Chapter 5: The Cousins Make a Lively Entrance Together
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Upon noticing her unease and nervousness, Cousin Xiang kindly stepped forward and asked, “Who is this young lady? I don’t recall ever seeing her before.”
Only then did the matriarch lift her gaze from Jiang Shiyuan, glancing sideways with a hint of recognition. “Could she be your family’s third younger sister?”
“Grandmother is indeed perceptive, seeing through at a glance.”
Having been named, Jiang Shishu naturally stepped forward to pay her respects. Unlike her eldest sister, she was merely a collateral relative to this family and had come along to share their prestige, so she dared not show any arrogance.
“Jiang Shishu greets the matriarch, the lady of the Hou residence, and the eldest young mistress.”
“If you are Nian’s third younger sister, there’s no need for such formalities. Just call us grandmother, aunt, and cousin, like she does.”
The one who spoke was Aunt Pei, known for her straightforward nature and disregard for such formalities. It was rare for her niece to bring a guest along, so she treated Jiang Shishu with far more kindness and patience than the second Miss Jiang.
“Shishu dares not.”
Yet the kindness was rejected. Seeing her still humble and obedient, Aunt Pei refrained from further words. After all, she preferred lively personalities; such constant humility was not favored in her eyes.
Jiang Shiyuan noticed the smile on Aunt Pei’s lips fade, her heart clear as water. She knew the third younger sister’s temperament did not suit Aunt Pei, but character was not something easily changed, so she said no more.
After helping the matriarch to sit, the maid Hua Mei, along with the parrot Ying Ge, brought tea and placed it beside Jiang Shiyuan and Jiang Shishu.
Jiang Shishu took the seat at the far end, a zitan wood carved armchair adorned with peaches symbolizing longevity and happiness. Sitting upright, her mind filled with her stepmother’s admonitions not to cause trouble, she was exceedingly cautious.
The matriarch took the upper seat and held Jiang Shiyuan’s hand tightly, unwilling to let go. Her expression was serious, tinged with concern as she asked, “How have you been since returning?”
“Good, all good. Father cherishes his daughter, as you well know.”
“Hmph, cherishes? When your engagement was replaced, he hardly said a word. If it weren’t for your aunt going over there to scold them, they might have thought you were an easy target. Rest assured, if it happens again, this old body will drag myself there to see what kind of worthless scoundrels the Jiang family has, daring to bully you so!”
The matriarch’s harsh words showed no regard for the years of alliance between the families. Jiang Shiyuan could even imagine that if her father, Jiang Huaishan, had appeared before the matriarch, he would have been scolded even more fiercely.
Faced with this, Jiang Shiyuan could only show a helpless expression. Yet she understood that such words came from deep love, so she comforted her gently.
“Grandmother, please don’t be angry. The imperial physician said you must take care of your health and not overthink things. Father has his own helplessness, and with your virtue as a filial granddaughter, he can only comply. I don’t wish to marry anyway, so I agreed to break off the engagement. Besides, didn’t Aunt also say she’d find someone better? Surely not the entire capital only holds the Chun Prince’s household as a suitable family. It’s not worth your worry over such nonsense.”
Each word of comfort touched the matriarch’s heart, even Aunt Pei, who had grown angry earlier, felt her temper cool.
“A Nian is right. Better not marry into a family so untrustworthy. Grandmother, don’t worry. Your daughter-in-law will find the best match for you, someone worthy to be with our Nian!”
“All right. If this time the match is chosen, bring him before me to see. Whoever becomes my grandson-in-law must be outstanding in every way!”
“Understood. Your daughter-in-law will remember.”
Their mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship was always harmonious, speaking as if mother and daughter rather than formal relations. Jiang Shishu looked on with admiration.
No wonder the eldest lady was so kind and virtuous, and the eldest sister so dazzlingly beautiful. Growing up in such a family was truly a blessing. Thinking of the days she spent at home with her stepmother, she felt a twinge of self-pity, but before she could dwell, a voice came from outside.
“Matriarch, the Marquis has sent word that the flower hall is ready with food. He asks if you would like to move there now?”
