Chapter 208: Family Recognition
Madam Chen had arranged a banquet in the flower hall, and soon people streamed in continuously from the front courtyard.
Chen Yanyun had just seen off Commander Zhao and was walking back with Duke Zheng and Chang Hai while conversing.
"Zhao Huai is nothing but a scoundrel. Even after serving as commander for so many years, his temperament hasn't changed!" Chang Hai complained. "That Deputy Commander Qi under him was actually someone I assigned to Shaanxi... When Zhao Huai served as General Who Conquers Barbarians, Deputy Commander Qi even took an arrow for him. Yet he demoted him just like that, now making him some lousy camp provision officer. The other day Qi wrote to me lamenting his situation, but when I tried to intercede, Zhao Huai wouldn't hear of it..."
Though Zhao Huai held the position of Military Commissioner, merely a second-rank official, while Duke Zheng's family held a hereditary first-rank title—Zhao Huai should have shown him proper respect... Chang Hai felt uncomfortable just thinking about Zhao Huai's arrogant face.
Chen Yanyun said calmly, "That's just his nature—why bother with him? You know how he detests corruption... Besides, Qi Shu embezzled military funds. You should consider yourself lucky Zhao Huai didn't execute him right before your eyes."
Hearing Chen Yanyun mention the military funds, Chang Hai sneered, "It was merely a few thousand taels of silver. I casually invest tens of thousands in silver shops. Zhao Huai's just narrow-minded from his commoner origins. Is his life not worth a few thousand taels?"
Chen Yanyun glanced at him, somewhat baffled. "I wasn't the one who demoted Qi Shu—why are you telling me this? You should go ask Zhao Huai directly."
Chang Hai realized his tone had been too sharp and coughed. "Forget it, I can't be bothered with him." Only then did Chang Hai notice Chen Yanyun was heading toward Madam Chen's quarters and asked, "Your new wife's family recognition is being overseen by Madam Chen. Why are you going there?"
Chen Yanyun paused and replied unhurriedly, "Can't I go take a look? Is the household under your command now?"
Chang Hai chuckled and waved his hand. "Your family affairs, Chen San—dare I interfere?" His temper flared quickly but subsided just as fast. He quickened his pace to catch up with Chen Yanyun. "My wife is serving as bridesmaid. I heard your new wife is exceptionally beautiful. Why not take me to see her?"
Chen Yanyun stopped and slowly looked Chang Hai up and down. Chang Hai was wearing a purple silk Straight Robe with floral patterns, a gold-edged belt inlaid with jade, and boots embroidered with golden cloud motifs. This extravagant outfit made his delicate face practically gleam with gold.
Chen Yanyun shook his head. "Another day. You go wait for me at Crane Extension Tower first."
Chang Hai was displeased by the refusal. "Chen San, I even went with you to fetch the bride! Why are you being so stingy? It's not like I'd snatch your new wife away if I saw her." As if struck by a thought, he raised his eyebrows and grinned. "Are you afraid I'll steal your thunder?"
Chen Yanyun remained composed. "Nothing of the sort. It's just that the inner courtyard isn't a suitable place for you." He urged Chang Hai to go to Crane Extension Tower.
Chang Hai thought to himself that he'd entered the inner courtyard plenty of times before—Chen San was truly petty. If he couldn't see her, so be it. He pointed to one of Chen Yanyun's attendants to lead the way and strolled leisurely toward Crane Extension Tower with his hands behind his back.
Only then did Chen Yanyun proceed to Madam Chen's quarters.
After lunch, it was time for Jinchao to meet the family. Madam Qin escorted her through the banquet and rest area, where dozens of tables were set up for the female relatives to rest. Seeing Jinchao dressed in bright red, they immediately recognized her as the new bride. The elders gave her many gifts—so many that Qingpu and Caifu could barely hold them all.Most of these were from the Chen Family's external branches, along with those who had formed generational friendships with the Chens. The old master Chen had three brothers who had branched off, and within the family, there were many branches. Jinchao simply followed Madam Qin to pay respects, barely remembering any faces.
