Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play-Chapter 888 - 863: Family Bonds (Part 2)
Unexpectedly, Mingzhu seemed to see through Xie Jue’s guilt, "Father, your daughter is very happy and enjoys doing these things. It’s not hard at all. In the future, may I continue to manage the affairs within the mansion? I am confident I can do it well."
"Why do you enjoy doing these things?" Xie Jue asked.
Xie Jue’s impression of women was rather limited and somewhat stereotypical. Back then, his mother and two aunts didn’t like the holidays. During these times, there were many social obligations; someone’s gift was too heavy, someone else’s too light. What should be returned to the Li Family, and what to the Zhou Family? Each time required much pondering, and subordinates needed to be treated with careful attention. If a subordinate died in battle, thick gifts and condolences were needed. If a subordinate was promoted, the gifts needed to be heavier than the previous year. If a subordinate made a mistake and was distant from the Marquis Mansion, they wouldn’t be on the list that year.
These were all very trivial and complex human relations. The few men never handled them but often heard the madams complaining.
Fengyu was also not fond of these matters, privately leaving Chunlu to make decisions, choosing peace whenever possible. In his memory, no woman liked such trivial and bothersome affairs, which often offended people.
Mingzhu smiled and said, "I obtained my noble status as a princess because of you, Father, enjoying the offerings of the world, escaping days of disdain and neglect. Living in luxury and comfort by your side, Father, alongside Aunt and my younger brother, I have not done anything for you or Aunt, causing my heart to be uneasy with guilt. I know, Father, you are busy with state affairs, and the household matters are trivial and bothersome. If given to the steward, people might mock the Prince Manor’s lack of proper decorum. If neglected, others might say our manners are not thorough enough. Aunt says that human relations need to be cultivated and maintained, lest they grow cold, which wouldn’t be good for the Prince Manor. My abilities are limited, unable to relieve you of political worries or console you in the loss of friends, so I am willing to handle these small matters. Managing these affairs makes me feel useful, no longer like a mere mouse in the granary, only taking without giving, thus feeling joyful. If I manage well, I hope you will allow me to oversee family affairs. If there are shortcomings, please guide me, Father, so I can improve."
Xie Jue had never expected to hear such words from Mingzhu. He also realized that his affection for Mingzhu did not match that for Ruyi. He gave her a noble status but never showed her the same love as Ruyi. Usually, they were not close, and he thought Mingzhu preferred living in the palace, unwilling to stay by his side. Unexpectedly, the young girl sincerely regarded him as a father, seeing herself as part of the Prince Manor.
After a long journey back to the capital, the physically and mentally exhausted Xie Jue felt as if a timely rain moistened his parched heart upon hearing these words. To say he wasn’t moved would be dishonest.
The young girl, so understanding and considerate, is both comforting and heart-wrenching. If she had been pampered and spoiled since childhood, how could she be so perceptive and sensible at such a young age?
"Very well, if you enjoy it, then the family affairs are yours to manage in the future." Xie Jue touched Mingzhu’s hair bun, adding, "Do as you wish, and disregard what others think. If you feel wronged, just let Father know."
"Yes, thank you, Father!" Mingzhu replied joyfully, lively and clever. "Shall we celebrate New Year’s in the palace this year or at home?"
"New Year’s Eve will be spent in the palace, and from the first to the third day, Father will teach you how to host banquets at home," Xie Jue said calmly, "If you have close friends, you may invite them over."
Mingzhu was overjoyed, "Really?"
Mingzhu had a lively character. Although a Beiman Woman, she was a princess, and while noble women initially ostracized her, she was straightforward and made many good friends at the Imperial College. She had attended their banquets a few times and envied them. Others had mentioned that Mingzhu could host banquets at the Prince Manor, but since Xie Jue built the mansion, there had not been a single banquet at the former Marquis Zhenbei Mansion. Mingzhu herself lacked confidence and dared not host a banquet at home. It was a symbol of power and status.
"Of course you can!" Xie Jue realized his negligence, "It has always been possible."
Mingzhu excitedly hugged Xie Jue, like Ruyi would, "Thank you, Father!"
Xie Jue was momentarily stunned, and the young girl realized her impropriety, quickly paid her respects, and ran off. Xie Jue couldn’t help but smile. After Mingzhu left, he called for the steward to thoroughly inquire about the affairs within the mansion over the past six months. He hadn’t known there were insolent servants who mistreated their masters. Since they had such audacity, the mansion could not accommodate such troublesome guests.
After handling the mansion affairs, Xie Jue took Mingzhu to the palace. Ruyi had been waiting at the palace gates. Upon seeing Xie Jue, he happily ran over and, now running quite steadily, almost launched himself into Xie Jue’s arms, sweet-talking, "Papa, Ruyi missed you. It’s been so long, but you look even better than in my dreams."
Xie Jue listened to his son’s praise with mixed emotions. You’re only five, a bit too... exaggerated. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂
"Did you make a mistake? Who could look better than our Ruyi?"
"Ruyi is the best-looking, and Papa is the second best!" Ruyi giggled, rubbing his face against his father’s, delighted.
Mingzhu laughed nearby, "Get down; you’re too big to always be carried around."
The last time, it was Xie Xun carrying Ruyi on his shoulders, playing, when the Grand Tutor saw them, and Ruyi was punished to learn etiquette for ten days.
"Alright, alright!" Ruyi agreed, feeling he was older now and should not be spoiled by being carried. In the Beining Clan, children were taught to be very composed, properly behaving from the age of three, with thorough manners. No one behaved as flippantly as Ruyi, used to being spoiled by elders. If the Grand Tutor saw it, he might make Ruyi learn etiquette again.
Xie Jue raised an eyebrow, "Punished?"
"Yes, yes, Papa, the Grand Tutor was mean, made Ruyi learn rules for twenty days!" Ruyi exaggeratedly said, "Ruyi’s knees were swollen, and his hands were hit. Can you get a new Grand Tutor for Ruyi?"
Mingzhu, "..."
Xie Jue, "..."
