Chapter 1292 - 978: Dowry_2
Upon reaching the Flower Hall, after everyone was seated, Xie Pan’Er finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Returning home today, I suppose Mother has already guessed, I’ll be staying at the Ji Mansion until my grand wedding with His Majesty. Mother and my sisters-in-law mustn’t find me troublesome!"
Old Madam Ji smiled and said, "This is a joyous occasion, we are more than happy! How could we find you troublesome?
However, your elder sister-in-law is about to give birth, and your third sister-in-law is also pregnant. You have only three months until your wedding, and although we’ve had your third sister-in-law preparing many things beforehand.
There are still many matters that need clear communication and coordination with the Internal Affairs and Clan Offices, and many tasks remain to be handled. I’ve thought it over, and currently, your elder sister-in-law must not be disturbed, and your third sister-in-law can’t be overburdened, so now only your second sister-in-law, sixth sister-in-law, and eighth sister-in-law can help you with these matters. But your second sister-in-law doesn’t like handling chores.
Your sixth and eighth sisters-in-law are still new brides and might not understand many things, so when His Majesty’s Imperial Decree came yesterday, I sent someone to bring your mother to the mansion, she should be arriving soon. She’ll guide your sisters-in-law to help you manage these affairs, what do you think?"
Although Old Madam Ji had posed it as a question at the end, there was essentially no room for negotiation.
Xie Pan’Er felt both touched and helpless.
She was touched because if she didn’t have the support of the Ji Family, she definitely wouldn’t have become the Empress today.
Most importantly, at this crucial moment, Old Madam Ji was still considering having Xie Pan’Er’s mother prepare for the wedding affairs.
"Thank you, Mother, for thinking of me. Mother’s arrangements are excellent, I’m very happy!"
Old Madam Ji also noticed at this moment that Xie Pan’Er had become quite different, even her way of speaking was quite thoughtful. When asked if she was okay with the arrangements?
She responded by saying she was very happy.
Instead of saying she was very satisfied or similar, this child has indeed been refined in the palace for some time.
"That’s good. You should all visit your third sister-in-law’s courtyard, she’ll hand over the prepared dowry and some wedding essentials, such as lists, to you."
After finishing, Old Madam Ji stood up and said, "I’m also tired and will go rest first. After you visit your third sister-in-law, come keep this old lady company. Suisui has been led away by Princess Lianchun to handle affairs, so my place is rather lonely!"
Upon hearing this, Hu Shu’Er became a bit anxious.
"Mother, my eighth sister-in-law and I visit you every day! You still feel lonely; is there something we did wrong that displeased you?"
Hearing Hu Shu’Er’s words, Old Madam Ji suddenly realized she had misspoken and hurriedly explained.
"I’m not saying it was lonely before, but once you all take over Pan’Er’s wedding arrangements, you’ll have no time for this old woman. So, I’ll have Pan’Er stay in my courtyard; any matters can be directed to her there, bringing liveliness to my place."
Upon hearing this, Hu Shu’Er finally breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
Xiao Zhenzhu showed no particular reaction, only quietly listening, and then followed them to Zhu Xiuxiu’s courtyard.
Ji Youcheng has been especially busy lately. Ever since Princess Lianchun returned to the capital, she not only emptied Empress Dowager Xiao’s private treasury under the guise of Xiaosui to make investments for him.
She further urged the Emperor to discreetly take out treasures from his private treasury, handing them over for investment and profit-sharing.
That was manageable, as he was familiar with business, but the crux now was that they were also having him arrange for provisions, making him even busier.
Thus, when Xie Pan’Er and Xiao Zhenzhu arrived, Zhu Xiuxiu was the only one sitting in a deck chair under the flower arch in the courtyard, basking in the sun.
"Third sister-in-law, your courtyard is too comfortable!
When did you put up such a flower arch?"
Zhu Xiuxiu quickly got up from the chair and said, "What brings you all here, and together? Was this arranged?"
Before anyone could respond, she looked at Xie Pan’Er and said, "You’re now the Empress, I must salute you!"
Hearing this, Xie Pan’Er quickly stepped forward to stop her.
"Third sister-in-law, you must be teasing me, I’m not married yet!
Besides, even if I become the Empress, I’m still a daughter of the Ji family, and you’re my sister-in-law, how could I dare accept your salute?"