The Pretty Wife of General Jinxiu Huanian

Chapter 159 The future of the Hou Mansion

Yunxi sat quietly in the courtyard of the Marquis's Mansion, holding a medical book in her hand and reading it intently.

The warm sunlight shone on her face, making her eyebrows and eyes look even softer, and the gentleness accumulated over the years was revealed so naturally.

On the stone table beside her, several pots of flowers were in full bloom, and the fragrance of the flowers kept penetrating into people's noses.

At this moment, Wanyu and Yuxuan walked over side by side. Wanyu was wearing a light blue dress that swayed gently in the breeze. The pink ribbon tied around her waist made her graceful figure even more charming.

Her face was full of sweet smiles, just like flowers just blooming in spring, which made people happy when they saw her.

Yuxuan was wearing a black brocade robe. He was tall and straight, with a pair of bright eyes that exuded confidence and determination.

"Mother." Wanyu called softly, her voice sweet and crisp.

Yunxi heard the voice and quickly raised her head. A smile immediately broke out on her face. She waved at the two of them and said, "Come on, sit down."

As he spoke, he reached out and patted the stone bench beside him.

Wanyu came over and sat down beside Yunxi obediently. She put her arm around Yunxi's and shook it coquettishly, "Mom, you look so beautiful today."

Yuxuan also strode over, sat down steadily, and bowed slightly to Yunxi, "Mother, how are you?"

Yunxi smiled and nodded, "Why are you two here together today?"

Wanyu blinked and said, "Mother, Brother Yuxuan and I ran into each other in the garden, so we thought we'd come see you together."

Yunxi gently scratched Wanyu's nose and said, "You little devil, you are the only one who talks sweetly."

Yuxuan watched the mother and daughter talking and laughing, with a smile on his face.

The three of them sat around the stone table, and the maid immediately brought them freshly brewed tea and exquisite snacks.

Yuxuan picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said, "Mother, the position of the Marquis' Mansion in the capital is becoming more and more stable. This is all thanks to you and father."

Yuxuan put down the teacup and looked at Yunxi with bright eyes full of admiration.

He straightened his back, a proud expression on his face as he continued, "Mother, you manage the Marquisate from top to bottom, and you handle everything very well. Father is also highly respected in the court. The Marquisate's current state is entirely due to your hard work."

Yunxi waved her hand, "It's all thanks to you that the Marquis' Mansion has achieved its current glory."

Yunxi smiled and looked at Yuxuan and Wanyu with loving eyes. She reached out and gently smoothed the hair around Wanyu's ears.

Wanyu picked up a piece of dessert and handed it to Yunxi, "Mother, try this, it's freshly made."

Wanyu tilted her head, her eyes sparkling, and looked at Yunxi with anticipation.

Yunxi took the snack, took a bite, and nodded in praise, "Mm, it tastes good."

Yunxi smiled and patted Wanyu's hand, saying, "Your craftsmanship is getting better and better."

As he was speaking, the housekeeper came hurriedly and said respectfully: "Madam, Miss, Young Master, there are several guests outside the mansion. They said they came here because they admired your reputation and wanted to visit the Marquis' Mansion."

Yunxi frowned slightly, "Do you know who it is?"

The butler replied, "The leader is a wealthy businessman with his family."

Yunxi thought for a moment and said, "Please ask them to wait in the front hall. I will be there soon."

The butler took the order and left.

Yunxi brought Wanyu and Yuxuan to the front hall, where they saw a fat, gorgeously dressed middle-aged man looking around the layout of the marquis's mansion, followed by several ladies and young ladies.

The rich businessman was fat, with big ears and a round belly. He had a thick gold chain around his neck and jewel rings on his fingers that made people dizzy.

He watched and admired it, and the fat on his face jiggled with his movements.

Yunxi stepped forward and said with a smile, "I didn't know you were coming. I'm sorry for not welcoming you."

The wealthy businessman quickly bowed and said, "Madam, I have heard of your mansion for a long time and came to visit you today."

He smiled so hard that his eyes narrowed into slits, the fat on his face was squeezed into a ball, and he was breathing heavily when he spoke, "Madam, your mansion is really magnificent!

