Delicate Flower – Chapter 183

Chapter 183 – Reluctance

While Gu Xi was packing her things, the Pei young ladies were all clamouring to have a farewell party for her, and it seemed like they didn’t realise the meaning of Grand Madam Pei’s euphemistic request for her to return home early. This made Gu Xi feel much better inside, and she didn’t feel so humiliated anymore. However, a farewell party… she didn’t have the audacity to have one, pretending that she was oblivious to the situation and carry on eating and enjoying with the Pei family’s young ladies.

On the contrary, Yu Tang was not interested in putting on a pretence in front of Gu Xi. She understood what Grand Madam Pei meant and didn’t even say anything courteous to Gu Xi.

Gu Xi couldn’t help but secretly speculate if Yu Tang knew something.

In any case, she had to leave, but she was still reluctant, thinking that she should visit Grand Madam Pei alone to say her goodbyes. It would be best if she could sound out Grand Madam Pei and find out why she had urged her to return home; if she didn’t have the opportunity to do so, she could still have a chat with Grand Madam Pei alone – no matter which family she married into as the main wife, it was impossible not to have interactions with the Pei Family in future. Furthermore, during her time with the Pei family, she was able to get along well with the Pei family’s young ladies, and they were simple and kind-hearted ladies worth socializing with.

Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but be reminded of second young lady’s marriage.

The Yang family had once caught their Gu family’s attention, but the only girls in their Gu family who were of a compatible age with Gentleman Yang were a few concubine-born ladies of the outer estate, so naturally, the notion of marriage was not even mentioned. Her stepmother even lamented over the large age gap between her half-sisters and Gentleman Yang. Gentleman Yang, being the eldest son, would be unlikely to want a wife who was much younger than him.

Third young lady’s arranged marriage was also good.

Although it was an arranged marriage between cousins, but Third Miss mother’s maiden family was a proper scholar’s family, producing generations of officials and bureaucrats, and in every one or two generations they would produce an imperial scholar. Currently in this generation, the most prominent official was serving as Governor of Jiangxi Province, who was the uncle of Third Young Lady’s cousin. If Third Young Lady’s cousin was a studious one, with the help of the two families, his career path would definitely be smooth-sailing.

This was how powerful a family’s heritage was.

It’s only that her father was useless. If he continues to listen to her stepmother and suppress his concubine-born brothers like this, even if she had her elder brother’s support, it wouldn’t last long either.

Gu Xi sighed long and hard.

Hexiang came in looking slightly flustered and whispered in her ear, “Young Miss, Eldest Madam, that is, the Pei family’s First Madam sent a maid over, saying that she heard that you’re going back to Hangzhou, and thus sent over two pots of golden-thread orchids as farewell gifts.”

Gu Xi debated for a while.

She did not want to tread into the murky waters of the Pei Family. So for Eldest Madam… She was a little regretful of the time that she made a special trip to befriend Eldest Madam. She had only wanted to show Grand Madam Pei and Pei Yan her social skills, but now she had given Eldest Madam an excuse to get close to her.

Obviously she knew she shouldn’t accept them, but the fact that Eldest Madam had someone deliver orchids suddenly made her secretly pleased.

Weren’t you all thinking that I have lived in your home for far too long and overstayed my welcome? Very well then, I’ll do exactly as you think I’ll do, and ignore all propriety and conduct befitting a guest.

Moreover, the Yang family wasn’t one to be underestimated.

Although they were somewhat weaker from before, this generation has produced three officials serving in the capital, and they would prosper for at least another twenty years, so why should she push the Yang family away? (TL: Eldest Madam’s maiden family is the Yang Family)

Gu Xi smiled, ”Ask the maid to come in and reward her with some broken silver. Tell her that I’ve accepted the flowers and thank Eldest Madam for her concern. Should Eldest Madam ever visit Hangzhou, she should definitely pay us a visit. My family’s madam is also a hospitable person, she would certainly receive her warmly.”

