Chapter 323 : Guest (3)

A mass of dark clouds rolled at the edge of the sky, and the rain instantly poured down from the sky. Soon, the rainwater that flowed down from the house’s eaves gathered into a stream in the courtyard.

Yuxi put down the needle in her hand, came out, looked at the bean-sized raindrops and said with a smile, “It’s been almost ten days since I came, and it’s finally raining.” She could still tolerate the food here since she could prepare it herself. Still, the weather made her a bit uncomfortable as it was different from the capital. Especially when it hadn’t rained for so long, it made people feel a little more irritated.

Zijin said, “I heard that it rarely rains here in Yu City, and it’s very dry.” It was also because of the harsh environment that food supply had to be brought in from outside.

Yuxi gave out a slight smile.

Zijin frowned and wondered, “Miss, you have reached the border city for ten days or so, but how come Zisu, Mama Qu, and the others have not yet arrived?” Originally, they should have turned up two days ago, yet they didn’t, and Zijin was worried that there had been accidents. All the events they faced on their way here had also left a shadow inside her.

Yuxi shook her head and said, “Something must have delayed their arrival. Just think about it. Who would have a hard time travelling along with a few maids and ladies?” She guessed that some of them must have been injured, so they had to move slowly.

As they were talking, Han Hao came in from outside and informed her, “Miss, the Zhao family has sent an invitation card for Miss.” After saying that, he handed the card to Yuxi.

Yuxi took it after a moment. In two days, it would be the birth anniversary of the Zhao family’s Da Nainai, Ping Shi, so Yuxi was invited. After thinking for a moment, Yuxi nodded and said, “Tell the people of the Zhao family that I will be there then.”

Zijin frowned and questioned, “Miss, what does the Zhao family have in mind when they sent you the invitation? We should just find an excuse to push it away!” She didn’t find this invitation to be a good thing.

Yuxi shook her head as she replied, “I can’t.” Although her appearance had interfered with the marriage between Yun Qing and the Zhao family, it was not entirely her fault. If the Zhao family members were sensible, they would not have made things difficult for her. If they were being unreasonable, Yuxi would have to be more careful when dealing with them in the future.

When Zijin heard Yuxi’s explanation, she felt her hair would fall out just from thinking about it. “Why is this matter so troublesome?” Heck, she believed it was better to face the bandits since she could go and just beat the hell out of them. It was not like dealing with those official wives, who fought using their minds, which was exhausting for her to watch.

Yuxi laughed and said, “If you don’t like it, then don’t concern yourself with it.” Zijin’s primary duty was to protect her, and she did not need to do anything other than that.

As they were talking, the sound of rushing footsteps could be heard coming from outside. Zisu appeared in the courtyard in no time, and when she noticed Yuxi, her tears immediately fell. “Miss, it’s great that you’re okay.” Their separation this time really scared Zisu enough.

Zijin didn’t know why, but nowadays, she always felt a little cranky whenever she saw Zisu cry. What was she crying for? It wasn’t like the problem could be solved by weeping.

Yuxi supported the injured Mama Qu and softly said, “I’ve made you suffer.” The people who followed her to Yu City had indeed suffered enough this time.

Mama Qu shook her head as she comforted her, “Don’t worry, Miss, we’re fine. It’s just that Steward Han was wounded and is still over there recovering from his injuries, so he can’t come over.” There was something else that Mama Qu did not mention. The four maids that Yuxi took with her had all been very frightened. Fortunately, Tian Ju and Shiliu were now fine and had recovered. The other two maids were overly terrified and still had nightmares from time to time. As a result, she didn’t bring them here to save Yuxi from being annoyed by looking at them.

Yuxi nodded and commented, “That’s good.”

The arrival of Mama Qu, Mama Bai and others made it easier for Yuxi. She didn’t need to worry much about internal affairs anymore and could concentrate on making clothes. Not only did she have to make clothes for Yun Qing, but she also had to make some for herself. Even if she didn’t want to pay particular attention to it, she still couldn’t wear old clothes once she got married.

