to part with, she actually had the nerve to ask Feng Yinan for some before leaving.
"Big brother, the Zhao Family has sent so many New Year gifts, you can’t possibly finish all these fruits and vegetables. Give some to your little sister, or else I’ll have mother give you silver to buy them from you," Feng Lingling said, her eyes begging as she looked at Feng Yinan, unaware of the even darker expressions on the Marchioness of Zhenbei and her son caused by her request.
"Hehe," Feng Yinan actually laughed out loud this time and generously agreed to Feng Lingling’s request, "Alright, I’ll have someone deliver them to you later."
After the New Year tribute for the Marquis of Zhenbei’s heir was delivered, Haishi went successively to the Jiang Residence and the Princess Residence to deliver their tributes. They couldn’t enter the palace, so the gifts for Princess Yongle were sent through the Commandery Princess Roujia, following Lin Yue’s instructions. The last stop was the Chen Mansion, where they brought the fewest items.
Due to the strained relationship between the wife of Zhao Erhu and the Chen Family, the ties between Zhao Erhu’s couple and the Chen Family were no longer as they had been. Now, it was merely a matter of keeping up appearances, and the gifts were sufficiently decent without requiring much effort.
Having delivered all the items, Haishi finally breathed a sigh of relief upon returning to the Zhao Residence, only to suddenly hear news that Zhao Erhu had already arrived in the Capital City. He was currently at the Marquis of Zhenbei’s estate discussing matters with the Princely Heir and would return later.
Zhao Erhu’s first concern upon seeing Haishi sent by Lin Yue to deliver New Year gifts to the Capital City was the safety of Lin Yue. Fortunately, upon hearing from Haishi that Xin’an City had been quite peaceful lately—perhaps the perpetrators also needed to go home for the New Year, resulting in less crime during this period—and that Musheng was guarding the home with servants, and considering his wife did not like going out in such cold weather, she should be safe from harm.