Chapter 201

Chapter 201

Since they had come to offer birthday congratulations, after exchanging a few pleasantries with Mrs. Dong and her daughter outside, Tong Sui and her sister-in-law went to the main hall to offer birthday greetings to the birthday person, Elder Yan.

Gifts like monetary offerings, birthday cakes, longevity candles, and tea fruits were handled by the house steward. However, the specially prepared gifts would be personally presented to the birthday person by the guests.

The male guests were seated in the main hall, while the female guests went to the rear flower hall. Only Tong Sui and Lin Ningfang, due to their special identities, were invited to this side.

As soon as the sisters-in-law appeared, Elder Yan led everyone out of the hall to greet them. He quickly sized up Tong Sui and smiled as he cupped his hands, "On my humble birthday, to have the Anguo Lady visit and offer congratulations, it truly makes my humble home shine."

Tong Sui returned the gesture and said, "You flatter me, Elder. I've long admired your noble character. I hope you'll forgive my unsolicited visit today."

Elder Yan replied, "Nonsense, Lady, you are an esteemed guest. I hope you won't mind if my hospitality is lacking."

After both parties stood upright, Elder Yan then turned to Lin Ningfang.

He had a gentlemanly relationship with Prime Minister Lin. One was devoted to compiling books, and the other was engrossed in reforms, walking entirely different paths. When busy, they might only meet once or twice a year. After Prime Minister Lin's passing, the two families grew more distant. The last time they interacted was when the Lin Family came to offer birthday wishes on his sixtieth birthday.

Not seeing each other meant no time to reminisce, but now, seeing Lin Ningfang brought back memories of their heartfelt conversations and games of Go. Thinking of the tragic deaths of the Lin Family members, Elder Yan was overwhelmed with emotion and looked at her with affection. "My dear child, in the blink of an eye, you've married. I've heard that the Duke of Wei is loyal and brave, and the entire household takes good care of you. We can rest easy now."

Lin Ningfang replied, "Thank you for your concern, Elder. I should have visited sooner, but I've only recently made time. It was only a few days ago, while sorting through my grandfather's letters, that I remembered your birthday was approaching. I almost missed it."

Elder Yan said, "It's just a small birthday, no problem, no problem."

Lin Ningfang nodded to the other elders around her, then turned to take a painting from Ah Zhen and presented it to Elder Yan with both hands. "This is a birthday painting I made. My painting skills are not refined, but I hope you'll accept it."

Elder Yan laughed, "You're still so modest. Do you think I haven't seen your paintings before?"

He then unrolled the painting in front of everyone, revealing a picture of pine and lingzhi celebrating longevity.

The other male guests also stood behind Elder Yan, appreciating and nodding in approval at the painting.

After Elder Yan finished admiring the painting, Tong Sui took out a red envelope from her sleeve and presented it to him. "I am not skilled in calligraphy or painting, and I didn't want to offer something mundane. I heard from my sister-in-law that you're devoted to compiling books and history. I have recorded some of my experiences following the Emperor's southern expedition to eliminate traitors. I hope it will be useful to you."

Elder Yan was surprised, "Lady, you've truly put in effort. Although I bear the responsibility of compiling history, I'm old and frail, unable to travel much. Many things I can only hear about and then verify by seeking others' opinions. What you've experienced and seen are things I wish I could have witnessed myself. This thin envelope is worth more than a thousand gold to me."

Tong Sui smiled, "I'm glad you like it. I assure you that every word is true, with no exaggerations."

Elder Yan said, "Good, I can't wait to read it. Please, ladies, join us in the flower hall for some tea."

The sisters-in-law followed Mrs. Dong and her daughter, while Elder Yan excitedly returned to the flower hall and opened the envelope in front of everyone.

Inside were three red papers, each detailing an event.

The first paper recorded how the Xiao Family's 40,000 troops initially joined the Xingping Emperor's forces. When the Xingping Emperor entered the city to pacify the people, the people of Wei County lined the streets to welcome him. They saw the Xingping Emperor as their guardian and wanted to pour out all the grievances they had suffered in recent years. The Xingping Emperor promised to eliminate traitors and assist the young sovereign in restoring livelihoods.

The second paper recorded how Qi Heng and his son refused to surrender even after their son, Qi Yun, surrendered to the Xingping Emperor. Xiao Mu was at a loss on how to deal with the father and son. However, when the Xingping Emperor arrived, he appreciated the talents of the Qi father and son and was willing to overlook past grievances to continue using them as generals. The Qi father and son were deeply moved and finally surrendered, leading to their subsequent meritorious service.

