As expected, before Du Jingyi could even speak, Xueniang’s voice rang out with excitement:
“Aunt, you’re here!”
Aunt?
Du Jingyi quickly recalled the contents of the social booklet and connected the dots. This woman, barring any surprises, must be a relative of the Gu family. She and her mother-in-law, Madam Gu, were likely cousins—hence Xueniang’s use of “aunt.”
Madam Xing, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Xing family (the river transport official family, a prestigious bureaucratic position overseeing trade along rivers), was present. She and eldest sister-in-law Liu both bowed respectfully.
“Greetings, Aunt.”
“Please, everyone, rise. We are family—there’s no need for such formality,” Madam Xing said graciously.
Upon seeing her, Liu shi’s eyes sparkled with genuine joy. She was the first to greet them that day. Since the death of her mother-in-law and the decline of the Gu family, few had shown interest in their lineage. Madam Xing was different—she occasionally sent gifts all the way from Jinling City (the former imperial capital, renowned for its culture and wealth). Liu shi held her in deep respect and gratitude.
Madam Xing first scanned the group, noting elder sister-in-law Liu and Xueniang. Seeing them well-presented, she visibly relaxed. Then her gaze fell on Du Jingyi, admiration evident in her eyes.
“She is a remarkable beauty and seems healthy as well.”
Du Jingyi returned the look with quiet amusement, silently pondering the three young ladies before her. In a moment, she understood why Madam Xing had spoken so. She offered only a light smile, letting Madam Xing observe her calmness.
Such composure delighted Madam Xing. This child would be an excellent match for her Shao Yu. Past grievances aside, she noted, the matchmaking seemed well conducted.
“I heard from Mama Dou that the General’s Mansion is almost finished with renovations. When shall you move?” Madam Xing asked.
“The fifth day of the twelfth lunar month. The General and I have already discussed it. We’ll move in and enjoy Laba porridge together then” (Laba porridge, a traditional dish made with glutinous rice, beans, nuts, and dried fruits, eaten during the Laba Festival for good fortune).
“A fine day indeed. Please inform me when the time comes. I only brought Zhao’er this trip, and it would be lonely to spend the festival alone. It will be more pleasant to join the lively household of your mansion.”
Xueniang’s eyes lit up.
“Cousin Zhao is back too?”
“Yes, that brat! If I hadn’t set conditions, I doubt he would have returned. He’s used to living in Jinling City and dislikes the northern climate,” Madam Xing said with a wry smile.
The Hedao Yunshi Mansion was located in Jinling City. The Xing family, also rooted there, was prosperous and well-matched with the Gu family. Their numerous children symbolized wealth and continuity.
Sister-in-law Liu chuckled, asking, “I wonder what tricks Auntie used to convince Cousin Xia Zhao to come north with you?”
Madam Xing’s smile widened triumphantly.
“Trickery? Hardly. I merely told him Shao Yu had returned, and he eagerly followed me.”
Laughter erupted from everyone present. Du Jingyi realized, after hearing this, that Cousin Zhao still harbored respect and fondness for her husband.
Seeing her silence, Liu explained for her benefit.
“Cousin Zhao once served under my grandfather in the army at Cezhou for several years. He has a strong bond with our Liu Lang.”
“I see. Then Aunt and Cousin Zhao, please wait a little longer. I shall personally extend an invitation to a small gathering.” Du Jingyi had reserved three well-maintained courtyards in the General’s Mansion for guests, ensuring comfort even for extended stays.
Madam Xing was pleased with this thoughtful arrangement. She had observed all types of women in the backyard and maintained sharp discernment. Yet, thinking of her cousin who died young, she felt a pang of sorrow. The vast mansion, the husband, the past glory—even the paved roads—were now in others’ hands. It was a bitter sight.
While speaking, Madam Xing could not hide her displeasure at the Wei family women, who flaunted their social standing. The Wei family had come in full force: Madam Wei herself, Silang’s wife, and Wei Jialian. Those attending to them were either close friends or social climbers, and their words dripped with flattery.
Among them, Lady Chang, the Court Justice’s wife, had the closest ties with the Wei women and was the first to lavish praise.
“It is the Wei family’s good fortune that produced such a lovely girl as Jialian. She has beauty, talent, and noble lineage. If my son were not too old, I would hope to match him with her. I wonder which young man will be lucky enough?”
The surrounding ladies echoed her admiration.
The eldest lady of the Wei family smiled broadly at the praise for her youngest daughter, responding with mock modesty.
“Madam, please! Your third young lady is also talented. She is only too young now, but in three to five years, she will surely be one of the most noble ladies in Sui’an City.”
The women continued their discussions, comparing their husbands’ official ranks and children’s prospects. Though familiar, Wei Jialian listened with a sense of pride, accustomed to such attention.
The young ladies present could not match her status. While inferior to princesses and county lords, her contemporaries either lacked family background, were less favored, or less beautiful. By comparison, she stood out.
Having grown accustomed to such praise, she regarded her as a phoenix—a naturally pampered girl. Yet, to outsiders, her true character remained hidden.
Madam Wei watched her with fondness, showing more affection than even for her own daughter or daughter-in-law. Beyond Wei Jialian’s charm and wit, her eyes and eyebrows resembled the young Madam Wei herself. Her daughter, Aunt Shang, had married early, weakening their bond. Shang Zhiyin, her granddaughter, was still young, and though differences existed between granddaughters and nieces, her affection for Wei Jialian was evident and more conspicuous.