When the villagers heard the news, they began to talk about it.

"Da Zhuang, there was a letter from your family at the relay station. I brought it back for you."

Ri Zheng called out to Lin Dazhuang's family. "Jiawen, come and take a look. It's from your family's Hun 'er. It's a big bundle."

Ri Zheng's attitude towards Lin Zhuang's family was now very warm.

Lin Jiawen had passed the county level examination this year and was now a person with scholarly honors. He didn't need to kneel when he saw the county magistrate.

Lin Jiawen ignored Ri Zheng's deliberately flattering attitude and took the bundle and said a few perfunctory words.

When the villagers heard Ri Zheng's words, they also curiously looked at the bundle.

A few people shouted, "Scholar Lin, open it. Everyone, take a look. What good things did your family's Hun 'er bring back?"

Among the ten people who entered the palace before, only the daughter of the Lin family, Lin Jiaojiao, who lived at the entrance of the village, brought back something. Lin Jiaojiao's mother was very proud.

Every time she met someone, she would say how good her Jiaojiao was. She was now working in the imperial palace and was very appreciated. She even brought back a lot of money.

This time, the bundle that Lin Jiabao sent back was so big that the villagers all stared at it and guessed how much money he brought back.

Lin Jiawen ignored their jeering and quickly walked home with his father.

At home, Zhang Huiniang supported his daughter-in-law, who was already more than six months pregnant. "Is there any good news?"

Lin Jiawen told them the news that Ri Zheng announced and said excitedly, "Jia Bao brought something back!"

The family was very excited when they heard this and hurriedly urged, "Quickly open it and take a look …"

Ever since Lin Jiaojiao brought something back, they had been hoping that Jia Bao would also send a letter back.

Jia Bao had been in the palace for more than a year, almost two years. His family was worried about him all the time. Even a message could make them feel at ease.

The whole family couldn't wait to open the bundle. Inside was a thick stack of letters, an exquisite pouch, and a bundle of silver wrapped in a handkerchief.

Lin Jiawen unfolded the letter first. Lin Jiawen looked at it. Lin Jiabao's handwriting was big, so he began to read it aloud: "Father, Mother, I am Jia Bao."

I'm doing very well in the palace. I'm currently working in the Empress' palace in the Empress' palace. I specialize in making snacks for the Empress.

Mama Lin, who was in charge of the Imperial Desserts Room, treated me well and taught me how to make desserts. Now, I can make several kinds of desserts and pastries, and they are all delicious.

It's a pity that you can't eat it. But after I leave the palace, I can cook it for you every day.

I now have a monthly allowance of one or two silver coins, and I often receive rewards. After I leave the palace, I can open a dessert shop in the county.

In the future, I will make a lot of money and then buy a big house in the city.

Our family will live together!

Father, Mother, Eldest Sister, Eldest Brother-in-law, Eldest Brother, Eldest Sister-in-law, Second Sister, Youngest Brother, Youngest Sister, I really miss you!

This time, the Empress has shown mercy. You must come to see me during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

I'm afraid that you don't have enough money, so I brought back all the silver coins and rewards I saved.

There's also the silver coins that I brought to the palace before. I didn't use them, and I don't have any money to spend in the palace.

You must come to see me. Jia Bao misses you so much!

After listening to Jiawen reading the letter and looking at Jia Bao's painting, Zhang Huiniang wiped his tears: "This child's painting is really good. The dessert painting is really the same."

"It seems that Jia Bao is doing well in the palace. I can rest assured now."

Lin Dazhuang was also very happy: "Child's mother, tomorrow you should go to the in-laws' place. Jin 'er has been worried about you."

When Lin Jiabao's eldest sister, Lim Jing 'er, heard the news that Jia Bao went to the palace, she was so sad that she almost had a miscarriage.

Fortunately, she gave birth to a pair of twins, a boy and a girl.

