Chapter 336: Zhen Family Banquet
The reason for his expression was not because there was something wrong with the content of the post, but because Jia Cong was a little surprised by the origin of the post, because it was sent to him by the Zhen family through the old lady.
After thinking for a moment, Jia Cong asked, "What did the old lady say?"
Amber said respectfully, "The old lady said that the Third Master should make the decision. If there is any hindrance, then we don't have to care about it. If there is no hindrance, then it's okay to go and take a look. After all, it's in our house."
"Okay, I understand. Go back and tell someone to inform the Zhen family that I have agreed and will be there later."
Amber heard this and left.
The Zhen family's post didn't say anything else, except saying that Prince Beijing had rebelled before, and the Zhen family was very grateful to Marquis Guanjun for his support, so they acted as hosts to express their gratitude. It was also a post from the old lady of the Zhen family.
In the afternoon, Jia Cong called Jia Zhong over, asked him to prepare a gift, and then went to the West Mansion.
We went straight to the courtyard where the Zhen family lived, and found an old maid waiting outside the door.
"Greetings, My Lord!" The nanny bowed to the ground and then led Jia Cong inside. When they arrived at the courtyard in the middle where Old Madam Zhen lived, she saw that Old Madam Zhen was leading all the Zhen family members to greet them.
"I am here to attend the banquet, how can I be welcomed by the old lady in person!" Jia Cong said with a smile.
Old Madam Zhen came forward with a smile, took Jia Cong's hand and said, "Isn't it proper courtesy for the Champion Marquis to come?"
"Come in quickly, the champion is here today and has given me a lot of respect!"
Jia Cong followed her into the inner hall, and after they sat down, Liu and a few others bowed and left, leaving Zhen Muring alone to serve the old lady.
Old Lady Zhen smiled and said, "I should have asked my grandson to come with you, after all, you are of the same age. However, it is unfortunate that my grandson has been ill these past two days. I am afraid that he will hinder the Marquis of Guanjun, so I can only apologize to the Marquis of Guanjun."
"What is the disease? Has the doctor examined it?" Jia Cong asked.
"I checked it out and it's nothing serious. I just need to rest for two days!"
"The reason why I invited Marquis Guanjun to a banquet today is not for any other reason. When we encountered such a disaster before, it was all thanks to the soldiers under Marquis Guanjun who provided us with support. Otherwise, we women in the backyard would have been scared to death."
"You don't have to be polite, old lady. This is just my duty and responsibility."
"Oh, I really envy my elder sister for having such good children and grandchildren. It's a pity that none of our Zhen family's children can compare to even one-tenth or two of Guanjun Hou!"
"Come to think of it, I have to apologize to the Champion Marquis first!"
Jia Cong just listened and did not respond. He only heard the old lady sigh and say, "As for me, I have many children and grandchildren, but few of them are in my heart. Only my granddaughter has always been well-behaved and dutiful, and she knows how to be filial. So, I have no other thoughts. The only thing I want is to find a good fate for my granddaughter. If she has someone to rely on in the future, I will feel relieved even if I die."
"Marquis Guanjun is a rare good man in the world, and a perfect match for my little girl. Although the Marquis and my old sister declined before, I couldn't bear my granddaughter's pleading, so I went to ask the emperor. Besides, I am not an ignorant old woman. The Marquis said that he had a lover, so how could I ruin his kindness?"
"Besides, my granddaughter is also a stubborn person. She would rather be a concubine than commit herself to anyone at random. Therefore, I shamelessly ask the emperor to give my granddaughter to the Marquis of Guanjun. Even if she cannot be his wife, she can be a concubine, which is also her wish."
Jia Cong then smiled and said, "The daughter of the Zhen family is also a noble lady, and she is also extremely talented and beautiful. It is a shame for me to have her as my concubine."
"Hey!" Old Lady Zhen patted Jia Cong's hand and then said, "I have lived for decades and I see some things most clearly. What is a wife or a concubine? They all live together. As long as the Marquis is willing and doesn't treat my granddaughter harshly, what does it matter if she is a concubine?"
"My Zhen family has a little wealth, and we have never thought about inheriting any property from the Marquis. Therefore, as long as my granddaughter is willing, I will naturally be happy to fulfill her wish ."
After she finished speaking, without waiting for Jia Cong to speak again, she said to the maid guarding the door, "Go and have someone prepare a banquet!"
Soon, several maids and servants brought the wine and food. Moreover, two tables were set up in the main hall, and Madam Zhen and Jia Cong were seated separately.
"Granddaughter, go pour wine for the Champion Marquis!"
"Today, I am the only old woman hosting the banquet. This is really disrespectful to Marquis Guanjun. If Marquis Guanjun comes to Jiangnan again in the future, my Zhen family will definitely welcome him with the whole house."
"I got this good wine from my old sister. I'm offering it to the Champion Marquis!"
Jia Cong picked up the wine cup and said, "No need to be polite, old lady. Let's drink together!"
The old and the young ate slowly like this, while Zhen Muring served them on both sides, pouring wine and serving dishes. After three rounds of wine, Old Lady Zhen said again, "I received a letter from the retired emperor the other day, saying that the Imperial Astronomical Observatory had picked a date, saying that June 19th is a big day this year, just right for burying the old concubine."
"Therefore, we will need to stay in your mansion for more than two months, and we need your care, Master!"
"Our two families have been friendly to each other for a hundred years. The old lady is a close friend of our ancestor. Isn't it natural for her to live at home? If there is anything that is not convenient to trouble the ancestor, just send someone to find me directly." Jia Cong said with a smile.
"In this case, I will accept your kindness, Lord!"
The two drank a few more cups, and a maid came in and whispered to the old lady for a while. After the maid left, Old Lady Zhen stood up and said, "My Lord, please drink slowly. I will be leaving for a moment."
"The old lady will go by herself!"
"Granddaughter, you accompany the Marquis to talk! Our two families are considered family, there is no need to worry about those rules."
After the old lady left, only Jia Cong and Zhen Muring were left in the room. Jia Cong did not speak, but just lowered his head to eat. Zhen Muring quietly poured wine and served food to Jia Cong. After a while, she whispered, "Marquis Guanjun, can you save my sister?"
Jia Cong smiled and said, "I just thought that there is no good banquet, but this host is really too expensive."
Zhen Muring bit her red lips lightly, "Marquis Guanjun, as long as you can save my sister, I can do anything."
"My sister didn't want to marry Prince Beijing back then, but she had to marry far away for the sake of her family! I never thought that she would suffer such a disaster now! When I was young, my sister treated me the best. I asked the old lady to come to the palace to intercede for me, but she refused. I know you are very powerful and have the emperor's trust. Can you save my sister?"