I've often heard people in the capital speak of the reputation of the Marquis' Mansion, and seeing it today, I can see that it truly lives up to its reputation."

Yunxi said politely, "Thank you for the compliment. I wonder what brings you here today?"

The wealthy businessman hurriedly said, "Madam Hou, I have been working in the business world for many years and have always wanted to get to know a prestigious family like the Hou Mansion.

I brought my family here today just to establish some connections with the Marquis' Mansion."

As he spoke, he turned around and called out to the ladies behind him, "Come and meet the Marquis' wife."

The ladies and young ladies hurried forward and saluted respectfully.

One of the ladies was wearing a pink dress and a gold hairpin in her hair, but she couldn't hide her tacky look.

She said in a sweet voice, "Madam Hou, I have long heard of your great name. It is truly my honor to meet you today."

Wanyu couldn't help but curl her lips and muttered softly, "How can this be true?"

Yuxuan glared at Wanyu and signaled her not to talk too much.

Yunxi said calmly, "You are so polite, everyone. Since you are here, you are a guest. Please take a seat."

Everyone took their seats, and the rich businessman began to talk about his business philosophy again. Yunxi just listened with a smile and occasionally responded.

After some pleasantries, the wealthy businessman stated his purpose, which was to cooperate with the Marquis's Mansion on a business venture.

The wealthy businessman clapped his chubby hands on his stomach, smiled widely, and revealed a set of yellow teeth that were particularly eye-catching against the gold ones. He said, "Madam Hou, Master Hou, this business is selling silk from Jiangnan.

You see, Jiangnan silk is a top-notch product and is very scarce in our capital.

I have connections in Jiangnan and can get large quantities of high-quality silk. As long as the Marquis' Mansion cooperates with me, the money will definitely flow into our pockets!"

Yunxi tilted her head slightly and looked at Yuxuan. Yuxuan frowned, rubbed his chin a few times, thought for a moment, and said, "This matter still needs to be considered in the long run.

I need to think carefully about the ins and outs of this and not act rashly."

When the wealthy businessman heard this, he was so anxious that his eyes almost popped out of his head, and he hurriedly said, "Master Hou, this is a business that is sure to make money.

You see, Jiangnan silk is in short supply in the capital. As long as we bring the goods in, no matter how much, we can sell it all out.”

As he spoke, he stretched out his chubby fingers and gestured in the air.

Yunxi smiled, a smile that was both polite and distant. "Thank you for your kindness, Excellency. However, this matter concerns the reputation of the Marquisate, so we must consider it carefully."

Seeing Yunxi's resolute attitude, the rich businessman's fat on his face trembled, and a trace of disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he still forced a smile and said, "Madam Hou is right, I was too impatient.

However, this business opportunity is rare, so I hope Madam Hou and Master Hou will think it over carefully."

Yunxi nodded gently and said, "Of course."

Seeing that there was no hope, the rich businessman had no choice but to stand up and say goodbye. He struggled to stand up from the chair, and his round belly almost broke the buttons of his clothes.

As he walked out, he kept muttering, "What a shame, what a waste of such a good deal."

After sending the wealthy businessman away, Yunxi said to Yuxuan and Wanyu, “Although the Marquis’ Mansion is now well-known, we cannot be careless and must consider everything carefully.

Don't trust everything this rich businessman says. We need to figure out the pros and cons of this for ourselves."

Yuxuan nodded and said, "Don't worry, mother. I understand. Business matters are very complicated. If you're not careful, you could bring trouble to the Marquis' Mansion."

A few days later, the Marquis's residence held a poetry gathering. Talented men and beautiful women from all over the capital came, and the Marquis's residence was bustling with activity.

There are several tables in the courtyard, filled with pens, ink, paper, inkstones, and fruits and snacks.

A talented scholar stood up, shook his head, cleared his throat and recited his poem, "The spring breeze blows the green willows, the summer rain moistens the red flowers.

Autumn frost dyes maple leaves, winter snow reflects plum and pine trees. ” After reciting the poem, his face was full of pride, his chin almost raised to the sky, waiting for everyone’s praise.

