Exchange Fate! She Saved the whole family and the Short-Lived Marquis!-Chapter 97: New Year’s Visit to the Marquis’ Residence
"So, I wanted to ask you, what are your thoughts on Mingzhu’s marriage proposal?" Madam Fu said, "You don’t need to answer me right now."
"Your mind is in disarray now, and you might not be able to think calmly," Madam Fu continued, "Fortunately, this matter is not urgent. Take your time to think it over and tell me when you’re ready."
Aunt Cheng nodded; as it concerns Fu Mingzhu’s marriage, she must think carefully.
"Mingzhu’s marriage is important, and it is best for Madam and me to make the decision together," Aunt Cheng said, but there was no rush for now.
Mrs. Cheng was genuinely happy for Fu Mingzhu.
Not to mention anything else, although the Cheng family and Fu Shinian are on good terms, there is still a layer between them.
But Fu Mingzhu is different; she is truly her niece.
Now that Fu Mingzhu is also granted a title, her two children, being Mingzhu’s cousins, will naturally benefit as well.
The better Fu Mingzhu is, the better the Cheng family will be.
This point is very clear in Mrs. Cheng’s mind.
"I didn’t know that Mingzhu had such happy news; the gifts we brought suddenly seem insufficient," Mrs. Cheng said with a smile.
This time they only brought New Year’s gifts.
"We are all family; there’s no need to be so formal," Aunt Cheng said. She wiped away her tears, feeling calm at this moment.
This time Cheng Yuanshan came not only to greet the New Year but also for another important matter.
"Sir." Cheng Yuanshan took out a bundle, opened it, and said, "Take a look at this."
"Cotton?" Mr. Fu was surprised.
"This cotton is better than what I’ve seen in the capital," Cheng Yuanshan introduced, "The cotton is very thick and solid, and its yield is particularly high."
Mr. Fu tried it out in his hands and exclaimed, "Where is this from?"
"This time, after delivering supplies to the northwest army, I did not return immediately but took a detour to the Western Regions," Cheng Yuanshan explained, "Earlier, I noticed that the cotton clothing sold there seemed particularly sturdy and warm. At first, I didn’t pay much attention."
Originally, the Cheng family’s main business was not in this area, and since the Western Regions were far away, Cheng Yuanshan first transported valuable and rare goods.
"This time, when I bought a large number of cotton clothes for the northwest army, I paid more attention," Cheng Yuanshan said, "and discovered things I had previously overlooked."
"The Western Regions, due to their long daylight hours and abundant sunlight, have particularly sweet fruits," Cheng Yuanshan said. "I think this is also why their cotton yield is high and the cotton is especially thick and strong."
"I don’t know much about these, but the seeds seem similar." Cheng Yuanshan took out a small packet. "I also brought back some seeds."
"If the seeds are the same and the northwest climate is similar to the Western Regions, planting cotton in suitable areas in the northwest could yield such a high output..."
Now, the Western Regions are already affiliated with Great Xi.
But they are not entirely part of Great Xi, as there are still wars among the smaller nations.
It’s always more reassuring to plant cotton on land that is entirely one’s own.
Mr. Fu stood up suddenly and said, "Come with me to the Marquis’s manor."
"The Marquis’s manor? Which marquis?" Cheng Yuanshan was surprised.
What does this have to do with a marquis’s manor?
And which marquis’s manor is it?
"To find Marquis Changping," Mr. Fu said. "Marquis Changping has the privilege to enter the palace without a summons at any time. We should explain the situation to him and have him take us into the palace to meet the emperor."
"If I were to do it, I’d have to first submit a memorial to His Majesty, which would take too long. It’s better to have Marquis Changping take us directly—it’s faster."
"Is it necessary to be in such a hurry?" Cheng Yuanshan said. "Today is the first day; His Majesty is resting. If we go to the palace today, we might disturb His Majesty’s rest, wouldn’t we..."
"Such a big matter, if reported late, would only displease His Majesty," Mr. Fu said. "If we can really plant the same kind of cotton in our northwest territories, many problems can be solved."
Therefore, Mr. Fu didn’t delay, dragging Cheng Yuanshan to Marquis Changping’s manor immediately.
Seeing this, Madam Fu said, "Exactly, we were also planning to go to the marquis’s manor to pay the New Year’s call. Let’s go together. Otherwise, if you take Mr. Cheng alone, it would draw too much attention and easily arouse suspicion."
"You’re right," Mr. Fu calmed his previously excited mind from the news brought by Cheng Yuanshan, "In recent days, our family has been in the spotlight a bit too much; we need to be more low-key."
Mrs. Cheng hesitated, wanting to speak.
She was initially planning to suggest hosting a banquet to celebrate Fu Mingzhu.
But now, given the Fu family’s attitude that requires discretion, it seems it won’t be possible.
"Let’s go; we’ll all go to the marquis’s manor together," Madam Fu said.
"If that’s the case, I’ll take the children back first," Mrs. Cheng said.
"Let’s all go together," Madam Fu said.
"What? We’re going too?" Mrs. Cheng exclaimed, a little unable to contain her excitement.
Their family is in commerce and never expected to interact with nobility and officials.
Maintaining such close ties with the Fu family is already rare. Now, are they really going to the marquis’s manor?
"Today, Aunt Cheng is also coming with us," Madam Fu said. "In the past, there was no suitable excuse, so we always let Sixiu stay at home. However, since today we’re visiting for New Year’s, it’s perfectly fine to bring Sixiu along."
"But..." Aunt Cheng hesitated, "Won’t the old madam be displeased?"
"I heard that when the old marquis was alive, the old aunt was very arrogant, and the old madam probably disliked aunts," Aunt Cheng said. "If I go, and because of it the old madam starts to dislike the Fu family, it wouldn’t be good."
Madam Fu hesitated for a moment and asked Fu Shinian, "Shinian, you know the old madam better; what do you think?"
Aunt Cheng’s concern was not unfounded.
"The old madam is a reasonable person. She knows there is only the mother and aunt in our family and knows that you have a harmonious relationship," Fu Shinian said. "Moreover, Aunt has never been someone who crosses the line or speaks out of turn; the old madam will not mind."
Cheng Yuanshan has always felt guilty towards Aunt Cheng.
Back then, the Cheng family married Aunt Cheng into the Fu Mansion to gain Mr. Fu’s protection.
This resulted in Aunt Cheng being of a lower status, confined to the inner quarters and unable to participate in any matters.
Mrs. Cheng also had mixed feelings; although their family is in commerce, at least she is a legitimate wife, able to interact with others outside.
Aunt Cheng, raised as a treasured daughter in the Cheng family when she was younger, gave up her future for her family’s sake.
Otherwise, if she married into a common merchant family as a legitimate wife, she could at least hold her head high.
Aunt Cheng, her eyes reddened, nodded and said, "Since both Madam and Shinian think it’s fine, then... I will go and take a look."
Aunt Cheng was also excited, going out with the family, especially being able to meet people alongside Fu Mingzhu.
Thus, everyone took a carriage together and headed to the marquis’s manor.
There were many guests visiting the marquis’s manor for New Year’s greetings.
