"Why do you suddenly want to eat duck? Why didnât you say so earlier? We could have had the kitchen prepare it."
Upon hearing that her precious granddaughter wanted to eat duck, Lady Ji wished that the kitchen could instantly bring out a pot of old duck soup.
"Could someone from the kitchen go and see if thereâs any duck prepared? If not, go to the local Restaurant and buy two prepared ones to bring back."
Hearing Lady Jiâs words, Zhu Xiuxiu and Huo XingâEr, who knew the truth, couldnât help but twitch at the corners of their mouths.
The duck the little girl wants to eat isnât just any ordinary duck!
"Mother! Suisui doesnât want an ordinary duck. Donât let everyone go to such trouble."
Lady Ji looked puzzled at Huo XingâEr, who had spoken.
Huo XingâEr then explained about encountering Xie Si carrying a Roasted Duck, and Lady Ji finally understood.
"In that case, when Xie Si returns to the Academy, have someone buy some ducks and take them there to exchange for two so the girl can have a taste!"
Huo XingâEr and Zhu Xiuxiu agreed.
After the table was cleared, just as the family was about to go their separate ways back to their rooms, a young maid came in from outside. "Lady, Third Miss Xie has returned."
"So soon? Has she settled all her family matters?"
The young maid replied, "I didnât ask. Third Miss Xie is waiting outside. Shall I have her come in to report?"
"Let her in!"
The young maid exited, and a short while later, Xie PanâEr came in.
"Greetings to Lady Ji, Your Highness the Princess, Second Madam, Third Madam, and the two Young Masters."
Upon entering, Xie PanâEr immediately performed a full kowtow to everyone.
Huo XingâEr quickly helped her up. "Didnât Suisui tell you before that you donât need to perform such courtesies to us?"
Xie PanâEr quickly said, "This courtesy must be performed. Without all of you, my family would still be living in such dire straits!"
"Alright, alright, itâs all in the past now. How is your family situation? Is everything settled?"
Seeing Xie PanâErâs sincere gratitude, Lady Ji was even more pleased with her. She beckoned her closer and asked softly.
Xie PanâEr quickly nodded, her face alight with joy.
"Everything has been taken care of. We have been expelled from the clan; my elder brother, as the eldest grandson of our direct line, has retrieved our Ancestorsâ spirit tablet. My parents had my brother take them to an Inn for now. Tomorrow, he will look for a Mansion. Heâll buy one if he can, or rent one otherwise, just to settle our parents first. After that, he will gradually take over and manage the familyâs assets. Then, he can study with peace of mind and take the imperial examinations in three years."
Speaking of her brotherâs future, Xie PanâErâs entire demeanor brightened.
Seeing her like this, Lady Ji was even more satisfied.
"You are a good child, and I imagine your brother is no different."
Upon hearing Lady Jiâs words, Ji Youzhi chimed in.
"What Xie Si did today was noteworthy. He seems to have a knack for investigation. If he can achieve something in the future, his official career will surely be promising."
He had been able to directly investigate the Tavern and confront the shopkeeper and Lady Liu. This was all thanks to a tip-off from the Emperor, who informed him that Xie Si had provided the clue about purchasing wine from the Tavern.
This shows that Xie Si has a clear mind and is quite intelligentâwell-suited for investigative work!
"Really? Is my brother truly that capable? Seventh Young Master, surely youâre not just saying that to make me happy?"
Xie PanâEr was overjoyed, first hearing Lady Ji praise her brother, and then hearing Lord God Hunter Ji Youzhi praise him as well.
"Iâm telling the truth," Ji Youzhi replied without hesitation. "Why would I try to coax you for no reason?"
Hearing her sonâs words, Lady Jiâs expression as she looked at him became rather difficult to describe.