Her stepmother’s dowry included a wine brewery, and ever since she married into the family, she was particularly fond of using the wine produced by the brewery to entertain guests, which was also a great way to promote it. She used to be greatly annoyed by this, but now she felt that her stepmother was fine this way.

Hexiang led Eldest Madam’s maid in.

Meanwhile. Grand Madam Pei was chatting with Grand Madam Yi, “I originally thought that as a lady of a well-bred family, she should be discerning, acting with grace and tact with a clear idea of what’s appropriate and what’s not. Indeed, she is discerning but her temperament… Therefore, a person’s character doesn’t always reflect their upbringing. A woman’s most valuable skill is to know when to show her intelligence and when to feign ignorance.”

In the past, Grand Madam Yi possessed a strong, bold and fearless streak, and it was only in these ten or twenty years tending to the worsening health of Grand Elder Yi, that she got older and became more tolerant towards others, and her temper got better. She smiled at her remarks and said, ”Then why are you still driving her away like this? That girl was so ashamed and angry. I’m afraid that she would bear a grudge against our family and create trouble for the juniors needlessly.”

Grand Madam Pei scoffed lightly in disbelief and added, “The girls of our family are not flowers kept in a greenhouse that can only be admired with no practical use. If they can’t even handle such petty tricks, how will they be able to deal with their older and more experienced sisters and aunts-in-law?”

Grand Madam Yi chuckled and commented, “I feel that the girl is not bad. Perhaps she was not taught by someone who understands, but she’s is quite a clever one.”

Perhaps Grand Madam Pei wasn’t fond of GuXi or the Gu Family, as she remarked, “There aren’t many girls who grew up with stepmothers who turn out to be good. Look at the Yu family’s girl, she is honest, disciplined, and doesn’t pretend to be smarter than she is. I think she’s pretty good. If you don’t have the ability to accomplish it, then you shouldn’t overstretch yourself.”

“Dear me!” Grand Madam Yi laughed as she shook her head, “What has you riled up again? For you to vent your anger on another family’s young girl.” After speaking, she pointed in the direction of the greenhouse, “Or is it that matter?”

Grand Madam Pei instantly grimaced and replied, “Tell me, what have I done to deserve this? When he was alive, he didn’t listen to me and insisted on marrying the Yang family. Now he’s gone and has left me with such a huge mess. That old man of mine is the same. He didn’t know how to handle the situation, so he dumped it on my Third son. But what could my third son do? On one side was his widowed sister-in-law, and on the other side was his fatherless nephew. Whichever way he chose, it would be wrong! The way I see it, I’d only say that my oldest is unfilial, or that he’s just like that old man of mine, who, when he’s done something wrong and has no way to deal with it, simply shrugs it off and lets someone else clean up after him. My third is the most pitiful of all. His character follows mine, wanting the family to live well, and thus suffering the losses himself……….”

Grand Madam Yi couldn’t hold back her chuckle, and said, “Are you pitying your third son? Or are you praising yourself?”

Grand Madam Pei thought for a while before laughing too.

The depressed mood in the room was swept away and became cheerful.

Grand Madam Pei and Grand Madam Yi had to discuss second young lady’s marriage with the Yang family, so Gu Xi didn’t have a chance to say her goodbyes to Grand Madam Pei separately.

The marriage between second young miss and the Yang family was quickly finalised. Second young lady was the niece of the third branch. Therefore, even though she was unmarried, she only needed to observe mourning for nine months. The other young ladies have only continued to dress in plain clothing in honour of the deceased Grand Elder Pei. The Yang family also had the same intention, thinking that their two families should finalise the marriage first and thus only invited close relatives to observe the ceremony. Once the patriarch and members of his house came out of mourning, then they would formally host the marriage and welcome second young lady into the family.

Grand Madam Pei felt that there was no need to go to that extent, and it would be enough if they remembered Grand Elder Pei’s guidance and counsel. However, Grand Madam Yi was adamant on this, and felt that the Yang family’s wishes was in line with her thinking, and sent someone to inform second young lady’s parents, and the matter was settled.

