Yun Jinnian’s voice was gentle, and a tender smile adorned her face, which Mrs. Qu, the Second Young Lady of the Yun Family, found endearing.
She certainly didn’t want a competitive sister-in-law who would get into conflict like fighting cocks, leaving her exhausted.
"Alright, knowing that you were coming today, I prepared lots of pastries early on. Come on inside with me!"
Mrs. Qu took Yun Jinnian by the hand, feeling that Yun Jinnian’s hands were very delicate yet fleshy, soft to the touch, and very comfortable.
Looking at Yun Jinnian’s attire, Mrs. Qu couldn’t help but sigh; this girl who had been mistreated had finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel.
Mrs. Qu indeed had prepared many pastries, each dish delicate and delectable. Yun Jinnian ate one piece after another, seven or eight in total, before she dared not eat any more.
"Little sister, why aren’t you eating anymore?" Dai Hanmi asked.
"I have a weak stomach; I can’t eat too much!" Yun Jinnian replied gently, sipping her tea slowly.
All four sisters were extremely easy to get along with, cheerful and generous in spirit, and their conversations were full of witty comments. They also looked after her well.
Because of this, the smile on Yun Jinnian’s face gradually became more genuine, and she became less cautious around them.
She didn’t speak much, just quietly listening, but whenever she did speak, she always hit the nail on the head, which greatly endeared her to Dai Hanmi and the others.
She was knowledgeable but not pretentious, had a gentle and tender personality, and knowing the hardships she had endured in the Yun Family over the years, they became even more fond of her.
Marquis Residence’s Main Hall
The Marchioness frowned, "What did you say Miss Yun brought over?"
"Two Hundred-Year Wild Ginsengs!"
The Marchioness fell silent.
Ever since the old lady had fallen ill, the consumption of ginseng at the Marquis Residence had been extreme, with large amounts of silver being spent. The ginsengs bought were not always satisfactory, and the Marchioness had been wanting to buy some wild ginsengs for a while, but either they were too young, or those with age weren’t for sale.
"What did she send as a gift yesterday?"
"It was a Hundred-Year Ginseng!"
The Marchioness chuckled, "She does have a heart!"
She had come yesterday without knowing of the old lady’s illness, hence she brought only one ginseng. Today, however, she brought two wild ginsengs, clearly after having someone inquire about the situation.
"She is cautious indeed!" the nurse, Wei, commented.
"Yesterday, after Miss Yun sent her card, about two hours later, a little maid came to the back door to inquire. That greedy, gossipy old doorkeeper blabbed about whom Miss Yun had invited, and also mentioned the old lady’s illness!"
The Marchioness laughed, "That’s not the old doorkeeper’s fault; it was the Crown Princess who had instructed her to do so!"
"The Crown Princess truly schemes carefully and looks far ahead!"
The Marchioness smiled but said nothing.
It wasn’t just the Crown Princess looking far ahead; Yun Jinnian and the Marquis Residence weren’t acquainted, so her request to visit on her own would likely be declined. Therefore, she also invited Ruan Wanrong, Hu Shuiling, and Chen Danping.
These ladies were close to Dai Hanmi and somewhat familiar with the matters of the Zhuangyong Marquis Residence, so they understood the implications and wouldn’t refuse.
It was normal for Yun Jinnian to send someone to inquire.
The Marchioness stood up, "Let’s go and meet her!"
"I have seen her earlier. She’s a very polite young lady, very humble. She lacks education from the Yun Family, but she has the Han Family’s backbone in her bones!"
The Marchioness glanced at Nurse Wei, "You certainly have a discerning eye!"
"My lady, please don’t joke about your old servant!"
The Marchioness fell silent, holding some expectations in her heart.
If she’s truly so good, it would be best to take her into the household.
After the girls had their fill of pastries at Mrs. Qu’s place, they began clamoring to visit Dai Hanmi’s boudoir. Used to their own way, Dai Hanmi naturally would not deny them, "Jinnian, let’s go!"
Yun Jinnian quickly rose and gave a bow to Mrs. Qu, the Second Young Lady of the Yun Family, "Thank you for your hospitality, sister-in-law. I will visit again soon!"
Mrs. Qu’s eyes immediately lit up.
She was going to send a return gift; Mrs. Qu grew curious about what she might bring.
"Alright then, when the time comes, just send someone to let me know, and I will personally make you the gold-thread cakes!"
"Thank you, sister-in-law!"
There was some lighthearted teasing and frolicking once again. Yun Jinnian smiled gently, indulging her sisters-in-law’s playful teasing without taking offense, and followed them to the garden.