She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 682 - 680: In a Happy Mood

Chapter 682: Chapter 680: In a Happy Mood

Lady Zhao was so elated at this moment that she felt she could fly the very next. Her Ah Qiao had such fine craftsmanship, Prince Fu was certain to be impressed. Now that was just wonderful, Ah Qiao finally had a status, one that was significant enough to hold his own before Qi Younian and Ye Xinyan.

But the woman said, "This is going to be difficult," while she spoke, an awkwardness appeared on her face, "I just mentioned my husband took on the task, but it was really just a casual remark. He did inquire, but it was through someone else to the Prince Household’s Steward, who outright declined when he heard. It’s truly not that I’m unwilling to help; it’s just that they simply look down on ordinary craftsmen and workshop heads."

Lady Zhao pulled out a heavy pouch from her bosom and stuffed it into the woman’s hand, "Please take a look, could you have your husband inquire about that person again? Our Ah Qiao is really skilled, he definitely won’t make it difficult for your husband. Perhaps your husband has also heard of my Ah Qiao."

The other woman, who hadn’t spoken up to this point, scoffed upon hearing Lady Zhao, "You even said it yourself, you came from Hezhou, how capable could your son possibly be, that his reputation would spread throughout the capital? It’s utterly laughable!"

Lady Zhao felt irritated, but at this moment she couldn’t provoke the woman, so she had to patiently explain, "I’m not simply boasting out of pride. At the end of the year before last, the Ministry of Works had a task that required guidance, and it was my Ah Qiao who traveled the long distance to aid the Ministry of Works in advising on the use of a precise instrument. My son is Wong Qiao, if your husband regularly takes on tasks at the Ministry of Works, he might well have heard of him."

The older woman was skeptical, though she accepted the pouch, her gaze upon Lady Zhao still showed distrust.

She scrutinized Wong Qiao with doubtful eyes several times and said, "Sister-in-law, you aren’t fooling me, are you? Tell me the truth, can such a young gentleman truly possess such exquisite skills? And even give lectures on machinery at the Ministry of Works? Think carefully now, because this can’t be faked. Whether it’s true or not, my husband will find out after a single inquiry with his colleagues."

Lady Zhao nodded repeatedly, almost as if swearing an oath, "Absolutely correct, if your husband has taken on assignments at the Ministry of Works, he should know of Wong Qiao. Just go back and ask. Like you said, His Highness Prince Fu has yet to find a suitable person, maybe your husband making a good recommendation will count as a great service. If Prince Fu is pleased, perhaps that could mean significant rewards and gaining face, don’t you think?"

The woman nodded with skepticism, "Well... okay, I will go back and inquire. What’s your son’s name again? Right right, Wong Qiao. And where do you live? In case it works out, I could give you a response."

Upon hearing this, Lady Zhao immediately beamed with joy, "That’s settled then. We live in Liushu Hutong down the back alley of Duke An’s Mansion. Just ask about the newly moved-in Qi family, and you’ll find us." Lady Zhao then cautiously asked, "May I know where you live, which lady are you?"

Wong Qiao, not far away, listened with a heart full of sorrow and indignation; his mother was placing him in an untenable position of dishonor. This was his mother, what was he to do?

Upon hearing Lady Zhao speak of their residence behind the back alley of Duke An’s Mansion in Liushu Hutong, the woman immediately asked in astonishment, "Are you renting a house, or staying with relatives?"

Seeing a shift in the woman’s tone that was now more cautious than before, Lady Zhao instantly felt bolstered. She replied casually with a smile, "We are staying at a friend’s home. The head of that household had a life-saving relationship with my deceased husband."

The woman pressed eagerly, "May I ask, sister-in-law, is your family friend a significant figure in Duke An’s Mansion?"

No wonder the woman asked such a question; the residents of the back alley of Duke An’s Mansion were, more or less, somewhat connected to the Duke’s Mansion. Even if they were just common house servants living in the back alley, their accommodations would surely be cramped. Yet, if that household could host Lady Zhao and her son, along with two individuals who seemed to be maids, then it must be quite a large courtyard; otherwise, how could it accommodate them?

There appeared a hint of pride on Lady Zhao’s face, "My family friend’s surname is Qi, and he is a close relative of the Duke’s Mansion’s young lady, which is why he was able to buy a courtyard behind the Mansion. It’s actually several courtyards joined together."

"Oh, oh, I see. Madam Zhao, you see, we were unaware of your status just now. If there was any disrespect, we ask for your forgiveness, please don’t take offense at our ignorance," the woman said, immediately plastering a smile on her face.

Another woman no longer looked at Lady Zhao with cold eyes, becoming much warmer in her speech towards her.

The two quickly found common ground and readily exchanged names.

That woman’s husband was surnamed Li and named Li Erming, a minor workshop head. He usually took on small projects and, having been in the Craftsmanship Sector of the capital for many years, knew a few people in the Ministry of Works. If there were urgent jobs, he would take them on as well.

This woman was surnamed Zhang, and the other was her sister; they had agreed to come to the temple together to fulfill a vow. They had first visited various places in the Great Awakening Temple today, followed by going in to worship the Buddha, which is why they were late.

Lady Zhao and the two sisters surnamed Zhang introduced each other with their family backgrounds and names, and briefly described their family situations. The three of them immediately grew much closer.

To make Lady Zhang take the matter even more seriously, Lady Zhao enthusiastically invited both sisters to have the vegetarian meal at the Great Awakening Temple’s dining hall.

Upon hearing that their hosts were closely related to Duke An’s eldest daughter, Lady Zhang wanted to curry favor and would not let Lady Zhao pay for the meal, insisting, "Let’s go together, together," and refusing to let Lady Zhao be the host.

Wong Qiao sat at a table near where Lady Zhao and the others were sitting, tasting his food without appetite, and after a few bites, put down his chopsticks.

Lady Zhao and the two Zhang sisters, on the other hand, hit it off well in conversation. Even after the meal was over, they didn’t leave, chatting leisurely for a while, before finally departing with reluctance.

At the gate of the Great Awakening Temple, Lady Zhang took Lady Zhao’s hand with full confidence and said, "Madam Zhao, wait for my letter. This matter will definitely succeed. I heard that the position with Prince Fu’s household is very important, and in just a few days, I’ll be able to give you solid news. If it succeeds, Steward Wong of your household might start work soon after the fifteenth of the first month of the lunar year."

Lady Zhao’s face was all smiles as she thanked her repeatedly.

Lady Zhang playfully scolded, "You don’t need to thank me; it’s because you have a capable son. Who knows, maybe in the future, my husband will need to look to Steward Wong for help and promotion."

Wong Qiao stood not too far away, his face cycling between pale and flushed with embarrassment as he listened to Lady Zhang calling him the chief manager over and over, and Lady Zhao did nothing to stop her. After pushing them multiple times, Lady Zhao and the others finally said their reluctant goodbyes.

Wong Qiao followed Lady Zhao’s carriage back to the Qi Family Courtyard. Other than the gatekeeper who came out to open the gate, there was nobody around.

Lady Zhao sat in the carriage all the way, her mood unspeakably lightened, all her previous frustrations dissolved. If this worked out, she wouldn’t have to face the awkwardness of seeking refuge with the Qi family again. She would not only ensure her previous life of comfort and dignity but would also climb even higher.

By then, Ah Qiao’s standing might even surpass that of Qi Younian.