A family with three widows, after severing ties with relatives, she became wealthy and married into

Chapter 252 The Princess of Fufeng's Residence

Thinking of this, she stood up and stretched playfully. "I'm so sleepy, I'm going to sleep now."

"Your Highness should also get some rest."

Watching her departing figure, Ling Yao shook his head helplessly.

This girl's emotions come and go quickly...

A few days later, the group arrived in the capital.

As they passed through the city gate, the soldiers at the gate all knelt down...

The people were puzzled, "What important figure has returned to the capital?"

"I do not know..."

"Could it be Her Majesty the Empress and His Highness?"

"It must be the Empress and His Highness; they finally realized they should return to the capital."

"If they don't come back soon, our emperor will soon lose his mind to attend court."

"Indeed, even the Emperor seemed unenthusiastic during the last sacrificial ceremony..."

Hearing the sounds outside, Tian Tian couldn't help but smile.

With a wife like Empress Li and a son like Ling Yao, she found it hard to imagine what kind of person the current emperor was.

*

A large procession of more than a dozen carriages arrived at a mansion.

Empress Li was unable to appear, so only Ling Yao accompanied Tian Tian's family as they disembarked from the carriage.

"here it is?"

“It’s the Princess’s residence.” Tian Xiang recognized the plaque on the mansion.

A magnificent vermilion-lacquered and carved gate stands tall, with a gilded plaque hanging above it, bearing the five large characters "Fufeng Princess's Residence," the calligraphy vigorous and powerful, exuding an imperial air.

Two majestic stone lions stand guard at the entrance, their piercing eyes protecting the mansion.

This princess's mansion is truly tall and majestic.

"It's very quiet here, as it's close to the imperial city." This was also Ling Yao's first time visiting this residence.

But having grown up in the capital, he quickly figured out the location.

"My mother and I are going to the palace. You can stay here for now. If you're bored, go out for a stroll. Father will summon you when he has time." Ling Yao actually wanted to stay and accompany them to stroll around the Princess's residence.

But Empress Li was still outside, so he couldn't stay any longer.

"Your Highness, you should return to the palace immediately."

"We can go in ourselves."

Lu Tao and others offered their advice.

Ling Yao had no choice but to return to the carriage and leave reluctantly.

Tian Tian watched the departing carriage, feeling a little lost, wondering when they would meet again.

"Alright, let's go inside and take a look." Tian Xiang noticed her disappointment and quickly put her arm around her shoulder. "Let's go."

Tian Tian perked up and followed everyone into the mansion.

"Is the visitor... Princess Fufeng?" The gatekeeper, a shrewd man from the palace, recognized Ling Yao at a glance and thus confirmed the identity of the Tian family.

Tian Tian took out Princess Fufeng's token, "That's right."

"The princess is back! That's wonderful!" The gatekeeper hurriedly opened the door and shouted inside, "The princess is back!!!"

In an instant, the entire Princess's mansion seemed to come alive.

Soon, a group of servants came from all directions to greet them.

"Greetings, Princess; greetings, ladies, young masters..."

Tian Tian had Lu Tao and Liu San Niang walk in front, while the sisters followed behind.

Upon entering the mansion, one is greeted by a path paved with bluestone, lined with evergreen bamboo that sways in the wind and rustles softly, exuding a sense of tranquility and elegance.

After walking a few steps, you will see a magnificent screen wall, inlaid with auspicious clouds and cranes carved from white jade, symbolizing good fortune and peace.

Upon entering the main courtyard, one finds Taihu stones, camellia bushes, and exquisite waterside pavilions dotted with the landscape. An arched stone bridge spans a clear spring, its babbling water reflecting the sky and clouds, creating a scene resembling a flowing landscape painting.

The main courtyard features green-tiled eaves, with glazed tiles gleaming warmly in the sunlight. The roof ridge is carved with auspicious dragons playing with pearls, showcasing the majesty of royalty.

"So beautiful," Qin Youyou exclaimed softly.

"Princess, ladies and gentlemen, please rest for a while and have some tea." The steward followed behind.

"Everyone's yard is ready, you can move in right away."

Tian Tian didn't forget the dozen or so carriages at the gate. "Tell them to go to the backyard and unload their things."

"Princess, rest assured, everything has been arranged."

Tian Tian nodded in satisfaction.

A short while later, several young maids, who looked to be twelve or thirteen years old and had sweet and lovely appearances, brought tea and pastries.

"Please enjoy your meal, Princess."

"Madam, young master, and young lady, please enjoy your meal."

The maids looked cheerful; they were clearly well-trained.

Tian Tian took out a heavy purse from her sleeve and handed it to the steward beside her. "This is my first time staying here. Thank you all for your help at the Princess's residence. Here's a reward."

