Time flies, time flows.
In the early spring morning of the 28th year of the Wanli reign, the chilly northern region was still chilly and bleak. On an official road in the suburbs of Beijing, more than a dozen horsemen escorted three carriages as they sped along.
In the carriage in the middle, sat a tall, beautiful woman and a handsome young man.
The beautiful woman looked to be about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, about meters tall, with fair and delicate skin and beautiful facial features.
Her jet-black hair was tied up into a bun unique to women, behind her head, with two amber silver hairpins inserted on it.
The graceful figure is wrapped in the green skirt, outlining charming curves.
It was Zhang Chongwen’s mother, Sun Yahan.
Although she has given birth to a child, her figure has not changed at all. On the contrary, it has become more charming with the passing of time.
One more point makes you look fatter, one less point makes you look thinner.
She is graceful, elegant, with bright eyes and white teeth, which is extremely attractive to men.
The young man opposite was about fifteen or sixteen years old, with an upright posture. At this moment, he was leaning against the carriage window, sticking his head out, looking at the scenery outside curiously.
The trees on both sides were rapidly moving backwards, and the further we went, the denser the houses became. The thick white mist in the air was chilly, like a coat covering the green trees.
Looking at her son's appearance, Sun Yahan shook her head and smiled helplessly.
Thinking about going to the capital soon, she felt nervous and her fair face flushed. How should she go to see the one in Zhang Yunxiu's family?
What should I do if she doesn't agree?
The two reasons for her visit were, firstly, to let her son trace his roots back to his ancestral home, and secondly, to be formally appointed Governor of Malacca by the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
If she didn't have to come, she would rather not come to the capital city in her life.
As long as his son is around, that guy will still think of himself.
All is enough.
"Mother, mother, we're here, we're here. I've seen the Beijing city you mentioned." Just as she was struggling, Zhang Chongwen, who had stuck his head out, suddenly waved his hands and shouted excitedly.
"So tall, so big!"
"Okay, come back and sit down!"
Sun Yahan's voice turned cold. Zhang Chongwen knew he was in trouble, so he quickly retracted his head from outside and sat obediently on the side of the carriage.
Seeing his mother's increasingly cold face, Zhang Chongwen secretly thought that something was wrong. Then he heard a scolding voice: "You are already fifteen years old this year, and you will soon be the governor of Malacca. You are still so impetuous. You don't look like a governor at all."
"Mother is right." Zhang Chongwen smiled awkwardly and quickly apologized and admitted his mistake.
"I know I'm wrong, but I don't think you know it at all." Seeing her son admit his mistake, Sun Yahan's heart softened a little, but she still said unforgivingly, "Let me tell you, Beijing is not like Malacca."
"If you dare to mess around here, I'll break your legs."
"understood."
Zhang Chongwen agreed impatiently, but he was full of curiosity about the capital. He had heard from his mother and father-in-law since he was a child that the Ming Dynasty was vast and rich in resources, and any place was bigger than Malacca.
As the capital of the Ming Dynasty, Beijing was extremely prosperous.
And his father also had great power in this city of Beijing. When Zhang Chongwen thought of his father, his eyes lit up and his handsome face was full of admiration.
"Mother, do you think father will come to pick us up?"
"Why are you asking this?" Sun Yahan asked back, feeling unsure.
Zhang Yunxiu was so busy that he had no time to come and pick her up. Even if he didn't come to pick her up, Sun Yahan would be very satisfied as long as he could give them a respectable identity.
"Mother, do I have an older sister, four younger brothers, and a younger sister?" Zhang Chongwen ignored his mother's impatience and continued to ask curiously.
"Your eldest sister is Zhang Xuan, born to Aunt Xier, your younger brother is Zhang Chongrui, born to Aunt Xu, and your younger sister is Zhang Xue, also born to Aunt Xu.
There is also a younger brother named Zhang Chongjie, who was also born to your aunt Xier. The remaining one was born to your aunt Chiyoko, and is called Zhang Chongming.
Oh, by the way, Aunt Luluo also gave birth to a son, who is only six years old this year, and his name is Zhang Chongzhi. "
Cursing inwardly for being careless, Sun Yahan told everyone about Zhang Yunxiu's family in one breath.
"With so many brothers and sisters, father's house must be very lively." When Zhang Chongwen said this, his tone was slightly sad, and his young face was full of envy.
