Tianliangyuan

Chapter 326 He doesn't treat himself like an outsider!

Xie Xiaolin was very satisfied after hearing what she said.

This daughter-in-law is indeed excellent; she has considered everything carefully.

“You’ve made good arrangements, but Zhang Wu hasn’t farmed much. He did have a job in the army before. Have you considered the future livelihood of him and his sister?”

"Father, as for the job, I originally wanted to discuss it with you after the house was built, and I also wanted to let young Master Zhang consider it himself. Since you brought it up, I will speak frankly."

"You've made arrangements for all of these as well?"

"Yes. The job itself isn't difficult, and young Master Zhang is only fifteen. I wonder what books he has read before, and whether he has any plans to take the imperial examinations?"

Zhang Wu quickly shook his head: "No, I only know a few characters, I'm absolutely incapable of writing articles."

This means that it's impossible for him to take the imperial examination or become a private tutor.

"In that case, is young master Zhang skilled in mathematics?"

"Just barely."

Xu Zhaozhao was actually at a loss for words. This wouldn't work, that wouldn't work, and she didn't want to go back to farming. So what did she want? Would she like a box of money given to her for free?

Seeing that something was amiss, Ms. Yu quickly tried to smooth things over.

“Brother, there’s no rush. Let them go and pay their respects to our parents first, and then see if there are any things they can’t bear to part with in the old house. Although Zhao Zhao has already ordered people to renovate the new house, we should still let the two siblings go and see it, so that they won’t be dissatisfied later.”

Although Zhang Wu wasn't particularly talented, he could still understand good and bad words. He blushed and said, "There's nothing to complain about. The General has been very kind to my brother and me. Moreover, the Crown Prince's wife has been very considerate. We are already very grateful to have a place to stay."

But Zhang Yan clearly didn't think so.

"elder brother!"

"Shut up!"

Zhang Yan swallowed her words, frightened by her brother's fierce appearance. She had always been reluctant to leave the somewhat dilapidated General's Mansion, so how could she possibly bear to leave the Duke's Mansion now that she was in the capital?

This mansion is so big, even the guest house where she lives now is much bigger than her own home, so why should she move out?

The general promised to take care of them, and he cannot go back on his word!

Ultimately, no conclusion was reached.

However, the next day, Zhang Wu and Zhang Yan, the brother and sister, were to return to Zhangjia Village to pay their respects, and according to custom, they were also required to pay their respects to the elders of the clan.

Zhang Wu saw things clearly.

The Crown Prince's wife has already paid for their house construction; there's no reason for them to keep asking for more money.

Moreover, my father died on the battlefield, not because of the general. How can they keep relying on the general?

When Xie Zheng returned home that evening, he heard about the matter, but he only nodded slightly and didn't seem to care.

As a military officer, I've seen this kind of thing many times.

Moreover, he knew the brother and sister, but he didn't have a good impression of them, especially the sister, whose words and actions were often inappropriate. When Xie Zheng was in Jizhou, in order to avoid suspicion, he didn't return to the General's Mansion in Jizhou for more than half a year at one point.

"I heard something interesting today, would you like to hear it, Sanlang?"

Xie Zheng smiled, took her hand and walked towards the couch: "If you are willing to talk, then I will naturally listen attentively."

"Ever since Father returned, that girl named Zhang Yan has been going to sit in Madam Song's courtyard almost every day. She even mentioned wanting to stay in the Duke's mansion. I wonder what you think, Third Brother?"

Xie Zheng looked bewildered: "What does this have to do with me? She's not a member of the Xie family, and her home is less than a hundred miles away. Why doesn't she go home?"

Xu Zhaozhao smiled, pursing her lips, and said reproachfully, "Because they don't treat me like an outsider!"

Even though Xie Zheng was slow to react, he could still sense something fishy going on.

"Why?"

"I must congratulate you, Sanlang. A young lady has taken a liking to you and intends to become your concubine."

Xie Zheng looked disgusted, but after baring his teeth, he quickly hugged Xu Zhaozhao in his arms again.

"I don't need any concubines. You alone are enough to keep me busy. How could I possibly have the energy to attract other women?"

"What do you mean by 'can't handle it'? You're making it sound like I'm always being unreasonable."

"Hehe, I misspoke. My wife is naturally the best in the world, but please don't bring up the matter of taking a concubine again. I have no such intention. Moreover, I promised you that I would only have you as my wife for the rest of my life, and I would not take any concubines or keep any mistresses. I will never go back on my word."

"Although Zhang Yan is not particularly good-looking, she is young, so Sanlang, are you sure you don't want to consider her?"

As Xu Zhaozhao spoke, she deliberately winked.

Seeing this expression, Xie Zheng felt a surge of warmth in his heart. How could his wife have so many facets?

That sly little expression he made just now was so cute!

Without saying a word, he picked the person up and carried them into the inner room.

Xu Zhaozhao exclaimed, "What are you doing! We're talking about serious matters."

"Yes, I'm taking care of business right now."

After a night of spring breeze, Xu Zhaozhao no longer had the strength to even lift a finger, let alone deliberately provoke Xie Zheng.

After this experience, Xu Zhaozhao realized that she absolutely could not be too presumptuous in front of this man in the future.

She only meant to tease him, who knew he would be so fierce!

After paying respects to their parents, Zhang Wu and Zhang Yan returned to the Duke's mansion, but this time, they were arranged to move out immediately.

Although Xu Zhaozhao didn't take Zhang Yan seriously, she really disliked trouble and even more so, she disliked someone eyeing her husband right under her nose.

Therefore, the two were temporarily settled in a house in Wannian County.

This house was rented by Xu Zhaozhao through her own orders.

Xu Zhuzi had a decent impression of Zhang Wu, but he looked down on Zhang Yan completely.

“Young Master Zhang, this house is more than enough for the two of you. There is rice and seasonings in the kitchen. If you need vegetables or meat, you can buy them outside. This is a string of cash that the master has prepared for you two. It is enough if you just need to buy meat and vegetables.”

Zhang Wu looked ashamed and quickly refused, saying, "No, no, no, we can't take this money!"

“Young master, please accept this. This is what our master instructed us to do. If we don’t do it well, we will be punished later. Besides, it’s not that we don’t want you two to stay in the mansion, but the Duke’s mansion is about to hold a grand banquet, and it’s really inconvenient for you two to stay here. Even our Duke’s distant relatives have to stay outside for the time being, so please understand.”

Xu Zhaozhao's move was absolutely brilliant.

They kicked the person out without giving them any reason to complain.

Since the old lady of the Duke's mansion is going to celebrate her birthday, she will definitely hold a grand banquet. When all the relatives come, there will not be enough room for them, so how could she possibly allow two outsiders to stay?

Moreover, all those who came were nobles and dignitaries. Xu Zhaozhao was genuinely afraid that the outspoken Zhang Yan would cause trouble again. If he offended a noble person, and the person held the Duke's mansion accountable, wouldn't they be wronged?