Chapter 290: Chapter 290: This Duck is Not That Duck
"Why do you suddenly want to eat duck? Why didn’t you say so earlier? We could have had the kitchen prepare it."
Upon hearing that her precious granddaughter wanted to eat duck, Lady Ji wished that the kitchen could instantly bring out a pot of old duck soup.
"Could someone from the kitchen go and see if there’s any duck prepared? If not, go to the local Restaurant and buy two prepared ones to bring back."
Hearing Lady Ji’s words, Zhu Xiuxiu and Huo Xing’Er, who knew the truth, couldn’t help but twitch at the corners of their mouths. The duck the little girl wants to eat isn’t just any ordinary duck!
"Mother! Suisui doesn’t want an ordinary duck. Don’t let everyone go to such trouble."
Lady Ji looked puzzled at Huo Xing’Er, who had spoken.
Huo Xing’Er then explained about encountering Xie Si carrying a Roasted Duck, and Lady Ji finally understood.
"In that case, when Xie Si returns to the Academy, have someone buy some ducks and take them there to exchange for two so the girl can have a taste!"
Huo Xing’Er and Zhu Xiuxiu agreed.
After the table was cleared, just as the family was about to go their separate ways back to their rooms, a young maid came in from outside. "Lady, Third Miss Xie has returned."
"So soon? Has she settled all her family matters?"
The young maid replied, "I didn’t ask. Third Miss Xie is waiting outside. Shall I have her come in to report?"
"Let her in!"
The young maid exited, and a short while later, Xie Pan’Er came in.
"Greetings to Lady Ji, Your Highness the Princess, Second Madam, Third Madam, and the two Young Masters."
Upon entering, Xie Pan’Er immediately performed a full kowtow to everyone.
Huo Xing’Er quickly helped her up. "Didn’t Suisui tell you before that you don’t need to perform such courtesies to us?"
Xie Pan’Er quickly said, "This courtesy must be performed. Without all of you, my family would still be living in such dire straits!"
"Alright, alright, it’s all in the past now. How is your family situation? Is everything settled?"
Seeing Xie Pan’Er’s sincere gratitude, Lady Ji was even more pleased with her. She beckoned her closer and asked softly.
Xie Pan’Er quickly nodded, her face alight with joy.
"Everything has been taken care of. We have been expelled from the clan; my elder brother, as the eldest grandson of our direct line, has retrieved our Ancestors’ spirit tablet. My parents had my brother take them to an Inn for now. Tomorrow, he will look for a Mansion. He’ll buy one if he can, or rent one otherwise, just to settle our parents first. After that, he will gradually take over and manage the family’s assets. Then, he can study with peace of mind and take the imperial examinations in three years."
Speaking of her brother’s future, Xie Pan’Er’s entire demeanor brightened.
Seeing her like this, Lady Ji was even more satisfied.
"You are a good child, and I imagine your brother is no different."
Upon hearing Lady Ji’s words, Ji Youzhi chimed in.
"What Xie Si did today was noteworthy. He seems to have a knack for investigation. If he can achieve something in the future, his official career will surely be promising."
He had been able to directly investigate the Tavern and confront the shopkeeper and Lady Liu. This was all thanks to a tip-off from the Emperor, who informed him that Xie Si had provided the clue about purchasing wine from the Tavern.
This shows that Xie Si has a clear mind and is quite intelligent—well-suited for investigative work!
"Really? Is my brother truly that capable? Seventh Young Master, surely you’re not just saying that to make me happy?"
Xie Pan’Er was overjoyed, first hearing Lady Ji praise her brother, and then hearing Lord God Hunter Ji Youzhi praise him as well.
"I’m telling the truth," Ji Youzhi replied without hesitation. "Why would I try to coax you for no reason?"
Hearing her son’s words, Lady Ji’s expression as she looked at him became rather difficult to describe.