The third paper recorded how, during the siege of Luoyang, Imperial Uncle Dou resisted stubbornly for his own selfish reasons. Prime Minister Song proposed mobilizing prisoners from surrounding counties as vanguards, but the Xingping Emperor pointed out that not all prisoners were wicked and that such a move might force the people of Luoyang to man the city walls. The Xingping Emperor, unwilling to harm innocent people, rejected the proposal.

Elder Yan, while disliking official disputes, understood the intricacies of officialdom. Realizing that these three events praised the Xingping Emperor, he circulated the three papers among the learned guests to read.

Being scholars, the guests were first surprised by the tidy handwriting of the Anguo Lady, which could only be described as "neat." Then, they began to read the content.

After everyone had passed around the papers, they all praised the Xingping Emperor's benevolence and his ability to recognize talent.

In the flower hall, although Tong Sui was very fond of Yan Mingxiu, she maintained proper etiquette and did not approach her impulsively. She sat quietly beside Lin Ningfang, listening to Lin Ningfang converse with Elder Lady Yan, Mrs. Dong, and Yan Mingxiu.

After catching up on the past, it was time to discuss the present. Given Yan Mingxiu's age, Lin Ningfang naturally inquired about her marriage prospects.

Mrs. Dong smiled and said, "We're really concerned. If we can't find a suitable match this year, she'll be an old maid by next year."

Yan Mingxiu shyly said, "Sister Lin, don't mention this to my mother, or she'll nag endlessly."

Lin Ningfang said, "Alright, let's talk about something else."

Grandma Yan's gaze swept over the radiant faces of Lin Ningfang and Tong Sui, and then she glanced at her own granddaughter. She had already formed some suspicions in her mind.

Mrs. Dong also noticed and, after seeing off all the female guests, she spoke to her mother-in-law privately, "Mother, given Ningfang's close relationship with our family, it's normal that she came to celebrate your birthday today. But why did she bring Lady Anguo along and mention Mingxiu's marriage? Could it be that the Xiao family is interested in a marriage alliance with us?"

Grandma Yan nodded.

Mrs. Dong asked, "What do you think about it?"

Though the Xiao family hails from the countryside, they are now a ducal family personally ennobled by the Emperor, making them a suitable match for our daughter.

After a moment of silence, Grandma Yan said, "Don't even think about it. 'Qi Da Fei Ou.'"

The Xiao family might seem clever to think of forming an alliance with us, but they dislike ostentation, and so do we. We prefer a peaceful and stable life; there’s no need to form a family alliance with a ducal household.

After the banquet for the male guests ended, Grandpa Yan returned to the inner chambers, rested on a daybed, and took out Tong Sui’s letter to reread it.

Grandma Yan leaned over and, seeing the first few characters, said with a laugh, "Whose handwriting is this? It’s so ugly."

Grandpa Yan replied, "Lady Anguo's."

Grandma Yan: "..."

After finishing the three sheets of paper, she looked at her husband and said with a smile, "The handwriting is indeed Lady Anguo’s, but I wonder if the content is her own idea or if someone clever advised her."

Grandpa Yan said, "That doesn't matter. As long as it's true, it's fine. Our Great Yu Dynasty was founded by the current Emperor, and his major achievements must be recorded in history. These three events not only reflect that the Emperor’s rise to power was in line with public sentiment but also highlight his virtue and benevolence. As long as it's true, it should all be recorded in history."

Grandma Yan asked, "How do you determine what's true?"

Grandpa Yan said, "Ask Fan Zhao and Wei Qi. One is straightforward, and the other is incorruptible. Neither would resort to flattery. If both confirm that these events indeed happened, then they are true."

Grandma Yan said, "Have you considered why Lady Anguo would cater to your preferences?"

Grandpa Yan asked, "Why?"

Grandma Yan said, "The Xiao family has their eyes on our granddaughter and wants to form a marriage alliance with us."

Grandpa Yan: "..."

---

Grandpa Yan wasn't keen on forming a marriage alliance with the Xiao family. However, the matter still needed to be verified. The next day, upon entering the palace, Grandpa Yan first sought out Fan Zhao for verification. He didn’t show Fan Zhao the letter directly but instead inquired about the Emperor’s reception in Wei County and how he won over the Qi father and son. He also asked why the Emperor didn't use prisoners to attack the city during the siege of Luoyang, guiding the conversation carefully.

Upon hearing the first question, Fan Zhao grew cautious and asked, "Why are you asking about this?"

Grandpa Yan replied, "The Emperor tasked me with writing the history. I need to understand how the Emperor achieved victory step by step."

Satisfied with the explanation, Fan Zhao cooperated. He felt proud as he recounted how the people of Wei County welcomed the Emperor. When he mentioned the Qi father and son, who refused to betray the rebel prince, he spoke with contempt. And when he spoke of the Emperor’s refusal to use prisoners, he felt immense pride in his enlightened ruler.

Nodding, Grandpa Yan then visited Wei Qi.

