Tianliangyuan

Chapter 333 Sister-in-law's Visit

Xu Zhaozhao didn't want to make a big deal out of it, since they were both living in the Duke's mansion and there was no need to strain their relationship.

Therefore, Xu Zhaozhao had deliberately and subtly increased the monthly allowance for her two half-sisters.

Now that things have been officially approved, she won't need to provide any further support. Moreover, her two half-sisters are aware that the previous benefits were all secured for them by their sister-in-law, so they are naturally extremely grateful to her.

Who would deliberately turn down money?

Xu Zhaozhao didn't particularly like her two half-sisters; she simply felt that the eldest branch of the family shouldn't be underestimated.

After this incident, Xie Qiao finally realized that although she was the legitimate daughter, she was not Sanlang's biological sister, so they were still different.

The old lady's birthday banquet was a great success; at the very least, the old lady was very satisfied, and so were the Xie family relatives.

After seeing off these relatives, Xu Zhaozhao felt exhausted.

They're finally gone. I can finally get a good night's sleep.

Although Jinxiu Garden has never allowed outsiders to enter, some elders, relying on their age and seniority, inevitably ask to visit her Jinxiu Garden.

Out of respect for the old lady, Xu Zhaozhao naturally couldn't refuse, but she deliberately didn't take them to the main building, preferring to let them just enjoy the flowers in the garden, without really treating them as honored guests.

If they are sensible relatives, Xu Zhaozhao wouldn't mind giving them more face.

But she didn't take this kind of elder, who was so ignorant and tried to put on airs in front of her, seriously at all.

Thus, although several elders were dissatisfied with Xu Zhaozhao, they dared not speak out.

Moreover, it was obvious that Xie Zheng was wholeheartedly protecting her, and no one dared to provoke that person.

Xu Zhaozhao had just woken up from her afternoon nap when Dingxiang came over to report.

"The young mistress has been waiting for a while, and we were just about to get her a fresh cup of hot tea."

"Did you tell me what you wanted to see me about?"

"Never."

"Alright, let's tidy up quickly and not keep people waiting any longer."

Xie Rong's wife, Zhang Pan'er, had come to ask for a favor, so she remained very gentle in her attitude.

When they arrived, they learned that Xu Zhaozhao hadn't woken up from her afternoon nap, so they simply sat down and waited.

"Sister-in-law, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. It's also the fault of these people. They didn't wake me up earlier, which made you waste time."

"Fortunately, it didn't take long."

After some polite conversation, Zhang Pan'er got straight to the point.

"Third sister-in-law, I have indeed come here today because I have a favor to ask of you."

“Sister-in-law, there’s no need for this. We’re all family. Just say what you need to say. If it’s something I can do, I, as your sister-in-law, will do my best. But if it’s something I can’t do, then I’ll have to ask for your understanding.”

The words were spoken tactfully, preventing Zhang Pan'er from making any definitive statements.

Zhang Pan'er didn't catch the underlying meaning and laughed, "If this were me, it would indeed be a big deal, but for my third sister-in-law, it's really not a big deal. It's just a matter of you saying a word."

"Please speak plainly, sister-in-law."

“My brother used to study at the Imperial Academy. He made a mistake and was punished by his teacher. I heard that my sister-in-law has some connections at the Imperial Academy, so I would like to ask you to put in a good word for him so that he can go back to school as soon as possible.”

Xu Zhaozhao raised an eyebrow. Zhang Pan'er's words were clever, but upon closer examination, one could discern their true meaning.

Judging from this, he's been expelled from the Imperial Academy, right?

Otherwise, I wouldn't have come to her for help.

"Where did you hear that I have connections at the Imperial Academy? Whoever said that deserves to be struck by lightning! I am just an ordinary woman. Although I own some property, it is nothing but material possessions, something that those great scholars would disdain. How could I possibly be acquainted with officials at the Imperial Academy?"

Zhang Pan'er's smile was somewhat forced: "Third sister-in-law, there's no need to be so modest. I know your abilities. Didn't you previously arrange for a relative to enter the Imperial Academy?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhaozhao immediately laughed and said, "You mean this? What kind of skill is that? I'm just a junior teaching assistant. How can that be considered a connection? Besides, as you know, my father was a military officer. Our family doesn't have much contact with civil officials, let alone a place like the Imperial Academy."

Seeing that she wouldn't budge, Zhang Pan'er naturally grew a little anxious.

"But I heard that your cousin also went to study at the Imperial Academy, didn't he? Third sister-in-law, don't worry, I won't let you help for nothing, you'll definitely get your share of the benefits."

Xu Zhaozhao felt that her sister-in-law was truly shrewd.

She hasn't mentioned a word about what her brother did wrong, and just keeps asking her for help.

Logically speaking, she should have asked her second or fourth uncle for help, so why would she ask her for help?

"Sister-in-law, what are you saying? We're all from the Duke's mansion, talking about benefits is a long way off!"

Zhang Pan'er felt relieved, hoping that she would agree.

“Sister-in-law, I really don’t have any connections at the Imperial Academy. However, my uncle may have some dealings with a few officials there, but persuading him to help will be difficult. Moreover, my uncle has the typical flaws of a civil official: he’s stubborn and loves to argue. You’ve been talking for so long, but you haven’t explained what it’s all about. Even if I were to ask my uncle for help, I wouldn’t know what to say.”

Zhang Pan'er smiled awkwardly, her eyes darting around as she pondered how to say something that would make it seem like her brother wasn't a scoundrel.

"Third sister-in-law, I won't hide it from you. Actually, he looked at some books and paintings that he shouldn't have at the Imperial Academy. It's not a big deal. He's of marriageable age, so it's normal for him to have these thoughts, don't you think?"

I understand. So it means they were looking at erotic pictures and the like at the Imperial College.

No wonder they were kicked out.

Where is the Imperial College?

That was the place where the teachings of the sages were imparted; it was the highest institution of learning in Daxing.

Has Zhang Langjun gone mad? How dare he look at such filthy things?

“Well, if he just stayed in his own house and looked around, there’s nothing wrong with that. Sister-in-law, all you need to do is have Zhang Langjun take the initiative to apologize to the teacher and make a proper statement. Why do you need to look for other ways?”

Zhang Pan'er looked even more embarrassed.

Seeing her like this, what else could Xu Zhaozhao not understand?

"Sister-in-law, did Young Master Zhang see this at school?"

Zhang Pan'er chuckled twice, then lowered her head, unsure how to respond.

Xu Zhaozhao raised an eyebrow. Had this young master Zhang's brain been squeezed by a door?

You are so brave!

“Sister-in-law, please forgive my bluntness, but if that’s really the case, there’s nothing I can do to help. Not to mention anything else, I can’t even get past my uncle. Why don’t you go and ask my second and fourth uncles? They’re officials in the court, and they’re currently in civil service positions, so they should be able to put in a good word for me.”