Not long after, Han You sent someone over to say that Madam Han was feeling much better today and could receive visitors.
The Han Family's Old Madam then said to the Ren Family's First Madam, "In that case, I'll accompany you to see her. This child, like me, doesn't care much for going out and knows few people. She will be very pleased that you have come to visit her."
Wang Shi smiled and nodded. "Then we'll trouble you."
By convention, as the elder, the Han Family's Old Madam should not have been the one to accompany guests to her daughter-in-law's courtyard. Her initiative made Wang Shi feel that the Han Family's Old Madam was easy to get along with and not at all pretentious.
Moreover, Old Madam Han was very talkative and remarkably amiable in her speech, leaving Wang Shi with a very favorable impression. Originally, Wang Shi had thought that the Han Family's rules were extremely strict towards women, and that Old Madam Han, coming from a local gentry family, must be an uneducated old woman. She hadn't expected the real Old Madam Han to be so surprisingly different upon meeting.
Ren Yaoqi recalled what she had learned previously: Old Madam Han was the only daughter in her branch of the family and lost her mother at a young age, so in her youth she had been a capable girl, managing all affairs, big and small, in her household single-handedly. However, after marrying Han Dongshan, she focused solely on domestic life, attending to her husband and raising children, and rarely ventured out.
Seeing Old Madam Han today, Ren Yaoqi believed this to be true. This Old Madam Han was indeed formidable. But why, after marrying Han Dongshan, did she begin to restrain her own words and actions, even imposing extremely strict discipline on her daughter-in-law and granddaughter?
This Han Family was truly shrouded in mystery.
Ren Yaoqi and several sisters from the Ren Family followed First Madam Ren and Old Madam Han to Madam Han's courtyard.
The inner courtyard of the Han Family, like the outer one, was also square and orderly. Apart from some trees and flowers dotting the grounds, there was no visible opulence on the surface.
However, upon reaching Madam Han's courtyard, even the flowers and trees disappeared from the surroundings. By the wall near the courtyard gate, several small tree stumps that had been cut down were visible, making it impossible to tell what kind of trees they originally were.
Noticing everyone's gaze fixed on those small stumps, Old Madam Han said, "There used to be a few paper mulberry trees planted there. The physician said that type of tree might trigger asthma, so Qian'er had them all cut down. Not just these trees—the flowers and plants originally planted in the courtyard were also uprooted by this child and her people."
Indeed, upon entering Madam Han's courtyard, all that could be seen were bare, square walls, with nothing else. It somewhat resembled Old Madam Ren's courtyard; Old Madam Ren also disliked flowers and plants, saying she hated how they attracted insects and ants in the summer.
As everyone followed Old Madam Han into the room, Madam Han had already gotten up. However, still mindful of being ill and not fit to be seen, she had lowered the gauze curtain in front of the canopy bed, with Han You attending by her bedside.
The younger generation of the Ren Family stepped forward to pay their respects. Madam Han said apologetically, "I have been discourteous. I hope you will not take offense."
First Madam Ren smiled and said, "You speak too formally. You are ill—what need is there to worry about courtesy? Recovering your health is what truly matters."
Madam Han sighed softly from behind the curtain. Turning to see her daughter's worried expression, she smiled and echoed First Madam Ren's words. "Thank you for your kind words."The furniture in Mrs. Han's room was all made of mahogany, with simple designs that showed their age yet gleamed with a dark, polished sheen. The decorations were not particularly numerous, but a discerning eye could tell that the coral tree over a foot tall on the antique shelf was no ordinary piece.
The young ladies of the Ren Family had likely received guidance from their elders at home, as they all sat properly and obediently in the outer room.
First Madam exchanged a few words with Mrs. Han, and when the pleasantries were done, she said, "You look tired, so you should rest. We won't disturb you any longer."
Mrs. Han, aware that her illness made it improper to keep guests waiting, quickly apologized and did not insist on them staying. She only instructed her daughter to attend to the guests properly.
Old Madam Han also rose with a smile and said, "Let's go to the flower hall for tea. Since you've come all this way to our residence, you must stay for a meal before leaving."
The younger generation of the Ren Family bowed respectfully and followed First Madam Ren as they took their leave.
First Madam Ren smiled and said, "There's no need for a meal. We didn't come from far away—the Ren Family is just a few steps from the Han residence. We can visit anytime. Please don't stand on ceremony with us. Besides, I need to return and report Mrs. Han's condition to Old Madam Ren. She's always concerned about her. However, we would still like to trouble you for a cup of tea."
Old Madam Han laughed heartily and did not press further, saying, "First Madam, you have such a clever tongue. If I insisted on keeping you, it would seem I'm treating you like strangers. Let's go to the flower hall for some tea and snacks then."
Ren Yaoting finally seized the opportunity to pull Han You aside and exchange a few whispered words. The two appeared intimate, lingering slightly behind the others as they spoke in hushed tones.
Soon, Old Madam Han noticed and turned to ask with a smile, "You'er? What are you talking about? Why have you fallen behind the guests?"
Han You showed no fear of her grandmother; instead, she seemed very close to her. "Sister Ting is very concerned about Mother's illness, so she asked a few questions."
Old Madam Han glanced at Ren Yaoting, who lowered her head shyly and said softly, "Auntie is very kind. I hope she recovers soon."
Old Madam Han's eyes, weathered by life's trials, held a knowing glint as she smiled warmly and said, "You must be the Seventh Young Lady of the Ren Family, right? No wonder You'er always mentions you. You truly are a good child."
Ren Yaoting's eyes lit up with joy, and her face grew even more bashful.
Han You seized the moment and said, "Grandmother, when I visited the Ren Family, their sisters showed me around their garden. Now that they're visiting us, I'd like to take them to see our garden too."
Old Madam Han shook her head with a smile. "The Ren Family's residence is famous throughout Yanbei. What is there to see in our garden?"
Her claim that the Ren Family's residence was renowned throughout Yanbei was somewhat exaggerated, though it was indeed one of the most notable in White Crane Town.
The members of the Ren Family felt a sense of pride upon hearing this.
Ren Yaoting smiled and said, "The Ren Family's residence is exquisite, but the Han Family's residence is grand and imposing. We truly would like to see it."
Ren Yaoqi, however, noticed a flicker of hesitation in Old Madam Han's eyes, though it quickly gave way to a gracious smile as she said, "Since you wish to see it, then go ahead. Though I must say, our garden is rather plain."
Han You was delighted to hear this and took Ren Yaoting's hand, giving her a bright smile.The young ladies of the Ren Family were indeed quite curious about the Han Family, so they all readily agreed.
First Madam Ren gave a few instructions to her daughters and nieces before following Old Madam Han to the flower hall for tea.
However, before leaving, Old Madam Han deliberately turned to her granddaughter and said, "You'er, take good care of the guests. The garden is large, so make sure no one gets lost. If you tire from walking, come to the flower hall for tea."
I only had time to write 2,000 words before 12 o'clock, so there's another chapter below...
I'll post this chapter first, so please bear with it for now~ ^^
(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian () to cast recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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