BXBX NOVEL Chapter 347 - Happenings in Shangjing (IV)
Chapter 347: Happenings in Shangjing (IV)
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
The Liu manor had its own business and manor in Shangjing; the bridal escort rested there for the day. Liu Huan, the daughter of the concubine, prepared to set out for the wedding from there.
The dowries were organized, the manor was cleaned, and the servants were settled... The mundane activities took up Jang Pengji’s time. When she finally had time to rest, it was two days later.
Jiang Pengji could not withstand doing nothing. If she was cooped up at home all day studying and writing, she would not be able to bear it.
Notwithstanding her, the audience in the live streaming room could not watch such boring content every day, and strongly requested a change in the live stream.
Jiang Pengji was influenced by the suggestions from the audience. She remembered the last time she was in Shangjiang was two to three years ago. That was late autumn and early winter, so the scenery wasn’t that nice, and the journey was rushed. Jiang Pengji did not shop around Shangjing city that much, and left with some regrets.
Now that she had extra time, she decided to peacfully explore the city for a few days. She might not have the chance to do so in the future.
As the saying went, it was better for all to be happy than one. She might as well invite Xu Ke, who was also bored, and they could go shopping together.
Regarding that, Xu Ke wore a helpless face. He couldn’t help but jokingly say, “When you speak, your subordinates are required to run errands until their legs break. You are carefree and do not have to worry about anything, but I have to settle some matters. For sightseeing, it is better that you go alone.”
Jiang Pengji frowned. “The matters that have to be done are done. What do you have on hand?”
Xu Ke shook his head. There were some things his Langjun did not remember, but he was the right-hand man, so there were things he had to consider.
“Don’t forget, Langjun, the old Master has many friends in Shangjing. They are friends from court. Some are part of a private, closer circle friends. Since the son of the Master rarely visits, you should naturally prepare a gift.”
Even though the other party may not see Jiang Pengji, proper etiquette could not be lacking. How would Jiang Pengji know about Liu She’s friends in court, or his private friendship with others? Moreover, how would she know which friends her father gave gifts to during festivals? She did not know... That was, after all, arranged by the legitimate wife or head servant.
Xu Ke was not the head servant, but Jiang Pengji did not bring many people with her. Anything related to public relations was handed to him.
Jiang Pengji thought it through and was somewhat guilty. “Is this matter problematic?”
Xu Ke said, “Every household has its taboo. Giving of gifts is a research topic altogether. The closer one is, the more that is given. The gift prepared must be carefully thought of. Using your discretion, those who are acquaintances will have their gifts cut by a little, but you can’t let the other person see your true intentions... You not only have to make reference to last year’s example, but you also need to be familiar with the current status of each family and tweak the content of the gift given...”
If any household had just experienced the premature death of a child, if one hurried to give them a gift that implied the delivery of a child, wasn’t that rubbing salt on their wound?
Or, for example, one’s parents just passed away––if one was to give them supplements for the elderly that helped to prolong their life, that was asking for trouble.
Giving gifts may not bring two families close together, but if a gift was given incorrectly, hatred would build. Both parties may even refuse contact until they were dead.
Jiang Pengji understood. She knew about the principles.
“Father has been a court official for many years. He may not have friends throughout the world, but he has many, so it seems like this is a big project.”
It was wise to pull Xu Ke into this. If it fell into her hands, she would have a headache.
Xu Ke laughed upon seeing Jiang Pengji’s fearful face. He randomly said, “After two years, Langjun is of marriageable age. You can then marry a virtuous and capable mistress––someone who will help you manage these matters.”
After Jiang Pengji heard his words, she was embarrassed and kept silent. To marry a virtuous and capable mistress... That goal was pushing one to their limit. Xu Ke was going to be disappointed.
The audience in the streaming room laughed out loud.
Laosiji Lianmeng: “My heart aches for young Xu Ke. The streamer is likely to marry a male mistress in future.”
Shitang Dafan Ayi: “Hahaha. I don’t mind if the streamer marries a normal female mistress.”
Juge Lizi: “Is it only me whose heart aches for young Xu Ke? After knowing the streamer for many years, and having been deceived by the streamer so many times, he is still insistent that the streamer is a male... So much so that he wants her to marry a mistress. Be careful! Your Langjun may be married to another.”
Bingtang Ningmeng: “Yi, I don’t like these words. The streamer will be the one who marries. I will support the streamer as the one who pursues, and her mistress as the loving one.”
Jiang Pengji ignored the detailed content on the bullet screen in the live streaming room and faced Xu Ke. She sighed. “Isn’t it a bit early to get married and such? I have no intention of thinking about these things now.” Jiang Pengji finished speaking, did not wait for Xu Ke to reply, and immediately said, “At present, I still have to trouble you to continue worrying... Please go ahead with your duties. I will go out for a stroll.”
It was unknown which words triggered Xu Ke, but he surprisingly changed his mind. “Please wait, Langjun. I thought about it carefully. I will accompany Langjun.”
Jiang Pengji smiled and asked him, “Why the sudden change?”
Xu Ke said without any expression, “I suddenly remembered that you are unrestrained when you do things. If I don’t observe you closely, who knows if trouble will brew when you go out. Then, isn’t it I that will have to clean up the mess? After thinking about it, it is better that I follow you out.”
Jiang Pengji was speechless. She had nothing to say to his reasoning. She didn’t dare to look at how many were laughing at her from the bullet screen in the live streaming room.
Toudu Feiqiu: “Hahaha. Streamer, the young Xu Ke is calling you a troublemaker.”
Juge Lizi: “Pei, do we need young Xu Ke to judge? The streamer is a troublemaker indeed, and is a person with outstanding talent.”
“Watch closely,” Jiang Pengji said unhappily. “Look at what you said. Its as if your Langjun loves to make trouble.”
Xu Ke replied with a look. Jiang Pengji did not need to look at the translation on the bullet screen to know what his eyes meant.
He meant, “Isn’t it true?”
Keke! Xu Ke had already seen through Jiang Pengji’s character. She was a troublemaker. Even if she did not initiate the trouble, trouble always found its way to her. If she started trouble, who knew what the outcome would have been.
Maybe because the Second Princess Consort was born in the Northern Borderline, Shangjing city had many shops that sold foreign goods.
It was presently early evening when the lanterns were first lit. The night city was crowded and lively. The people brought their sons and daughters, and enjoyed the bliss of family life.
Facing such a lively atmosphere, Xu Ke was almost doubtful. Fortunately, as he walked and saw more, it was just his imagination.
“Why not buy some foundation, accessories, and flowers?” Jiang Pengji disguised herself as a regular, rich, young man, but her features stood out. Her body shape was tall; she was an outlier amongst the people.
“Why buy such girly items?” Xu Ke asked in confusion.
“Have you forgotten? There is a lady guarding an empty lady’s chamber alone at home. Since we are out, we should buy something to cheer her up.” Jiang Pengji said, “It might not be expensive, but the thought counts. You just had a conversation with me about giving gifts. Have you forgotten in the blink of an eye?”