Chapter 49: Mei Family

Chapter 49: The Mei Family

"Danger averted. Reward: Six months of lifespan."

After leaving the capital, the system's cold voice sounded in the depths of Qiu Shuiyi's mind.

She pushed open the carriage window, rested her elbow on the sill, and gently placed her chin on her arm.

The tall, imposing city gate grew smaller and smaller in her sight.

Staying behind and letting the rumors ferment would surely have earned her even more lifespan.

But the Marquis of Yun'an would worry, and her mother, Madam Mei, would waste away.

Qiu Shuiyi did not wish to see her parents grieving day and night. Moreover, her maternal grandmother was overjoyed to hear she was returning and had been very eager to meet her.

She had originally planned to visit her maternal family for the birthday celebration anyway, just a bit earlier than intended.

Before leaving, she sought out Zhao Sizhen to prepare medicine and get some calming incense for her mother.

She hoped that upon her return, she would see a mother glowing with health.

A gentle breeze brushed her face, her hair brushing against her cheek, bringing a slight tickle.

She tucked a loose strand behind her ear and opened a hidden compartment, about to take out the storybook inside when Xin Liu hurriedly stopped her, "Miss, reading in a carriage is bad for your eyes."

"The journey is long. How else am I supposed to pass the time?"

Qiu Shuiyi asked.

Xin Tao cleared her throat and suggested, "How about... Xin Liu and I play leaf cards with you?"

"We're one person short."

Even as she said this, Qiu Shuiyi closed the compartment, "But we can still play."

Madam Mei came from a prominent Hongliang family.

From the capital to Hongliang City, it took at least half a month by carriage.

Furthermore, Madam Mei, worried about Qiu Shuiyi traveling alone, had sent a number of guards to ensure her safety.

With such a large entourage and several carts of congratulatory gifts, they were bound to be delayed.

Thus, this journey took Qiu Shuiyi a full twenty-some days.

"Miss, once we pass through this forest, Hongliang City is not far."

Guard Captain Liu Cheng addressed Qiu Shuiyi respectfully through the window.

A sound of assent came from within, followed by the carriage window being pushed open from within, revealing Qiu Shuiyi's lovely profile.

Liu Cheng maintained a respectful attitude, not daring to let his gaze wander.

The gatekeeper Huang Zhong at the Marquis of Yun'an's residence was his younger cousin. Injured that day, the Second Young Miss personally called for a doctor for him, not only paying for the doctor but also leaving twenty taels of silver.

After his uncle (his aunt's husband) died, his aunt raised his cousin alone. A widow and her fatherless child, life wasn't easy.

Their situation only improved after his cousin started working at the Marquis's residence.

With this injury, just calling for a doctor and buying medicine would have cost who knows how much silver.

When his cousin returned home covered in injuries, his aunt nearly cried herself into a faint.

Fortunately, the Second Young Miss was kind-hearted.

Because of this incident, Liu Cheng felt grateful and treated Qiu Shuiyi with even greater respect, taking extra care not to slip up.

Amidst the lush green trees and shade, not a trace of the city gate could be seen.

Qiu Shuiyi glanced up at the sky, "Can we enter the city before sunset?"

Liu Cheng hesitated for a moment, "If we quicken the pace, we should be able to."

Qiu Shuiyi nodded in understanding, "Then let's pick up the speed."

The carriage successfully entered Hongliang City before sunset.

Inside the city gate, a man of medium build, with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and regular features, dressed as a steward, craned his neck in anticipation.

Seeing the Marquis of Yun'an's carriage, his eyes lit up, and he eagerly and joyfully stepped forward, "Is it the Qiu family's cousin?"

Uncle Zhong called out "Whoa" and reined in the horses.

"Click."

The carriage window was opened, revealing Qiu Shuiyi's face.

Gazing at that face identical to Qiu Lianying's, Steward Wang beamed with delight, "This humble one is a steward of the Mei residence. The Old Madam sent me to wait here for you every day. You're finally here!"

Qiu Shuiyi nodded, smiling, "You've worked hard, Steward. Please lead the way."

"Yes." Steward Wang bowed, making a gesture of invitation, "Cousin, this way please."

The carriage followed behind Steward Wang, winding through several streets before stopping in front of the Mei residence.

Although the Marquis of Yun'an's residence was wealthy, its rise was recent, and its heritage still fell short compared to the Mei family.

The two characters "Mei Fu" on the plaque were written with forceful strokes, exuding a strong sense of antiquity.

The purple sandalwood gate was slightly peeling, and the lion-faced door knockers glared fiercely, imposing and majestic.

