Chapter 721 - 494 Not Quite Used to It

This Capital City is indeed not suitable for them.

This was Xiaomi’s first day in the Capital City, and she was very sure of this thought.

At least, it’s not suitable for her and her parents.

For others, these things are easy to adapt to, and they can quickly train the people around them, or even replace those people around them.

Including her brother Jiang Wei, she also believes he has that ability.

Her elder brothers are people of this world and have grown up surrounded by this world’s things, so they can quickly get used to all the rules.

But she and her parents are different.

Frankly speaking, they have been small-town citizens for half their lives; accepting this identity change is relatively difficult and tiring.

Xiaomi also knows that, with a little effort, they can quickly find their footing in the Capital City. After all, she has ways to greatly increase the Jiang family’s prestige.

But still, she doesn’t like this life of scheming even in small interactions with maidservants; it’s exhausting.

Why not spend that free time doing something meaningful?

Like building ships, or setting sail to see the vastness of the world.

Someone approached from outside the door, and just by the footsteps, she knew it was Wei Ziang.

"Xiaomi, are you awake? It’s time for lunch."

"Awake, let me change clothes."

Just as she was about to pick up the clothes beside her, she heard a voice outside the door from Wei Ziang inviting someone in, so she simply didn’t move.

It was the two maidservants from earlier, entering respectfully to help Xiaomi dress, showing no signs of disrespect whatsoever.

Xiaomi raised her eyebrows slightly, but didn’t say much.

After dressing, they also draped a thick cloak over her and placed a hand warmer in her arms, very considerate indeed.

But the more she saw this, the more she felt that these maidservants, who were about her age, were somewhat frightening.

As she learned, all the servants in this residence were from the palace, sent by the Emperor and Empress to manage the marquis’s residence that had long lacked a master.

Not to mention whether they would report everything to the Emperor and Empress.

The mere act of them feigning respect while inwardly disdainful was enough to make Xiaomi dislike them.

Most importantly, because these people belong to the Emperor and Empress, even if dissatisfied, they cannot be directly driven away.

A chill came over her as Wei Ziang stood in the doorway with an umbrella and held it over their heads upon seeing her come out.

"What’s wrong, are you not used to it?"

Wei Ziang was keenly aware of Xiaomi’s immediate dislike towards the two maidservants.

Xiaomi shook her head: "No."

But she didn’t say much else, instead surprisedly looked up at the sky: "It’s snowing."

It wasn’t snowing when they arrived.

"Yes, it just started snowing. Let’s go, our parents are waiting for us; let’s go and eat first."

Wei Ziang hadn’t rested, having already strolled around the marquis’s residence beforehand, figuring out its general layout, and as they spoke, they reached the main hall.

Others were already waiting, with many maidservants around, holding hot water for washing hands, hot towels, and mouth-rinsing tea soup.

The servants were more numerous than the diners.

The dining etiquette was indeed many; follow local customs, since the Empress had specially sent people to instruct them, they naturally couldn’t pretend not to know anything.

That would be losing face.

Fortunately, after the meal started, most of the servants withdrew, leaving only three to attend, who were then sent away by Jiang Hu.

Indeed, it’s more comfortable to eat slowly and talk and laugh with one’s family.

Jiang Yu mentioned something to his wife, then looked towards Xiaomi.

"By the way Xiaomi, Commander Zhou came by again recently, saying people from the palace will arrive early tomorrow to take you into the palace."

"Us?" Xiaomi was stunned, "Aren’t you going, elder brother?"

Jiang Yu shook his head: "I’m not going; you and Ma go to the harem to see the Empress, Pa and Xiao Wei will probably go to the Imperial Study Room, while Ziang will go to the morning court with General Zhou tomorrow, presumably for a reward."

When Commander Zhou came, he energetically showcased the musket, and it’s said that the Ministry of War is now commissioning mass production, which should be equipped for some of the imperial guards after the New Year.

Later, it will be gradually equipped throughout various armies.

Because the musket was developed in Lishi City, along with the nearby iron mines still barely exploited, it appears that the military in Lishi City will be the first to be equipped.

This time the Jiang family entered the capital, apart from the widely known Marquess Nongzheng, the most talked about is Wei Ziang.

The Jiang family’s foster child, the young general who abandoned civil studies for the military.

According to Commander Zhou, some masters who returned from the border were still waiting for Wei Ziang, seemingly because of something Wei Ziang inadvertently said when they left Lishi City.

Xiaomi was somewhat curious: "Why aren’t you going, elder brother?"

Jiang Yu smiled: "Why would I go? I don’t understand farming matters, and besides, spring exams aren’t far off, so I’d better stay home and read diligently."

Not just reading; over the next few months, he plans to study earnestly at the official academy.

Of course, the most important reason is that the Emperor didn’t summon him.

Younger brother and father are successful in agriculture, the Empress summons mother and Xiaomi because they are women.

Xiaomi seemed to understand, nodded and said nothing further.

In the afternoon, indeed many people came to the mansion, some unfamiliar, visiting Marquess Nongzheng, and some familiar, seeking Wei Ziang.

Of course, Liu Hongcai and Liu Qingxuan, father and son, also found time to visit in the afternoon, then quickly whisked the Jiang family away when the mansion finally had no visitors.

Although Liu Hongcai’s rank is not very high, his wife’s money-making skills are unbeatable.

Located not far from the Marquess Nongzheng’s mansion, there was also a large five-courtyard residence, where upon arrival, the doorman quickly went to notify the grandfather, and the wife, young master, and young lady.

Uncle Liu had lived with the Jiang family in his early years, later moving to Capital City after Liu Hongcai was promoted; naturally, the son and daughter-in-law brought him over.

After many years without seeing each other, everyone was naturally delighted; Uncle Liu remained vigorous despite being past seventy, and upon hearing their arrival, walked energetically, leaving his attendants behind.

Aunt Qian pulled the second madam and Xiaomi closely, asking about everyone’s well-being, joyously inquiring about Zhou Ying, knowing she was Jiang Yu’s wife, though already aware, still astonished and delighted, quickly inviting everyone inside to talk.

Liu Qingxuan supported his grandfather, following his father inside, bustling and lively; one might think it was the New Year’s celebration.

The Jiang family prepared many gifts, and Jiang Wei could only instruct briefly before being taken inside.