Yin Hui had intended to discuss some matters with her grandfather after the dinner, but to her surprise, the old man was already intoxicated and had fallen into a deep slumber, with Yin Wen’s assistance.
“Brother, why didn’t you stop him from drinking so much?” Yin Hui couldn’t help but voice her frustration, as excessive alcohol consumption posed risks, particularly for the elderly.
Yin Wen’s fair face carried a faint blush, and he responded with a wry smile, “The number of guests was overwhelming, and grandfather has a reputation for his hospitality. I helped him consume a few; otherwise, he might have ended up even more drunk.”
Yin Hui detected the pungent scent of alcohol emanating from her brother’s body, confirming his explanation.
Yin Lang, who was present, subtly signaled to his sister, indicating that Yin Wen’s account was accurate.
Yin Hui refrained from further comment. Although Yin Wen displayed filial devotion that evening, she couldn’t forget her resentments from her previous life. Even though Yin Wen had not committed any wrongs in this life, she still held a lingering aversion towards him. This sentiment extended to Jiang Wei as well. Her previous experiences with Yin Rong’s husband had left her wary of the couple, and this wariness persisted despite the change in events in this life.
Grandfather was taken care of by Uncle De, so Yin Hui took her leave. Yin Lang accompanied her to the main room.
“Have you been drinking?” Yin Hui asked as she sniffed the young man.
Yin Lang replied, “I couldn’t refuse; I had almost two bowls.”
Surprised, Yin Hui asked, “Two bowls, and you’re not drunk?”
Yin Lang smiled and replied, “Maybe I have a good tolerance for alcohol. I’ll be less afraid of getting drunk when socializing with others in the future.”
Yin Hui cautioned, “Nonetheless, you should still drink in moderation since you’re still growing up.”
Yin Lang nodded.
The moon cast a faint glow over the courtyard, and with Jinzhan and Changfeng as reliable attendants, Yin Hui decided to broach a more sensitive topic. “During my grandfather’s trip to the south, did Uncle and the others give you any trouble?”
Yin Lang shook his head. After being adopted into the family, Yin Jingshan often avoided or pretended not to notice him. Mrs. Zhao had scolded him a few times, but he had grown accustomed to it. Yin Wen was preoccupied with his business in Pingcheng and rarely interacted with him.
Reassured, Yin Hui said, “Seeing that grandfather hired two teachers for you, he must value you. For the next two years, focus on learning from these gentlemen, and don’t worry about outside matters for now.”
With the arrival of Xiangju, Yin Lang left with Chang Feng, who would stay in his courtyard that night. Jinzhan remained behind to help Yin Hui bathe.
Returning to her bedroom, where she had spent over a decade, Yin Hui was able to relax. It felt as if she had shed her heavy winter garments after the arrival of spring.
Jinzhan entered with water and noticed her mistress lounging on the bed, her bare feet raised and swinging cheerfully.
“Seeing how content you are, don’t you miss Wu Lang?” Jinzhan inquired playfully as she set down the copper basin.
Yin Hui played with the embroidery on the quilt and replied absentmindedly, “I’ll be returning tomorrow. He has a wet nurse and Yinzhan looking after him.”
Jinzhan added, “Alright, please sit down. The water is cooling.”
Yin Hui promptly got up.
While massaging her mistress’s feet, Jinzhan couldn’t help but comment, “When we first moved to the palace with you, I never thought we would come back and stay a few times. Madam, I truly believe that the Third Master treats you well.”
Yin Hui smiled and agreed, “That’s true.” Even though Wei Luo was reserved, she was currently able to discuss things with him, and he wasn’t the type to rigidly enforce rules or prevent her from speaking freely. In her previous life, she had been utterly intimidated by him, walking on eggshells when it came to her words and actions.
“By the way, Madam, while you were napping in the afternoon, I spent some time with the maids from around the mansion and learned a bit about the groom.”
“Really? Tell me.”
“Well, he is twenty-seven this year. Even though he has never been married, he has always been attended to by a maid. But when the two families made the arrangement to get married, he sent the maid away joyfully and was eagerly awaiting the lady to join him.”
Yin Hui surprisingly found this news unremarkable. She had seen that day, and he didn’t seem to have any hidden ailments. Men of that age, with official power and authority, could endure years of sleepless nights.
Jinzhan chuckled, “In comparison, doesn’t our Third Master seem even better?”
Yin Hui playfully tapped Jinzhan’s head and asked, “How much did Third Master give you? Are you here, eagerly singing his praises?”
Jinzhan leaned away, avoiding the playful tap, and explained, “I haven’t received anything. I’m just happy for you. Whether it’s the Eldest Miss, the Eldest Son’s wife, or the Second Madam, their noble backgrounds don’t bring them as much happiness as you have.”
Yin Hui thought that if she looked at it this way, she indeed had it quite good. Even if Wei Luo were to take a cousin as a concubine in the future, based on his character and behavior, he would never favor a concubine over his wife. In her previous life, she had grown used to being alone by his side for ten years. Suddenly having a concubine ten years into their marriage had made her furious.
Reflecting on it, her soul was here now, and she didn’t know how she was doing over there. If her soul were to vanish, and Wei Luo woke up to find her lifeless, she wouldn’t know if he’d be astonished by her fiery temperament or relieved that an obstacle to taking a concubine had disappeared. In any case, he wouldn’t be weeping in sorrow.
After waking up, Yin Hui went to pay her respects to her grandfather.
Yin Yong was enduring the pain of a hangover. His normally rosy complexion had faded, revealing his age more clearly.