A matron waited at the gate. Seeing Steward Wang and the entourage behind him with Qiu Shuiyi, she immediately smiled, stepping forward in a few strides to greet them, "It must be Miss Yi."

Qiu Shuiyi glanced at the matron, "And you are?"

"This servant serves the Old Madam. Miss Yi may call me Matron Tan."

Matron Tan looked amiable, "The Old Madam received the news and has been waiting for days. Please come in quickly, Miss."

Qiu Shuiyi smiled shyly, "I am also eager to see Grandmother."

Hearing this, Matron Tan's smile deepened, leading Qiu Shuiyi into the residence.

The Mei residence was vast. Passing through the moon gate, they walked for about another quarter of an hour before finally reaching Madam Fang's Shou'an Hall.

Two pomegranate trees were planted in the courtyard, their shade dense, thriving exceptionally well.

Sunlight filtered down, striking the leaves and adding a bright, vibrant touch. Full of life, they brought joy to anyone who saw them.

The door to the main hall stood open, with shadowy figures bustling about inside, creating a lively atmosphere.

Nanny Tan called out loudly from the doorway, "Madam Fang, the young mistress has arrived."

The hall fell silent for a moment, followed by a voice urging, "Quick, come in quickly."

Nanny Tan turned around, "Please come in, young mistress."

Qiu Shuiyi smiled at her and stepped into the main hall.

Seated at the place of honor was a spry elderly lady.

Despite her age, she had dressed herself beautifully.

Her hair was as white as snow, neatly swept back. A gold filigree hairpin inlaid with pearls was fastened in her bun, and she wore a pair of jade earrings.

She was dressed in a stone-green gown, with silver-thread embroidery of cranes and pine trees, and a hem bordered with ruyi patterns—every detail was exquisite.

She stared intently toward the doorway.

As Qiu Shuiyi approached, Madam Fang's initially gentle, delighted expression suddenly froze, tears welling in her eyes as she murmured, "So alike, the spitting image of Ying'er..."

Qiu Shuiyi knelt on the floor and kowtowed firmly to the elderly lady.

"Your granddaughter, Shuiyi, pays her respects to Grandmother."

The dam holding back her tears broke. Madam Fang pulled Qiu Shuiyi into her arms, embracing her and weeping, "My dear, dear granddaughter, you've finally returned..."

A soft, fragrant scent enveloped her from all sides. Qiu Shuiyi stiffened, feeling lost and unsure of what to do.

Sobs sounded above her head as Madam Fang's chest heaved with intense emotion.

Qiu Shuiyi's rigid muscles gradually relaxed. She hugged her back, gently patting Madam Fang's back and soothing her softly, "Grandmother, don't cry. Yi'er has returned now, don't cry."

Hearing her gentle voice, Madam Fang was overcome with even greater sorrow.

If it weren't for coming to celebrate her birthday, this child should have been born in the capital, pampered and cherished like her sister. How could she have been lost for a full sixteen years?

How much hardship must she have endured all these years?

Madam Fang's tears flowed uncontrollably, her heart nearly drowning in regret.

Qiu Shuiyi patiently comforted her over and over again in a gentle voice.

After releasing her pent-up emotions, Madam Fang gradually calmed down.

Having cried so much, she felt dizzy and stumbled forward.

A chorus of gasps and cries of "Grandmother" and "Mother" filled the hall.

Fortunately, Qiu Shuiyi was quick to react, steadying her and helping her sit down, then personally pouring her a cup of water.

"Grandmother, you should rest."

Madam Fang's eyes grew teary again, her voice hoarse from crying, "Grandmother is old now. I open and close my eyes, never knowing when I might go to see your grandfather. But at least before I close them, I can see you return safely."

Qiu Shuiyi fed her the water and chided gently, "Grandmother, you are destined for a long life. Please don't say such discouraging words. Your sixtieth birthday is coming soon, and I still have to attend your seventieth and eightieth birthday feasts."

A beautiful woman seated to her side chimed in, "Yi'er is right. Mother, being reunited with your granddaughter is a joyous occasion. You still have to see her get married. If you don't take care of your health now, how will you hold your great-grandchildren in the future?"

"Yes, Mother," another, younger woman added, wiping her tears with a handkerchief. "The best days are yet to come. Please set your heart at ease and enjoy being the esteemed matriarch."

Several young ladies below chimed in with soft, coaxing voices, sweet and melodious like orioles.

Madam Fang was comforted by their words, wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes and tightly grasping Qiu Shuiyi's hand. "Good, good. I still have to see my dear grandchild married."

