Chapter 513

Chapter 519: Entering the Door (Middle)

Soon the room was crowded again, and Count Zhongqin’s wife warmly greeted Eleven Miss. After exchanging a few polite words with her and Fifth Madam, Eleven Miss excused herself on account of other matters and left the bridal chamber.

It was already past midnight, and both of them were tired. After a brief conversation, they each returned to their own quarters.

Just as Eleven Miss stepped onto the steps of the main courtyard, Yu Ban, elder madam’s maid, hurried over.

"Fourth Madam..." she panted slightly, "Elder Madam asks you to come over. She wants to speak with you..."

Eleven Miss followed her to elder madam’s quarters.

The room was still brightly lit, and under the lamplight, elder madam’s weariness was plain to see.

Eleven Miss stepped forward to pay her respects, and elder madam dismissed her attendants before asking in a low voice, "How is the new bride?" So that was what she was worried about!

Eleven Miss noticed the deep crow’s feet at the corners of elder madam’s eyes and felt that she had aged considerably since their first meeting.

She took elder madam’s hand and replied softly, "She’s doing well so far." Then she recounted everything she had observed in detail. "She is very beautiful, well-read, and conducts herself with grace and composure!" Remembering the two maids who had accompanied the bride, she added, "She’s not some sheltered girl either..." Thinking of the bride’s family, she continued, "And her family doesn’t seem the type to take insults lying down..."

Elder madam, however, was unconvinced. "No matter whom Third Madam marries into the family, even the most mild-tempered person would develop some temper." Still, a weight seemed to lift from her heart, and she let out a long sigh. "Then we’ll just have to see if anything unexpected happens the morning after tomorrow!"

The wedding hour was set late, and by the time the guests were seen off, it was nearly dawn. The family greetings were scheduled for the next morning, so the wedding night would have to wait until the following evening. If nothing untoward occurred the morning after, this would indeed be a good match.

Eleven Miss nodded and reassured elder madam, "Don’t worry, nothing will go wrong." She added, "You look exhausted. Why not rest well tomorrow morning? I’ll be up early for the family greetings anyway. If anything comes up, the stewardesses can report to me."

"No need!" elder madam replied with a smile that carried a hint of cunning. "You wouldn’t be able to rein her in. I’ll handle it. You go and rest. Just focus on looking after my little Jin Geer..."

Though elder madam treated Zhun'er kindly, there was always a touch of pity in her affection. With Jin Geer, however, there was less pity and more genuine fondness. Eleven Miss had no idea how the expenses for Xu Siqin’s wedding had been arranged within the family. Lord Xu wouldn’t concern himself with such matters, and elder madam hadn’t mentioned it, so she couldn’t very well ask outright—lest someone mistake her for being overly controlling. Now, from elder madam’s tone, it sounded like she was gearing up to clash with Third Madam. That made it even more inappropriate for Eleven Miss to inquire.

She wanted to help the elder madam retire for the night, but the elder madam waved her off, saying, "I still have something to discuss with Madam Du. You may go now. Don't let Lord Xu drink too much—he's not young anymore, and excessive drinking harms his health."

Eleventh Miss respectfully replied, "Yes," and withdrew. She then instructed Zhuxiang, "Find out how the expenses for the eldest young master's wedding were calculated."

...

The next day, Xu Siyu, Xu Sizhun, Xu Sijie, Zhenjie, Lady Wen, and Qiao Lianfang arrived at first light to pay their respects. Eleventh Miss, dressed neatly, received their greetings and, surrounded by a group of maids and older women, led the children to the small side hall near the main hall—where Xu Siqin and Fang Shi were to formally meet the relatives.

No sooner had she taken her seat than the Fifth Wife arrived with Xin Jieer and Shen Geer. Xin Jieer immediately broke free from her nursemaid and ran over to grab Jin Geer's hand. Jin Geer giggled twice before growing impatient, shook her off, and squirmed to look at the large red double-happiness character pasted on the central scroll.

Xin Jieer looked awkward and slightly embarrassed, but Xu Sizhun stepped forward to ask her, "Why didn't I see you when the banquet started yesterday? There was a sesame snowball dessert with osmanthus filling—I thought you'd like it, so I had Biluo send some over. Did you try it?" Xin Jieer's expression softened, and a faint smile appeared as she replied in a sweet, childish voice tinged with delight, "My nurse said it was made with glutinous rice and only let me eat half. It was just as delicious as you said, Fourth Brother!" Xu Sizhun brightened at this, and the siblings leaned in to chat.

Meanwhile, Xu Siyu’s gaze lingered on Jin Geer.

The little boy wore a crimson silk cloak embroidered with five bats and cloud motifs, paired with white satin trousers. Around his neck hung a gold pendant engraved with "Ten Thousand Things as You Wish." His fair, jade-like complexion and bright, sparkling black eyes made him look like a golden child before Guanyin. When his eyes met Xu Siyu’s, he grinned but quickly lost interest, his attention drawn to the tassels dangling from the large red lantern overhead.

A slight smile curved Xu Siyu’s lips.

Zhenjie, holding Xu Sijie’s hand, followed closely behind Eleventh Miss as they greeted the visiting ladies from Nanjing—Second Mrs. Fu, the matriarch of the Hong family, and the third wife of the Ding family. Both Second Mrs. Fu and the matriarch had brought their eldest daughters-in-law, and since years had passed since their last meeting, there was much catching up to do. Amid the lively chatter, the Third Wife cheerfully escorted the wife of Count Zhongqin, along with several aunts and sisters from the Gan family, into the hall.