“Looks like it’s getting late. Are you hungry? Grandmother specially had the cook prepare your favorite dishes. Eat more this time; I notice your face has grown a little thin.”
The matriarch looked tenderly at her only granddaughter.
Married to the old Marquis for many years, she bore two sons and a daughter, one of whom died young. Having lost her own daughter, she showered both remaining children with care, and naturally, all her love was lavished on Jiang Shiyuan.
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When cold, she sent warm lamb blankets; when hot, cool jade mats. She never spoke harshly to her, keeping her close and pampered daily. Suddenly gone for over a month, the matriarch’s reluctance was no surprise.
Jiang Shiyuan, with her gentle temperament, helped the matriarch to her feet and said, “Very well, granddaughter will eat more later, just like grandmother, with a big bowl.”
With a few words, she brought a smile to the matriarch’s face. Aunt Pei supported her on the other side, and together they headed out.
Cousin Xiang approached Jiang Shishu and spoke warmly and calmly, “Third Miss, don’t be so reserved. The elders of this Hou residence are kind. Grandmother is loving, mother-in-law straightforward. Soon you’ll meet a few cousins; they’re lively fellows—you’ll see for yourself.”
“Thank you, eldest young mistress. Shishu understands.”
Cousin Xiang, unlike Aunt Pei, who had a different view, preferred this humble and gentle girl over the many highborn ladies she had seen with fiery tempers. So she took the trouble to remind her before guiding her toward the flower hall.
The Hou residence was grand. To reach the flower hall from the main courtyard, one had to pass winding covered corridors. Nervous on arrival, Jiang Shishu now took in the scenery with lingering glances—it was truly beautiful.
The flower hall stood beside a grove by the water’s edge. Looking out from inside, it faced a stand of cedar trees with fluttering red leaves. Cousin Xiang spoke as they walked.
“It’s not autumn yet, so the cedars are still green. When it’s time for autumn crabs, let Nian bring you here. We’ll enjoy the red leaves and drink crab wine together. It’s quite a special pleasure.”
“Eldest sister can drink wine? Is her illness not serious?”
“Don’t be fooled by her heat symptoms. She drinks better than I do. Besides, a little wine to lift the spirits is harmless.”
Jiang Shishu nodded lightly, knowing little of her eldest sister’s condition, trusting the eldest young mistress’s words.
They soon arrived at the flower hall.
Before entering, laughter came from inside, and a servant loudly announced, “Matriarch has arrived, madam has arrived, eldest young mistress has arrived, eldest miss has arrived, and Miss Jiang Shishu has arrived.”
At that moment, the group inside scattered and hurried to the door. As Jiang Shiyuan helped her grandmother in, she caught sight of a youth standing with his back to her suddenly turning around.
His sharply defined face bore the natural air of nobility.
His eyebrows were slanted towards his temples, eyes full of emotion, lips curved in a lazy smile, but a closer look revealed an unspoken authority in his gaze.
His attire differed from the other young men. Tall and upright, he wore a robe embroidered with golden dragon scales and arrow sleeves, making him appear even more imposing. Black court boots adorned his feet, and a golden waistbelt patterned with a coiling dragon highlighted his narrow waist and broad shoulders. Attached to the belt was a jade ornament with long tassels, gilded and engraved with the character “Pei” in bold strokes.
He was Pei Zisu, the nephew of Jiang Shiyuan’s Aunt Pei’s family.
Also known as the young general of the Pei family’s army in Hanzhou, respected and obeyed by all.
He strode forward crisply. Though appearing casual, each step radiated the commanding presence of a high-ranking officer. The four Wang brothers of the capital, known for their wealth and good looks, seemed dim in comparison.
His face, more delicate than many women’s, held no deceitful softness but shone like a blazing sun, as if his mere presence dimmed the colors of heaven and earth.
“Zisu greets the matriarch and aunt.”
Aunt Pei looked at her nephew with pride sparkling in her eyes.
Her husband and elder brother-in-law were stern and formal, but they had raised a son who shone brilliantly. With him around, even her four biological sons seemed ordinary. She smiled and said, “Today you are the guest of honor. Drink more later.”
“Rest assured, Aunt. When it comes to drinking, Zisu has yet to meet an equal!”
