"Did they say when the wedding will be? Have they set a date?"
Besieged with questions from everyone, Cai Wei had a headache. Some questions she couldn’t answer. So, she reached for the dim sum they bought on the way, shook it lightly and said, "Brother Jiujin and I bought some treats for everyone on the road. Why don’t you go have your meals first, and after that, we can all try these together."
"Hey, you girl, you’re being wasteful again. We’re already content with being full, why bother buying these rare items? They’re so expensive!"
"Isn’t it? I heard this osmanthus cake costs fifteen copper coins per jin, almost as expensive as meat."
Everyone chattered about it, then went back to their dining table to finish their meals...
Through her investigation, she found that the nursing home was still well-managed in her absence. Old Madam An often came to visit, and when she couldn’t, she sent the Major Steward of An Mansion. Brother Jiujin’s family also visited often, never coming empty-handed; the children even started school, learning "The Three Character Classic" and "Bai Jia Xing" in a private school in a neighboring village. Of the bedridden elders, due to excellent care, two even started walking with a cane...
After breakfast, Cai Wei distributed the dim sum to everyone. The elders were ecstatic, like little children, reluctant to take big bites. Some even carefully wrapped their portions to save them for later; the kids, their eyes curved like crescents, also wrapped their treats, intending to give them to their teacher at school.
All was well in the nursing home, and seeing it with her own eyes reassured Cai Wei. After staying awhile longer and having a chat with the elders, she said her goodbyes and left.
She planned to visit Old Madam An later. During her absence, the old lady had managed the nursing home very well, and it was both emotional and logical for her to express her gratitude.
Jiujin gloomily drove back to town. His mood was incredibly low, evidently affected by what Cai Wei had said about her engagement.
Upon reaching the town, Cai Wei asked Jiujin to drop her off at An Mansion and told him to go ahead with his work as she would make her own way back later.
Jijin helped her down from the horse carriage and left without a word, his broad back exuding loneliness.
Cai Wei shook her head in exasperation, planning to have a proper talk with this big bear of a boy when she had the chance. Right now, she had many other things to do.
Upon hearing that Cai Wei had arrived, Old Madam An was delighted and had her main maid, Ruyi, personally escort Cai Wei in.
Old Madam An’s room was as busy as ever. Before entering, you could hear the crisp laughter of young women. As she was getting older and disliked loneliness, Old Madam An had her granddaughters by her side every day to keep her company.
Upon entering, Cai Wei respectfully paid her respects to the older woman.
"Cai Wei pays respects to Old Madam An!"
Old Madam An laughed and said, "No need for formalities, girl. I haven’t seen you in a few months, and you’ve grown even more beautiful!"
Cai Wei stood up straight, grinning, "Old Madam An, you’re overpraising me. If we’re talking about beauty, the young ladies of An Family really fit the bill!"
Indeed, the young misses of the An family were all beautiful. Especially one girl in a pink-blue woven floral blouse, who was noticeably more beautiful than the others. However, Cai Wei was not sure if she was the Fifth Miss, who was promised to Jiujin. Right now, Cai Wei was incredibly curious, even contemplating asking directly to ensure that Jiujin is taken care of.