Zisu looked at the materials used by Yuxi and was a bit distressed. “Miss, why are these materials so rough?” The clothes made of such materials were so uncomfortable to wear.

Yuxi smiled a little. “When you enter a village, you should follow the local customs.” This place was definitely not comparable to the capital. But since she was already here, she had to settle down. If she always compared things with the ones in the capital, she would lose her mind in the end.

Hearing this, Zijin instantly became upset and pulled Zisu away out into the yard to give her a piece of advice. “Zisu Jiejie, don’t complain in front of the girl in the future. And also, please don’t cry at every turn.”

Zisu was a bit aggrieved and complained, “I am just feeling distressed for Miss.”

Zijin felt that Zisu was really getting back to her old self. “I didn’t say you shouldn’t care about Miss, but what can you solve by complaining and crying in front of her? It did nothing other than making Miss feel gloomy.”

Zisu was rendered speechless because of these words.

Zijin added, “Miss is currently in a difficult situation. It’s fine if you can’t solve her problems, but you can’t add more trouble for her.” These words were already relatively straightforward for her to say.

Ever since Zijin returned from the mountain, she always felt that Zisu’s behaviour had become somewhat abnormal as she turned even more melodramatic. Zijin had put up with it for so long, and now was the only time she ever let it out. Her endurance could be considered first-class.

Zisu raised her head, looked at Zijin’s moody eyes, and smiled bitterly, “I know, I won’t repeat such things.” She did not have any other thoughts, but her heart ached for Miss. Her Miss was one of the best in appearance and talent but had to marry a military man. But as Zijin had said, no amount of complaining could change Miss’ current situation. Hence, Zisu could only accept their present reality.

No one told Yuxi about this episode between the two of them.

In the blink of an eye, it was the day of Zhao Da Nainai’s birthday celebration, and Yuxi took Zijin and Zisu along with her to the banquet. General Zhao was a veteran general who followed Marshal Qin and had a high reputation in Yu City. Thus, many people attended the banquet today to congratulate Zhao Da Nainai on her birth anniversary celebration.

Yuxi just got off the carriage when an old woman servant wearing an indigo dress with a round bun and a gold hairpin on her head came over and greeted her.

It was clear from the first glance that this woman was a handy person, and the family’s attitude could be seen in the kind of people they sent to entertain their guests. By this time, Yuxi finally breathed out a sigh of relief. The Zhao family’s attitude towards her was pretty good, proving that they did not have bad blood with Yun Qing because of her. “Mama, no need to be polite.”

Siheyuan

Image Credit | The rightful owner via Researchgate

Yuxi followed the old woman servant to the second gate. There, she caught sight of a woman dressed in numerous butterfly patterns, red clothes, with a beizi with flowers embroidered in golds thread at all of its hems on top of it, walking towards her.

The old woman servant introduced her to Yuxi, “Miss Han, this is our residence Er Nainai.”

Before coming here, Yuxi had done her homework. General Zhao had two sons and one daughter. Both of his sons were already married, and their wives were the daughters of his colleagues. His daughter, Zhao Jing, was the one who was initially promised to Yun Qing and currently waiting in her boudoir for betrothal. Of course, General Zhao wasn’t that worried about his daughter’s marriage.

When Zhao Er Nainai saw Yuxi, she smilingly praised her. “These days, I have been hearing people talk about Miss Han, saying that once Miss Han arrived, she would outshine all the girls in our Yu City. Today, when I finally got to see her myself, I have to say that the saying was indeed true!” This godly, impressive manner truly proved Yuxi to be the young lady of the Duke of the State Residence.

Yuxi didn’t hear any malice from Er Nainai’s words. As a result, she responded with a smile, “Er Nainai is overpraising me.” The way the Zhao family had sent their daughter-in-law to welcome her showed how much they valued her. By now, Yuxi was genuinely relieved.