He was known for his capacity and drank strong spirits in the army; the fine wines here were mere throat lubricants to him, nothing to fear.
His lack of modesty drew amused glances from second cousin Wang Kuan and third cousin Wang Hong, who whispered to a nearby maid to bring a few large bowls, ready to be filled.
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The flower hall was spacious, not crowded even with a dozen people inside.
Pei Zisu stood amidst five or six men, the most dazzling among them. Jiang Shiyuan greeted everyone present in turn. When it came to Pei Zisu, she was neither timid nor shy, confidently returning his greeting.
“Nian greets Cousin Pei.”
“Cousin, your health is better?”
“The medicine has not ceased, so naturally my spirits are good. Thank you for your concern, Cousin Pei.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Jiang Shishu also greeted Pei Zisu, but he merely responded with a grunt, saying no more.
“Today is a welcome banquet for Zisu. It’s rare for the brother-in-law’s family to come. Please sit quickly; we’re all family here, sharing a reunion meal.”
The speaker was Wang Jinli, Marquis of Wenyuan, Jiang Shiyuan’s paternal uncle. Slightly older than his brother-in-law, he appeared younger and more handsome, his years of wealth lending him an air of ease and grace, his brocade robe adding splendor.
The late old Marquis was remarkable, so the Wang children inherited exceptional beauty. Among them, Jiang Shiyuan stood out the most, and Wang Jinli’s gaze never left her, now softened with a faint smile.
Beside him, third cousin Wang Hong looked puzzled. Why had he never seen him smile before? Always gloomy, scaring the new soldiers in the army into avoiding him.
His thought was cut short by a sharp reprimand from nearby.
“Grandmother, you have finally arrived. Your grandson’s stomach is growling in wait.”
The speaker was second cousin Wang Kuan, the most resembling the matriarch among the four grandsons. Round-faced with full cheeks, thick brows, and large eyes, he had grown weathered from daily duties at the city defense command, his complexion less fair but still cheerful. His lively nature had just made the matriarch laugh.
“You mischievous monkey, sit down and eat.”
The matriarch took her seat, still tightly holding Jiang Shiyuan’s hand. Unable to refuse, she sat as well. The others in the Wenyuan Marquis’s residence were accustomed to this and soon gathered around the table.
Jiang Shishu was nervous but forced herself calm, sitting beside her father Jiang Huaishan. Cousin Xiang sat on her other side, whispering, “Don’t be nervous. Eat whatever you like.”
“Thank you, eldest young mistress.”
Pei Zisu’s seat was directly opposite Jiang Shiyuan, flanked by Wang Kuan and Wang Hong. When the wine cups were removed and bowls filled, he raised an eyebrow at the smug Wang Kuan. Before he spoke, Wang Kuan raised his own cup first.
“Cousin Zisu is a very busy man. It’s rare for him to return to the capital, so we must show proper hospitality. But even if the four of us drink together, we might not match his capacity. To be fair and celebrate, shall we have a contest—cup against bowl? What say you, cousin?”
Wang Kuan grinned wickedly, clearly intending to give Pei Zisu a humbling welcome.
A few days prior, he had remained silent due to a boat race, but now at this grand banquet, he meant for Pei Zisu to be humbled. How dare he claim to have no equal in drinking?
Humph!
Jiang Huaishan, confused, glanced at his second nephew with a displeased expression. Offering a small cup while giving the other a large bowl was stingy. Had the family’s customs changed so much after years apart?
Just then, a stern voice reprimanded sharply. Turning, they saw Wang Su, eldest son of the Wenyuan Marquis’s residence, known for his cold demeanor. Even Jiang Huaishan rarely saw him smile; the household rarely did.
“Nonsense. After a few bowls, will Zisu even eat? Sit down.”
At his words, Wang Kuan dared not protest further.
In fact, throughout the capital, everyone knew the second son feared nothing except his elder brother’s stern scowl. Wang Su had once publicly punished Wang Kuan with a willow rod, earning the nickname “living hell.” No matter how rowdy or proud Wang Kuan was, he always crouched and fled on sight.
The frightened wine in his hand spilled over, but Pei Zisu steadied it with a laugh, eyes sparkling with amused defiance.