I am the champion of palace intrigue, and even the proud prince bows his head in submission.

Chapter 200 The young mistress is truly too virtuous!

"General Li returned yesterday and is preparing to hold a banquet, inviting us subordinates to get together."

He added a few more words of explanation, "General Li was originally supposed to return to Beijing with us to report on his duties, but a small disturbance suddenly broke out on the border, which is why he returned a little late."

General Li...

Xu Liuer remembered.

The person we forgot to invite to the old lady's birthday banquet last time was General Li's wife.

Thinking of that incident, Xu Liuer's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

But Xie Zhongzhi didn't notice and continued talking to himself.

"I'll take you to this banquet this time..."

"What?" Xu Liu'er exclaimed in surprise, unable to help but interrupt, "Take me with you?"

Xie Zhongzhi nodded. "Yes, we'll take you with us. You've met all those generals before, and they'll bring their wives with them."

Xu Liuer pursed her lips. "Can I not go?"

The wives of those generals were all young ladies from wealthy and powerful families; she was just a naive young woman who had never seen much of the world.

If something embarrassing happens, it will be hard to handle.

"No." Upon hearing her say that, Xie Zhongzhi's face instantly turned ugly.

General Li specifically said at this banquet that he wanted to see you, and you must go.

General Li is a crucial part of the plan; we must win him over to their side and not offend him.

After he finished speaking, Xie Zhongzhi's expression suddenly changed, becoming tender and gentle.

He stepped forward, took Xu Liuer's hand, and said gently, "Liuer, General Li is my superior. If I want to be promoted, I have to see what he thinks."

"The higher my official position, the better this family will be, and the better you will be. It's all for our future."

Xie Zhongzhi stared intently into Xu Liuer's eyes. "Liuer, you can understand me, right?"

Xu Liuer pursed her lips, feeling that something he said was wrong.

Seeing his resolute attitude, I thought for a moment and nodded.

Seeing that she agreed, Xie Zhongzhi's lips curved into a smile.

Xu Liuer was not very knowledgeable; he only needed to use a combination of persuasion and coercion to make her listen to him completely.

"Remember to prepare a gift, and you should also learn some etiquette so you don't make a mistake," Xie Zhongzhi continued to instruct.

Xu Liuer nodded slightly, "I understand."

Qinglan Courtyard, evening.

"This humble servant greets the young mistress."

A middle-aged man in a blue robe with a short beard and an honest-looking face stood in the room and bowed deeply to Qin Jiuwei.

"This must be Uncle Meng." Qin Jiuwei put down her teacup, a gentle smile on her face. "I've heard the young master mention you. The fact that our family's profits have increased so much over the years is all thanks to you. You are truly a great contributor to our family."

"No, no, I was just doing my duty." Upon hearing this, Uncle Meng immediately bowed respectfully.

"I owe my current position entirely to Your Highness's magnanimity; I would never dare to say such a thing."

As he spoke, cold sweat began to bead on Uncle Meng's forehead.

Seeing this, Qin Jiuwei smiled slightly, picked up the teacup beside her, and took a sip.

When meeting an elderly person with such achievements for the first time, praise is absolutely essential.

If he is humble, this person can still be employed.

If someone is impetuous and subtly displays arrogance, then it's time to consider replacing them. Such a person is bound to cause trouble in the future and won't go far.

Praising someone is the best way to test their true character.

"It's just casual conversation, Uncle Meng, you don't need to be so nervous." Qin Jiuwei gave him a reassuring smile.

Uncle Meng nodded, and seeing that she really meant no harm, he gradually relaxed.

"I was originally going to come and pay my respects to the young mistress ten days ago, but I was delayed by the matter in Jianglin County. On my way back, I was caught in a heavy rain and only arrived in the capital today. I came to see the young mistress as soon as I got back. Please don't blame me."

"How could I get angry over such a trivial matter? Uncle Meng, it must be really difficult for you to manage so many businesses by yourself. It's understandable that you're busy. Uncle Meng, you've really worked hard."

Qin Jiu smiled generously and gently.

Upon hearing this, Uncle Meng felt a warm current flow through his heart.

The young master's wife is truly virtuous! This is such a blessing for us servants!

"You mentioned Linjiang County earlier." Qin Jiuwei frowned, somewhat puzzled. "Why would you suddenly go there?"

Uncle Meng smiled and explained, "The young master's properties are not all in the capital. We also have estates in the wealthy counties around the capital, and Jianglin County is one of them."

As he spoke, he handed over an account book.

The maid took it from his hands and then handed it to Qin Jiuwei.

Qin Jiuwei flipped through the account book he had brought over, which listed the harvest and profits of all the estates each quarter.

The organization is clear and detailed, which shows Meng Shu's dedication to management.

Qin Jiuwei nodded with satisfaction, "I am really at ease with Uncle Meng taking care of these matters."

"This is what I should do," Uncle Meng said hastily.

"Well, I don't have anything to do today, you can go ahead and get busy." She turned to her and instructed, "Xiao He, make sure Uncle Meng is seen off properly."

Xiaohe stepped forward, nodded, and said, "Mr. Meng, this way please."

After Uncle Meng left, Qin Jiuwei looked at the gradually darkening sky outside, her brows furrowing slightly.

Xie Yanli seems to have returned a little late today.

"Young Madam," a maidservant entered and reported, "The young master just sent someone to say that he will be back a little late tonight, so there's no need to wait for him to have dinner together."