This made the Qin family very happy. Mrs. Qin was very fond of the twins and believed that Lim Jing 'er had a good fate. After Lim Jing' er finished her confinement, she handed over the housekeeping power to her and became a good grandmother who doted on her children.

Lin Dazhuang opened the handkerchief and saw that there was indeed a lot of silver coins.

After counting, there were actually 135 taels of silver.

"So much silver!

"Wow!

Wow! "The twins were also very excited. With so much silver, they could buy a lot of delicious food.

"Why is there so much? Isn't it one tael of silver a month? Plus the 20 taels that you brought to the palace before, it should be at most 30 taels?

I heard that Lin Jiaojiao only brought back 20 taels of silver. "Lin Jiawen was puzzled.

When Xuanyuan Hancheng saw that Lin Jiabao had 35 taels of silver in the bag, he had someone add another 100 taels.

Thinking about it, he was afraid that it would be inappropriate, so he ordered to use broken silver.

Therefore, the burden that the Lin family received became a relatively large one.

"What's wrong with this? Jia Bao works in the palace of the Empress. The Empress is the most powerful in the harem, so of course, she is the most generous.

She also rewards a lot. "

Chang Clan said indifferently. When the family heard this, except for Lin Jiawen, they all felt that this was reasonable!

Lin Jiawen's wife, Wu Clan, also thought that this silver would be enough for her husband to go to Xuzhou to take the provincial examination next year.

Lin Li'er touched the exquisite embroidered pouch. The flowers and plants embroidered on it were very beautiful, and the pouch was also bulging. He poured out the contents on the table. "There's more in this pouch!"

He poured out five silver fruits and three golden sunflower seeds from the pouch.

"Ah!

Is this made of gold?

It's so beautiful! "His younger sister pinched one and looked at it carefully.

"It's from the palace after all, so it's very delicate.

This silver fruit probably weighs 100 taels. "Chang Clan weighed it in his hand.

The whole family happily sat around the table and played with the toys.

With this large sum of money, the family discussed.

After deducting the travel expenses for going to the capital and Lin Jiawen's expenses for going to the provincial capital, Xuzhou, next year,.

Lin Dazhuang planned to use the remaining silver to renovate the house, add a few more rooms, and expand the house.

Soon, there would be a new addition to the family, and the children would also grow up.

The matter of the house was imminent.

He originally wanted to keep the silver for his son to use next year, but now he didn't have to worry about it.

Building a house in the countryside wasn't expensive. With labor and materials, it could be built very well with a few dozen taels.

The rest of the money was prepared to buy a few mu of land. Now that he didn't have to pay taxes, the more land he had, the more income he would have.

No one had any objections to putting these mu of land under Lin Jiabao's name.

If Jia Bao brought money back in the future, they were prepared to buy more land.

This way, when Jia Bao came back, he would have something to rely on.

He left the money in the pouch untouched, in case there was an emergency.

Early the next morning, Chang Clan went to the city to visit their daughter. Lin Dazhuang took Lin Jiawen to Ri Zheng's house to discuss the matter of building a house and buying land.

Not long after they left, Lin Jiaojiao's house came.

Lin Jiaojiao's mother heard yesterday that Lin Jiabao also brought something back. She was very curious and came early this morning to inquire about the news.

The Wu Clan didn't want to chase her away, so Lin Li 'er supported her and asked her to sit down.

"What's the matter so early in the morning?"

"I heard that your Qin 'er brought something back, so I came to ask.

Haha, where is your Qin 'er working now?

My Jiaojiao is working in the Noble Lady's Palace! "Lin Jiaojiao's mother asked nosily.

The Wu Clan didn't like her appearance, "Our Jia Bao is working in the Empress's Palace!"

"The Empress is in the Empress's Palace!"

Lin Jiaojiao's mother paused, then said proudly, "Then he's working in the kitchen. My Jiaojiao is in the Empress's Palace.

How much money did your Qin 'er bring back? "

"What does it have to do with you!" Lin Li 'er said angrily when she heard that her younger brother was a servant.

