CHAPTER 30: CHAPTER 30: DON’T LOOK AT ME, LOOK AT THE FIREWORKS

Xiao Chengyu was slightly covering his eyes under Fu Shinian’s gaze, "Don’t look at me, look at the fireworks."

"The fireworks in Marquis’s eyes are beautiful." Fu Shinian instinctively said.

More beautiful than the fireworks blossoming in the night sky.

Xiao Chengyu blushed and forcibly turned Fu Shinian’s little face back.

Otherwise, he was truly afraid he wouldn’t be able to withstand the young girl’s sweet words.

Back in the tent, Jing Lai took out the foot soak package sent by Fu Shinian and heated up some water for Xiao Chengyu.

Jing Lai placed the foot soak package into the wooden bucket and said with a smile, "Miss Fu’s method is good, convenient to carry, and there’s no need to weigh each time, just take out one package at a time."

Xiao Chengyu thought, he wondered if it was personally packed by Fu Shinian.

He couldn’t help but imagine Fu Shinian measuring it herself, then carefully packing them one by one, and he couldn’t help but chuckle.

The incident where Fu Mingzhu narrowly escaped being shot during the hunt ultimately couldn’t be figured out.

As long as it didn’t threaten His Majesty, stray arrows during the hunt were not uncommon, and as long as no one was hurt, it wouldn’t be taken too seriously.

Upon returning to the capital, Madam Fu immediately sent her visiting card to the General Mansion.

The next day, she prepared gifts and took Fu Mingzhu to the General Mansion to express their sincere gratitude.

After Madam Fu and Fu Mingzhu left, Mrs. Gu told her mother-in-law, Old Lady Gu, "We usually get along well with the Fu family, but I didn’t expect Madam Fu to be so attentive even toward a concubine’s daughter, personally bringing her to express thanks."

"This shows that the Fu family is a well-mannered family, and Madam Fu is not the harsh type," Old Lady Gu said. "Mr. Fu’s inner quarters are quite clean, only one wife and one concubine. I see Madam Fu treats Miss Fu not just for appearances, but truly as her own daughter."

Mrs. Gu nodded slowly, "It seems that the Fu family is indeed not bad. I heard Mr. Fu handled his case well and has earned the royal favor. Next year, he might even be promoted."

"A family like the Fu family, simple and clean, is rare in the capital," Mrs. Gu couldn’t help leaning slightly toward Old Lady Gu, "Mother, I’ve heard that the second daughter of the Fu family is much favored by the Old Madam of Marquis Changping’s family and has a very good reputation in the capital."

"Hmm?" Old Lady Gu caught some hint.

"Our eldest son is already married, but Yunze’s marriage has not been settled yet," Mrs. Gu said, "What do you think of the Fu family’s second daughter?"

"She seems good," Old Lady Gu said, "Yunze’s wife doesn’t need a strong personality or strong abilities, otherwise wouldn’t she be competing with the eldest’s wife? It’s better to have someone with a good temperament to live a good life with Yunze, better than anything."

"We can find an opportunity to get to know more about her," Old Lady Gu said.

*

Lin Qingqing’s suggestion to the Empress soon bore results.

The day for the noblewomen of the court to visit the charitable hall was set five days before the Mid-Autumn Festival, just in time to bring some food, clothing, and necessities so the elderly and children at the charitable hall could have a good festival.

This time, ladies from various mansions were eager to perform well in front of the Empress.

Therefore, each mansion’s carriage was loaded with many items to be donated to the three charitable halls.

The Fu family was no exception.

According to the route, the Empress and others first went to the orphanage to see those children abandoned by their families or those who have lost their families.

Then they went to Kindness Hall to see the elderly who have no family, are lonely and dependent, and unable to care for themselves.

Finally, it was the orphanage.

After leaving Kindness Hall, in all the carriages, more than half of the items were already gone.

The Empress was very fond of Lin Qingqing and kept her by her side throughout.

Lin Qingqing, worthy of being the protagonist, has read extensively with Lin Siye and shared many folk tales with the Empress.