Everyone applauded, and some flatterers praised the poem to the highest heavens.

Wanyu sat aside, listening quietly, with appreciation in her eyes, the corners of her mouth slightly raised, and nodded gently.

Yuxuan was discussing national affairs with a few friends at another table.

Yuxuan's expression was serious, his hand unconsciously clenching the teacup. He said, "Right now, the war on the border is intense, and the imperial court has increased taxes. The people are suffering terribly."

Several friends also looked solemn and nodded in agreement.

At this time, a young lady walked up to Wanyu and said with a smile, "Sister Wanyu, I've heard that you are an excellent pianist. Could you play a piece for us today?"

Wanyu happily agreed, stood up and walked to the piano. She lifted her skirt slightly and sat down gracefully, her figure like a blooming lotus.

She nodded slightly, placed her hands lightly on the strings, and paused for a moment, as if brewing her emotions.

Then, his fingers plucked the strings nimbly, and beautiful music suddenly rang out in the courtyard.

At first, the sound of the piano was like the gurgling of water, soft and soothing. Everyone closed their eyes unconsciously and immersed themselves in it.

Wanyu's expression was focused and intoxicated, with a gentle air between her eyebrows.

Her fingers danced on the strings, the speed gradually increased, and the sound became more passionate, like the golden swords and iron horses on the battlefield, majestic and powerful.

The talented people standing by couldn't help but nod their heads slightly, with expressions of admiration on their faces.

The young ladies held their cheeks with their hands and looked at Wanyu infatuatedly, their eyes full of envy and admiration.

Everyone was immersed in the wonderful piano music, and time seemed to stand still.

After the piano music slowly faded away for a long time, everyone woke up as if from a dream and burst into warm applause and cheers.

After the poetry meeting, the reputation of the Marquis' Mansion spread throughout the capital.

Some time later, a good friend of Yuxuan in the army came to visit.

Yuxuan strode out the door, bowed and said with a smile: "Brother, it's been a long time since we last met. I hope you are doing well!"

The friend also smiled and replied, "Brother Yuxuan, you are still as charming as ever!"

As they spoke, the two of them walked into the mansion side by side.

Arriving at the study, Yuxuan personally poured tea for his friend. The friend took the cup, took a sip, and said, "Yuxuan, the border situation is stable now. You are well-known in the army."

Yuxuan smiled and waved his hand: "It's all the result of the joint efforts of the soldiers."

The friend continued, "I came here to discuss something with you."

Yuxuan put down his teacup and asked curiously, "What's going on?" His friend leaned closer to Yuxuan and whispered, "I heard there's a business opportunity in the south. Are you interested?"

Yuxuan frowned, rubbing his chin with his hand, and after a moment of contemplation, he said, "We need to make further plans for this matter."

The friend nodded: "Okay, Brother Yuxuan has always been cautious, then I will wait for your news."

In the back garden of the Marquis's Mansion, Yunxi was instructing several maids to plant herbs.

Yunxi was wearing plain clothes and had her hair tied up in a simple bun, but her dignified temperament could not be concealed.

"This herb needs to be planted deeper, otherwise it will be difficult for it to survive." Yunxi said carefully.

She bent down, picked up a herb, and demonstrated it to the maids herself.

The maids planted carefully according to Yunxi's instructions.

At this time, Wanyu came over and said, "Mother, you have worked hard." Yunxi wiped the sweat from her forehead, straightened up, and looked at Wanyu with a smile: "It's not hard. These herbs may come in handy in the future."

Wanyu stood obediently by the side, helping Yunxi tidy up her messy hair.

As the days passed, the future of the Marquisate was filled with hope. Yuxuan rose through the ranks, and each time he returned, he appeared more composed and resolute.

Wanyu also became the object of pursuit of many young men in the capital because of her talent and beauty.

Those young masters often found various excuses to come to the Marquis' Mansion just to catch a glimpse of Wanyu's beauty.

Wanyu always responded politely, neither humble nor arrogant.

And Yunxi still uses her wisdom and kindness to protect the peace and prosperity of the Marquis' Mansion.