Chapter 454: Mid-Autumn Festival
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Madam Yao felt that it was strange, so she smiled and asked, “Look at Old Madam’s happy expression. If there’s anything good at home, quickly say it so that I can share this joy.”
Old Madam Yu smiled and waved her hand. “No, no. You’ll naturally know after a while.”
Madam Yao’s heart skipped a beat when she realized what was going on. Her smile deepened. “It’s obvious that this is a joyous occasion. Since Old Madam doesn’t want to tell me, I won’t ask.”
She was a smart and tactful person. Old Madam Yu smiled until her eyes narrowed.
Yu Shanyan and the others hurriedly stepped forward to greet Old Madam Yu.
Old Madam Yu looked at her grandchildren. They were all polite and sensible. At the thought that the first branch was about to have a child soon, she couldn’t help but smile.
Old Madam Yu first asked Yu Shanyan about his studies.
Yu Shanyan was the eldest son of the first wife of the second branch, and he was responsible for bringing glory to the family. Old Madam Yu was very concerned about his studies.
Yu Shanyan said, “Eldest Sister is also learning the Five Books and Four
Classics in school. Cousin Zhou wrote annotations for Eldest Sister, so he borrowed it and copied it to learn. Master said that she has improved greatly.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Yu Shanxin couldn’t wait to say, “Not only Big Brother, but even Third Brother and I have improved a lot. During this period of time, Teacher hasn’t been scolding me like before…
Old Madam Yu immediately recalled that in the past, Yu Shanxin had a lively personality and did not like to learn. He was often taught a lesson by Mr. Hu Shan, so she couldn’t help but laugh.
“Your Cousin Zhou is a capable person. It’s not bad to learn more from him.”
However, she thought to herself that Zhou Linghuai was a genius. He had received Mr. Hu Shan’s praise and was on par with Mr. Xian Yun.
Old Madam Yu had also read the notes he had written.
He was indeed very insightful. Even the other grandchildren in the residence benefited.
At the mention of Zhou Linghuai, Madam Yao asked, “By the way, Linghuai has been in Youzhou for almost two months. Did he say anything about coming back?”
Old Madam Yu shook her head. “At the beginning of the month, our family received a letter from him. He only said that everything was fine in Youzhou and that he had to stay in Youzhou for a while. He didn’t say anything about returning. I think we have to wait at least until the three divisions’ trial is over.”
Madam Yao felt a little regretful. “What a pity. This is the first Mid-Autumn
Festival since Linghuai entered the Yu Residence, but he’s not at home on such a good day.”
Old Madam Yu also felt regretful. “There’s nothing I can do, but there’s still a long way to go. If he can’t join us this year, there’s still next year.”
Madam Yao thought about it and agreed!
Zhou Linghuai had returned to Youzhou this time to completely end things there. From now on, he would stay in the main house. They were all family, and there would be many opportunities for reunification in the future. It was just not today.
Old Madam Yu and Madam Yao chatted.
Yu Shuangbai moved closer to Yu Youyao and looked at her eldest sister eagerly. “Eldest Sister, the fruits you sent to the second house the other day were really delicious!”
The Xie family had given a cart of fruits to Eldest Sister. Eldest Sister was also generous. She picked up a large basket and sent it to the second house. The quality was much better than those on the market, and there was no need to mention the taste.
This year, fruits were rare and expensive. Her mother had kept half a basket for the family to eat, and the other half had been given away.
Seeing how greedy she was, Yu Youyao couldn’t help but laugh. “If you like it,
I’ll send another basket over later. There’s no more.”
Her cousin had given her a large cart, so there was definitely a lot. However, fruits were expensive in Shandong, so it was not good to have too much in case it aroused suspicion.
Yu Shuang’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, Eldest Sister. It’s the Mid-Autumn Festival today. We’ll go and make the lanterns later. At night, we’ll go to the lake to light the river lanterns.” Worried that Yu Youyao wouldn’t agree, she quickly tugged at Yu Lianyu, who was beside her. “Fifth Sister and Sixth Sister have both agreed. Eldest Sister can’t refuse.”
Yu Youyao nodded. “Okay!”
After chatting for a while, Madam Yao helped Old Madam Yu and brought the family to the second house.
Yu Youyao had already made arrangements for the main house. With Nanny Liu and Nanny Xu around, it was very appropriate.
After the imperial examination at the end of April, the rankings had yet to be released. There was still no news of Yin Huaixi leading the army to quell the rebellion. The three divisions’ trial had also reached the critical moment.
The court was complicated. After the Mid -Autumn Festival, all of this would be decided.
Even after a day of rest in the court, Yu Zongzheng and Yu Zongshen, one of whom was a Cabinet Assistant and the other had a case file, had gone to the government office early in the morning and would only return in the afternoon.
Therefore, the small banquet at noon was also a lively meal for the women and juniors in the family.
In the afternoon, Madam Yao chatted with Old Madam Yu for a while before going to arrange the banquet. Yu Youyao did not help. Instead, she hung up the lanterns in the courtyard with Yu Shuangbai and the others.
The few of them laughed and played until it was afternoon.
Yu Zongzheng left the government office and changed into his usual clothes. Then, he came to the second branch to greet Old Madam Yu.
Old Madam Yu was in no hurry to tell him about Concubine Qiu’s pregnancy. She planned to mention it to him tomorrow after she visited the doctor.
Yu Jianjia stayed in the manor for three to four months. She had been back for a few days. Yu Zongzheng had been busy these past few days and did not talk to her properly.
Now that she was free, he had to ask more about her life at the manor.
Yu Jianjia answered them one by one.
Seeing that she looked good and was in better spirits than before, Yu Zongzheng also looked relieved. “It’s all thanks to your Eldest Sister. She’s the one who helped you recover.”
Yu Jianjia couldn’t help but tighten her grip on her handkerchief. “After Mother fell seriously ill, it was Eldest Sister who took care of my daily life. I don’t know how to thank her.”
Her words were very sincere. If anyone heard them, they would think that her gratitude and respect for Yu Youyao had risen to the same level as her mother’s.
How could Yu Zongzheng not be satisfied? “Your big sister has treated you well.
In the future, you have to respect her in every way and get closer to her. Learn how to deal with others.”
Yu Jianjia slowly lowered her head and agreed.
Only her trembling eyelashes revealed the uneasiness in her heart.
The sky gradually darkened. The servants lit lanterns, and the courtyard was brightly lit.
Madam Yao had an incense table in the courtyard. There was an incense burner on it, as well as some fruits and pastries for the moon.
When the moon was full and the branches were slanted, the family moved to the courtyard. The tables were all set. Old Madam Yu and Yu Zongzheng sat alone, while the others sat together as husbands, wives, brothers, and sisters.
Chrysanthemum wine and autumn crabs had a special taste.
The chrysanthemum wine that the juniors drank was all brewed with rice wine. One or two glasses were appropriate for the scene and would not make them drunk.
Yu Jianjia picked up the small wine glass with both hands and said to Yu Youyao, “Eldest Sister, my health isn’t good, and it’s also Eldest Sister who has been taking care of me. This is a toast to you to express my gratitude. This glass of wine is for you.”
With that, she finished the wine in her cup..
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