A line of people arrived at the second gate, where there was a hall in the front courtyard outside the second gate; this was where male guests were usually received.
At the moment, Mrs. He was entertaining her two sons-in-law.
Her elder son-in-law was genuinely her favorite, as for the second son-in-law, well, it didn’t make much difference whether he was there or not—it was just that they were waiting for the next imperial examination, which he might very well pass with flying colors. Thus, affections had to be maintained.
"Have some tea, you two!"
"Thank you, Mother-in-law!" Weng Jianrui was polite and enthusiastic, very skilled at flattering Mrs. He.
Liao Shijie, however, was much more indifferent. If it weren’t for Yun Zihan being at the Yun Family, and Yun Jinnian just happening to be back, he would not have set foot in the Yun Residence.
As long as Aunt Cui left the Yun Residence, he would cut ties with the Yun Family once and for all. There’d be no more interaction afterward.
"Madam, both esteemed sons-in-law, the eldest and second young mistresses, the fourth, eighth, ninth, and the cousin miss have arrived!"
Upon hearing this, Mrs. He’s face stiffened, but she then smiled and said, "Please, invite them in quickly!"
Weng Jianrui and Liao Shijie also put down their teacups and looked toward the entrance.
Weng Jianrui caught sight at first glance of a tall figure in a white garment with stunning beauty that was truly unforgettable, a face filled with serenity that moved one’s heart immensely.
This was still just a young girl; in a couple of years with a fuller bust and waist, her hips more pronounced, wearing soft silk...
Weng Jianrui swallowed hard.
He then noticed the Jade Hairpin in Yun Jinnian’s hair, with its intricate and exquisite carvings, clearly very valuable, easily worth as much as Yun Muyou’s entire set of pearl hairpins.
Not to mention the costly fabric of her attire.
This was truly a genuine lady of nobility.
Just look at her composed and graceful demeanor; ten Yun Muyous could not compare.
Thinking this, Weng Jianrui hurriedly stood up and even straightened his clothing, putting on what he considered his most appropriate smile.
"Marquess!" Yun Muyou called out delicately, walking over to Weng Jianrui and taking his arm.
Feeling the stiffness in Weng Jianrui’s arm, Yun Muyou didn’t think much of it.
Liao Shijie was considerably more detached, smiling cordially at Yun Jinnian, but his attention was focused on Yun Zihan.
"Marquess, this is my fourth sister!" Yun Muyou said, then smiling proudly at Yun Jinnian, her eyes and brows full of pride, "Fourth sister, this is your eldest brother-in-law!"
Weng Jianrui clasped his fist in greeting, "Fourth sister!"
The way he called her was somewhat lingering.
Yun Jinnian frowned slightly, curtsying to Weng Jianrui without really looking at him.
No matter his title, if he could become a part of Yun Muyou’s family, he must not be up to much.
"Fourth sister, this is your second brother-in-law!" Yun Zihan spoke indifferently.
Liao Shijie clasped his fist toward Yun Jinnian, "Fourth sister has my respects!"
"Second brother-in-law!"
Yun Jinnian curtsied again.
Thus, the introductions were concluded.
Without much further conversation, they each went their separate ways.
"Jinnian!" Mrs. He called out softly.
Yun Jinnian stopped in her tracks and looked at Mrs. He, "What instructions does my aunt have for me?"
"Jinnian, harmony in the family leads to prosperity in everything. Your father... if you can persuade him, please do so; your sisters are still young, and without an aunt to look after them, it is always..."
Yun Jinnian just looked at Mrs. He calmly, making Mrs. He blush and at a loss for words.
A concubine’s daughter is showing such concern, but when she, the legitimate daughter, had no one to care for her, starving or freezing to death, was there anyone who spoke a word for her?
"Why doesn’t my aunt continue?" Yun Jinnian asked quietly.
Mrs. He was incredibly embarrassed. She could no longer treat Yun Jinnian the way she used to—demanding her appearance with a flick of her hand or ignoring her whenever she wished.
Now, her niece had grown too independent.
"Never mind, you may go back!"
Yun Jinnian acknowledged with a "Hmm" and crossed the second gate back to Niannian Garden.
"That little wench, just like her mother—a stone in a cesspit, hard and stinky, and unreasonable!"