Hearing this, Sun Yahan's nose felt sore, and she stretched out her arms to hug her son into her arms: "Don't blame your father, blame your mother. If your mother wasn't so stubborn, you wouldn't be so lonely."
"Mom, I don't feel lonely. I have Yue'er and you. I'm not lonely at all." Smiling and shaking his head, Zhang Chongwen cheered up and took the initiative to comfort her, "Besides, I think Malacca is pretty good too."
As he spoke, Zhang Chongwen hugged his mother tightly.
Sun Yahan also hugged her son tightly, her fair cheeks full of happiness.
The mother and son hugged each other, closed their eyes slightly, and enjoyed this rare quietness.
Suddenly, the whole world seemed to be quiet.
All that could be heard was the clatter of horse hooves and the sound of the carriage shaking.
After an unknown amount of time, the carriage gradually slowed down and finally stopped. Sun Yahan opened her eyes, parted the curtains and looked outside, and saw a group of cavalrymen running towards her.
The two leaders were both teenagers around fifteen or sixteen years old.
He was dressed in gorgeous clothes, with a jade pendant around his waist, looking like a young man from a wealthy family.
"General Wang, what's going on? We haven't even reached the capital yet, why are we stopped here?" Sun Yahan pointed at the people coming in front and asked the cavalry general on the side.
"Madam, the one in front is Lord Zhang's son. He is here to greet us." The cavalry general hurriedly bent down and explained to Sun Yahan.
"Ah, those are Chongrui and Chongjie. They've grown so big?!" Sun Yahan exclaimed, a hint of surprise appearing on her pretty face.
Then she laughed at herself. The last time she saw these two people, Zhang Yunxiu was 30 years old and the two were only eight or nine years old.
Six or seven years passed in a flash, the boy had grown up, so it was normal that she didn't recognize him.
Zhang Chongwen on the side became excited: "Mother, is that my brother in front?"
"Well, Chongrui is your father's son and the eldest son, and Chongjie is Aunt Xier's son. You should be polite later." Sun Yahan nodded and reminded her son who looked excited.
While the two were talking, Zhang Chongrui, who was elegant and handsome with gentle features, had already dismounted with his brother, and respectfully clasped his fists towards the carriage and said, "Zhang Chongrui, Zhang Chongjie will welcome my aunt on behalf of my father."
Hearing the sound, Sun Yahan lifted the curtain and led Zhang Chongwen out of the carriage.
The four of them looked at each other, and Sun Yahan smiled softly and said, "Thank you two for your hard work. It's so early in the morning. I'm afraid you left the city last night and are waiting for us on the road."
Zhang Chongrui said modestly, "It's not hard", and then turned his gaze to Zhang Chongwen who was looking at him.
"This must be Brother Zhongwen, I heard about him from my father and mother a long time ago, and today I finally got to see him."
"Brother Rui, Brother Jie, I'm new to the capital and I'm unfamiliar with the place. You two local guys have to show me around." Zhang Chongwen laughed and looked at the two of them enthusiastically.
"Of course we won't neglect it." Zhang Zhongjie and Zhang Zhongrui looked at each other and responded with a smile.
One of them is Zhang Yunxiu's eldest son, who will inherit Zhang Yunxiu's political resources in the future, and the other is Zheng Xier's son, who will inherit most of Zheng Xier's shops in the future.
One has power, the other has money.
Not only was he not hostile to his brother Zhang Chongwen, the country governor, but he was actually very kind to her.
Sun Yahan was delighted to see the three brothers having so much fun together. She interrupted with a smile, "Don't listen to his nonsense. This guy was used to being rude in Malacca. Don't take him out for a stroll." "Hahaha, don't worry, auntie. As long as my brother doesn't cause trouble, no one will dare to mess with him." Zhang Zhongjie chuckled and replied with pride.
"Okay, don't stand here. Father asked us to go back early after picking up my aunt and brother. Let's go into the city quickly." Zhang Chongrui urged.
"Yes, yes, let's go into the city."
Sun Yahan nodded in agreement and pulled her son back to the carriage.
Zhang family residence.
The mansion was decorated with lights and full of joy everywhere.
The maids, wearing new clothes and smiling, shuttled back and forth between the mansions, arranging flowers and hanging lanterns. Carts of food were sent to the kitchen, where they were processed amid the chefs' laughter.
