In the blink of an eye, it was the end of the month. In the span of a night, Yu Shu became busy. For some reason, the secret book of the Moon Palace was delivered to her hands five or six days late. Because she had to rush to make the September book, she stayed up for a few nights and didn't even return home.
Yu Shu knew that this was probably because the Empress didn't like her hugging Noble Fei Xue's thigh so she started to give her small shoes to wear.
Yu Shu wasn't afraid of this. If Empress Rui didn't care about her, that would be abnormal.
What was worth mentioning was that in the last few days of the month, people came to her fu to send invitations and gifts under all sorts of pretexts. Without exception, they were all families that had daughters in the palace.
Yu Shu didn't have any greedy thoughts so she wasn't surprised or happy. Previously, after she had shown her skill at the Gentlemen Hibiscus Banquet, she had experienced what it was like to receive gifts. Also, the crystals that were delivered to Pei Jing were always in high demand. Each month, there would be a large amount of silver coming in. She really didn't care about normal gold and silver.
She ordered the steward of the front yard, Zhou Hu, to guard the gates and not allow a single copper coin to roll into her fu. She accepted all the invitations so she could know when someone had the intention to curry favor with her.
At the end of the month, the next month's Book of the Earth was delivered punctually from the Kun Ling Bureau into the palace. This time, there was no need to remember Noble Fei Xue. There was no need for favoritism. She methodically followed the [Rules of the Kun Ling Bureau] to arrange the days that the palace fei would serve her. She was meticulous and didn't miss a single detail.
.....
Perching Tree Palace, Empress Rui was surprised when she received the freshly made Book of the Earth.
"This Yu Nuyu is very cautious. Fine."
She was the female envoy that the Emperor had bestowed upon her. She was in the limelight and it wasn't good to move against her. Since she was smart and knew her place, she wasn't in a hurry to deal with her. She would let her stay in that position that attracted others' eyes.
She gave the September Book of the Earth to Zheng Shang Gong, who was waiting in front of her, to read.
"Empress, is this next month's Book of the Universe?"
While the Book of Kun was divined by the Kun Ling Bureau, as the head of the six palaces, the Empress had the right to question it and could complain to the Emperor at any time. As long as there was a problem with the Book of Kun, she could reject the Kun Ling Bureau, make a new decision, or punish the person concerned.
"Do as I say."
The second day of the ninth month was the birthday of the wife of the assistant minister's residence.
Aunt Cui woke up early in the morning and ran to the North Courtyard. She watched as Yu Shu ate her breakfast and urged her, "It's still early. You should go wash up quickly, change into some decent clothes, and dress up well."
Yu Shu was too lazy to pay attention to her. It just so happened that she was off today and didn't have to go to the Celestial Commissioner's morning roll call. She had already arranged her time. In the morning, she would look through the books on Yi Xue that she had recently collected. In the afternoon, she would go to the Yin Residence with Aunt Cui. In the afternoon, she would go to Baichuan Academy to see Yu Xiaoxiu.
"I just washed up yesterday. What's there to do? I still have business to attend to. Mother can go back to your courtyard and wait. There are carriages and horses at home. Don't worry about not being able to make it in time. It won't be too late to leave at noon."
After sending Aunt Cui away, Yu Shu ignored her protests and turned to go to the study. Aunt Cui chased after her with quick steps. Just as she reached the corridor, she was stopped by Xin 'er and Lin' er, who coaxed her away.
Aunt Cui waited anxiously for the sun to rise. Before Yu Shu could send someone to call her, she ran over again. Just then, Yu Shu came out of the Moon Gate, dressed neatly.
After all, Yu Shu was an official and couldn't be mentioned in the same breath as before. When she went out, she couldn't dress too casually. It was fine at home, but when she went out, she had to wear a deep dress with a silk belt around her waist and a skirt with rings. Her hair was combed into a bun and she had pearl hairpins and earrings.
Her current clothes were the standard for female Celestial Commissioner officials. Most of her regular clothes were green and blue. The color was fair but not seductive. In this way, she appeared dignified and immature.
