Chapter 720 - 493: Country Bumpkin

Chapter 720: Chapter 493: Country Bumpkin

This little episode didn’t delay much time.

It just let everyone know that the Jiang family and Liu family indeed have a good relationship.

It also let the previously low-key Liu family enter into the view of more people.

Liu Hongcai was just a minor civil official. By taking advantage of his son’s chance to show his face at the Imperial Court, he informed the Emperor about the high-yield grain cultivated by the Jiang family, thereby putting the Liu family on the Emperor’s radar.

Liu Hongcai’s promotions over the past two years only amounted to rank five, which in the eyes of true nobility counts for little.

People only knew he married a good lady who could do business, and his son is not bad; although not in the Capital City, he manages a small county outside and is making strides.

But that’s about it; if anyone wanted to oust such a low-standing, connectionless official, it would be a simple matter.

Even if the Jiang family relations are good, for those with ulterior motives, it doesn’t warrant much discussion.

More attention is focused on the Jiang family.

This family, already famous nationwide, yet making their first entry into the Capital City.

After passing through the bustling market, the surroundings quickly quieted down. Around them were only high walls and large courtyards, no shops or stalls, which suggested this area housed various official residences and noble estates.

Commander Zhou escorted them to the entrance of a big mansion on that street; this was the only entrance, featuring the plaque of the Marquis of Agriculture’s residence, flanked by giant, imposing beast statues.

From inside, attendants rushed to open the door upon hearing the commotion, with a large group of maidservants, matrons, servants, and stewards waiting in the front courtyard.

A nanny helped the second daughter out of the carriage, walking with Jiang Hu into the mansion, as hundreds of servants knelt down simultaneously in the front courtyard.

"The servants greet the marquis, madam, greet the young princely heir, greet the elder son, third son, fourth lady."

This display made Jiang Hu’s eyebrows jump, but he remained composed: "Everyone rise."

"Thank you, Marquis."

The crowd bowed their heads before rising from the ground, while a lean middle-aged man stepped forward hurriedly and saluted respectfully.

"Greetings to the Marquis, madam. I am Zhang Cai. With the marquis and madam away from the residence these years, I’ve been temporarily managing the household affairs."

The current steward of the residence, indeed.

Who the steward was didn’t concern Jiang Hu much, as these people were arranged by the Emperor and Empress; he couldn’t simply dismiss them.

On the way to the Capital City, his sons and sons-in-law had already informed him of many matters requiring attention that the nannies hadn’t mentioned earlier.

Jiang Hu felt rather odd, even believing that coming to the Capital City wasn’t a good thing.

Nonetheless, he kept composed and only nodded slightly at Zhang Cai’s introduction.

"So, it’s Steward Zhang; the household matters for now will remain under Steward Zhang’s management."

Zhang Cai hurriedly bowed: "Thank you for the marquis’ trust. Marquis, madam, and young masters and miss, after your long journey, I’ve ordered hot water prepared for your bath and rest."

"Good."

Afterward, Steward Zhang started arranging things, instructing people to lead them to their respective courtyards, with several attendants following each person.

From serving tea and pouring water to helping with bathing, there were attendants present at all times.

Perhaps they weren’t used to such pampering before, hence felt somewhat uneasy.

Commander Zhou temporarily left after escorting them to the residence, but left some imperial guards by the door, instructing them sternly to stand guard.

With the Jiang family’s new arrival, many things remain unclear, inevitably some may want to take advantage while they are unaware.

Commander Zhou, being one of the Emperor’s men, roughly grasped some of the Emperor’s intentions, so now merely his subordinates were blocking some, those with ulterior motives, which was understandable.

It was the midst of winter, with snow piled up everywhere outside, yet the courtyard was kept clean and tidy, leaving some scenic snowy spots in the garden around fake mountains and small bridges.

Inside, there were brazier fires everywhere, even the baths weren’t cold, it was extremely warm.

Xiaomi tidied herself up, then sat down in front of the dressing table. Her hair was dried by a handmaid, with a basin of brazier fire nearby.

Several wipes were used to dry her hair, almost completely dried, and then roasted by the fire briefly, drying quickly.

The maid skillfully styled her hair into a beautiful young lady’s bun.

There was no denying, being attended by maidservants was convenient, of course, provided these people aren’t harboring ulterior motives.

No one was foolish, her parents specifically reminded Xiaomi when disembarking that in the Capital City, she must not use spatial magic, even if nobody is around.

Xiaomi understood her parents’ concerns and agreed obediently, since things that were to be taken out were already prepared.

Even the three pets—Xiaobai, Xiaohei, and Xiaomi—had successively ’disappeared’ back in Nanyang Prefecture, which they searched for several days.

Including herself, she wouldn’t enter the spatial dimension unless necessary before leaving the Capital City.

Several jewelry boxes were laid out on the dressing table, filled with various floral accessories and hairpins. Xiaomi didn’t have pierced ears, but it didn’t matter, as there were beautiful clip-on earrings.

Once the maid finished, Xiaomi admired herself in the bright shining bronze mirror, and there was no denying, the skills were indeed deft.

"Fourth Miss, lunch will take a bit longer to prepare, would you like to rest for now?"

The Marquis of Agriculture’s family, although newly arrived in the Capital City, had plenty of information shared about them already, long before, back in Lishi City, anything worth knowing was already known.

So, Xiaomi being the fourth young lady didn’t surprise anybody.

Xiaomi stood and stretched: "Then I’ll rest a bit, call me when lunch is ready."

After a bath, she indeed felt a bit drowsy.

A maid warmed the bedding with a copper bed warmer; when she climbed in, it was cozy.

Xiaomi internally marveled, life in wealthy households is truly refined, as she wrapped herself in the blanket and rolled around, soon slipping into a half-sleep.

In her drowsiness, she heard two maids speaking, but merely scoffed internally, not bothering to pay attention.

She didn’t lie there long, only about half an hour before rising, the room silent, the previous two maids nowhere in sight.

By the bed, a coal brazier was still burning low, the window slightly ajar for ventilation, her clothes placed warm on a small stool beside the brazier.

The maids did serve with diligence.

Yet, Xiaomi pouted in response.

"Typical of countryside folk, see how she rolls around in her sleep, no sense of decorum."

This was overheard before she fell asleep; the two maids outside whispering, probably not expecting she hadn’t fully dozed off, and that she heard quite clearly.