"I heard it was a big bag. It must have cost a lot of money." Lin Jiaojiao's mother didn't give up and asked.

"I'm not telling you." Lin Li 'er fiercely replied.

The Wu Clan also didn't want to tell her. She knew that one shouldn't show off one's wealth.

"It wasn't much. Aunt Lin, my family still has matters to attend to. It's not convenient for me to entertain you. Please go back."

"Aiyo, you're putting on airs after becoming a scholar's wife?

Even if you don't say it, I know. It's just a servant. He must have brought back a big bag of copper coins. Hahahaha. "Lin Jiaojiao's mother maliciously guessed when she saw that they weren't willing to say.

Lin Li 'er took out a large broom to chase her away, "Are you leaving or not!

Are you leaving or not! "

Lin Jiaojiao's mother cursed as she walked out of Lin Dazhuang's house. "Damn girl, you're so fierce. Be careful that you won't be able to get married."

It was almost noon when the Chang Clan arrived at the Qin Clan's house in the city. The Qin Clan's entire family was there.

Lin Jing 'er was also very happy to see her mother. "Mother, why are you here?" Qin Kaixing also went forward to greet his mother-in-law when he saw her.

The Chang Clan first greeted the in-laws, then went to see their eldest grandson, Brother Cong, and the twins.

After that, they told them that Lin Jiabao had brought a letter home.

The Qin Clan's members were very happy for them.

"Mother-in-law, when are Father-in-law and Jiawen going to leave?" Qin Kaixing asked. He had an idea in his mind.

"They're going to leave in the middle of August. It'll take them half a month to get there," the Chang Clan replied. The family discussed it and decided that Lin Dazhuang and Lin Jiawen would go.

In fact, she also wanted to go, but her eldest daughter-in-law was going to give birth in October. There were still three children at home, and they couldn't leave.

"How about this? Let me accompany them to the capital this time.

I've never been to the capital before, so I'll take this opportunity to take a look.

I also have some goods stored in my shop. I'll bring them to the capital to explore the market.

My goods are all good. It's just that the patterns are a bit outdated here. Perhaps the people in the capital will find them fresh.

When the time comes, I'll buy some popular fabrics in the capital. "Qin Kaixing was very business-minded. He had already planned everything.

Old Master Qin also agreed. His son had a family and a career, so he could go and gain experience.

He said to the Chang Clan, "Mother-in-law, Kaixing is right. Let him go with you.

We have carriages and everything. You don't have to spend money to hire one. I'll send a few more servants to escort you. This way, the journey will be safer. "

"That's good. Thank you, Mother-in-law.

I'll go back and talk to them. "The Chang Clan naturally agreed.

At noon, the Qin Family warmly invited the Chang Clan for lunch. In the afternoon, they sent her back with a carriage.

Zhang Huiniang went back and told the Qin Family's intentions. Everyone thought it was good.

After that, Lin Dazhuang's family became busy.

Just as Lin Dazhuang's family was happily building a house and preparing to go to the capital.

Xuanyuan Hancheng was also calculating his plan.

In the blink of an eye, it was July. Xuanyuan Hancheng began to participate in court meetings again. The court became more mature and tactful in dealing with matters. The ministers also felt the increasingly strong pressure from the crown prince. They were both convinced and afraid of him.

As usual, in the afternoon, Xuanyuan Hancheng came to Yong Shou Palace to accompany his mother.

Empress was very pleased that the crown prince often came to accompany her. Her second prince, Xuanyuan Hanqi, liked to play with swords and sticks, so he didn't come often.

However, her eldest son was more considerate and often came to accompany her.

The women who came to see her all praised the crown prince for his filial piety.

"Cheng 'er, I think it will be the Qiqiao Festival in a few days. How about I invite some unmarried women to the palace?

How about I take this opportunity to choose a concubine for you?

