Since her godfather had already teased and lectured her about it, A Mei did not dare sleep in anymore. As soon as the Yin hour arrived, she squinted her eyes and climbed out of bed.
At this time, An Sheng was sleeping soundly. Hearing the rustling sounds beside him, followed by a pair of small hands pushing against his body, An Sheng was abruptly awakened.
Opening his eyes, he saw A Mei looking exhausted and letting out a small yawn. She was kneeling beside him, her sleepy eyes barely able to open, yet she kept pushing An Sheng while mumbling, Husband, wake up, wake up, it is time for the morning court.
An Sheng took a deep breath, reached out with his long arm, and pulled A Mei into his embrace. He then wrapped the blanket tightly around both of them. His eye twitching slightly, he gritted his teeth and said, My little lady, it is only the first quarter of the Yin hour. Why are you up so early? I have plenty of time even if I get up at the fifth quarter. Be a good girl and let me sleep a little longer.
A Mei was dead tired but forced her eyes open. No, godfather said that since my husband is now an official, A Mei must serve her husband before he goes to court. A Mei does not want to be laughed at.
An Sheng's face turned slightly green, and he said helplessly, You are my wife, who would dare laugh at you? Even godfather has no right to scold you. From now on, you do not need to serve me before morning court. If godfather says anything to you again, I will personally go and speak with him.
Hearing her husband say this, A Mei felt it made perfect sense. Clinging to him like an octopus, she let out a comfortable sigh. That is wonderful, A Mei does not have to wake up early anymore.
With that, she tilted her head and fell back into a deep sleep.
An Sheng: ...
By the time A Mei woke up again, it was already broad daylight. Her husband was nowhere to be seen. A Mei stretched lazily, recalling her husband telling her she did not need to get up early to serve him for the morning court. Convinced that her husband was simply doting on her, she felt sweet and touched, happily rolling around on the bed twice while hugging the blanket.
After A Mei finished washing up, a servant came to report that many people had gathered outside the main gate to congratulate Lord An on his housewarming.
A Mei blinked, puzzled for a moment. Her husband had not mentioned last night that there would be guests today. But since people were already here, A Mei thought about it and decided to lead the servants out to see what was going on.
At this moment, quite a few carriages and people had gathered in front of the An residence's main gate. They were all carrying gifts, and Xiao Zhengzi was at the front, dealing with them.
The reason for this was that the Second Prince gifting An Sheng a mansion was known to absolutely everyone in the imperial court. Coupled with An Sheng's grand move into the residence, many quick-witted officials began to scheme.
These officials thought about how An Sheng currently enjoyed the Emperor's favor and held the position of Commander of the Inner Depot. Since the Inner Depot monitored all officials, which official would not be afraid? Naturally, they formed the intention to cling to his power and curry favor. After thinking it over, they decided to use An Sheng's housewarming as an excuse to send gifts and offer congratulations.
When A Mei led her people out of the An residence, the eyes of everyone present fell upon her.
Xiao Zhengzi hurriedly approached her, his movements and demeanor exuding utmost respect. Madam.
The crowd was startled; so this was Commander An's wife.
Everyone hastily stepped forward to pay their respects. Since the officials themselves had not yet returned from court, most of the visitors were stewards and butlers from their respective estates.
A Mei did not show the slightest bit of timidity. She nodded to the crowd and turned her gaze to Xiao Zhengzi.
Xiao Zhengzi leaned in and whispered in A Mei's ear, Madam, the Master has not returned from court yet. These people are from various officials' estates, bringing all these gifts to congratulate the Master on his housewarming. Your servant could not make a decision on the spot and was just about to send someone to wait for the Master's instructions.
Understanding the situation, A Mei pondered for a moment before saying to Xiao Zhengzi, You do not need to send anyone to ask my husband. I will make the decision.
If there was one thing A Mei was familiar with, it was receiving gifts.
A Mei smiled first and addressed the crowd, The lords of your respective estates are very thoughtful. Since these are congratulatory gifts, and to make it easier for all of you to report back, our An Manor will accept them.
With a calm expression, she skillfully instructed Xiao Zhengzi to have people register and catalogue everything. Which lord sent what—everything was recorded carefully and clearly. Finally, she had the servants store the gifts one by one into the storehouse.
The originally chaotic scene became orderly in less than half a quarter of an hour.
Xiao Zhengzi appeared composed on the surface, but inwardly he was prostrating in admiration. The crowd present was even more surprised, doubtful, and impressed by the Commander's wife. They all had their own thoughts, and how they would report back to their respective masters remained to be seen.
...
When An Sheng returned from court, he naturally learned of what had happened at the manor.
He let out a soft chuckle, his eyes sharp, and said to his trusted aides, From now on, my wife's will is my will. Just remember that.
...
After all this bustling about, A Mei, who had not eaten yet, had a stomach that was growling with hunger.
Eat slowly, do not choke. An Gui sat in his chair, looking at A Mei's table manners with an indescribable expression.
A Mei had always had a big appetite. She swallowed the last small bowl of porridge and let out a satisfied sigh. Godfather, actually, A Mei woke up hungry this morning. I was just about to eat, but who would have thought all this would happen.
Speaking of which, A Mei thought of her husband and asked worriedly, Godfather, my husband woke up so early. Do they provide food in the imperial palace? If not, would he not have to go hungry for a long time?
An Gui smiled and nodded. Do not worry, the Emperor bestows food upon the officials after the morning court ends.
A Mei let out a relieved Oh, and then her thoughts drifted away again. The food in the imperial palace must be exceptionally delicious.
An Gui chuckled. When Sheng'er returns, you can ask your husband.
Tugging at the corners of his mouth, An Gui added, But I am guessing Sheng'er will definitely say that the food in the palace is not as good as the meals you cook, A Mei.
A Mei widened her eyes, realizing her godfather was definitely teasing her and her husband on purpose. Feeling a bit shy, she said, How is that possible, godfather? Stop joking. How could A Mei's cooking compare to the palace's? Even if my husband said my cooking was delicious, he would just be coaxing me.
In all these years, I have never seen Sheng'er coax anyone. An Gui was happy to see the young couple so affectionate with each other and said meaningfully, Then you should ask him, and see if your husband coaxes you or not.
A Mei blushed at her godfather's teasing. Fine, I will ask him then, A Mei thought to herself.
