Fortunately, the son-in-law's visit was a joyous occasion, and the lively atmosphere was part of the celebration. In many places, there were even customs to test the son-in-law's mettle. For instance, getting him drunk, having male relatives take turns challenging him, or even—as some old traditions dictated—having the "bride's family" give him a beating with sticks, which had even led to fatalities in extreme cases.
On this day, no matter how the bride's family tested him, the son-in-law was not allowed to show anger. The Ren Family naturally dared not give Second Young Master Xiao a hard time, but the servants were allowed to join in the fun. This was their only chance to observe the son-in-law so freely without fear of reprimand from their superiors.
As soon as Ren Yaoqi entered the main courtyard, Nanny Zhou, who had been waiting nearby, hurried over. She greeted Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jingxi with delight, saying, "Second Young Miss, Second Son-in-law, Master and Madam are waiting for you in the main hall."
Even as she spoke, Nanny Zhou couldn't help but steal glances at Xiao Jingxi.
She was somewhat wary of the rumors about the Xiao Family's second son being in poor health, but seeing Ren Yaoqi looking bright and energetic, her sharp eyes could tell that the couple got along harmoniously, like a well-matched pair.
As for Second Young Master Xiao, his appearance was naturally impeccable, and his complexion showed no signs of severe illness.
On the day Xiao Jingxi came to fetch the bride, Nanny Zhou had observed him carefully from a distance, feeling that he seemed different from the rumors. However, given the special occasion, she thought perhaps the Xiao Family had given him some medicine or carefully groomed him for the wedding. Now, with the chance to see him up close, Nanny Zhou scrutinized him even more intently.
Second Young Master Xiao showed no displeasure at her scrutiny and even smiled at her. From his demeanor and composed bearing, Nanny Zhou could detect nothing amiss. This left her puzzled—could the rumors be untrue?
Before Nanny Zhou could ponder further, Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jingxi had already reached the main hall.
Master Ren and Madam Li were seated at the head of the room, waiting for them.
Given Xiao Jingxi's status, most families would not dare to have him perform the full kowtow ceremony. However, Second Young Master Xiao showed no airs of being a son of the Yanbei Prince's Mansion in front of his parents-in-law. He respectfully performed the formal bows alongside Ren Yaoqi to Master Ren and Madam Li.
Master Ren and Madam Li were no ordinary people. Though surprised by Xiao Jingxi's gesture, they accepted it graciously and without hesitation. Xiao Jingxi's attitude immediately won the favor of Madam Li, Nanny Zhou, and the other women present. A humble, respectful, and handsome man naturally tended to earn women's goodwill.
Only Master Ren remained expressionless. He glanced at his younger daughter and frowned. "Yaoqi, why do you look so tired?"
Ren Yaoqi was taken aback. Xiao Jingxi turned to look at her, smiling but saying nothing.
Meeting his gaze, Ren Yaoqi seemed to recall something and blushed slightly, murmuring softly, "No, it might just be the fatigue from the carriage ride..."Nanny Zhou whispered something with a smile into Madam Li’s ear. Madam Li glanced at Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jingxi, and for the first time, she contradicted her husband in front of others, smiling broadly as she smoothed things over: “What do you mean he doesn’t look well? I think he looks perfectly fine, glowing with health!”
The maids and elderly servants in the room all laughed.
Ren Yaoqi stood there, pretending to be composed, ignoring the meaningful undertones in everyone’s good-natured laughter.
Master Ren did not refute Madam Li’s words, only letting out a faint, noncommittal “hmph.”
Although Madam Li had previously been dissatisfied with Xiao Jingxi as a son-in-law due to rumors, a mother-in-law tends to grow fonder of her son-in-law the more she sees him. This was especially true for Xiao Jingxi, who not only had a face that charmed people of all ages but also spoke with humility and warmth, his conversation witty and courteous. And when he made a special effort to leave a good impression, Second Young Master Xiao was simply unstoppable.
As it happened, Madam Li was particularly taken with his approach. Xiao Jingxi had only been speaking with her for the time it took to drink a cup of tea, yet her way of addressing him had already shifted from “second son-in-law” to “Jingxi” and “my boy”...
Ren Yaoqi watched from the side, stunned and unable to get a word in edgewise.
In contrast to Madam Li’s joy and closeness, Master Ren’s expression was far from pleasant. Ren Yaoqi studied her father for a moment and felt she could read his evaluation of Xiao Jingxi in his eyes: “Smooth-talking!”
Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on.
Madam Li’s aesthetic preferences were no different from those of most well-bred women of her time. However, scholars like Master Ren preferred sons-in-law with a strong scholarly air—preferably those who were quiet, dedicated to their studies, or possessed genuine skills and expertise.
Taking advantage of the moment when Madam Li called for someone to refill Xiao Jingxi’s tea, Ren Yaoqi shot him a glance. Though it was just a light, seemingly meaningless look, Xiao Jingxi miraculously understood its intent and even secretly winked at her.