Qiu Shuiyi lowered her head at the right moment, feigning shyness.

Smiling, Madam Fang patted the back of her hand and introduced her, "This is your eldest maternal aunt."

Qiu Shuiyi looked over and saw the beautiful woman seated below Madam Fang, smiling gracefully and nodding kindly to her.

"That is your second maternal aunt."

The younger woman was strikingly beautiful, with clear and upright eyes. After studying Qiu Shuiyi for a moment, she suddenly broke into a bright smile. "Mother, Yi'er's eyebrows and eyes resemble yours when you were young—both equally beautiful."

Madam Fang beamed with joy. "Your second aunt has always had a sweet tongue."

Qiu Shuiyi stood up and bowed to Aunt Qiu and Aunt Luo. "Shuiyi greets Eldest Aunt and Second Aunt."

"Good child, rise quickly."

Aunt Qiu helped Qiu Shuiyi up and presented a gift she had prepared in advance. "This is a little something from your aunt."

The wooden box looked rather heavy, so Xin Tao hurried forward to take it.

Aunt Qiu smiled. "Open it and see if you like it."

Qiu Shuiyi opened it.

Inside were many items—from a rattle for a baby to an auspicious lock for a young child, and hairpins and jewelry favored by young maidens—sixteen pieces in total.

Qiu Shuiyi was stunned.

"Eldest Aunt, this..."

"Every year when I prepared birthday gifts for your sister, I set aside an identical one for you. Go ahead and pick what you like. If there's anything you don't care for, we can exchange it."

Qiu Shuiyi's eyes grew slightly moist as she smiled and nodded. "I like them very much. Thank you, Eldest Aunt."

"Eldest Sister-in-law, you're so sly, not giving me a heads-up earlier. With your exquisite gifts, it makes me look like an aunt who doesn't care for her niece at all."

Aunt Luo spoke with a hint of envy.

Her sister-in-law might sound sharp-tongued and competitive, but in truth, she was the kindest of all.

Years ago, when Second Uncle was tricked into a one-night affair with a woman who later became pregnant with Sister Zhu, she cried and threatened to return to her maiden home. Mother even gave her a divorce letter, but she couldn't resist Second Uncle's pleas and ultimately stayed, even bringing the woman into the household.

The woman suffered from poor health after childbirth and passed away a few years later.

Second Uncle despised the woman and, by extension, showed little affection for Sister Zhu. Although he never neglected her materially, he never truly cared for her.

It was her sister-in-law who, seeing how timid and submissive the girl had become under the servants' care, took her under her wing and personally raised her. Over time, Sister Zhu grew more poised and graceful.

Knowing her sister-in-law's temperament, Aunt Qiu wasn't offended. Instead, she retorted, "Sister-in-law, who was it that wrote to our sister-in-law every few days asking about Yi'er's preferences?"

Light laughter filled the hall.

Having her shortcoming pointed out in front of the younger generation, Luo Shi flushed instantly.

She wasn't angry, though, and promptly took out her gift, waving Qiu Shuiyi over. "Come here, Yi'er, and see what your second uncle's wife has personally chosen for you."

While Qiu Shi's gift lay in the thought, Luo Shi's lay in the expense.

Three complete sets of headpieces, dazzling and exquisite.

Luo Shi had a good eye. Though she had never met Qiu Shuiyi, she had gathered some sense of her from Mei Shi's occasional remarks. Every piece of jewelry she selected was a perfect match for her.

Qiu Shuiyi declined, "Second Aunt, this gift is too precious. I cannot accept it."

Luo Shi feigned offense. "Well, Yi'er really does blame me for not thinking of you, since you won't even accept my gift."

Qiu Shuiyi was taken aback by how quickly her expression changed.

"Accept it. Your second aunt means well—do not let her down."

Madam Fang said gently, "Besides, her family is wealthy. This jewelry probably only amounts to what she spends on clothes in three months."

"Mother!"

Luo Shi whined.

Madam Fang gave an exaggerated shudder and clicked her tongue in mock disdain. "If you want to act spoiled, wait until your husband returns and do it in your room. Why be all lovey-dovey with an old woman like me?"

Amid the laughter of her sister-in-law, her niece, and her daughter, Luo Shi's face turned completely red.

Qiu Shuiyi couldn't help but chuckle as well and accepted the gift. "Your niece Shuiyi thanks Second Aunt."

Only then did Luo Shi nod in satisfaction. "That's more like it."

Before the laughter faded, a clear, bright voice rang out from outside.

"So lively! What is Grandmother talking about?"