CHAPTER 278: CHAPTER 278: MOTHER, YOU ARE THE SECOND

Zhao Ting returned to Zhao Mansion.

He talked to the Zhao family matriarch about Meng Yao’s lineage.

The Zhao family matriarch was stunned for quite a while.

"I need to pay a visit to Duke Qi," the Zhao family matriarch said after some thought.

This is the most basic etiquette.

"About your second sister-in-law and third sister-in-law..."

"Rest assured, I will have your second and third brothers manage them. Whoever still schemes will be sent back to their parents’ home," the Zhao family matriarch said.

"Thank you for your effort, mother." Zhao Ting said.

"It was my fault for indulging them too much before, letting them become greedy, wanting to possess what’s theirs and what’s not," the Zhao family matriarch sighed.

"Mother, I have another matter to discuss with you," Zhao Ting said with a serious expression.

The Zhao family matriarch became tense seeing him this way, "What’s the matter, just tell me."

"Mother, you know that I married into this family. Although I had amnesia then, the fact of marrying into the family remains."

"So, does A Yao have any thoughts?" the Zhao family matriarch asked.

"No, if A Yao had any thoughts, would the children bear the Zhao surname?" Zhao Ting quickly explained, "It’s just that recently I’ve been thinking, since my father-in-law and mother-in-law passed away early, leaving only A Yao, shouldn’t one of our children, Dajiang or Dahe, take the Meng surname?"

"Isn’t that supposed to be the case?" the Zhao family matriarch said.

Frankly speaking, since my son married into this family, even if all the children changed their surname to Meng, it wouldn’t be wrong by the rules.

"Mother, thank you." Zhao Ting said sincerely.

"Ha, just changing a surname doesn’t mean they are not your flesh and blood," the Zhao family matriarch said.

With the Zhao family matriarch being so considerate, Zhao Ting was very touched.

"Let’s not talk about that. Tell me, have you made A Yao happy yet?" the Zhao family matriarch asked.

"This, this, I’m working on it," Zhao Ting said.

"Why did I raise such a useless boy? It’s been so long and she’s not happy yet? Ting, listen to me, don’t hold yourself back. If you do, you might never make her happy," the Zhao family matriarch said earnestly.

Zhao Ting thought to himself, he wasn’t holding back.

"Didn’t you remember the past? How did you make people happy before, use that method," the Zhao family matriarch said.

How can that work?

Back then, it was the original Zhao Ting making the original Meng Yao happy.

Now, he isn’t Zhao Ting.

A Yao isn’t the original Meng Yao.

How can the same method be used?

If the same method is used, it’ll never work.

However, Zhao Ting still assured, "Mother, don’t worry, I’ll try my best."

——

Meng Yao was sorting out the items sent by Duke Qi when Eunuch Shuangxi arrived with an imperial decree.

The first part of the decree was full of praises for Meng Yao, and the second part granted her the title of County Princess.

Apart from a title, she also received land.

The title is Le’an, and the land is also Le’an.

Shuangxi congratulated Meng Yao, and after receiving his reward, he said a few more words before leaving.

"A County Princess with a title and land, since the founding of Zhou Country, you’re the second recorded in history, mother." Zhao Dahe said.

"Where is this Le’an?" Meng Yao asked.

"The place is somewhat remote, located on the borders of Zhou Country. However, it’s quite prosperous. Most trade between the Zhou Country caravans and foreign tribes occurs in Le’an. Besides the people of Zhou Country, many foreigners reside in Le’an County," Zhao Dahe explained.

"How close is the Gelle tribe to Le’an?" Meng Yao asked.

"Less than two hundred miles," Zhao Dahe said.

Meng Yao understood, Emperor Jing’s grant of this land must have been well-considered.

The original person’s father was Gelle.

The fact that Meng Yao was granted the title of County Princess spread quickly.

Her connection as Duke Qi’s granddaughter was also known among various family heads.

Before, merely being Zhao Ting’s wife wasn’t enough to gain the attention of those noblewomen.

Now, as a County Princess with land, being Duke Qi’s granddaughter, these two identities could not be ignored.

Invitations flew like snowflakes to Zhao Mansion.

If not for Huang Ying’s presence, Meng Yao felt she couldn’t possibly manage.

"Madam, this pile is for birthdays of family elders. This pile is inviting you to flower viewings," Huang Ying said, "I’ve sorted them by family status, from the highest to the lowest."

From these invitations, Meng Yao gained considerable insight into the noble families of the Capital City.

"Is there no issue if I don’t attend?" Meng Yao asked.

Huang Ying thought for a moment, "For these families, being on par with Duke Qi Mansion, I suggest you consult the Duke Qi."

Meng Yao singled out those invitations for further consideration.

The relationships among these families are intricate. On the surface, they may seem extraordinary, but in reality, it’s just a façade.

"These are families that frequently associate with the General Mansion. If unsure, you could inquire with the matriarch back home," Huang Ying added.

"Alright."

——

Duke Qi browsed through the invitations, "A Yao, are you willing to go?"

"To be honest, Grandfather, if it doesn’t cause any issues, I’m not inclined to go," Meng Yao said sincerely. She’s not skilled in social graces. For ordinary interactions, she follows her wishes; whether to associate or not, nobody can dictate.

But with these noble families, it’s different.

If accidentally offended, who knows when they might retaliate?

"If you don’t want to go, then don’t, but you should at least know who they are," Duke Qi said, "How about this, find a time to send invitations and invite them to Duke Qi Mansion."

"Grandfather, wouldn’t that be improper? I know you care for me, but this is Duke Qi Mansion..."

"It’s perfectly fine. To me, you and Xiao Ye are equal, both hosts of this Duke Qi Mansion," Duke Qi said, "Rest assured, Xiao Ye won’t mind. He’s never been interested in the title of Duke, and if I said I’d give the mansion’s holdings to you, he’d likely be the first to applaud."

Duke Qi wasn’t merely comforting Meng Yao, rather, Xiao Ye is just like that. Perhaps his name wasn’t chosen well, leisurely like a hermit, spending days pondering lazing around. Ask him to manage anything, and he’ll be as unwilling as possible.

"Then I’ll follow Grandfather’s advice," Meng Yao said.

"Later, I’ll have Xiao Ye draft a list for you. You can refer to it accordingly, and also consult with the Zhao family matriarch," Duke Qi said.

Duke Qi Mansion has its allies.

Similarly, the Zhao Mansion has its alliances.

Duke Qi had already met with the Zhao family matriarch.

The talk was quite congenial.

Of course, that doesn’t mean he’s satisfied with Zhao Ting as the grandson-in-law.

Everything depends on his granddaughter.