Chapter 522: Chapter 522 - 522 Forcing Their Request (2)

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Sure.” The three of them turned around and walked out.

However, when she was about to leave, Auntie Ning turned her head and glanced at the three of them before walking out.

After they left, Madam Cui said, “Wanning, you know our situation. Can you borrow some money from the Gu family to help us overcome our difficulties?”

After Yang Wanning heard this, she replied with a troubled expression, “If Grandmother is the one asking, 1 have no reason to refuse.

“But my cousin’s foundation is too shallow, and they can only lend us another eight or ten taels of silver. It’s just a drop in the ocean in our situation.”

She paused for a moment and continued, “Oh right, I heard that they have been looking to buy food supplies. Why don’t we use the excess food we have to trade with them?”

Madam Cui’s mouth twitched. “It’s not like you don’t know how precious food is now.

“If we sell them our food, what will we eat?”

“But they really…”

“Since it’s that difficult, forget it. Oh, why don’t you go through the Gu couple and ask them to remind King Rui to send his betrothal gifts in advance?”

Yang Wanning wanted to say something, hesitated, and finally replied, “Mother did request me to do the same previously.

“However, His Highness had just gotten married today. In my opinion, he wouldn’t send out my betrothal gifts within a month or perhaps before the new year.”

Mrs. Cui was afraid that Madam Cui would back off after hearing that, so she interrupted, “What’s the big deal? It’s just giving your betrothal gifts. It’s not marrying you, so I’m sure it’s fine.”

“But…” Yang Wanning looked like she wanted to say something more but hesitated.

When the old madam heard her say this, she knew that it was impossible for King Rui to send over Yang Wanning’s betrothal gifts before Wanyu’s wedding.

She waved her hand. “Just pass on the message. Whether it succeeds or not depends on His Highness.”

She got up after saying that. “Alright, go now. Go quickly so that you reach there before twilight.”

After saying that, the old madam walked out.

On the other end, when Zhou Ying arrived at the royal residence, she was surprised to find that the Empress Dowager and King Xian’s consort were the ones entertaining the womenfolk.

Of course, with them around, everyone else was much more careful when they spoke.

Therefore, Zhou Ying stepped forward, bowed, and planned to find a corner to sit in.

However, the Empress Dowager waved at her before she could find a seat. “Miss Zhou, come over here to my side.”

“Yes, Empress Dowager.” Zhou Ying had no choice but to step forward with a smile.

“Oh, so you do know that I’m the Empress Dowager? A few days ago, at your housewarming party, why didn’t you invite me?” The Empress Dowager glared at her and asked her to sit beside her.

“Yeah, I heard their newly installed floor heater is especially warm. Oh, the hotpot is said to be so spicy and delicious that those who ate it could not stop.” Consort Xian echoed.

“It’s my fault. This commoner will send a portion to each of you after this.” Zhou Ying immediately stood up and apologized.

“Hm? Commoner? Didn’t the Emperor give you an imperial mandate?” The Empress Dowager asked in surprise.

“I was raised among the servants since I was young, and I don’t think I’m qualified to accept an imperial mandate.” Zhou Ying shook her head at that.

Moreover, Gu Chengrui’s position in the government was still unstable, so it was expected that the Emperor would not give her an imperial mandate.

Besides, she didn’t want it. If she were given an imperial mandate, it would limit her freedom.

Thus, in order to prevent the Empress Dowager from interfering, she continued, “The Emperor is wise, and he must have his reasons for doing so. We will just listen to the Emperor’s arrangements.”

When the Empress Dowager heard her say this, she said nothing more. Instead, she said, “The day after tomorrow, come to the palace. I would love to try your cooking.”

After saying that, she looked at Granny Liu.

Granny Liu nodded and gave Zhou Ying a token to enter the palace.

After Zhou Ying took it, she could only bow and reply, “Sure, 1 will remember it.”

After saying that, she retreated to the side..