In the hall, Zhang Yunxiu had just changed out of his official robes, and sitting on his lap was a little girl with pigtails, about seven or eight years old.
That was Xu Ruoxi's second daughter, Zhang Xue.
Xu Ruoxi, Zheng Xier, Chiyoko, and Luluo stood around and watched the father and daughter quietly. The girl obviously inherited Xu Ruoxi's appearance, with big eyes and skin as soft as milk.
He was only seven or eight years old but he was already very adorable.
Looking at the teasing father and daughter, Xu Ruoxi felt jealous and snorted, "Hmph, it's a good thing Xuan'er hasn't returned from Fourth Brother's house yet, otherwise she would have been jealous if she saw you teasing this little girl."
"Mother, why is my sister so jealous?" Hearing this, Zhang Xue widened her eyes and asked crisply.
Xu Ruoxi rolled her eyes at her daughter, but Zheng Xier beside her giggled and looked at Zhang Xue and said, "You'll know when you grow up, or when your aunt gives birth to a sister for you, then you'll know."
"Then wouldn't it be better if I don't grow up and my aunts don't give birth to younger sisters?" Zhang Xue answered with her head tilted, her fair face filled with childish innocence.
"cluck"
Suddenly, the women in the hall laughed so hard that they shook with laughter.
Xu Ruoxi bit her red lips, her cheeks turned red, and she laughed secretly in her heart, while Zheng Xier and Luluo covered their stomachs and laughed so hard that they fell backwards.
Chiyoko smiled softly, and her clear voice was particularly moving.
"Daddy, what are mom and aunt laughing at?" Zhang Xue stretched out her little hand, grabbed her smiling father's ear, and asked puzzledly.
"There's nothing to laugh at. They are just jealous of you." Zhang Yunxiu patted Zhang Xue's head with a smile and said dotingly, "You and Xuan'er are the only two golden flowers in our family. If I don't dote on you, who else will I dote on?"
"Okay, you'd better get ready. Chongwen and Sister Yahan will be here soon." Rolling her eyes at her husband in annoyance, Xu Ruoxi stood up and picked up her daughter from his knees.
"Someone, take the second young lady down to rest."
Immediately, a maid came forward and pulled Zhang Xue, who was reluctant to leave, out of the hall.
Sitting next to Zhang Yunxiu, Xu Ruoxi's eyes were slightly cold, and she angrily said: "You are now a minister, after all. I just want to ask you if you can have a little more bearing of a minister."
Although it was said in a tone of reproach, Zheng Xier and others in the hall all heard the praise and pride.
A month ago, Shen Shixing and Wang Xijue retired one after another, leaving the cabinet vacant.
With the recommendation of Shen Shixing and the favor of the emperor, Zhang Yunxiu successfully entered the cabinet at the age of 37.
He entered the cabinet at the age of less than 40, which was unprecedented in the Ming Dynasty.
Others, at the age of thirty-seven, may still be struggling for the imperial examination.
However, he reached the end point of countless scholars.
As this man's women, women like Xu Ruoxi and Zheng Xier only feel proud of it.
"What's wrong with you, Lord? You are also a human being. Why do you still worry about those things at home?" Hearing Xu Ruoxi's complaints, Zhang Yunxiu curled his lips and said indifferently.
"Yes, what the Lord said is right." Xu Ruoxi smiled sweetly, took the initiative to come behind Zhang Yunxiu, massaged his shoulders, and asked, "How is it, Lord? Do you still think the strength is appropriate?"
The voice is so alluring and moving that it makes one's bones and hair go soft.
"Not bad, try harder." With his eyes slightly closed, Zhang Yunxiu looked very happy.
Seeing this, Zheng Xier stood up and walked to Zhang Yunxiu's right shoulder, gently massaging him. Chiyoko and Luluo smiled at each other, stood up on their own initiative, and each came to the sides of Zhang Yunxiu's thighs.
She raised her jade hands and massaged his thighs.
Xu Ruoxi is graceful and elegant, Zheng Xier is charming and attractive, Luluo is well-behaved and obedient, and Chiyoko is cute and smart.
The four girls massaged Zhang Yunxiu together, and Zhang Yunxiu's bones were almost broken.
"Hmph, Xier, this guy really knows how to enjoy himself. There's going to be another one coming later, and there's almost no place left." Seeing Zhang Yunxiu's face full of enjoyment, Xu Ruoxi curled her lips and snorted at Zheng Xier beside her.
