Chapter 38: Second Cousin’s Quick Wit Amuses the In-Laws

Are you afraid?

Jiang Shiyuan found herself unable to clearly articulate her feelings at that moment. Logically, this was the occasion to meet her future mother-in-law, so some nervousness and unease would be expected.

When she first met the Princess Consort of Chunwang, she had indeed been somewhat anxious. But now, she was more composed than anyone else, smiling gently before responding confidently.

“Rest assured, Aunt, I will certainly treat Ah Nian with the utmost respect.”

Seeing her niece so poised, Lady Hou felt deeply comforted. Unflappable and serene—this was precisely the temperament expected of the future matriarch of the Pei family. She believed her elder sister-in-law would be equally pleased. Taking a sip of the tea before her and glancing at the oppressive heat outside, she casually remarked,

“I wonder what those boys have been up to lately; they haven’t been seen for several days now.”

At this, Jiang Shiyuan’s lips curled slightly.

Though her aunt hadn’t seen her cousins for some time, Jiang Shiyuan had met with her cousin Pei Zisu several times alone. For instance, just yesterday, she had been caught by him while enjoying ice treats in the courtyard.

“The heat can’t always be beaten with ice. Don’t you like wine? I had someone prepare this bowl of sweet rice wine dumplings for you. Try it—do you like it?”

Though called a cake, it bore little resemblance to any traditional pastry. Instead, it consisted of tiny square pieces, each coated with a white fuzz. Once eaten, the core revealed a unique osmanthus flavor, cool yet not icy on the palate.

Jiang Shiyuan was pleasantly surprised, indulging more than usual.

Seeing her enjoyment, Pei Zisu’s eyes sparkled with a smile.

Perhaps because he was watching too intently, Jiang Shiyuan felt a flush of shyness. She handed him a clean ivory-handled fruit fork, smiling sweetly as she asked,

“Cousin, would you like to try?”

“Certainly.”

Before she could react, Pei Zisu’s hand covered hers, and with nimble grace, the used fork was placed into his mouth. Sharing a single fork like this—if seen by outsiders, it might spark all sorts of rumors about their unruly behavior.

Thinking of this, Jiang Shiyuan’s cheeks reddened deeply.

She never imagined that in this second life, she would still be so easily flustered by someone’s teasing—it was truly embarrassing to admit.

Her cousin’s wife, Ms. Xiang, who had been chatting with the mother-in-law, suddenly noticed Jiang Shiyuan’s bashful expression and, with a peculiar look, asked,

“Ah Nian, are you feeling warm? Why has your face turned red again?”

Jiang Shiyuan was lost in thought but, caught off guard, felt a tinge of embarrassment. She soon composed herself and replied,

“Perhaps, yes.”

“Danxing, bring two more portions of ice.”

“Yes, Young Madam.”

Soon, ice was delivered, followed by the very sons Lady Hou had mentioned earlier—everyone was there in a row, including Pei Zisu, who had recently captured Jiang Shiyuan’s wandering thoughts.

Their arrival made the room feel cramped. Lady Hou smiled warmly at her sons before saying,

“It really proves the old saying: don’t speak ill behind others’ backs. Where have you all been these past few days?”

“My mother just mentioned that my transfer orders have arrived. Once Cousin Pei returns to Hanzhou, I will go with them. Big brother is pleased—he says that with me and the third brother leaving, the house will have only the fourth brother left, which makes things much easier!”

Her second cousin, Wang Kuan, answered quickly, blending a hint of playfulness with an explanation that left the others somewhat stunned. Then Lady Hou inquired,

“When was this settled? Why haven’t I heard anything from your father?”

Their eldest cousin, Wang Su, took a seat and replied calmly,

“The transfer order has been registered at the Ministry of Personnel and will soon be delivered to our residence. Mother, you should prepare second brother’s belongings in the next couple of days. Bring plenty of autumn and winter clothes; I doubt he’ll be home for the New Year.”

Upon hearing this, Lady Hou’s expression clouded with worry. She glanced at her second son, who, despite his mischievous nature, was the source of much joy in the grand Hou household. Now that he was leaving for Hanzhou, the mansion would surely feel quieter.

Yet, with the transfer order imminent, she was powerless to intervene. Sighing, she looked at her son and said,

“You little rascal, you haven’t even left and you’ve already made your mother want to cry. With your temper, if anyone bullies you out there, won’t your grandmother be heartbroken?”

After all, they were family. How could she remain unmoved at the thought of her second cousin departing?

Though often boisterous, Wang Kuan was not one to shy away from responsibility. Smiling, he crouched beside Lady Wang and reassured her,

“If you worry about me, mother, just prepare me plenty of silver. Nowadays, with enough money, you can handle anything—even chasing away ghosts is no problem. They might bully me, but they’ll never bully my money, haha.”

Hearing this, Lady Hou’s worries instantly lifted. She gave him a playful punch on the shoulder and chided,

“I was going to shed a few tears, but you little scoundrel, I’m now tempted to pack you up and send you away straightaway. The second son of the prestigious Wen Yuan Hou mansion, and yet a money-grubber—if word gets out, won’t it disgrace the family? Maybe you should change your name so you don’t soil our reputation when you’re away.”

Their mother-son banter drew laughter from everyone present.

Even the usually reserved third young lady, Jiang Shishu, couldn't help but quietly laugh into her handkerchief. She was always gentle and uncompetitive, so few paid her much attention. But from Wang Kuan’s perspective, her serene and graceful demeanor contrasted sharply with the cheerful mother and the proper elder sister-in-law, prompting him to steal a few more glances. Those few looks startled Jiang Shishu so much that she lowered her head, afraid to make another move.

She was quite intriguing.

This thought flashed through Wang Kuan’s mind but was quickly interrupted by others’ words.

Meanwhile, Pei Zisu had not taken his eyes off Jiang Shiyuan since entering. Drawing close to her ear, he whispered,

“I’ve chosen the residence and specially arranged everything. When you have time, we should visit the Princess’s mansion together.”

“To the Princess’s mansion? For what?”

“To thank Princess Qinghuan. If not for her mediation, I wouldn’t have found such a suitable home so quickly.”

That made sense.

Jiang Shiyuan recalled Princess Qinghuan’s usual generosity and grew curious about the residence. After a moment’s thought, she replied,

“Tomorrow then. The household affairs will be mostly settled by then. Third sister has been away with me for several days; after we return from the Princess’s mansion, I’ll take her home.”

“Very well, I’ll send someone to deliver the invitation.”

Having reached an agreement, they finalized the plan. What Jiang Shiyuan hadn’t expected was that this visit would lead to an encounter with an old acquaintance.