Right now, you only have three concubines by your side. It's too little. They're all old. I don't think you like them very much. "

Empress wanted to take a concubine first. After the Xue family's matter was over, she would choose a Crown Princess. After all, she was the future mother of the nation. She had to be the mother of the nation. She couldn't be careless.

"Mother, there's no need.

I still need to recuperate for one or two years. I'm afraid it's not appropriate to take a concubine now. "Xuanyuan Hancheng shook his head.

"Why do you still need one or two years? It's already been a year.

What does Doctor Qian do? Didn't he say that he would help you recuperate? "Empress was a bit angry.

"Mother, don't blame Doctor Qian. He has been very attentive in detoxifying and recuperating me.

However, it's inevitable that he won't be able to take care of me when he's out on a campaign.

The poison in my body has been cleared. It's just that I'm still lacking in recuperation. "Xuanyuan Hancheng replied.

"Then what should we do? You've been away for almost a year. It's fine when you're out on a campaign, but now you're back.

If you don't get close to women for another one or two years, and you don't have any children.

I'm afraid that there will be rumors that His Highness the Crown Prince is ill. "This was what Empress was worried about.

"But I haven't recuperated yet. I'm not strong enough. Although I can force myself to have intercourse, I won't have any children." Xuanyuan Hancheng continued to talk nonsense with his mother.

In fact, his body had recovered a long time ago. However, for the sake of his baby, he still delayed it for another one or two years. He didn't want to touch other women.

"What should we do?" Empress was worried.

"Mother, don't worry. I've thought of a way." Xuanyuan Hancheng said to his mother.

"I want to pamper a Man. I'll only pamper this Man. I won't go to other concubines.

Men have a harder time conceiving children than women. Then it's normal that I won't have any children for a year or two. "Xuanyuan Hancheng explained his idea.

"Pampering a Man, this reputation of pampering beauties …" Empress felt that this idea was alright. However, it would still affect the Crown Prince's reputation.

"Imperial Mother, this is the best way.

Compared to the rumor that the Crown Prince is ill, this rumor is much better.

It's not a big deal for a heroic young man to admire beauties. "Xuanyuan Hancheng continued to persuade.

"Ai!

This is the only way.

Do you have someone in mind? "Empress asked the Crown Prince.

"Not yet. Mother, please help me find someone.

It's best if it's someone from Mother's palace. "Xuanyuan Hancheng said calmly.

"Mama Zhou, you heard what the Crown Prince said. Give me a list of suitable candidates from Eternal Life Palace tomorrow." Empress looked at her trusted aide, Mama Zhou, who was serving her.

When Empress was talking to the Crown Prince, she only kept her trusted aide, Mama Zhou, by her side. She was very assured of Mama Zhou.

"Don't worry, Empress Empress. I'll prepare the list tomorrow." Mama Zhou patted her chest confidently.

Xuanyuan Hancheng revealed a happy expression when he heard Mama Zhou's words.

At the same time, Mama Lin received a message from the Crown Prince's Shadow Guard in the Imperial Selection Room.

After Mama Lin heard this, she frowned and sighed.

After Mama Zhou received Empress Empress's orders, she went back to flip through the list of palace attendants in Eternal Life Palace.

After flipping through it, Mama Zhou was dumbfounded. There were only five palace attendants in Eternal Life Palace for Shun'er!

Two of them were over 20 years old, and one was only 13 years old. There were only two who were 15 or 16 years old.

These two palace attendants were Shun'er who tended to the flowers and plants in Eternal Life Palace. Mama Zhou specially went to take a look at them.

Both of them were average-looking and didn't stand out at all.

How could His Highness the Crown Prince "specially favor" them?

Mama Zhou paced back and forth in her room. How was she going to explain this to Empress Empress tomorrow?

Knock knock … Mama Zhou heard a knock on the door. When she opened the door, she saw that it was Mama Lin. "Elder Sister, why are you here?"

