The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

Chapter 293

Sun Jiaojiao and Han Yuan'er were also there; given their relationship with Shen Qing, it was natural for them to be there.

Not only these people, but Yang Shen also specially sent congratulatory gifts from his residence, and even Yang Yiqing and Xia Yan sent congratulatory gifts.

Given their status, they naturally couldn't attend the wedding of a Jinyiwei centurion in person. The fact that they sent gifts was entirely out of respect for Zhou Chu and the princess.

Han Jie didn't come, but Han Yuan'er presented a congratulatory gift on his behalf. Han Yuan'er and Han Jie each gave two gifts, as did Sun Jiaojiao.

All the officials of the Jiaofangsi, regardless of their rank, came to present congratulatory gifts. This was partly because Fang Hong was a centurion of the Jinyiwei, and partly because of the relationship between Shen Qing, the princess's residence, and Zhou Chu.

Throughout the entire capital, the person in the Imperial Music Bureau who deserved the most flattery was Zhou Chu, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. They didn't usually have many opportunities to show off, so now that they finally had a chance, they naturally rushed to send him congratulatory gifts.

They left immediately after delivering the gifts, without lingering. After all, they were officials from the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution), and to put it bluntly, even when presenting gifts, they didn't use their official titles, but rather the names of other members of their families.

As for whether Zhou Chu would know? They didn't need to consider that at all. It would be strange if the Embroidered Uniform Guard didn't know who was in their family.

Besides these people, Chu Li also came. More than a year later, Chu Li reappeared in the capital, appearing in her original identity.

"Chu Li, you're still alive."

The person most surprised to see Chu Li was Sun Jiaojiao, whose eyes were red and about to burst into tears.

"Yes, Chu Li, we all thought back then..."

Han Yuan'er was also very excited to see Chu Li.

"Back then, thanks to the weighing instrument, my brother and I were saved. Otherwise, my Chu family would have been wiped out. However, at that time, my Chu family's enemies were still alive, so it was inconvenient for them to show themselves."

Chu Li said with a guilty look on her face.

"Just stay alive, just stay alive."

Sun Jiaojiao held Chu Li's hand tightly, unwilling to let go.

"No wonder Hengqi said he would reserve your share at Zuixianlou. By the way, where is your brother?"

Han Yuan'er asked.

“He’s busy with business in Jiangnan and can’t get away. I’ve only recently had some free time, and I’m in charge of the raw silk business in Jiangnan.”

Chu Li smiled.

She naturally wouldn't say much about Chu Huizu's whereabouts. Chu Huizu is now doing very well in the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce. With Zhou Chuchu Li's deliberate support, a lot of resources have been poured into Chu Huizu, and his business has grown bigger and bigger, directly making him the vice president of the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce.

Li Xian, the president of the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce, was terrified by Zhou Chu's antics this past year and dared not interfere in the affairs of the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce any longer. Now, Chu Huizu has a lot of influence in the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce.

"Do you intend to reclaim your identity as the eldest daughter of the Chu family?"

Sun Jiaojiao asked.

Chu Li shook her head.

"The Chu family's honor will be brought to glory by Huizu in the future. I just want to do what I want to do and I don't want to be bound by this identity anymore."

Upon hearing this, Sun Jiaojiao and Han Yuan'er exchanged a glance.

They all understood Chu Li's meaning. Once she regained her status as the eldest daughter of the Chu family, everything she did and said would affect the Chu family. If the eldest daughter of the Chu family remained unmarried, people would gossip about her.

Both of them were aware of Chu Li's feelings, and with Zhou Chu having saved Chu Li and her brother's lives, Chu Li was probably deeply in love with Zhou Hengqi. However, they also knew very well that it was basically impossible for Chu Li to marry Zhou Hengqi.

"As long as I can stay by Hengqi's side, I will be content. He is too dazzling. In the year I have worked for him, I have seen a wonderful world that I had never seen in the previous ten years. So I can no longer be a young lady from a wealthy family, living in seclusion in the inner quarters."

Chu Li smiled and said.

Hearing this, Sun Jiaojiao and the other girl had mixed feelings. They were envious and regretful. They envied Chu Li's freedom and her ability to do whatever she wanted.

Daughters of officials like them may seem glamorous, having everything from birth, but only they know that their future is predetermined from the start: they will marry into a family of similar social standing when they reach a certain age.

This is the limitation of this era. Although they do not understand what the limitations of the era are, they can vaguely feel it. This feeling becomes more and more obvious after they come into contact with Zhou Chu.

"really envy you."

Sun Jiaojiao smiled.