"I think we should ignore her tonight and let her go find her new love."
"Hehehe, sister, just don't eat it secretly when the time comes." Zheng Xier smiled with her hands covering her lips, her pair of almond-shaped eyes flashing slightly.
"So and so stole the food. Now I am annoyed when I see this guy."
"Why are you blushing, sister?"
"You are so good, Xier, now you are helping this guy to bully me."
"Sister, please don't wrongly accuse me. I am telling the truth."
The two of them were arguing with each other from time to time.
Luoluo and Chiyoko seemed to be used to it. They smiled and kept busy with their work. Their big watery eyes unconsciously looked at Zhang Yunxiu who was resting.
His eyes were full of admiration and love.
About half a quarter of an hour later, hurried footsteps were suddenly heard outside the hall.
Then Zhang Fu's old and excited voice came in: "Master, Master, Master Chongrui and Master Chongjie, and then Madam Sun are back."
Hearing this, the four girls pulled away and Zhang Yunxiu also opened his eyes.
"Tell the kitchen to prepare for the banquet."
In the evening.
Everyone in the Zhang family sat at a large round table. Zhang Yunxiu, with his long flowing beard and a handsome face, raised his wine glass and glanced at his wife and children one by one.
Everyone stood up and raised their glasses.
"It's a rare day for our family to be together today, so we must enjoy ourselves." Zhang Yunxiu said with a smile, raised his glass, clinked it with everyone else's, and drank it all in one gulp.
Putting down the wine glass, Zhang Yunxiu looked at Sun Yahan, whose face was flushed. "Yahan, our son has grown up. You should not leave after you come here this time. He has Song Ming and Yue'er over there. He does not need you as his mother to look after him."
Sun Yahan's body trembled, her eyes suddenly turned red, and she replied with a choked voice: "Yeah."
Then, Zhang Yunxiu turned his gaze to Zhang Chongwen, who was sitting upright, and said, "As the governor of Malacca, you must love and care for the people under your rule. If you are tyrannical, I will never let you off easily."
"I understand, son." Zhang Chongwen nodded.
"Okay, today is a family dinner, so let's not talk about state affairs."
(End of this chapter)
In the early spring morning of the 28th year of the Wanli reign, the chilly northern region was still chilly and bleak. On an official road in the suburbs of Beijing, more than a dozen horsemen escorted three carriages as they sped along.
In the carriage in the middle, sat a tall, beautiful woman and a handsome young man.
The beautiful woman looked to be about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, about meters tall, with fair and delicate skin and beautiful facial features.
Her jet-black hair was tied up into a bun unique to women, behind her head, with two amber silver hairpins inserted on it.
The graceful figure is wrapped in the green skirt, outlining charming curves.
It was Zhang Chongwen’s mother, Sun Yahan.
Although she has given birth to a child, her figure has not changed at all. On the contrary, it has become more charming with the passing of time.
One more point makes you look fatter, one less point makes you look thinner.
She is graceful, elegant, with bright eyes and white teeth, which is extremely attractive to men.
The young man opposite was about fifteen or sixteen years old, with an upright posture. At this moment, he was leaning against the carriage window, sticking his head out, looking at the scenery outside curiously.
The trees on both sides were rapidly moving backwards, and the further we went, the denser the houses became. The thick white mist in the air was chilly, like a coat covering the green trees.
Looking at her son's appearance, Sun Yahan shook her head and smiled helplessly.
Thinking about going to the capital soon, she felt nervous and her fair face flushed. How should she go to see the one in Zhang Yunxiu's family?
What should I do if she doesn't agree?
The two reasons for her visit were, firstly, to let her son trace his roots back to his ancestral home, and secondly, to be formally appointed Governor of Malacca by the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
If she didn't have to come, she would rather not come to the capital city in her life.
As long as his son is around, that guy will still think of himself.
All is enough.
"Mother, mother, we're here, we're here. I've seen the Beijing city you mentioned." Just as she was struggling, Zhang Chongwen, who had stuck his head out, suddenly waved his hands and shouted excitedly.
"So tall, so big!"
"Okay, come back and sit down!"
Sun Yahan's voice turned cold. Zhang Chongwen knew he was in trouble, so he quickly retracted his head from outside and sat obediently on the side of the carriage.
