Soon, conversation resumed in the room as naturally as if the earlier unanimous silence had never occurred.
Princess Consort Xian rarely attended social gatherings with the ladies of Yunyang City. Had Xiao Jinglin not personally invited her during the Dragon Boat Festival, she would not have appeared even then, and even on that day, she had not spoken with anyone. Thus, her arrival today sparked varied thoughts among those present.
It was First Madam Lin who reacted quickly, smiling as she said, “It’s Madam Li. What a rare guest.” As she spoke, she glanced toward Old Madam Lin.
Others referred to Rong Shi as “the lady from Treasure Vase Alley,” which carried a somewhat isolating undertone and could be seen as disrespectful if used directly. In contrast, First Madam Lin’s address of “Madam Li” was tactful. In Yunyang City, few were addressed as “Madam,” and by using this title, she avoided the awkwardness surrounding Rong Shi’s identity while sparing Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua any embarrassment.
Moreover, though she spoke this way, she did not presume to send someone to welcome Rong Shi immediately. Instead, she looked to Old Madam Lin, deferring to her mother-in-law’s decision. First Madam Lin was careful not to offend anyone.
Before Old Madam Lin could respond, Ren Shijia quickly interjected, “Truly a rare guest… I should go welcome her myself.” Lacking First Madam Lin’s shrewdness and diplomacy, Ren Shijia felt uneasy after a moment’s hesitation, as she was somewhat apprehensive about Rong Shi’s status.
Old Madam Ren glanced at her daughter, her brow slightly furrowed.
Noticing this, Old Madam Lin laughed heartily and said to Ren Shijia, “You’ve just left your confinement. You should sit and rest.” Her gaze swept over her daughters-in-law as she hesitated, uncertain which of them should be sent to welcome the guest.
The Lin Family had planned a grand celebration for Lin Cen’s full-month banquet, so many households in Yunyang City had received invitations. It was possible that Treasure Vase Alley had also received one, though it was merely a formality. Rong Shi never attended such events, knowing that the invitations were not extended sincerely and that her presence would only cause awkwardness for both sides.
Thus, Old Madam Lin was unsure of Rong Shi’s purpose in coming and had not yet decided how to receive her.
“Auntie needs to look after Brother Cen and can’t leave. Why don’t Fifth Sister and I go welcome our maternal grandmother on Auntie’s behalf?” Ren Yaoqi spoke up innocently, as if unaware of the tension in the room.
It would have been inappropriate for Ren Yaoqi to welcome someone on behalf of the Lin Family, but no one saw anything wrong with her going to greet her own maternal grandmother for her aunt.
Ren Shijia smiled at Ren Yaoqi. “That would be good.”
This time, Old Madam Ren only glanced at Ren Yaoqi without objecting. Old Madam Lin nodded with a smile and said, “Then let Ling accompany you.”
Lin Baoling immediately jumped up. “Great! I’ll go with Third Cousin and Fifth Cousin.”
As Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua followed Lin Baoling to the Inner Gate to greet Rong Shi, Ren Yaoqi smiled outwardly but thought to herself, No wonder Xiao Jinglin dislikes socializing with these inner household women. Even welcoming a guest involves so much scheming and worry about potential losses.
When they reached the Inner Gate, they saw Rong Shi just entering from outside. Ren Yaoqi took Ren Yaohua’s hand and stepped forward. “Maternal Grandmother.”
Ren Yaohua’s attitude toward Rong Shi was much warmer than toward her maternal grandfather and uncle. She followed Ren Yaoqi’s lead and bowed in greeting.This was Lin Baoling's first time meeting the legendary "Madam from Treasure Vase Alley." Despite her efforts to conceal it, a glimmer of curiosity was still evident in her eyes. However, she did not neglect her manners, stepping forward to pay her respects to Rong Shi as a junior.
Rong Shi nodded and smiled at Lin Baoling before turning her gaze to her two granddaughters. "I came to see your aunt and the child."
Lin Baoling smiled sweetly. "Please follow us, Madam. Auntie is in good health, and the baby is chubby and adorable."
Rong Shi nodded with a gentle smile. Ren Yaoqi stepped forward to support Rong Shi's arm, and Rong Shi patted the back of her hand lightly. Ren Yaohua glanced at Ren Yaoqi but did not step forward to assist. Instead, she positioned herself on the other side of Rong Shi.
Lin Baoling walked ahead. Though young, she was not shy and had a naturally sociable demeanor. As she led the way, she chatted and laughed with Ren Yaoqi and the others, full of energy.
As Ren Yaoqi walked, she felt someone gently tugging at her sleeve from behind. Turning around, she saw it was Chuchu, Rong Shi's maid.
Chuchu was responsible for Rong Shi's daily care. Though in her early twenties, she still wore her hair in the style of an unmarried girl, and her appearance was merely average.
Before Ren Yaoqi could speak, Chuchu stepped closer and whispered into her ear, "Xia Sheng has returned."
Her voice was extremely soft, and after speaking, she immediately retreated, continuing to walk with her head lowered.
Ren Yaoqi's eyes lit up, and she glanced at Rong Shi. Rong Shi gave her a gentle smile and patted her hand lightly without saying a word.
When Rong Shi appeared before the others, they had already regained their composure. Though Old Madam Lin did not show much warmth, she rose from the kang and greeted her as "Madam Li." Old Madam Ren, as the in-law, nodded to Rong Shi.
Rong Shi was meticulous in her etiquette. She instructed Chuchu to hand the congratulatory gifts she had brought to Ren Shijia's maid and said with a smile, "Congratulations on the birth of your son."
Ren Shijia was delighted and even asked her maid to bring the baby over for Rong Shi to see.
Although Rong Shi's arrival did not cause any visible commotion, the conversation among the others became somewhat restrained, and the atmosphere was not as lively as before.
Rong Shi likely knew she was unwelcome, so after exchanging a few words with Old Madam Lin and her in-law, Old Madam Ren, she took her leave.
From her arrival to her departure, she spent only half an hour at the Lin Family.
The Lin Family had not yet figured out the reason for Rong Shi's visit. Old Madam Lin was also puzzled—could it truly be that she came to deliver gifts and see the child out of respect for the Ren Family as in-laws?
Nevertheless, Old Madam Lin and First Madam Lin politely urged her to stay. In the end, Rong Shi insisted on leaving, and they could only say, "You are welcome to visit again." Old Madam Ren, the in-law, remained cold and indifferent throughout.
First Madam Lin offered to escort Rong Shi to the door, but Rong Shi politely declined, suggesting instead that her granddaughter Ren Yaoqi accompany her. Thus, it was Ren Yaoqi who finally escorted Rong Shi out.
This time, Ren Yaoqi accompanied Rong Shi all the way to the Inner Gate and to the side of Rong Shi's carriage.
At a glance, Ren Yaoqi spotted the man sitting on the carriage shaft—it was Xia Sheng, whom she had not seen for several months.
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