At that moment, a five or six-year-old girl ran over, smiling as she stretched out her hand and called out brightly, "Hello, Third Aunt!"
Her delicate features were like carved jade, utterly adorable.
Madam Qin laughed, "This is my youngest daughter, Zhao Jie'er. So unruly!"
Jinchao also smiled, "I think she's absolutely adorable! Here, this is a gift from your Third Aunt." She took a pair of gold bracelets with bells from Caifu and gave them to Chen Zhao. The little girl's eyes widened. "Third Aunt, I saw you giving other children round golden beans too!"
Madam Qin patted her head, "Silly child, golden beans aren't pretty."
Jinchao said, "Auntie has golden beans for you too," and pulled a handful from her pouch for her. Chen Zhao cupped them in her hands and ran off to play with her maids.
Madam Qin spoke of her daughter, "...After thirty, I thought I couldn't bear children anymore. But then she came along, mischievous from birth. I can't bear to scold her. She's clever as a sprite, though I do discipline her when it comes to propriety."
Jinchao smiled without comment. After marrying into the Chen Family, Madam Qin had borne three sons: Eldest Young Master Chen Xuanran, Second Young Master Chen Xuanfeng, and Third Young Master Chen Xuanrang. Among them, Chen Xuanran held the title of Provincial Graduate, and all three were already married. Chen Xuanran had left for his official post, while Chen Xuanfeng and Chen Xuanrang still resided at the Imperial Academy. The second branch also had two sons born of concubines, though neither survived...
Madam Qin took her to meet the children of the fourth and sixth branches. The fourth branch had one legitimate son, Chen Xuanan, and one illegitimate son, Chen Xuanping, both still young and studying under a tutor at the Chen Family's villa. Third Miss Chen Rong was thirteen, also illegitimate, and already of marriageable age. The sixth branch had only one legitimate son, Chen Xuanyu, born to Madam Ge, who studied at the Imperial Academy alongside Chen Xuanrang.
After the introductions, it was time for the two children from the third branch to serve her tea.
Not seeing Chen Xuanqing, Jinchao inwardly sighed in relief.
Chen Xi was only seven, her hair tied in twin buns, adorned with a pair of exquisite pearl hairpins by her attending matron. She wore a pale pink short jacket with persimmon calyx patterns and a goose-yellow pleated skirt. Her expression was timid, her dark grape-like eyes peering at Jinchao as she softly called, "Mother."
Chen Xi had always been delicate, growing even more timid after her birth mother, Jiang Shi, passed away. In her past life, Jinchao had paid little attention to her, merely arranging for her care and barely speaking to her. The child grew increasingly frail, becoming sickly before she could even marry.
Jinchao beckoned her over, and after a moment's hesitation, Chen Xi cautiously took her hand. Seeing the dimples still visible on Chen Xi's small hands, Jinchao's heart softened. She patted the girl's head, praising her sweetness, and gave her a pair of black jade bracelets. Chen Xi offered a faint smile but quickly retreated behind her wet nurse, Matron Deng.
The second to serve tea was Chen Xuanxin, the son of Concubine Xue. Only eight years old, he bore some resemblance to Chen Xuanqing. After Jiang Shi fell ill, he had been raised by Madam Chen and was very well-mannered. Jinchao gifted him a box of Duanshi inkstones.Madam Qin spoke to her about Chen Xuanqing: "...After he achieved the rank of Third Scholar, he was appointed as a Compiler in the Imperial Academy. They say there are compilation duties at the Academy, so he hasn’t been able to free himself for several months. By the count of days, he should be returning soon. He’ll offer you tea then."
Jinchao smiled in response.
Madam Chen then called Wang Shi over, suggesting they play Leaf cards.