Zhao Er Nainai said with a smile, “Miss Han, you don’t have to be so polite. When you come to our house, just make yourself at home. No need to be so formal!” Seeing Yuxi smiled, nodded, and did not say much, Zhao Er Nainai didn’t pay much attention to it. Still, she asked Yuxi whether she was already used to being in Yu City instead. “If you need anything, just ask.”

Yuxi wouldn’t push those who were willing to befriend her. She answered with a smile, “If I need anything in the future, I’ll definitely ask Jiejie for help.”

Zhao Er Nainai was also very satisfied with Yuxi’s attitude. The two of them walked towards the main courtyard while they talked. After travelling for a few minutes, the two already talked and laughed together.

When they entered the main courtyard, Yuxi looked inside the room and saw several ladies in attendance. She knew one of them, that was Garrison Xia’s wife.

After Madam Xia waited for Yuxi to greet everyone, her eyes went to the jewellery worn by Yuxi. She complimented her with a smile, “Miss Han, your phoenix hairpin made of twisted gold thread is really beautiful.” Not only did the phoenix hairpin look beautiful, but the red bead drop jade earrings on her ears were also very attention-grabbing. Madam Xia was a bit puzzled. Didn’t rumour say that the bandits had robbed all of Yuxi’s things? How come she still had this much jewellery?

At the time when Yuxi entered the room, everyone had already taken notice of how Yuxi dressed herself up. Her clothes were fine, not particularly novel, but the jewellery she wore was exceptionally eye-catching. They couldn’t help themselves since all women were born with no resistance to beautiful clothes and jewellery. No one would believe that no woman would dislike such exquisite jewellery.

Yuxi smiled and said, “I’m flattered by Madam Xia’s words. These jewellery are all bought for me by my mother.”

The one with a quicker mouth among the women present asked, “Wasn’t all Miss Han’s jewellery robbed by the bandits?” Everyone in the attendant had heard the news of Yuxi’s dowry being stolen.

Yuxi sighed slightly and explained, “All the others had been robbed away, and I can only keep this much jewellery. If my mother knew about this, I don’t know how upset she would be! The stolen ones were what her elders had carefully prepared for years.”

If it wasn’t for her being on the wrong occasion, Madam Xia would have laughed. What did Yuxi mean by she could only keep this much jewellery? All the most valuable ones were saved, and the rest were just scraps.

Madam Zhao said with a smile, “I envy Lady Han for raising such a filial and considerate child.”

Yuxi didn’t expect Madam Zhao to flatter her, and she smilingly replied, “I don’t deserve such a compliment from Madam Zhao.”

Madam Zhao shook her head gently and said, “I’m not complimenting you. I’m just telling the truth. Money is just an external thing, and you can earn it again when you lose it. As long as you are safe and sound, it is better than anything else. I believe your mother must be thinking the same way.” All parents had the same mindset. T

/C

When Yuxi heard these words, her smile became two times more natural.

It was still a pleasant trip to the Zhao House for Yuxi. In any case, she had made her first friend this time around. At least, when she went out in the future, she wouldn’t be caught unprepared any longer.

The people of the Zhao family were actually puzzled when they finally laid their eyes on Yuxi. Zhao Er Nainai told Madam Zhao. “Mother, when I heard Song Guifei persuaded the Emperor to bestow marriage to General Yun, I thought they would choose a spiteful girl for him. But this Miss Han is outstanding in every way. Doesn’t anyone find anything wrong with this situation?” Her xiaogu wasn’t bad, but she was obviously inferior compared to Miss Han.

Zhao Da Nainai said, “Haven’t you heard? It seems like this Miss Han has a bad fate?”

Zhao Er Nainai countered disdainfully, ” Dasao, I may not know how to read other people’s fortune, but I can tell by looking at Miss Han that those are all nonsense! Mother, what do you think?”

Madam Zhao did not express her opinion but instead said, “Just get along well with her from now on.” Han Shi was pretty good at dealing with people she had just met, but Madam Zhoao couldn’t make out Han Shi’s actual characteristics for the time being. However, there was one thing that she was sure of, Han Shi was smart and had a sense of decency.