Chen Danyan laughed, "Yes, I’m that good!"
Whether it be playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, song composition, she excelled in all of it. Obedient to elders, kind to sisters, she was indeed a good girl.
She would meet someone even better.
That man would cherish her, love her dearly, and never allow her to be embarrassed.
"Right, Sister is so good, she will meet someone even better!"
One couldn’t help feeling that the Princely Heir Hong was truly blind not to see the worth in such a fine young lady and to actually consent to break off the engagement was downright foolish.
Chen Danyan laughed. Concerning Chu Renzhi, she no longer cared that much, especially after he had angered Grandfather to the point of spitting blood—it only added to her resentment and dislike.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of the Elder Residence.
A few women, dressed in brocade robes and in an understated but elegant manner, exuding both wealth and pride, came out to greet them.
"Greetings to Princess Yijia!"
Yun Jinnian looked at them and turned his head to Chen Danyan.
"These are my cousins!"
Today was Yun Jinnian’s first visit to the Elder Residence, and the ladies, whether born from the main line or not, all came out to welcome her.
The greater the scholarly family, the more important the observance of etiquette.
Just as in her own family, where her father was the eldest brother, and his uncles all looked up to their father as the head.
Her mother managed the household affairs, and though her aunts had their own ambitions, they did not dare to openly trip her up.
"You may all dispense with the formalities," said Yun Jinnian lightly.
She secretly counted them—there were seven in total.
"Thank you, Princess!"
The ladies of the Elder Residence paid great attention to etiquette. They stepped aside, and Chen Danyan, affectionately holding Yun Jinnian’s hand, invited her into the Elder Residence.
In the hall, an old lady with white hair smiled brightly upon seeing Yun Jinnian.
"Here she comes, here she comes!"
Several matrons then stood up and walked to the entrance of the hall.
By rank, Yun Jinnian was a first-rank princess; their highest rank was equivalent to second-rank, so they respectively paid their respects, "Your humble wives greet the Princess!"
Yun Jinnian hurriedly said, "Aunts, please don’t be ..."
Such deference made her feel uncomfortable.
Mrs. Chen looked on and began to smile.
Indeed, she was a sensible child; neither arrogant nor rash. Even after being titled as the Commandery Princess, her demeanor had not changed since they met over a year ago.
"Jinnian, this is my mother, and these are my second aunt, third aunt, fourth aunt, and fifth aunt!" Chen Danyan introduced them one by one.
The matrons of the Elder Residence were quite in harmony. The colors of their dresses were all different for the occasion, making it easy to remember them.
Chen Danyan then led Yun Jinnian to the senior Mrs. Chen, "Jinnian, this is my grandmother!"
Approaching the elder Mrs. Chen, she said softly, "Grandmother, this is the good sister, Jinnian, whom you’ve mentioned often, the one bestowed as Princess Yijia by the Emperor himself!"
Yun Jinnian bowed in respect, "Jinnian pays respect to the elder Mrs. Chen!"
Although she was a princess, she still needed to show utter respect in front of an elder like Mrs. Chen.
The companion of the elder statesman for many years, who had children and grandchildren all around, was said to have been a famous talent in her youth, and her ways of interacting with the world had always been admired.
"Good child, you may rise. Come here and let me have a good look at you!" Mrs. Chen laughed.
Yun Jinnian stepped forward.
Allowing Mrs. Chen to size her up.
"Indeed you are a striking figure of a girl. I’ve lived a long time but have never seen such a bright young lady. Come sit and have a chat!"
The seat to the left had always been reserved for honored guests.
Chen Danyan immediately assisted Yun Jinnian into the seat on the left side while the Chen family’s ladies sat across from Yun Jinnian, which was next to Mrs. Chen’s left side.
The young ladies then stood behind their respective mothers.
It was clear which daughter belonged to which branch of the family at a glance.
Chen Danyan stood by the elder Mrs. Chen’s side, watching Yun Jinnian with a smile.
Tea and pastries were served.
"Jinnian, try the pastries and see if they suit your taste!"
Yun Jinnian acknowledged, took a piece of the pastry, and put it into her mouth—her brow creased slightly...