Dream of the Red Chamber: My Daiyu Has Been Reborn

The Marquis of Duanping's residence was brightly decorated, and the welcoming banquet was held in the main hall. Since it was a family banquet, only one table was set up, without adhering to the custom of men and women sitting separately.

Shen Ke was pulled to his seat by Shen Yunzhi, and Gu Jincheng attentively poured wine for his father-in-law.

Looking at the wine in his glass and then at his daughter's pleading eyes, Shen Ke finally picked up his glass and said, "It's good that you're back. Don't let your wife suffer any more grievances in the future."

Although he spoke casually, he downed his drink in one gulp.

Shen Yanting chuckled from the side, "Father has been nagging about this countless times these past few days. Now that he's back, he's putting on airs."

Shen Ke glared at him fiercely: "You talk too much."

Gu Huaiyuan raised his glass to smooth things over, saying, "Brother Shen, today is a joyous occasion, let me toast you."

Shen Ke would never want to put his daughter in a difficult position. The two elders clinked glasses, and the atmosphere at the table finally warmed up.

While serving food to Shen Yunzhi, Li Shulan chattered on, "This is your favorite osmanthus lotus root. The kitchen started preparing it three days ago, just waiting for you to come back. And this angelica and black chicken soup is the best for replenishing qi and blood. Look how fair your face is, you'll have to drink a few more bowls later."

Shen Yunzhi quickly accepted the gift with both hands, saying, "Mother, you've gone to so much trouble."

"Don't worry, it's good that you're back safe and sound." Li Shulan gently patted the back of her hand. "I've been thinking about you every day for the past three years. In Liaodong, the winters are so cold that your ears can freeze off. Just thinking about you there makes my heart ache."

"Mother," Gu Jincheng interjected, "Liaodong isn't actually that bad. It's cool in the summer, and in the winter, you just need to burn a few more charcoal fires. Yunzhi even learned how to pickle sauerkraut there, and she makes it even better than the locals."

Shen Yunzhi gave him a reproachful look: "Stop bragging about me. That pickled cabbage was so salty, do you think I didn't notice you secretly drinking water after you finished eating it?"

Seeing that he had been exposed, Gu Jincheng awkwardly touched his nose, which made everyone laugh.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the table gradually became lively.

Gu Jincheng put down his chopsticks, his gaze falling on Gu Jinhong, a half-smile on his face: "Jinhong, Mother's letter said you have a fiancée, whom you arranged not long after I left. Shouldn't you have a good talk with your elder brother about this?"

Gu Jinhong was engrossed in eating when he heard this and looked up: "Brother, you're wronging me. I only found out about it recently."

Gu Jincheng turned to look at Li Shulan and Gu Huaiyuan, and said with dissatisfaction, "Father, Mother, you two handled this matter very well. We didn't hear a single word about it."

Li Shulan, however, was quite self-righteous: "You were in Liaodong at that time, what good would it have done to tell you? Besides, they were both still young then. What if they didn't get along in the end? It's better to keep it a secret for now."

"My mother praised that Miss Lin to the skies in her letter, which has piqued my curiosity," Shen Yunzhi said with a slight smile. "Little brother, when will you bring her over so my sister-in-law can meet her?"

"That's easy. Mother can just send another invitation to invite them over."

……

Aunt Xue lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and looked at the majestic city walls of the capital in the distance, feeling extremely melancholy.

"Madam, please don't be sad." Tongxi handed over a handkerchief. "With your concubine taking care of you from now on, life will only get better and better."

Aunt Xue took the handkerchief and dabbed at the corner of her eye, sighing, "I don't ask for anything else, I just hope that Pan'er can calm down when he goes to the capital and not cause any more trouble. I'll be thankful to God."

Knowing his wife's worries, Tongxi advised, "Although the master is a bit impulsive, he is the most filial to his wife."

Aunt Xue sighed and turned to look at her daughter sitting quietly beside her.

Xue Baochai was quietly reading a book when she heard her mother mention her brother. She looked up and said, "Mother, you don't need to worry too much. Although my brother is a bit impatient, he is a straightforward person. With Aunt and Uncle taking care of him, he shouldn't be as impatient as before."

Aunt Xue reached out and took her daughter's hand: "I hope so."

The convoy moved slowly forward, and about two hours later, the Xue family stopped outside the west gate of Rongguo Mansion.

The steward of Rongguo Mansion had already received the news and was waiting here with his men.

"Greetings to Madam Xue." The steward stepped forward with a beaming smile. "Our mistress has already given instructions for us servants to wait here."

Aunt Xue was helped down from the carriage by Tongxi. Looking at the magnificent imperial mansion in front of her, she felt somewhat at ease.

Xue Pan had already dismounted and come to Aunt Xue's side, saying in a carefree manner, "Mother, this is much more impressive than our old mansion in Jinling."

"Don't talk nonsense." Aunt Xue glared at him, then turned to the steward and smiled, "Thank you for your trouble."

The steward led the Xue family into the mansion through the side gate, through the corridors and courtyards, and straight towards Rongqing Hall.

At this moment, Grandmother Jia was reclining on the soft couch in Rongqing Hall, resting with her eyes closed. Lady Wang sat beside her, frequently looking outside, while Wang Xifeng stood beside Grandmother Jia, gently fanning herself.

The old woman lifted the curtain and came in from outside, softly announcing, "Grandma, Madam Xue has arrived."

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia opened her eyes and sat up slightly: "Please come in."

Before long, Aunt Xue led Xue Pan and Xue Baochai into Rongqing Hall.

As soon as Aunt Xue entered the door, she took a few quick steps and was about to kneel down to perform a grand ceremony: "Greetings, Madam. I have long heard that you are blessed with both longevity and good fortune. It is truly an honor to meet you today."

Grandmother Jia gestured for Wang Xifeng to step forward and help her up, saying with a smile, "Please don't stand on ceremony like that. Our two families are truly related by marriage; there's no need for such formalities. Have you encountered any difficulties on this trip to the capital?"

Aunt Xue was helped to sit down by Wang Xifeng. Upon hearing this, her eyes immediately reddened: "To tell you the truth, since my late husband passed away, my family has lacked a pillar of support. I have come to the capital for two reasons. First, it is about Bao'er's participation in the imperial concubine selection. Second, I have long heard of your kindness, Madam, and thus I have dared to come and trouble you. I hope you will not find me disrespectful."

Grandmother Jia waved her hand: "What are you saying? Relatives should help each other out. You've managed such a large family business all by yourself, you're quite capable. I'd only heard your sister mention you before, but seeing you in person today, I know you're indeed a capable person."

"You flatter me, madam. I am but a widow without a pillar of support; how could I possibly deserve such praise?"

Grandmother Jia looked past her and at Xue Pan and Xue Baochai standing behind her.

Xue Pan was tugged at the sleeve by his mother. He stepped forward, knelt down and kowtowed in a muffled voice: "Xue Pan kowtows to the old lady."

Seeing that Xue Pan was burly and robust, and although he was dressed in respectable clothes, his mannerisms revealed a certain recklessness and crudeness, Grandmother Jia simply smiled and nodded: "Good, he's a strong and sturdy boy."

When Xue Baochai stepped forward to pay her respects, Grandmother Jia's eyes lit up.

Today, Xue Baochai wore a honey-colored jacket and a moon-white pleated skirt, exuding a composed and dignified air. She was neither servile nor arrogant, and curtsied, saying, "Baochai greets the Old Madam."

After examining the child closely, Grandmother Jia sincerely praised, "What a neat and tidy child!"