Seeing his mother's increasingly cold face, Zhang Chongwen secretly thought that something was wrong. Then he heard a scolding voice: "You are already fifteen years old this year, and you will soon be the governor of Malacca. You are still so impetuous. You don't look like a governor at all."
"Mother is right." Zhang Chongwen smiled awkwardly and quickly apologized and admitted his mistake.
"I know I'm wrong, but I don't think you know it at all." Seeing her son admit his mistake, Sun Yahan's heart softened a little, but she still said unforgivingly, "Let me tell you, Beijing is not like Malacca."
"If you dare to mess around here, I'll break your legs."
"understood."
Zhang Chongwen agreed impatiently, but he was full of curiosity about the capital. He had heard from his mother and father-in-law since he was a child that the Ming Dynasty was vast and rich in resources, and any place was bigger than Malacca.
As the capital of the Ming Dynasty, Beijing was extremely prosperous.
And his father also had great power in this city of Beijing. When Zhang Chongwen thought of his father, his eyes lit up and his handsome face was full of admiration.
"Mother, do you think father will come to pick us up?"
"Why are you asking this?" Sun Yahan asked back, feeling unsure.
Zhang Yunxiu was so busy that he had no time to come and pick her up. Even if he didn't come to pick her up, Sun Yahan would be very satisfied as long as he could give them a respectable identity.
"Mother, do I have an older sister, four younger brothers, and a younger sister?" Zhang Chongwen ignored his mother's impatience and continued to ask curiously.
"Your eldest sister is Zhang Xuan, born to Aunt Xier, your younger brother is Zhang Chongrui, born to Aunt Xu, and your younger sister is Zhang Xue, also born to Aunt Xu.
There is also a younger brother named Zhang Chongjie, who was also born to your aunt Xier. The remaining one was born to your aunt Chiyoko, and is called Zhang Chongming.
Oh, by the way, Aunt Luluo also gave birth to a son, who is only six years old this year, and his name is Zhang Chongzhi. "
Cursing inwardly for being careless, Sun Yahan told everyone about Zhang Yunxiu's family in one breath.
"With so many brothers and sisters, father's house must be very lively." When Zhang Chongwen said this, his tone was slightly sad, and his young face was full of envy.
Hearing this, Sun Yahan's nose felt sore, and she stretched out her arms to hug her son into her arms: "Don't blame your father, blame your mother. If your mother wasn't so stubborn, you wouldn't be so lonely."
"Mom, I don't feel lonely. I have Yue'er and you. I'm not lonely at all." Smiling and shaking his head, Zhang Chongwen cheered up and took the initiative to comfort her, "Besides, I think Malacca is pretty good too."
As he spoke, Zhang Chongwen hugged his mother tightly.
Sun Yahan also hugged her son tightly, her fair cheeks full of happiness.
The mother and son hugged each other, closed their eyes slightly, and enjoyed this rare quietness.
Suddenly, the whole world seemed to be quiet.
All that could be heard was the clatter of horse hooves and the sound of the carriage shaking.
After an unknown amount of time, the carriage gradually slowed down and finally stopped. Sun Yahan opened her eyes, parted the curtains and looked outside, and saw a group of cavalrymen running towards her.
The two leaders were both teenagers around fifteen or sixteen years old.
He was dressed in gorgeous clothes, with a jade pendant around his waist, looking like a young man from a wealthy family.
"General Wang, what's going on? We haven't even reached the capital yet, why are we stopped here?" Sun Yahan pointed at the people coming in front and asked the cavalry general on the side.
"Madam, the one in front is Lord Zhang's son. He is here to greet us." The cavalry general hurriedly bent down and explained to Sun Yahan.
"Ah, those are Chongrui and Chongjie. They've grown so big?!" Sun Yahan exclaimed, a hint of surprise appearing on her pretty face.
Then she laughed at herself. The last time she saw these two people, Zhang Yunxiu was 30 years old and the two were only eight or nine years old.
Six or seven years passed in a flash, the boy had grown up, so it was normal that she didn't recognize him.
Zhang Chongwen on the side became excited: "Mother, is that my brother in front?"
"Well, Chongrui is your father's son and the eldest son, and Chongjie is Aunt Xier's son. You should be polite later." Sun Yahan nodded and reminded her son who looked excited.
While the two were talking, Zhang Chongrui, who was elegant and handsome with gentle features, had already dismounted with his brother, and respectfully clasped his fists towards the carriage and said, "Zhang Chongrui, Zhang Chongjie will welcome my aunt on behalf of my father."