Mama Lin came in with a lunchbox. "It's almost the Qiqiao Festival. Our Imperial Desserts Department has researched a new type of dessert.

Mama Zhou, you've been with Empress Empress for a long time, so you understand Empress Empress's taste the best.

I'll ask you to taste it for me first. "As she spoke, Mama Lin placed the lunchbox on the table.

"Elder Sister, the desserts you make are definitely good. Empress Empress loves to eat the desserts you make."

Mama Zhou and Mama Lin were both children of Empress's maternal family. The two of them were related by marriage. After entering the palace together, they had taken care of each other for many years and called each other sisters.

Mama Lin took out a plate. "Try it. This is bird's nest cake. This mold is also newly made."

"The design of this magpie is good. Elder Sister, you put in a lot of effort.

Empress Empress will definitely like it when she sees it. "Mama Zhou took a piece and tasted it." It tastes really good!

Elder Sister, just wait for your reward. "

"Then I'll count on your auspicious words, haha."

Mama Lin also laughed. She looked at the list of names that Mama Zhou had placed on the table. "I see that you seem to be busy. I'm not bothering you, am I?"

"Ai!

Elder Sister, I'm just worried. Empress Empress wants to bestow an attendant to His Highness the Crown Prince in our palace, but I don't see anyone who fits the criteria.

How am I supposed to report this? "

"We don't have many palace attendants in our palace. It's hard to find a candidate," Mama Lin said with concern.

"There are only two who fit the criteria, but their appearances are too ordinary." Mama Zhou complained.

"Then what can we do? If their appearances aren't good, Empress Empress will definitely be dissatisfied."

Mama Lin echoed, "Speaking of appearance … … the Shun'er in my Imperial Point Room is quite good-looking."

"Ai, it's a pity that she's only 13 years old. She's too young." Mama Zhou said regretfully.

"She's not 13 years old. She just celebrated her 14th birthday last month, but she's still a bit young."

Mama Lin said, "She's really good-looking. Her eyes are so big that they look like they can talk. She also has a pair of adorable dimples."

When Mama Zhou heard Mama Lin praise her so well, she thought for a moment and said, "How about I submit all three of them to Empress Empress? It's good to have one more person to make up the numbers."

"That's right. Two candidates are too few. If there's one more person, the list will look better." Mama Lin deliberately guided her.

"En, let's do that."

The next day, Mama Zhou submitted the three candidates to Empress Empress. After Empress looked at them, she slammed the list of names on the table. "Mama Zhou, what are you doing!

Why are there only three candidates? There's even a 13-year-old among them. You're just making up the numbers! "

Mama Zhou hurriedly knelt down and said the answer that she had thought of before, "Empress Empress, it's really not that I'm not diligent.

There really are too few palace attendants in our palace.

There are only two who fit the bill, but their looks are really just passable. How can His Highness the Crown Prince 'favor' them? I can only add one more. Although she's a bit young, her looks are very good. She won't disgrace His Highness the Crown Prince. "

Mama Zhou saw that Empress Empress's expression had improved a bit, so she continued, "This Shun 'er works in the Imperial Point Department. She's also very obedient and sensible.

She just turned 14 last month, so she's a bit young.

However, Shun 'er is different from girls. She's younger, so she's at the tender age. "

"Although that's true, I'm afraid that Cheng 'er won't like her." Empress heard Mama Zhou's reason and couldn't blame her anymore.

"Empress Empress, why don't you let His Highness the Crown Prince take a look?

If he doesn't like her, then we can only choose from the palace attendants in other palaces. "

"En, let His Highness decide for himself. It's better if he likes the person he wants to favor.

Mama Zhou, go make the arrangements. "Empress didn't want to choose someone from other palaces. She couldn't be at ease if it wasn't someone from her own palace.

Moreover, choosing someone from other palaces would cause too much of a commotion. It wasn't appropriate.

She hoped that Cheng 'er would be satisfied with this candidate.

"Yes." The cat spoke in Chinese.