This was not the delicate appearance that Aunt Cui wanted to see. She immediately said with dissatisfaction, "No, no. Go back and change quickly. Mother remembers that you used to like those bright pink colors the most, right?"
Yu Shu didn't argue with her. She nodded and said, "Okay, I'll go change now. Please wait for me for another hour."
After saying this, she was about to go back. When Aunt Cui heard this, she quickly grabbed her. If she waited for another hour, it would be too late!
"You little girl, can't you listen to me for once?" Aunt Cui gritted her teeth. "If you don't want to change, then don't change."
Yu Shu snorted. "Then let's go." She couldn't wait to see what trap that Madam Yin had set for her.
The assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Yin Zhourong, was the illegitimate son of the current Left Prime Minister, Yin Tianhou. He became an assistant minister before he was thirty years old. Moreover, he held the position for seven or eight years. He was mediocre but could be reappointed. No one would believe that it wasn't because of his family name.
Madam Yin was also the daughter of a civil official. She had a Prime Minister as her father-in-law. She worked hard and gave birth to three sons in a row. She was flattered all day, so it was hard for her not to be arrogant.
However, since ancient times, doting mothers often spoiled sons. None of the three sons of the assistant minister's official wife were presentable. Some of them had a bad reputation like Third Young Master Yin. Just because his family name was "Yin," he couldn't find a good marriage.
This was what Yu Shu knew about Yin Zhourong's family.
Aunt Cui and Yu Shu arrived at the gate of the Yin Residence by car. After delivering the congratulatory gifts, they were led into the garden. On the way, they met a madam walking in front of them. Aunt Cui unexpectedly called out to her and pulled Yu Shu to greet her.
"Madam Qiu, this is my daughter, Yu Shu. Shu, come and say hello to auntie."
Coincidentally, this Madam Qiu was an acquaintance of Yu Shu. She was the wife of the assistant minister of the Ministry of Works, Qiu Jiming. A few months ago, the young miss of the Qiu Family pretended to be crazy to avoid marriage. Qiu Jiming was desperate and tried to find Yu Shu. After that, he owed her a favor, so he helped her build the luxurious residence on Baochang Street.
Madam Qiu naturally saw Yu Shu. When she saw Aunt Cui's drooling face, embarrassment flashed across her face. She first said to Yu Shu,
"I haven't seen you for a long time. How is Official Yu?"
In terms of rank, Yu Shu and her husband were both fifth-ranked officials. In terms of friendship, Yu Shu had saved her daughter's life. Madam Qiu was a sensible person. She didn't take advantage of the situation and put on the airs of an elder in front of Yu Shu.
Yu Shu nodded at her with a faint smile, "I'm fine. Thank you for your concern."
Seeing that they actually knew each other, Aunt Cui rolled her eyes and was about to interrupt. Madam Qiu didn't give her a chance. She smiled at her apologetically and said,
"My daughter came with me. After a while, she disappeared. I'll go look for her. Madam Yu, please take a seat first."
After saying that, she looked back at Yu Shu with a meaningful look and hurriedly led her servants away.
Yu Shu naturally wouldn't miss her last glance. Suspicious, she turned her head and asked Aunt Cui, "Mother stays at home all day. When did you know Madam Qiu?"
Aunt Cui was still regretting that she missed the opportunity to get close to an official's wife. Suddenly being questioned by Yu Shu, her face stiffened. She turned her head and said angrily,
"When have you ever cared about me?"
Yu Shu didn't say anything and just stared at her. Aunt Cui felt uncomfortable being stared at by her. She took her arm and muttered, "Walk faster. We're late."
On the other side, Madam Yin was sitting in the garden hall to entertain guests. An old maid came to her side and whispered, so she changed clothes and went to the back room, leaving her eldest daughter-in-law to accompany the guests.
"Did the mother and daughter of the Yu family come?"
"They just entered the door."
Madam Yin pursed her lips and smiled. Her eyes were full of ridicule. She whispered to the old maid, "Go to the front yard and keep watch. Don't let your Third Master slip away again."
The old maid said obediently, "I just came from the front yard. Third Master is drinking with Young Master Yuanrong and can't leave."
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