Chapter 43: A Joyous Welcome for the Pei Family Inside and Outside the Mansion

As they were speaking, two magpies suddenly arrived outside, chirping incessantly as they perched near the window. Liuhua, who was serving tea nearby, smiled when she saw them and remarked, "Third Miss, magpies landing on branches are a sign of good fortune."

Jiang Shishu had not expected this. She leaned forward to catch a glimpse of the birds on the branch, and her expression softened. A faint arc appeared at the corners of her lips, adding a touch of vivacity to her naturally gentle temperament.

...

In the sweltering heat of the sixth month, a sudden rain fell.

The rain poured throughout the night, waking Jiang Shiyuan from her slumber. The crisp, post-rain air carried a hint of damp earth. She stretched, and just then, Liuhua entered with water to help her wash and dress.

"What time is it?"

"It is mid-si-hour (between 10:00 and 11:00 AM), Miss."

"I slept quite soundly. Is there any news from Third Sister?"

"Rest assured, Miss. The Princess’s Residence sent word early this morning saying that Third Miss is doing very well. Her embroidery is progressing smoothly, and it is estimated that she will finish within two months. Lǜluó has already delivered the news to Concubine Yang, who was very grateful and sent back some food to thank you."

Hearing this, Jiang Shiyuan finally felt completely at ease. It had been ten days since she had sent her third sister to the Princess’s Residence. She had naturally been worried, as it was the first time her sister had been away from home for so long. Learning that her sister was settling in well at the residence made her happy.

"That is good."

"Miss, Old Madam has sent word. She asks that you come over once you are dressed; she has something to discuss with you."

Jiang Shiyuan nodded slightly. She could guess the reason—it was undoubtedly to inquire about her third sister. It was rare for a girl from their family to be favored by the Princess’s Residence, and that her grandmother had managed to hold back from asking until now was already beyond her expectations.

"Let’s wash up first."

"Yes, Miss."

While Jiang Shiyuan busied herself preparing to see the Old Madam, the Wenyuan Marquis Residence was bustling as they opened their gates to welcome guests from afar.

Because a birthday banquet was to be held, the entire estate had been thoroughly cleaned. Red silk ribbons hung everywhere, creating a festive atmosphere. The servants had all changed into new summer attire, adding a touch of brightness to the sweltering day. Steward Qing stood at the gate with the staff, a constant smile on his face.

Before long, a procession of carriages arrived. Leading them were the three Pei siblings. Today, Madam Pei had arrived in Xijing City with her children, and Pei Zisu had gone personally to meet them. As for their belongings, they had already been sent ahead to Ning'an Garden.

Therefore, they arrived traveling light, with only two chests in the back of the carriage containing the birthday gifts intended for the Wenyuan Marquis Residence.

Seeing them arrive, Steward Qing immediately stepped forward and said with a smile, "This old servant pays respects to Madam Pei, the eldest young master, the eldest young lady, and the third young master."

"Steward Qing, there is no need for such formalities," Pei Zisu replied before dismounting to welcome his mother.

Despite the exhaustion of the long journey, Madam Pei maintained an air of distinction. Her hair, as dark as ink, was held simply by a jade hairpin. She appeared as cold as snow, with a natural detachment in her gaze that made others hesitant to act recklessly.

She was by nature a woman of few words and a cold countenance; her expression was indifferent, as if everything she saw today had nothing to do with her. In contrast, the two she had brought with her appeared much more excited.

"Let us enter the residence."

"Yes."

Madam Pei led them inside with Steward Qing guiding the way. While Pei Zisu was as familiar with the place as his own home, his younger siblings behind him looked around with lively eyes, full of curiosity. Before long, one of them whispered, "The capital is truly beneath the Emperor’s feet. Even the Wenyuan Marquis Residence is so strictly disciplined. Look, Third Brother, those matrons don't even smile."

The speaker was a woman dressed in a flame-colored, tight-sleeved brocade robe embroidered with a qilin pattern. She was tall, with brows and eyes as cold as Madam Pei’s, but her gaze was sharp. Though she appeared slender, she walked with a swift, vigorous stride, possessing the courage of a seasoned warrior. She was the legitimate daughter of the Pei family, Pei Ziyao.

The one whispering back to her was her twin brother, the second legitimate son of the Pei family, Pei Zimiao.

Though they were twins, they did not look alike. He had a pair of almond eyes that looked quite charming on his baby face, and his skin was a healthy wheat color, clearly the result of rigorous training in the military. It was precisely because of this face that he had been mocked by enemy soldiers on the battlefield several times, leading Pei Zimiao to intentionally cultivate a habit of coarse speech. He retorted to his sister, "Shut your mouth. What do you know, kid? Be careful, or you'll make our future sister-in-law laugh at Big Brother, and then you can wait for Big Brother to tan your hide!"

"Hmph, Pei the Third, are your bones itching for a beating?"

Although their voices were not loud, they were quite audible to the steward leading the way. Seeing the steward’s expression shift, Pei Zisu, walking in front, felt displeased. He turned around and warned them in a cold voice, "Be quiet."

The siblings were startled and instinctively glared, but upon seeing it was their eldest brother, they immediately offered sheepish smiles and made gestures to hush, suddenly becoming remarkably well-behaved.

Passing through halls and corridors, the Pei family soon arrived at the main reception hall.

As they stood before the doors, ready to enter, the steward, Qing, announced loudly, "Madam Pei has arrived! The young masters and the young lady of the Pei family have arrived!"

The Pei family members had seen all sorts of battlefields; this setting naturally did not make them nervous. Pei Zisu glanced at his siblings behind him, and seeing their calm expressions, the corners of his mouth lifted.

They lifted the curtain and entered the main hall, where the entire Wenyuan Marquis family was assembled.

Seated in the center were the semi-retired Wenyuan Marquis and Old Madam Wang—one refined and elegant, the other dignified and wealthy.

Especially Old Madam Wang!

Her maternal family were descendants of the founding heroes, and she was a noblewoman of high standing. She was usually kindly to everyone she met, and today she was smiling even more brightly, clearly delighted by the arrival of the Pei family.

Seated on the right was the Marchioness Pei. Behind her stood four young men, all of them dashing and promising. Beside one of the men stood a virtuous-looking woman, who was also watching their arrival with a warm, beaming expression.

Seeing this, Madam Pei, ever the stickler for etiquette, stepped forward to pay her respects. "Wu, of the Pei family from Hanzhou, pays respects to the Old Madam, the Marquis, and the Marchioness."

"Pei Ziyao (Pei Zimiao) of Hanzhou pays respects to the Old Madam, the Marquis, and the Marchioness."

After the three finished their greetings, the men and the woman standing behind the Marchioness Pei also bowed respectfully to Madam Pei. "We pay our respects to our aunt and our cousins."

"Mn."

The two families were already related by marriage. Naturally, they exchanged formal greetings before moving on to the warmth of kinship. Madam Pei remained as indifferent as ever, while the two behind her were brimming with excitement.

"Sister-in-law, you have finally arrived."

The speaker was, of course, the Marchioness Pei. She had long missed Hanzhou, and seeing her family arrive, she was naturally more excited than anyone else.