Chapter 439: The Master Closes the Door and Comes to Knock
Chapter 439: The master closed the door, and the Prime Minister came knocking
Jiangnan Taihu Shao Family!
Now, there are only more than ten days left before the New Year's Day.
Normally, with families like Taihu, the entire Taihu Lake should have been full of festive atmosphere, but this year is a little different.
The only daughter, Shao Muyu, never returned from Sizhou. The second young master of the Shao family was still busy with business matters and also did not return home.
Only the eldest son in the family is blessed, and he also shuts himself in his study all day long, studying in seclusion.
Seeing this situation, Mr. Shao was so angry that he closed the door and thanked the guests. Even the housekeeper didn't bother to see him.
So, when it was supposed to be a grand purchase, but when it came to decorating, there was no one in charge of the whole Shao family.
The old housekeeper met his wife, but Shao Muyu's mother, Murong Hui, was also a little undecided, so she could only let the housekeeper consider the arrangement first.
As for the specifics, I have to wait for my master to make a decision.
Therefore, as the New Year is approaching, the entire Shao family is deserted, even worse than usual...
On this day, a small sedan hurriedly arrived in front of Shao's house, followed by a group of guards!
"My master is here to visit Mr. Shao. Please tell me something."
The boy on the side of the sedan took two steps forward and spoke to the door of the Shao family.
The disciple gave a wry smile. At this time, given the Shao family's status in Jiangnan, I don't know how many people came to visit.
At first, I went to report them, but the master didn’t see any of them.
Even if the prefect came, it was the old lady who entertained him.
So, later on, he simply stopped reporting it. Anyway, the result was the same.
"Please forgive me, sir. My husband has been ill recently, so he doesn't see outsiders.
You’d better please come back!”
"Haha, this Shao Tongguang is too stingy, but since he is ill, I have a good remedy!"
A mellow voice came out from the sedan chair.
Then, a hand stretched out from the sedan, holding a greeting card!
"Here, little brother, go help me pass this greeting card in!"
The voice said slowly.
As a disciple of the Shao family, he has met many high-ranking officials and distinguished guests, so he is naturally a behind-the-scenes person.
He just glanced at the jade ring on his hand and was shocked! Even his own master would probably regard a jade of this quality as a treasure.
Obviously, there is definitely a big shot in this sedan chair.
Immediately, this disciple did not dare to neglect, took the invitation with both hands, bowed, and walked quickly towards the house.
The old housekeeper was sitting in the small courtyard and sighed. In all the years he had been in the Shao family, this was the first time he had encountered such a New Year that was not like the New Year.
In the past, everyone in the host family had already returned home. Although the two young masters were naughty, the home was full of joy.
The eldest lady talked about her travels from south to north, and the master and his wife were in harmony.
But now, the eldest lady and the second young master are not at home, so the home is naturally lacking a bit of flavor.
"Grandpa Qian, there is a distinguished guest coming to the door. I asked Xiao Xiao to bring it to say goodbye."
Menzi walked into the courtyard and said to the old housekeeper with a smile.
The old housekeeper is over sixty years old, and this guy is only in his teens.
Therefore, it is natural and reasonable to call him "ye".
Moreover, the old housekeeper is also very attentive to these children. He treats them very well in all aspects of education and treatment.
Therefore, in front of these servants, the old housekeeper can almost be half the master for Mr. Shao.
"Ah, it's the mistress.
What a distinguished guest, the master is still staying behind closed doors...Hey!"
"Youngster, I don't know, but it seems like he is for a noble person.
Why don't you, Grandpa Qian, hand this greeting card to Madam, so as not to delay anything?"
Xiaosanzi said.
The old housekeeper nodded, "Okay, you go and agree first, and I'll go see Madam."
The mistress turned and left. The old housekeeper did not open the greeting card rashly, but held the greeting card and walked towards the courtyard on the side.
After the lady's maid informed her, the maid appeared again soon and led the old housekeeper towards the hall.
In the hall, Murong Hui also looked a little sad, but when she saw the old housekeeper coming in, she calmed down and asked, "Is there anyone else here asking to see the master?"
The old housekeeper saluted and said in response, "I don't know who the old servant is, but he brought me a greeting card. Madam, let's see if he is an acquaintance of the master."
Murong Hui nodded, took the invitation and opened it.
In the front, there are naturally some polite words that suit the occasion.
However, when she saw the name hanging behind her, Murong Hui was startled for a moment, and then she whispered, "Oh, why is this gentleman here?"
"Butler, hurry up and get ready to welcome him. Don't neglect it. I'll go see the master immediately."
When the old housekeeper heard this, he also knew that the person coming here was a big shot, so he quickly turned around and went out to prepare.
Murong Hui, on the other hand, hurried into the backyard and headed towards the room where Mr. Shao was.
The reason why Murong Hui was so shocked was precisely because of the name on the invitation.
There is nothing surprising about this name: Ma Shao!
Yes, it is the tumbler above the court, Master Ma Shao, the Third Chief of Staff!
For officials, the positions of Minister of Rites, Prime Minister, Privy Councilor, etc. naturally have unparalleled intimidating power.
However, for the Shao family, which is a family of merchants, Ma Shao represents the God of Wealth.
Even with the size of the Shao family and the Sheng family, they would never be able to offend the imperial court's planners.
It is no exaggeration to say that one word from Ma Shao can have a huge impact on the rise and fall of a family like the Shao family.
If it is other officials, just like the prefect, they will be offended if they are offended.
The Shao family is not a small family. Although it is troublesome to offend a prefect, at least it is not impossible to do anything.
However, if you offend Ji Xiang Ma Shao, it will definitely be a disaster for the Shao family.
Although Murong Hui is a woman, as Shao Xun's wife, how could she not know the name of Ji Xiangma Shao, the God of Wealth of this merchant family?
Moreover, others don't know it, but Murong Hui knows that one of her most reliable backers, the Minister of Hube, is the subordinate of this lord.
Therefore, no matter why this adult came, the Shao family would not neglect him! Don't say that the old man is just in a bad mood, even if he is really sick, he still has to get up and greet him with the most solemn etiquette.
Therefore, Murong Hui did not dare to delay at all, and rushed directly towards the room where Mr. Shao was.
"Bang, bang, bang..."
Before the maid could come forward, Murong Hui knocked hard on the concierge, "Master... Master, something big has happened..."