Soon, a card table was set up in the banquet and rest area. Jinchao didn’t know how to play Leaf cards, so Wang Shi pulled her to sit beside her, saying with a smile, "You’ll learn by watching. I didn’t know how when I first married in either—I learned by watching Mother play." She then teased Madam Qin, "Her skills are excellent. You’d better play less with her, or you’ll lose terribly!"
Madam Qin shook her head. "I’m not that good. Mother’s skills are far better. Last time she played with Chang Laofuren, she won over a hundred taels of silver..."
Jinchao found all this quite amusing. She had only known Madam Chen for her devotion to Buddhism, never realizing she was also skilled at Leaf cards.
She glanced back at Madam Chen, who smiled and said, "It’s been a while since I played. If you’d like to learn, I can teach you."
Wang Shi chimed in, "Mother is being biased! When I wanted to learn, you said you were afraid I’d win your money. Now you’re willing to teach Third Sister-in-law!"
Everyone laughed, filling the banquet and rest area with lively chatter.
A maid announced from outside that the Third Master had arrived.
The women in the room couldn’t help but discreetly observe him. Chen Yanyun, as the Grand Secretary of the Dongge Hall and a high-ranking official of the second rank, wasn’t someone one could see just anytime.
Chen Yanyun noticed the women’s gazes and felt somewhat uneasy.
Madam Chen chuckled. "The formal introductions are already done. Weren’t you accompanying the Duke? Why have you come?"
Chen Yanyun replied, "Just came to check in."
His gaze drifted toward Gu Jinzhao, only to find her intently watching Wang Shi play Leaf cards. Wang Shi was explaining how to recognize certain cards, and Jinchao seemed thoroughly engrossed—completely unaware of his arrival.
He had originally planned to take her for a garden stroll...
But seeing her so absorbed in the game, he decided against it.
Madam Chen teased, "You should go back to accompanying the Duke. Once she’s done watching, I’ll take her for a garden tour myself." She added, "Even newlyweds shouldn’t be staring at each other all day."
Chen Yanyun, usually composed, found himself at a loss for words under his mother’s jesting. He could only smile. "I just came to see if she needed any help with anything."
Madam Chen rarely saw him like this and wanted to tease him further, but he excused himself first.
After watching the Leaf card game, Madam Chen indeed took Jinchao for a stroll in the garden.
Having slept poorly the night before, Jinchao felt utterly exhausted by the time she returned to Osmanthus Hall, her feet aching as if they might break.
Caifu massaged her legs while Qingpu and Mama Tong sorted through the gifts Jinchao had received that day, compiling a list for her to review. Jinchao sat on the Arhat bed, leaning against the edge, feeling completely drained. After glancing through the list, she handed it back to Mama Tong. "Aside from what Mother gave, store the rest in the treasury for now."
Mama Tong acknowledged the order and added, "Madam has arranged for two first-rank maids and six third-rank maids in Osmanthus Hall, along with eight junior maids and serving women. I’ve already distributed red envelopes to them. Since you’re exhausted today, perhaps you could meet them tomorrow?"
Jinchao thought for a moment. "Have the two first-rank maids come in first."The two maids soon came in, introducing themselves as former attendants in the Fourth Young Miss's quarters—one named Xiangfei and the other Xiangye. Jinchao gave them some instructions and rewarded each with eight fen of silver bullion. Since their backgrounds were unclear, they naturally couldn't serve her closely yet. For now, they would assist in managing the younger maids.
Afterward, Jinchao inspected Osmanthus Hall thoroughly, rearranging the placement of some items. With Baiyun gone, her duties were taken over by the steady Xiuqu, who, along with Caifu, tidied up all the things Jinchao commonly used.
When Jinchao opened the red-lacquered wardrobe, she discovered it already contained several straight robes and Taoist garments, as well as Third Master Chen's court attire, official uniforms, and ceremonial robes.
He had said he would return to find her, yet he hadn't come… Had he moved his belongings here instead?
His usual residence was in the front courtyard—did this mean he intended to live with her now… (…)
OpenNovel