The steward took the purse, weighed it lightly in his hand, and a look of surprise appeared on his face, but he quickly concealed it.

But if you look closely, you'll notice that he's become more serious than before.

Tian Tian remained silent, only smiling slightly.

This package wasn't filled with silver, but rather a thick stack of banknotes, all in denominations of fifty taels.

Since this was her first time making a move, she naturally couldn't let these servants underestimate her.

She had to let them know that although she was a princess from the county town, she was not someone they could look down on.

"Thank you for the reward, Princess." The steward winked at the maids, who immediately bowed in gratitude.

While drinking tea, Tian Tian looked around the hall. There was a carved rosewood table, decorated with exquisite enamel ornaments and two pots of daffodils, which exuded a delicate fragrance.

The main seat in the main hall, where Lu Tao and Liu San Niang are currently seated, is a grand master's chair carved with dragons and inlaid with jade, covered with a rare cloud brocade cushion embroidered with colorful phoenix patterns, exuding an air of luxury.

The walls of the hall are adorned with calligraphy and paintings by renowned artists, adding to the elegant atmosphere.

After a short rest, everyone passed through the front hall and headed to the back courtyard.

The backyard was divided into several courtyards, each with a different name, such as Tingzhuxuan and Meixiangyuan.

Each courtyard features lush artificial hills, winding paths, and a meandering stream flowing down from the top of the hills, creating a unique and elegant atmosphere.

"This is the young master's courtyard, and a study has been specially arranged for him." The steward led everyone to Tian Jinghe's study, Yazhu Pavilion.

This study is built against a rockery, and outside the window is a lush bamboo forest.

The study has a rich collection of books, and the bookshelves are all made of rosewood.

On the desk sat a warm, smooth Duan inkstone and a row of antique wolf-hair brushes.

"Your Majesty has really gone to great lengths," Lu Tao remarked.

“Princess, your bedroom is over there, named Jiangyun Residence, which means ‘crimson snow and cloud dress’.”

"His Majesty specifically instructed that since the Princess is of a refined and elegant nature, the furnishings of Jiangyun Residence should be very simple and elegant, without too many luxurious items."

The steward was right. Jiangyun Residence was decorated in an elegant style. Inside, there was only a carved nanmu wood bed covered with brocade quilts and soft curtains, exuding a gentle and graceful atmosphere reminiscent of a woman's boudoir.

A carved wooden screen is placed in front of the window, with landscape paintings on it.

On the other side of the sleeping quarters is a combination of a tea room and a study, elegantly furnished with a purple clay teapot, jade porcelain teacups, a desk, and a large bookshelf.

"Princess, Madam, and all the young masters and ladies must be tired from your journey. Why don't you rest for a while and have the maids call you for dinner?"

Tian Tian nodded, "That's fine too."

It must have been a tough journey.

Although they were all sitting in the carriage, they did not get off and walk.

But it was precisely because of riding in a horse-drawn carriage that my back and waist were extremely tired.

"Second sister, I don't want to have dinner. I just want to get some sleep," Qin Youyou said coquettishly, squeezing next to Tian Tian.

Tian Tian nodded indulgently, "Okay."

"If the Third Miss is hungry when she wakes up, just have the maids go to the kitchen to get some pastries." The steward maintained a smile. "There are always some prepared in the kitchen."

Qin Youyou was stunned for a moment, "Thank...thank you, housekeeper."

The butler chuckled and said, "You're too kind, Miss Third."

He bent down slightly and extended his hand, "Young master, why don't you take me back to Tingzhu Pavilion?"

Tian Jinghe first bowed, "Thank you for your trouble, butler."

Then he reached out his hand and let the butler lead it.

*

Tian Tian's family didn't know anyone in the capital, were unfamiliar with the city, and had no idea when the Emperor would summon them.

For five consecutive days, the whole family stayed at the princess's residence and did not go out.

On the sixth day, the Princess's residence finally welcomed its first guest.

Su Bing, Mr. Su.

"Her Majesty the Empress was absolutely right." Su Bing brought a gift. "Since returning to the capital, I've been thinking about the tea and snacks from Tea Fragrance Pavilion..."

"The Tea God Festival is just around the corner, and I, Su, plan to host a Tea God Poetry Gathering with the literary talents of the capital..."

"I wonder if the princess would be willing to support the food at this poetry gathering?"

After saying this, Su Bing felt quite embarrassed. "I am truly ashamed. The princess has only just arrived in the capital, and I have already made such an impolite request..."

Tian Tian quickly said, "Mr. Su, you're being too serious."

"It is my honor that my tea snacks have been appreciated by Mr. Su."

"I just don't know... when is the Tea God Festival?" This was the first time Tian Tian had heard of the Tea God Festival; Shen Zhian had never mentioned it before.

"Just over half a month from now, that is, next month... September 11th, is the Tea God Festival."

