1451 I Can Afford To Take Care Of You
Zhao Qian gave him a look that clearly said he did not believe a word of Chu Qi’s explanation.
Long Yin did not believe it either.
He had been helping his father deal with administrative work by his father’s side every day and knew that Chu Qi had been rewarded generously for his victory during the battle at Southern Xinjiang.
Yet, now he was claiming he could not afford to employ more people?
“You should have told me if you don’t have money, Lil Qi. I have a lot of gold and I can afford to take care of you,” Ji’er said innocently, not sensing anything amiss.
Yaoyao added, “That’s right. Mother gave us a lot of gold and Grandmother gives us gold every year on our birthday too. I have plenty as well. I can give you a loan.”
Long Yin was slightly exasperated at his two silly and naïve sisters.
“It’s fine.” Chu Qi rejected the offers from the two princesses.
“Alright. If you ever need money, you can tell me, Lil Qi,” Ji’er said generously.
Zhao Qian gave Chu Qi a slightly worried look.
Could this child be afraid of women?
Zhao Qian handed over the gifts he had brought to Steward Chen.
Among those gifts included the ones from Long Yin and his siblings, and also those prepared by Long Yang and Lu Liangwei.
Even though the Emperor and Empress could not be present today, they had prepared gifts as well.
They had given him a Kylin for protecting his mansion, as well as various other decorations.
Long Yin gifted him a precious calligraphy work and Yaoyao presented him with a high-grade jade vase. Ji’er brought a pot of rare orchids for him.
Soon, Lin Qingyuan came over with her two children as well.
Long Huaiyuan came forward and bowed to Long Yin and his two siblings. After that, he went to stand next to Long Yin.
He sincerely admired his little Royal Uncle.
Their ages were only two years apart, but his little Royal Uncle, Long Yin, was already adept at martial arts and literature. He was even skilled at horseback riding and shooting with a bow.
His father said that his little Royal Uncle would one day be as formidable as his Royal Granduncle.
Long Yin noticed his nephew’s gaze and paused briefly. He reached out to rub Long Huaiyuan’s head. “Have you finished your homework?”
“Yes, little Royal Uncle. I’ve finished all my homework for today,” Long Huaiyuan replied respectfully.
A smile appeared on Long Yin’s lips. “There’s no need to be so formal with me, Huaiyuan.”
Even though there was a generational hierarchy between them, they were only two years apart. Moreover, most of the children their age were girls and there were not many boys. Huaiyuan was a peer of similar age, and Long Yin wished that he would not be so reserved around him. That way, they would be able to play together more.
“Yes, little Royal Uncle,” Long Huaiyuan replied obediently.
Long Yin glanced at him. He was thinking about how his character was not at all similar to Big Brother Long Xuan. Long Huaiyuan was quite rigid with rules at such a young age.
“Congratulations on your new home, Chu Qi. We’ll be neighbors from now.” Lin Qingyuan congratulated Chu Qi while carrying her daughter, Yuanyuan, in her arms. The servants behind her presented their gifts to him.
Steward Chen reached out to receive them.
“Thank you. Please have a seat inside.” Chu Qi nodded at Lin Qingyuan.
Everyone headed into the front hall for tea.
Yaoyao sat next to Lin Qingyuan and played with Yuanyuan.
Yuanyuan was already a year old and was learning to speak. She looked at Yaoyao and waved her little hands about happily. “Aunt…”
“Come here, let your aunt carry you.” Yaoyao reached out to pick up Yuanyuan.
Ji’er and Baoyu joined in.
They all found it to be a fun and new experience to play with such a little child.
Lin Qingyuan look around and noticed that the mansion was filled with only male servants. She was astonished and said to Chu Qi regretfully, “If I knew you didn’t have any maids here, I would have given you a couple for your mansion.”
“It’s fine. I’m not used to maids.” Chu Qi frowned and rejected the offer.