Hearing the sound, Sun Yahan lifted the curtain and led Zhang Chongwen out of the carriage.
The four of them looked at each other, and Sun Yahan smiled softly and said, "Thank you two for your hard work. It's so early in the morning. I'm afraid you left the city last night and are waiting for us on the road."
Zhang Chongrui said modestly, "It's not hard", and then turned his gaze to Zhang Chongwen who was looking at him.
"This must be Brother Zhongwen, I heard about him from my father and mother a long time ago, and today I finally got to see him."
"Brother Rui, Brother Jie, I'm new to the capital and I'm unfamiliar with the place. You two local guys have to show me around." Zhang Chongwen laughed and looked at the two of them enthusiastically.
"Of course we won't neglect it." Zhang Zhongjie and Zhang Zhongrui looked at each other and responded with a smile.
One of them is Zhang Yunxiu's eldest son, who will inherit Zhang Yunxiu's political resources in the future, and the other is Zheng Xier's son, who will inherit most of Zheng Xier's shops in the future.
One has power, the other has money.
Not only was he not hostile to his brother Zhang Chongwen, the country governor, but he was actually very kind to her.
Sun Yahan was delighted to see the three brothers having so much fun together. She interrupted with a smile, "Don't listen to his nonsense. This guy was used to being rude in Malacca. Don't take him out for a stroll." "Hahaha, don't worry, auntie. As long as my brother doesn't cause trouble, no one will dare to mess with him." Zhang Zhongjie chuckled and replied with pride.
"Okay, don't stand here. Father asked us to go back early after picking up my aunt and brother. Let's go into the city quickly." Zhang Chongrui urged.
"Yes, yes, let's go into the city."
Sun Yahan nodded in agreement and pulled her son back to the carriage.
Zhang family residence.
The mansion was decorated with lights and full of joy everywhere.
The maids, wearing new clothes and smiling, shuttled back and forth between the mansions, arranging flowers and hanging lanterns. Carts of food were sent to the kitchen, where they were processed amid the chefs' laughter.
In the hall, Zhang Yunxiu had just changed out of his official robes, and sitting on his lap was a little girl with pigtails, about seven or eight years old.
That was Xu Ruoxi's second daughter, Zhang Xue.
Xu Ruoxi, Zheng Xier, Chiyoko, and Luluo stood around and watched the father and daughter quietly. The girl obviously inherited Xu Ruoxi's appearance, with big eyes and skin as soft as milk.
He was only seven or eight years old but he was already very adorable.
Looking at the teasing father and daughter, Xu Ruoxi felt jealous and snorted, "Hmph, it's a good thing Xuan'er hasn't returned from Fourth Brother's house yet, otherwise she would have been jealous if she saw you teasing this little girl."
"Mother, why is my sister so jealous?" Hearing this, Zhang Xue widened her eyes and asked crisply.
Xu Ruoxi rolled her eyes at her daughter, but Zheng Xier beside her giggled and looked at Zhang Xue and said, "You'll know when you grow up, or when your aunt gives birth to a sister for you, then you'll know."
"Then wouldn't it be better if I don't grow up and my aunts don't give birth to younger sisters?" Zhang Xue answered with her head tilted, her fair face filled with childish innocence.
"cluck"
Suddenly, the women in the hall laughed so hard that they shook with laughter.
Xu Ruoxi bit her red lips, her cheeks turned red, and she laughed secretly in her heart, while Zheng Xier and Luluo covered their stomachs and laughed so hard that they fell backwards.
Chiyoko smiled softly, and her clear voice was particularly moving.
"Daddy, what are mom and aunt laughing at?" Zhang Xue stretched out her little hand, grabbed her smiling father's ear, and asked puzzledly.
"There's nothing to laugh at. They are just jealous of you." Zhang Yunxiu patted Zhang Xue's head with a smile and said dotingly, "You and Xuan'er are the only two golden flowers in our family. If I don't dote on you, who else will I dote on?"
"Okay, you'd better get ready. Chongwen and Sister Yahan will be here soon." Rolling her eyes at her husband in annoyance, Xu Ruoxi stood up and picked up her daughter from his knees.
"Someone, take the second young lady down to rest."
Immediately, a maid came forward and pulled Zhang Xue, who was reluctant to leave, out of the hall.
