Uncle Cheng hurriedly turned and walked over to the carriage, "Miss, an old man opened the door, he said he would go ask his young master!"
This place is only half a day’s journey from Capital City, and there are still many wealthy households.
So, Uncle Cheng didn’t think too much of it.
"Mhm, Uncle Cheng, if it is inconvenient for them, let’s seek shelter from the next household!" Yun Jinnian spoke softly.
Uncle Cheng replied and waited on the side.
The old man entered the main room and walked towards the room on the left-hand side. Entering the room, he saw his young master lounging in a chair, napping, with the book he had been reading fallen to the floor.
After hesitating for a moment, he still called out softly, "Young master, there are guests outside seeking shelter from the rain and a place to stay. What do you think ..."
"Ancestor Uncle, is the rain coming down hard outside?"
"Since the rain is falling so heavily, they must truly be seeking shelter from it. Go invite the guests in, and have Ancestor Auntie make a pot of ginger tea. Whatever good food we have in the house, cook some of it, and don’t neglect our guests!"
Ancestor Uncle replied and, turning, left the room and also closed the door behind him.
He took an umbrella and went to the entrance, where he saw Uncle Cheng still standing by the carriage, and hurriedly said, "My young master invites you and the other guests inside!"
As he spoke, he opened the gate and then glanced at the carriage, "Oh dear, this gate is too narrow, and the carriage too wide. Please enter through the back door. It’s spacious enough to accommodate the carriage!"
Uncle Cheng responded, "Good, then let me help the young mistress out of the carriage first!"
Ancestor Uncle nodded.
Uncle Cheng quickly took a large oil-paper umbrella and carefully helped Yun Jinnian out of the carriage. The moment Ancestor Uncle caught sight of Yun Jinnian’s appearance, he was stunned.
Such a stunningly beautiful lady. No wonder the coachman was so careful and cautious.
Observing Yun Jinnian’s brocade attire and exquisite head ornaments, he hurriedly said, "Miss, please!"
Yun Jinnian nodded slightly and curtsied, "Thank you for taking us in, old sir!"
"Not at all, not at all, Miss. Please take care, the ground is slippery in the rain!"
Ancestor Uncle led Yun Jinnian into the main room, towards the guest room at the back.
The courtyard behind the house was quite sizable. Ancestor Uncle opened the door to one of the rooms and said, "Please!"
Yun Jinnian entered the guest room, followed by Hemei and Henuan.
Ancestor Uncle stayed outside without entering, "Miss, please rest for a moment. I will go arrange things. Shortly, I will have the old maid bring you hot water!"
"That’s very kind of you!" Yun Jinnian thanked him again.
Ancestor Uncle smiled and withdrew.
The room was very neat, filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, light and pleasant to the smell.
Yun Jinnian sat down on a stool, while Hemei and Henuan discussed briefly – one stayed, and the other went out to look around.
They saw an old woman carrying tea coming over, "Sorry to keep the young mistress waiting!"
Yun Jinnian quickly stood up, curtsied to Ancestor Auntie, and Hemei stepped forward to take the teacup, placing it in front of Yun Jinnian.
Ancestor Auntie smiled, "Please sit for a while, Miss. I will go to the kitchen to prepare some food and bring it over soon!"
"Auntie, let my maid run errands for you!" Yun Jinnian gestured towards Hemei.
Hemei followed Ancestor Auntie to the kitchen to help. As night approached, a man and a woman braved the wind and rain to return, bringing some fruits, grains, vegetables, and meat.
Ancestor Auntie immediately asked the woman to bring over some fruits.
After some conversation, they learned her name was Qing Bi, one of the maids in this household, and the young manservant’s name was Qing Zhu.
Since it was not good to be too proud or silent when staying in someone else’s house, after dinner – when Qing Bi seemed reluctant to leave, chatting away enthusiastically –
Yun Jinnian responded with a smile occasionally, while Hemei and Henuan kept her company the whole time.
"Hehe, Miss Yun, you should go to bed early. I’m off to sleep as well. Tomorrow morning, I’ll wake up early to make you breakfast. The pancakes I make are really delicious, even the young master praises them!" Qing Bi said, laughing as she spoke.