With Wei Qi, Grandpa Yan directly produced Tong Sui’s letter and explained the birthday gift.

"An interesting gift from Lady Anguo indeed. I must say, reading her description, those scenes feel vividly alive, like it happened just last year."

Mr. Yan asked, "So, everything Lady Anguo said is true?"

Wei Qi replied, "Absolutely true, you can rest assured."

Mr. Yan left, satisfied.

Wei Qi recounted this amusing incident to the Xingping Emperor.

The Xingping Emperor smiled and asked curiously, "Why would Lady Anguo go to wish Mr. Yan a happy birthday?"

Wei Qi smiled, "Mr. Yan has a marriageable granddaughter at home, and Lord Xiao has… four or five sons to marry off."

The Xingping Emperor said, "He certainly has his work cut out for him."

Wei Qi replied, "Indeed, although there’s a Lin family woman acting as a matchmaker, Mr. Yan’s temperament might not align."

What temperament does Mr. Yan have?

He wishes to stay far from political affairs. The Xiao family, being a family of military officials, can’t avoid flattery or jealousy, and peace would be unattainable.

The Xingping Emperor quickly dismissed the matter, until he saw Lady Guo. Thinking she might enjoy hearing about the affairs of his subjects, he recounted the story.

Lady Guo smiled softly, "Relying solely on Duke of Wei’s family, this matter will likely fall through, but with a scholarly and martial granddaughter-in-law assisting, Mr. Yan will soon be marrying off his granddaughter."

——

On March 27th, after the three imperial examinations concluded, candidates emerged from the examination halls, some jubilant, others dejected.

Besides Song Zhishi, Yan Mingxiu, Mr. Yan’s grandson, was also among the students permitted to take the exam by recommendation this year.

At the end of the month, Lin Ningfang and Tong Sui visited the Yan family again, this time bringing Xiao Yan along.

Having sent a visiting card in advance, the Yan family prepared to receive their guests properly.

This time, Lin Ningfang had two reasons for visiting: to congratulate Yan Mingxiu on completing his exams and to introduce her husband, Xiao Yan, to the Yan family.

Before setting out, Lin Ningfang carefully coached Xiao Yan on the proper etiquette. Xiao Ye, who was keen on securing a meeting opportunity, especially advised Xiao Yan, "Speak less, and behave as you did when you first met Minister Lin. You won’t embarrass your third sister-in-law."

Due to the elder’s presence, Xiao Yan refrained from confronting Xiao Ye.

Upon arriving at the Yan family’s door, under the watchful eyes of Lin Ningfang and Tong Sui, Xiao Yan reluctantly played the humble role again.

To justify her visit, Tong Sui brought a copy of *Records of the Grand Historian*. Her reason for visiting was to seek Mr. Yan’s guidance on some confusing points she encountered while reading history.

As a scholar, Mr. Yan couldn’t refuse the sincere request for guidance from Lady Anguo. Thus, while Mrs. Yan chatted idly with Lin Ningfang and her husband, Mr. Yan sat upright, answering Tong Sui’s questions.

Tong Sui wasn’t teasing the elder; she had indeed been reading the *Records of the Grand Historian* and had accumulated many questions, her attitude sincere in seeking guidance.

Though Mr. Yan found these questions rather simple, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse when faced with Tong Sui’s eager eyes.

After the meal, the three sisters-in-law were finally preparing to leave. Before bidding farewell, Tong Sui looked expectantly at Mr. Yan, "If I encounter more confusing points in the future, may I come to seek your guidance again?"

Mr. Yan tactfully replied, "For such simple matters, you can ask Ningfang."

Lin Ningfang, slightly embarrassed, said, "Sometimes my second sister-in-law asks about things beyond the historical texts. I’m often left speechless by her questions."

Recalling that Tong Sui did have challenging questions, Mr. Yan paused and tried again, "Perhaps you could switch to other books."

Tong Sui was first taken aback, then disappointed, and looked down to say, "Do you, like other tutors, think that studying history and learning from it are matters for men, and that women have nothing to do with these?"

"Never mind, I was the one who disturbed you, sir. Rest assured, I won’t come back."

After speaking, she held the *Records of the Grand Historian* with both hands and bowed deeply in apology to the elderly gentleman.

Mr. Yan said, "…Madam, you’ve misunderstood me. What I meant was, never mind, I’m free on my days off. You can come anytime, just let me know in advance."

Tong Sui, feeling both happy and embarrassed, blushed and said, "Rest assured, for simpler matters, I’ll ask my sister-in-law. I’ll only trouble you if she can’t answer."

Mr. Yan nodded, his expression complex.

Lady Yan cast a few more glances at Xiao Yan, trying to discern the appearance of this Xiao Family son compared to another.