Sitting next to Zhang Yunxiu, Xu Ruoxi's eyes were slightly cold, and she angrily said: "You are now a minister, after all. I just want to ask you if you can have a little more bearing of a minister."
Although it was said in a tone of reproach, Zheng Xier and others in the hall all heard the praise and pride.
A month ago, Shen Shixing and Wang Xijue retired one after another, leaving the cabinet vacant.
With the recommendation of Shen Shixing and the favor of the emperor, Zhang Yunxiu successfully entered the cabinet at the age of 37.
He entered the cabinet at the age of less than 40, which was unprecedented in the Ming Dynasty.
Others, at the age of thirty-seven, may still be struggling for the imperial examination.
However, he reached the end point of countless scholars.
As this man's women, women like Xu Ruoxi and Zheng Xier only feel proud of it.
"What's wrong with you, Lord? You are also a human being. Why do you still worry about those things at home?" Hearing Xu Ruoxi's complaints, Zhang Yunxiu curled his lips and said indifferently.
"Yes, what the Lord said is right." Xu Ruoxi smiled sweetly, took the initiative to come behind Zhang Yunxiu, massaged his shoulders, and asked, "How is it, Lord? Do you still think the strength is appropriate?"
The voice is so alluring and moving that it makes one's bones and hair go soft.
"Not bad, try harder." With his eyes slightly closed, Zhang Yunxiu looked very happy.
Seeing this, Zheng Xier stood up and walked to Zhang Yunxiu's right shoulder, gently massaging him. Chiyoko and Luluo smiled at each other, stood up on their own initiative, and each came to the sides of Zhang Yunxiu's thighs.
She raised her jade hands and massaged his thighs.
Xu Ruoxi is graceful and elegant, Zheng Xier is charming and attractive, Luluo is well-behaved and obedient, and Chiyoko is cute and smart.
The four girls massaged Zhang Yunxiu together, and Zhang Yunxiu's bones were almost broken.
"Hmph, Xier, this guy really knows how to enjoy himself. There's going to be another one coming later, and there's almost no place left." Seeing Zhang Yunxiu's face full of enjoyment, Xu Ruoxi curled her lips and snorted at Zheng Xier beside her.
"I think we should ignore her tonight and let her go find her new love."
"Hehehe, sister, just don't eat it secretly when the time comes." Zheng Xier smiled with her hands covering her lips, her pair of almond-shaped eyes flashing slightly.
"So and so stole the food. Now I am annoyed when I see this guy."
"Why are you blushing, sister?"
"You are so good, Xier, now you are helping this guy to bully me."
"Sister, please don't wrongly accuse me. I am telling the truth."
The two of them were arguing with each other from time to time.
Luoluo and Chiyoko seemed to be used to it. They smiled and kept busy with their work. Their big watery eyes unconsciously looked at Zhang Yunxiu who was resting.
His eyes were full of admiration and love.
About half a quarter of an hour later, hurried footsteps were suddenly heard outside the hall.
Then Zhang Fu's old and excited voice came in: "Master, Master, Master Chongrui and Master Chongjie, and then Madam Sun are back."
Hearing this, the four girls pulled away and Zhang Yunxiu also opened his eyes.
"Tell the kitchen to prepare for the banquet."
In the evening.
Everyone in the Zhang family sat at a large round table. Zhang Yunxiu, with his long flowing beard and a handsome face, raised his wine glass and glanced at his wife and children one by one.
Everyone stood up and raised their glasses.
"It's a rare day for our family to be together today, so we must enjoy ourselves." Zhang Yunxiu said with a smile, raised his glass, clinked it with everyone else's, and drank it all in one gulp.
Putting down the wine glass, Zhang Yunxiu looked at Sun Yahan, whose face was flushed. "Yahan, our son has grown up. You should not leave after you come here this time. He has Song Ming and Yue'er over there. He does not need you as his mother to look after him."
Sun Yahan's body trembled, her eyes suddenly turned red, and she replied with a choked voice: "Yeah."
Then, Zhang Yunxiu turned his gaze to Zhang Chongwen, who was sitting upright, and said, "As the governor of Malacca, you must love and care for the people under your rule. If you are tyrannical, I will never let you off easily."
"I understand, son." Zhang Chongwen nodded.
"Okay, today is a family dinner, so let's not talk about state affairs."
(End of this chapter)