Madam Gan, smiling warmly, stood chatting with Eleventh Miss and the other sisters-in-law, leaving her own relatives somewhat overlooked. The Third Wife’s own sisters-in-law couldn’t help but purse their lips in displeasure. At that moment, Count Zhongqin, Xu Lingkuan, and several uncles and brothers-in-law from the Gan family, along with Xu Sijian, ushered in Lord Xu, filling the hall with noise.

The guests separated by gender and took their seats in the side halls. Madam Gan led Xu Siqin and Fang Shi forward. The newlyweds first bowed to Lord Xu and the others. Except for Lord Xu, who presented a pair of gold bracelets engraved with dragons and phoenixes on behalf of the Third Young Master, the rest offered words of advice such as "May you treat each other with mutual respect." Then, they moved to the side hall filled with female relatives and children to continue the ceremonies.

Watching her son and daughter-in-law kneel before her, the Third Wife teared up. Accepting the shoes and socks made by Fang Shi, she repeatedly praised them, making Fang Shi blush. Qiu Ling hurriedly handed over a vermilion-and-gold lacquered box.

Fang Shi received it with both hands, and all eyes turned to Eleventh Miss, the highest-ranking woman present.

Eleven Lady looked at the phoenix hairpin adorned with emeralds, rubies, cat's eyes, and pearl-sized grains on Third Lady's head. She nodded slightly and took the red and gold-decorated box from Qiuyu, about to hand it over when Fifth Madam laughed, "Hold on, hold on. Since today is for family introductions, we aren’t going anywhere. Let’s take turns."

Everyone turned to look at Fifth Madam. Eleven Lady paused uncertainly for a moment, then withdrew her hand holding the box.

"Third Sister-in-law has married such a beautiful daughter-in-law. I wonder if she’s truly pleased or just pretending?" Fifth Madam covered her sleeve and chuckled. "Words mean nothing—let’s see what gifts are given today!" She signaled Qiu Ling to open the box. "Seeing is believing, hearing is deceiving."

Third Lady smiled faintly, her expression a mix of restraint and pride. Qiu Ling opened the box with a smile.

Inside was a set of gold hair ornaments with a "Lotus Pond Splendor" design. Though slightly old-fashioned, it weighed about five or six ounces.

Third Lady’s elder sister-in-law found the gift acceptable and smiled, "Well? Is Fifth Madam satisfied?"

"That’s more like it!" Fifth Madam laughed.

Fang Shi dipped her head in mild embarrassment.

Third Lady’s pride became even more pronounced.

Everyone’s gaze returned to Eleven Lady.

Eleven Lady paused uncertainly.

Third Lady’s sister-in-law’s eyes flickered, and she said with a smile, "Fourth Madam, our family is waiting!"

Eleven Lady smiled and handed the box to Fang Shi. "Just a little something—I hope you like it."

Seeing that she didn’t open the box to reveal its contents, Third Lady’s sister-in-law assumed the gift must be unimpressive. Thinking of how their family never contributed extra beyond the usual, she sneered inwardly and immediately said, "Surely Lady Yongping’s gift is something spectacular!"

Fang Shi’s eyes flickered with anxiety, and she shot a pleading glance at Xu Siqin. Xu Siqin simply stood by with a smile.

Fourth Aunt was always genuine. Even if the gift wasn’t extravagant, it would surely be witty and striking. He wasn’t worried.

Left with no choice, Fang Shi opened the box with a slightly crestfallen look.

On the crimson velvet cushion lay a gold hairpin. The pinhead was the size of a small bowl, carved with a phoenix soaring in flight. The phoenix was exquisitely detailed and lifelike, its wings spread mid-flight, intertwined with another in the clouds. The clouds were layered and ever-changing, encircling the phoenix in a ring. The new gold shimmered brilliantly, almost too dazzling to look at.

Someone gasped, "How beautiful!" Another murmured, "That must weigh over ten taels."

"This—this is too generous," Fang Shi said, looking up at Eleven Lady as if startled.

"‘The phoenixes take flight, their plumage radiant,’" Eleven Lady smiled gently at her. "Fourth Aunt wishes you a long and harmonious marriage, forever bound in love."

Fang Shi was moved.

The line came from the *Book of Songs*, often used to bless couples with love and marital bliss—the very verse she had recited in her heart before her wedding.

"Thank you, Fourth Aunt!" She curtsied deeply.

The Fangs were a family of scholars, and Xu Siqin had heard about the words of the bridal escort. Seeing Fang Shi’s well-read demeanor, he had feared she might grow arrogant. But Eleven Lady’s gift and Fang Shi’s sincere gratitude put his mind at ease—until Fifth Aunt teased, "Third Sister-in-law, this simply won’t do. You’re the mother-in-law—how can you let Fourth Sister-in-law upstage you? You must add something more. Quick, give your daughter-in-law a couple more gifts!"

Third Lady’s expression stiffened—pleased that Eleven Lady had honored her but annoyed at Fifth Madam’s tactlessness. Before she could retort, Fifth Madam opened her own box. "Mine is here. Once Third Sister-in-law adds to her gift, I’ll present mine immediately."

The room erupted in a glittering display of jewels.

Some gasped, others stared wide-eyed, and a few exclaimed, "Each one more generous than the last!"

On the crimson velvet cushion lay a hair ornament the size of a wine cup—a gold base with ruby petals the size of fingernails, gleaming dazzlingly.