By this time, Gu Xi had already been escorted back to Hangzhou City by the Pei family’s attendants, and Yu Tang surmised that it was about time for her to head home too.

She went to Grand Madam Pei to say her goodbyes.

Grand Madam Pei didn’t keep her, but loaded two mule carts full of damasks, silks, herbs, dried goods, food and various snacks. The Pei family’s young ladies even pulled her hand, unwilling to part with her, saying “When the time arrives, you must come for the New Year’s greetings to both Grand Madams!”

Yu Tang didn’t know if it was appropriate to enter their residence at that time, but if there was an opportunity, she still wanted to offer New Year’s greetings to the two Grand Madams.

She nodded her head repeatedly and said many reluctant parting words to the Pei family’s young ladies before she got on the Pei family’s sedan chair and headed back to the Yu family.

She had two mule carts overflowing with gifts.

As soon as Yu Tang entered Qingzhu Lane, she was encircled by her neighbours. One asked Yu Tang where she had gone, another asked where the things on the mule carts came from. Yutang had no intention of disclosing her relationship with the Pei family, so she responded vaguely. It was only when Old Auntie Chen, who had been keeping an eye on when Yutang would be back, heard the commotion and dispersed the crowd that Yutang was able to enter their family’s gate without any problems.

Madam Chen immediately embraced Yu Tang before she could even speak, tearing falling as she spoke “My child, let me take a good look, during the half of the month you were gone, mother hasn’t slept a wink. How have you been living in the Pei family? Are the Pei family’s young ladies easy to get along with? Did they give you a hard time?”

Before she could continue, she was interrupted by Yu Wen, who was also waiting beside her, ”What are you saying? Can’t you see that Ah Tang looks a lot better than when she left? She even brought back two carts full of stuff, it’s obvious that Grand Madam Pei likes her too. Am I right? Ah Tang!”

Although he said that, Yu Wen’s anxious tone of voice and careful gaze as he examined her revealed his concern and worry.

Yu Tang replied “yes” and her tears fell as she saw her mother’s tear-streaked face, “I’m well. The entire Pei family has treated me very well, and I even went to the Bitter Nunnery with them. I’m having so much fun that I almost don’t want to return home.”

“This child!” Eldest aunt and Lady Xiang, who had originally stood beneath the canopy of the house watching the family reunion had already walked over. Eldest aunt chuckled as she gently patted Yu Tang’s shoulder, and whispered, “It’s good to have you back, it’s really good to have you back. Ever since the day before yesterday, when your mother learned that you would be returning today, she talked about you incessantly, bought meat and fish, and made plenty of your favourite snacks. We too enjoyed her handiwork, and received half a basket full of food.”

Yu Tang laughed with teardrops that were still clinging to the corners of her eyes.

Lady Xiang then pulled out her own handkerchief and handed it to her, smiling, “It’s good to have you back. You made it just in time to start preparations to have the New Year’s dinner together.”

Yu Tang nodded her head repeatedly and noticed that Lady Xiang’s belly was quite big.

“Wow!” She looked at Lady Xiang with both awe and envy, “With such a big belly, have you asked a midwife to examine you ahead of time? Do you want to arrange for a suitable midwife in advance?”

“You!” Eldest Aunt looked at Yu Tang affectionately and laughed, “No wonder your mother thinks of you every single day without fail. You’re just so sweet. You haven’t even settled down yourself, but you’re already concerned about your sister-in-law. Eldest Aunt haven’t loved you in vain.” 

Yu Tang lowered her head in embarrassment.

Eldest Aunt and her mother were both experienced people, so she needn’t have asked about such things.

However the family all laughed, even Eldest uncle, who had always been a little reserved in front of Yu Tang, did not hide the joy in his heart and laughed heartily along with the crowd.

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Family reunion~~ \o/