The next moment, Ren Yaoqi heard Xiao Jingxi say gently to Madam Li, “Mother, please don’t trouble yourself. There’s something I’d like to discuss with Father-in-law. The tea can wait.”
Everyone in the room couldn’t help but glance at Master Ren.
Master Ren frowned. “With me? What is it?”
Ren Yaoqi also looked at Xiao Jingxi, her eyes asking, “What are you up to?” Xiao Jingxi returned a reassuring glance and then smiled politely. “I wonder if Father-in-law has a moment now?”
Master Ren glanced at him and stood up with an air of authority. “Come with me to the study.” With that, he led the way out.
Ren Yaoqi hesitated, wondering if she should follow. But seeing Xiao Jingxi shake his head almost imperceptibly as he passed her, she immediately dismissed the idea. Xiao Jingxi was always measured in his actions, and her father wasn’t the type to make unreasonable demands... right?
After Master Ren and Xiao Jingxi left, only Madam Li, Ren Yaoqi, and a few maids and nannies from Madam Li’s quarters remained in the room.
Madam Li likely wanted to take this opportunity to have a private conversation with Ren Yaoqi, so she kept only Nanny Zhou and dismissed the other maids and nannies.The three of them went to the right side room to talk. Madam Li pulled Ren Yaoqi to sit on the kang, then carefully looked at her for a while. She reached out to tidy her hair and said with a smile, "Your husband is different from the rumors, and since he values you so much, I can rest assured."
Ren Yaoqi was momentarily stunned, wondering where Madam Li had gotten the impression that Xiao Jingxi valued her. After entering, Xiao Jingxi hadn't even spoken a word to her.
Nanny Zhou, however, smiled and explained to Ren Yaoqi, "If your husband didn't value you, why would he go to such lengths to please your parents? With his status, even if he had just come in today, glanced around, and left, no one would have said anything."
Hearing this, Ren Yaoqi pursed her lips into a smile. After a moment's thought, she still said, "Yes, Mother, he treats me very well and respects me. Please rest assured."
Upon hearing this, Madam Li's smile deepened.
Nanny Zhou then asked, "What about the Princess Consort and the Prince? And the Prince's birth mother, Consort Dowager Yun?" She didn't ask about the Old Princess Consort because it was unnecessary.
Ren Yaoqi replied earnestly, "The Prince and Princess Consort are also very good to me, treating me as their own daughter. Although Consort Dowager Yun is somewhat stern, she has helped me several times and even asked me to copy scriptures for her."
Both Nanny Zhou and Madam Li were delighted. Nanny Zhou smiled and said, "That's good, that's truly wonderful. As long as the elders also value you, Second Miss, your position in the Yanbei Prince's Mansion will truly be secure. However, I've heard that Consort Dowager Yun has a cold temperament and isn't easy to get along with?"
Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment and smiled, "Her Highness does have a somewhat cold temperament and isn't particularly warm toward her grandchildren on the surface, but she is a sensible person at heart and has taken good care of me. Originally, according to the Xiao Family's clan rules, a Xiao daughter-in-law must bear a child before being recorded in the family register. This time, it was thanks to her efforts in mediating with the Old Princess Consort that I was able to enter the Xiao Family's register on the second day after entering the mansion."
Ren Yaoqi was someone who clearly distinguished gratitude from resentment. Although she knew that Consort Dowager Yun might not actually like her, the fact remained that she had helped her—and not just once. Therefore, Ren Yaoqi genuinely respected Consort Dowager Yun as an elder and would never speak ill of her in front of her family. No matter who asked, her answer remained the same.
These words were clearly what Madam Li and Nanny Zhou wanted to hear. Over the years, Madam Li had suffered greatly because she was not liked by her in-laws, so she cared deeply about this. A significant reason she had agreed to let Ren Yaohua become Lei Ting's second wife was because she saw that there were no elders in the Lei Family who could suppress Ren Yaohua. Now that Ren Yaoqi had married into the Xiao Family, Madam Li was most concerned about these matters.
While Ren Yaoqi was chatting with Madam Li in the main room about her recent days in the Yanbei Prince's Mansion, Xier suddenly entered and reported, "Madam, Ninth Miss requests an audience, saying she wishes to congratulate Second Miss."
Madam Li's attendants referred to Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoqi as "Eldest Miss" and "Second Miss," but when it came to Ren Yaoying, they used her ranking in the Ren Family, clearly treating her as an outsider.
Ren Yaoqi raised an eyebrow. "Yaoying? She hasn't returned to White Crane Town? And the Ren Family hasn't sent anyone to look for her?"Madam Li sighed, "On the day of your wedding, the Ren Family sent someone to look for you, but at that time..." Madam Li only later heard from Nanny Zhou that Ren Yaoying had been drugged. To avoid becoming a laughingstock, it was naturally not appropriate to bring Ren Yaoying out at that time.
"Later, I heard that Old Master Ren was gravely ill, and the Ren Family had no time to attend to her. Your father wanted to send her back, but she herself absolutely refused to leave," Madam Li said.
First update... o(∩_∩)o.
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