Tian Tian mentally calculated the days...

Half a month... If she starts looking for a shop now and then rushes to renovate...

There should be enough time to open a tea shop in the capital, right?

Once the Tea Fragrance Pavilion shop opens, and then we bring out tea snacks at the Tea God Festival, wouldn't that be the best form of advertising?

Thinking of this, Tian Tian immediately agreed, "Mr. Su, rest assured, I will definitely support you."

"I, Su, thank you, Princess."

As soon as Su Bing left, Tian Tian immediately called Lu Tao and the others, saying they wanted to go for a walk in the street.

Lu Tao and Liu San Niang initially didn't want to go, as they were unfamiliar with the place and felt safer staying in the princess's mansion.

However, they couldn't resist their children's nagging; after a few words from each child, they couldn't argue with them.

"Go away!!" Lu Tao and Liu San Niang exchanged a helpless smile.

Tian Tian took out a large stack of silver notes from her storage space and casually stuffed them into everyone's hands.

"Money is meant to be spent. Go shopping later, and buy whatever you like. Don't be stingy."

"So much silver, you can't take it with you when you die, so you should enjoy it to the fullest!!"

Lu Tao and Liu San Niang nodded repeatedly, but reluctantly folded the silver notes and stuffed them into their pockets.

The family, dressed in their newly made clothes in Baishi County and wearing their finest jewelry, went out into the street.

"Wow!!" Qin Youyou exclaimed as soon as she stepped onto the largest imperial street in the capital. "The capital is so luxurious!"

This imperial street is very wide, enough for four or five carriages to travel side by side.

On both sides are rows of shops, with signs hanging high, colorful flags fluttering, and all kinds of banners swaying gently in the breeze.

There were silk shops, tea shops, porcelain shops, restaurants, pharmacies...

Inside the silk shop, colorful silks shimmered in the sunlight, and the proprietress was haggling with several elegant ladies.

Inside the tea shop, the aroma of tea filled the air, and the shopkeeper was brewing tea for the customers. The tea soup was clear and had a wonderful fragrance.

The porcelain shop is filled with all kinds of exquisite porcelain, including blue and white porcelain, white porcelain, and polychrome porcelain, a dazzling array that is hard to look away from.

At the entrance of the restaurant, the waiters greeted the passing customers warmly. Inside, the restaurant was bustling with noise and filled with the aroma of wine.

On a street corner, a storyteller sat behind a small table, holding a folding fan, and eloquently told a wonderful story. He was surrounded by a large audience, some standing and some squatting, listening with great interest and occasionally cheering.

Not far away, a group of children were playing and laughing on the street, chasing after colorful windmills, their laughter clear and melodious.

An old man sat on a stone bench by the street, holding a palm-leaf fan in his hand, waving it leisurely, and looking at the children with kind eyes.

The streets were bustling with noise, and pedestrians were shoulder to shoulder.

On both sides of the street, shop assistants and vendors shouted loudly, their voices rising and falling, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

A fleet of ornate carriages came and went, often accompanied by maids, servants, and guards.

Pedestrians on the roadside gave way to the horse-drawn carriage, their eyes filled with awe and envy.

The family huddled together unconsciously, looking around...

Tian Tian was extremely frustrated, so she simply stopped in front of a fabric shop.

"Mother, Aunt Liu, let's go inside and choose some fabric."

Lu Tao glanced inside and saw all sorts of silks and fabrics neatly displayed on the counter, colorful and dazzling.

The shop was full of customers, mostly elegantly dressed ladies or young ladies from wealthy families. They were choosing fabrics in soft voices, while their maids or waiters served them attentively.

"Forget it, let's not go in." Lu Tao tugged at her clothes with a hint of self-consciousness. "We already made new winter clothes before we came to the capital. They are all the most fashionable styles in Baishi County."

She said that, but in her heart she still admitted that the styles of clothes in the capital were much better than those in Baishi County.

Tian Tian could see through her thoughts and smiled as she advised, "Mom, since we're already here, there's no harm in going in and taking a look. We don't necessarily have to buy anything."

As she spoke, she grabbed Lu Tao and Liu San Niang's hands and forcefully pushed them into the shop.

Tian Xiang, Qin Youyou, and Tian Jinghe also chimed in, "Mom, Auntie, let's go in and take a look. Maybe there'll be a bargain."

They said this to appease Lu Tao and Liu San Niang.

Unexpectedly, a wealthy woman next to her covered her mouth with a fan, her eyes filled with disdain and sarcasm, and said, "The fabrics here are not cheap. If you can't afford them, don't go in and cause trouble."

As she spoke, she swayed her hips and led her servants into the shop.

The shop assistant greeted her warmly, "Madam Yuan, you've arrived! We've got a new batch of goods at Jinxiufang, let me show you."