Mr. Du’s face crinkled with mirth, his eyes narrowing into joyful slits. His portly frame, adorned with large, dangling earrings that gave him the appearance of a benevolent Buddha, jiggled with life. He exuded an aura of prosperity and good fortune.
The Gu family, however, was a stark contrast to the Shangs. They were a distinguished and influential lineage in Jinling City, celebrated for their thriving descendants, each adept in both scholarly pursuits and martial arts. During the time of Daxing’s founding emperor, his successful overthrow of the old dynasty was not only due to the brave efforts of his rebellious brothers but also heavily reliant on the unwavering support of prominent families like the Gu clan. Even the marriage between the Shang and Gu families had been orchestrated after Mr. Shang dramatically rescued Marshal Gu. Without that pivotal act, it would have been an unimaginable fantasy for someone of Shang Yukuan’s new aristrocrat background to marry into the esteemed aristrocratic Gu family.
Yet, tragically, no amount of past kindness or deep affection could withstand the Gu family’s ultimate downfall. It was a somber truth that a loyal and virtuous family had been utterly decimated in the devastating Battle of Jin Ce.
The mention of Jinling City had momentarily stunned Shang Ji, but his thoughts were swiftly interrupted by Du Jingyi’s spirited voice. “Dad, where’s the golden belt I made specially for you? Why aren’t you wearing it? Don’t you like it?”
This was a side of Du Jingyi Shang Ji had never witnessed—so bright, so full of life. Her round, youthful face was alight with mischief, and her intelligent eyes sparkled with a hint of cunning as she darted glances at Master Du. It was clear at first glance that she was a clever little fox, merely disguised in sheep’s clothing, playing the part of a well-behaved young lady on ordinary days.
Master Du feigned a grumpy hum before playfully complaining, “How dare you say that? That golden belt is so heavy I can barely walk when i wear it ! How can I show it off outside? Are you trying to get someone jealous enough to snatch it away?”
Du Jingyi chuckled, then spread her hands, feigning innocence. “Dad, you’ve wronged your daughter! I thought you’d grown too complacent and plump over the years, so I had that gold belt made to constantly remind you, sir, to eat less and move more. Who asked you to show it off to outside?”
Master Du reached for his round belly, bursting into hearty laughter. Du Jingyi, still smiling, playfully patted his stomach, drawing chuckles from everyone present. This tender scene of a loving father and his devoted daughter was once commonplace in the Du household, giving rise to the “rumors” of Mr. Du’s boundless affection for his daughters. However, since both daughters had married, such joy and laughter had been conspicuously absent. Now, with the cherished father-daughter bond seemingly restored, the four maids and Mama Cai who had accompanied Du Jingyi were also beaming with happiness.
Joking aside, there was serious business to attend to. Today marked the homecoming ceremony. According to tradition, Master and Madam Du were to receive a kneeling along with the tea from Shang Ji and Du Jingyi. However, given Shang Ji’s elevated status, the kneeling ritual was waived, and only the tea service remained. So, the Du family’Patriach and his wife sat at the head of the room, no kneeling cushions laid before them.
Du Jingyi understood the implication immediately. State etiquette superseded family rules, and merchants held less sway than courtiers—an immutable truth. A flicker of disappointment crossed her eyes, but there was nothing she could do.
“Second Miss, Second Son-in-law would like to serve you tea,” Mama Cai, standing nearby, announced loudly as she presented a lacquer tray.
Shang Ji took a cup from the tray, then, with a flick of his robes, knelt. His unexpected gesture stunned everyone present. Master Du quickly waved his hand, rushing forward to help him up, a nervous tremor in his voice. “I can’t allow it. I can’t allow it. Second Son-in-law please rise quickly.”
Shang Ji respectfully held the teacup, addressing the Du elders. “This tea should have been served to my father-in-law and mother-in-law three years ago. It is only due to my duties as a gerneral that I had to postpone it until today. I ask for your forgiveness.”
Beside him, Du Jingyi, though surprised, swiftly knelt as well. Holding her own teacup, she stifled a smile, her words more heartfelt than before. “Fther , Mother, it was not easy for you to give birth to me. Now that your daughter is married, it is only natural for her to bring her husband home to serve tea. There’s no need to refuse. Please , accept.”
The Du parents exchanged a glance with each other and with a slight nod, they accepted the tea from both of them, taking deep sips in a gesture of acceptance. Relief washed over their faces. They were touched not only by their daughter’s evident importance in her husband’s heart but also by this special show of respect from Shang Ji, their son-in-law.
“Okay, get up quickly, get up,” Madam Du urged, rising to help them both to their feet.
Then, someone brought forth a tray bearing a modest, unadorned box. It wasn’t large and didn’t appear heavy. Shang Ji, puzzled, remained silent. But Du Jingyi recognized it immediately. It was the wealth the Du family had amassed over the years. Why was it being presented now? Could her second uncle and sixth uncle be here to pressure her parents again? Her face darkened considerably.
Madam Du noticed her daughter’s expression but maintained a calm demeanor. “My Son-n-law is back now , and you and your husband can live a peaceful life from now on . This is what we, the old couple, want. I hope you and your wife can grow old together.”
Shang Ji clasped his fists. “Mother-in-law, don’t worry. Your son-in-law will keep this in mind.” His respectful and devout attitude reassured both Master and Madam Du.
Du Jingyi, however, felt a surge of apprehension. With her husband present, she couldn’t openly question the gift. She could only accept the box and softly say, “I will take good care of me and my husband also.”
MasterDu reached out and gently stroked her forehead, just as he had done countless times before, saying nothing more. Yet, the concern and love he conveyed moved everyone present.
Just as a quiet, overwhelmed silence settled over them, hurried footsteps echoed from the door. Immediately after, the butler, Uncle Liu, trotted in, his expression calm, and announced, “Sir, Madam, someone from the family is here.”
Shang Ji distinctly felt his wife’s previously calm and somewhat mournful demeanor shift to one of anger. It seemed the arrival of these family members was unwelcome to the master of the house. Unaware of the full context, he refrained from any comment, standing aside with his hands folded. A closer look revealed his face had resumed the stern expression he wore in the Duke’s mansion.
Master and Madam Du frowned hearing the announcement . These people are truly shameless, they thought. It had been clearly stated that no outsiders were to be entertained today, yet they had found a way. Their intentions were transparent, leaving the couple with no pleasant expressions to offer. Madam Du made a swift decision, speaking immediately, “Uncle Liu, please invite them to Maodiexuan. The master and I will go there later.”
“Yes, Madam.”