Though Lin Siye’s official rank was not high, Lin Qingqing, being a noble lady, was always accompanied by maids and traveled by carriage, knowing little of true folk life.

What she talked about were merely what she had read daily in books or the stories Lin Siye occasionally told her.

But even so, it was more than the Empress, who had long dwelt deep in the palace, knew.

The Empress listened with great interest.

Becoming increasingly close to Lin Qingqing.

Lin Qingqing also talked about matters of the orphanage.

The Empress was surprised and asked, "Are you very familiar with the orphanage?"

Lin Qingqing bashfully lowered her head, "I dare not say familiar. I just often send some things to the orphanage."

"I also go to the orphanage to see the children whenever I have spare time," Lin Qingqing softly said.

"You are thoughtful," the Empress clasped Lin Qingqing’s hand, gently patted it, and looked at her with increasingly loving eyes.

Lin Qingqing smiled and said, "Just trying to do my humble part as a noble lady. Now that Your Majesty personally leads the noblewomen to visit the elderly and children, the impact is much greater."

For a moment, no other noblewoman could get a word in.

Seeing Lin Qingqing becoming favored by the Empress.

Those noblewomen were all clever. Since they couldn’t shine themselves, they chose another way to praise the Empress and Lin Qingqing.

So they all started complimenting Lin Qingqing one after the other.

"Miss Lin is indeed kind-hearted."

"Yes, on the way to the hunt that day, she couldn’t help but give silver to a beggar. I thought Miss Lin must often do good deeds."

"Who would have thought Miss Lin not only does good deeds but does them personally," commented a lady, "She even visits the orphanage to see the children herself, truly commendable."

"The ladies are overly praising," Lin Qingqing humbly responded, "Compared to Her Majesty, what a noble lady like me does is really nothing."

"I’ve heard that the Lin family lives frugally, and even Mrs. Lin’s clothes have been worn for many years, sometimes wearing faded clothes at home," a lady mentioned.

Suddenly mentioned, Mrs. Lin looked down, embarrassed.

The others saw that while Mrs. Lin’s current attire looked newer, the fabric was not of the best quality.

Today, going out with the Empress, Mrs. Lin must have chosen the most presentable clothes, yet still so.

It showed the Lin family’s modest existence.

"But even so, Miss Lin still has such a kind heart and often donates to charitable halls, truly rare."

"Indeed, indeed."

Hearing those formerly high and mighty ladies, who had always looked down on her, now busy flattering and praising Lin Qingqing, along with commendations on her excellent upbringing and righteous family rules.

Even Mrs. Lin couldn’t help but hold her head high, struggling to hide her pride and self-satisfaction.

Lin Qingqing was pleased at heart but had to maintain humility on her face, "Qingqing hasn’t done much. Besides, though the Lin family is leaner, it’s still much better than the children in the charitable halls. No matter what, we can always spare some support for the charitable halls."

"This child is too humble," the Empress praised fondly, "Alright, alright, don’t praise her too much, look at her wishing she could bury her head."

"Never seen someone so shy from praise," the Empress joyed.

"I’ve always kept you close, you must feel uncomfortable, bored, right?" the Empress considerately asked, "Why don’t you go to the back and chat with the other girls?"

"Talking with Your Majesty is something Qingqing loves dearly, how could it be boring?" Lin Qingqing hurriedly said, "But Your Majesty must have many things to discuss with the ladies, so I’ll head to the back now."

Lin Qingqing bowed and retired, joining the ranks of Fu Shinian and the other noble girls at the back.

Seeing Lin Qingqing being favored by the Empress, everyone was naturally eager to befriend her.

Xu Xiuyu, who had become Lin Qingqing’s new friend after her fallout with Fu Mingzhu, was secretly grateful for having befriended Lin Qingqing early; now there was no need for last-minute currying favor.

Xu Xiuyu warmly linked arms with Lin Qingqing, having heard a lot about the disharmony with Fu Mingzhu and Fu Shinian from her.

Now was the perfect time to help Lin Qingqing regain some face, saying, "Qingqing is so frugal just to better aid the children. But Miss Fu, you’re well known in the capital for your wealth, yet only indulge yourself without a thought for those poor children."