Chapter Seven: The Whole Family

Update time: May 10, 2013

The next day, before dawn, Yue Lianyue awoke. Perhaps the fright from the night before had truly exhausted her, for she slept soundly through the night. Though her body was not entirely comfortable, her youthful spirit remained. Hearing Lan Shui say that her eldest sister would arrive later that morning, she no longer lingered in bed and excitedly clamored to wait in the front hall.

With Ziling and Lan Shui attending her, Yue Lianyue carefully washed and dressed. Her hair was styled into twin buns, adorned here and there with butterfly-shaped red crystal flower ornaments. Her delicate features needed little embellishment, and her ears were graced with a pair of red crystal teardrop earrings. She wore a lotus-hued long skirt woven with ink vine cloud brocade, and over it a vibrant red cloak embroidered with peony flowers and wide sleeves, the hem revealing half a rouge jade bracelet. On her feet were soft lambskin boots. Though only twelve or thirteen, a hint of adornment made her exceptionally radiant and captivating, impossible to look away from.

Turning once before the bronze mirror, Yue Lianyue was thoroughly satisfied with her appearance, her face aglow with joy. “Such a beauty is truly born for admiration!” she declared.

Seeing their mistress so enamored with herself, even the composed Lan Shui nearly faltered, not to mention the lively Ziling.

Pleased with their reactions, Yue Lianyue, having had her fun, ordered to proceed to the front hall. Ziling hurriedly fetched a pale green cloak edged with white fox fur and placed it over her shoulders, and only then did they step outside.

Lanxiang Garden was a small courtyard in the southeast corner of the Yue estate. Though not far from the front hall, it still took a full quarter hour to reach. Qingfeng spotted Lianyue from afar and hurried ahead to the front hall. Before Yue Lianyue reached the entrance, Yue Lingjun, dressed in a lake-blue brocade robe, had already come out to greet her. He gazed at her with doting affection and said, “Lianyue, how is it you’re not lingering in bed today? Qingfeng said you were coming, and at first I didn’t believe him. I was planning to wait for Qingqiu to confirm our eldest sister’s arrival before sending someone to fetch you.”

Lan Yue pouted, feigning annoyance. “I’ve been cooped up in my room for a month—surely I’ve slept enough.” Realizing her words were inappropriate, she quickly added, “I wasn’t blaming you at all, brother.”

A trace of guilt flickered across Yue Lingjun’s face as he replied, subdued, “It’s all my fault, making you suffer.”

Yue Lianyue stepped forward, clinging to his arm and acting spoiled. “I know you’re only looking out for me, brother. Give me a smile, won’t you? Just one, please…”

In the end, Yue Lingjun could not withstand his little sister’s affectionate entreaties. A genuine smile spread across his face, signaling his surrender. He took the opportunity to quietly remind her, “Grandmother is making an exception today and has come out from Wutong Garden; she’s already inside. When you meet the elders, be on your best behavior—even if you don’t like it, you must put on a good front.”

Lianyue frowned slightly. She knew the “elders” her brother referred to included her father’s half-brothers and their wives, as well as a swarm of cousins. Unwilling, she nodded in agreement.

Only then did Yue Lingjun lead her inside. As Yue Lianyue entered and removed her cloak, she was immediately surrounded by a crowd of brightly dressed women. Yue Lingjun, lacking solidarity, let go of her hand. Unable to dodge, Lianyue’s small hands were seized by two women—her second aunt, Lady Ma, and third aunt, Lady Li.

Lady Ma greeted Lianyue warmly, “It’s only been a month, and you’ve grown even more beautiful—like a grown young lady now.”

Naturally shy, Yue Lianyue blushed at the mention of “young lady,” especially given yesterday’s ordeal.

Lady Li, unwilling to be outdone, chimed in, “Indeed, you shine so brightly that I can barely keep my eyes open.”

Lady Li’s eldest daughter, Yue Lianhui, added her praise, “Mother is right. Lianyue, you’re more enchanting than ever—outshining all your sisters.”

Others joined in, complimenting her elegant hair ornaments, fine attire, and rosy complexion. For a moment, Yue Lianyue felt as if a hundred birds were flocking around her. Though girls enjoy flattery, this was overwhelming. She wished to escape, but remembering her promise to her brother, she forced herself to respond.

“Second Aunt, you look younger than ever,” “Third Aunt, your dress is so lovely,” “No, my sisters are the real beauties,” “How did Sister Xiang return?”…

Lan Shui and Ziling were squeezed out of the circle. Though Lan Shui was skilled in martial arts, she dared not act against this crowd. Seeing Lianyue’s plea for help, both could only offer helpless sympathy, grateful that the family head had forbidden anyone from approaching Lanxiang Garden in the past. Otherwise, even ten Lan Shui and Ziling would be no match for this mob—let alone Lianyue.

“Lianyue, come to Grandmother!” called a voice.

To Lianyue, this was heavenly music. The chattering crowd quieted. She saw her grandmother, dressed simply yet with dignity, beckoning kindly. It was as if she had seen a living Bodhisattva come to her rescue. Lianyue seized the moment to free herself from Lady Li’s grasp, bowed to both aunts, and hurried forward, leaping into Madam Qian’s arms. She didn’t forget to pause and greet her second and third uncles, Yue Zhancheng and Yue Zhanyu, as she passed.

Madam Qian looked at her adorable and sensible granddaughter, and the gloom that had lingered since her son’s disappearance was lifted a little. Her voice became more cheerful. “You’re here so early—surely you haven’t had breakfast yet?”

Lianyue nodded pitifully. “Sister Lan said Eldest Sister would arrive this morning, so I was eager. If I’d known Grandmother would come, I would have gone to Wutong Garden to wait for you—I miss you so much.” Then, in a voice only the two could hear, she whispered, “Grandmother, you’re truly a Bodhisattva sent from heaven for me. If not for you, I’d have gone mad.”

“You sweet talker,” Madam Qian gently tapped her granddaughter’s nose and instructed, “Ying Gu, take the young lady to the side hall for breakfast.”

“Yes,” Ying Gu replied, stepping forward and bowing. She was Madam Qian’s trusted attendant, and seeing how Lianyue had cheered her mistress, she thanked Lianyue, “Miss, please follow me.”

Lianyue had always been close to her grandmother. After her grandfather passed, Madam Qian retired to Wutong Garden and forbade any disturbance, making their meetings rare. Yet Lianyue’s affection remained undiminished. Though she was reluctant to leave her grandmother’s side, hunger prevailed. She reluctantly said, “I’ll go eat now and come back soon to keep Grandmother company.”

Rising, she followed Ying Gu to the side hall, under the admiring and resentful gazes of the crowd. Though truly hungry, her health limited her appetite. She drank a bowl of clear porridge and picked at a few light dishes before returning to the front hall, nestling in Madam Qian’s arms. Lady Ma and Lady Li, intimidated by Madam Qian, did not dare approach again. The grandmother and granddaughter chatted quietly, and time seemed to pass pleasantly.