Relationship with Zhu Fu

  It was soon the third day of Yuan Rou's return home. Taking advantage of going to pay respects to Zhang Shi, Yuan Yi carefully examined Yuan Rou and saw that she had already combed her hair into a married woman's style, adding a touch of elegance and charm, blushing and lowering her head when others mentioned her husband, with sparkling eyes and tender feelings, it seemed the young couple got along well.

  Everyone present is a connoisseur, and Yuan Yi's intentions can be seen through, so it's only natural that she couldn't escape their discerning eyes, and they teased her for a few sentences. Even Chu Niang was smiling with joy, looking radiant. Yuan Yi's gaze swept around the room, seeing Yuan Hua's forced smile and somewhat dazed expression, and only then did she realize that her aunt Sun Shi hadn't arrived.

  She slightly turned her head and asked Su Mei, "What's wrong with Aunt Sun?"

  In this situation, Su Mei also didn't dare to say much and briefly replied, "After Madam took over the management of the inner courtyard again, Concubine Sun fell ill."

  Yuanni couldn't help but ponder the words in her heart, and listening to them did seem interesting. It's unclear whether Sun Niang was dissatisfied with handing over power and pretended to be ill, or if Zhang Shi came up with a plan after autumn. However, thinking about it again and Yu Hua's restless appearance, it seems that the latter is more likely.

  After Sun's family took power, Yuan Yi thought their arrogant attitude was unbearable. He didn't expect retribution to come so quickly. She and Zhang's family had been fighting for so many years, didn't she know that he wasn't a magnanimous person?

  It's either that power moves people's hearts or Sun was indeed suppressed by Zhang to the point of being unable to bear his arrogance after gaining power.

  At this time, Zhang Shi, who was sitting at the top, coughed lightly, her voice not loud, and everyone present stopped talking and looked at her with attention.

  Zhang's eyes flashed with satisfaction, and after taking a sip of tea, he spoke up: "In a few days, it will be Old Master's 60th birthday, and the master wants to make a big deal out of it. You all should prepare carefully too, don't lose face for the main house."

  Her voice was stern, and everyone dared not to slack off, hastily responding in assent.

  Zhu Manor's Old Master Zhu Weilu, after resigning from office, devoted himself to secluded study and learning, writing books and treatises like his ancestors. Among the younger generation of the Zhu family, he didn't have much presence, but was a figure who couldn't be ignored. He had served as the Crown Prince's Tutor, and was the current Emperor's teacher, so even the Emperor showed him courtesy and respect, not to mention that he was erudite and enjoyed great prestige among scholars.

  Apart from this, he is also the head of the 39th generation of the Zhu family clan. Although he doesn't manage much, he has the power to make decisions in the Zhu family. As his eldest son and Minister of Rites, Zhu Changren is the most suitable candidate for the next head of the clan. Many things in the clan have been handled by him, which is also why the rumors that were spread about Yuan Yi at first could be settled without any consequences.

  Although Zhu Changren was the eldest son, Zhu Weilu did not live with him for peace and quiet, but instead moved to live with his youngest son Zhu Changzhi who had a idle job at Guozijian. However, this is not entirely correct, as the Zhu family can be further divided into East House and West House, which are only separated by a garden. The East House was where Zhu Changren lived, while the West House was Zhu Changzhi's territory. Old Master had two other sons, Zhu Changyi and Zhu Changli, who were placed outside as officials. Although the several houses had not yet divided due to their father being alive, they still lived separately and did not interfere with each other, only occasionally would there be some unusual phenomena appearing.

  Zhang's wife was not on good terms with Li Shi, the wife of the fourth house. Because of family matters, she had been ridiculed by her opponent recently. Taking advantage of this birthday opportunity, she naturally wanted to let everyone prepare well and suppress Li Shi's prestige.