Madam Liu had prepared a lavish spread of food and wine with the help of two maids.
The Gao family was always generous when it came to eating and drinking. After all, they were hosting the "House of Brilliance," personally honored by the Emperor. They were fortunate to have taken in a son-in-law from such a distinguished family.
The Gao residence was situated in the northern part of the county town, an area inhabited by officials and wealthy merchants. Governor Chen's mansion was also located here. Almost every house was a grand estate with white walls and blue tiles. A glimpse from the outside revealed their sheer magnificence.
Old Yun's carriage arrived. Mr. and Mrs. Gao stood smiling at the entrance to welcome them. Upon seeing both Da Man and Er Man dressed in official attire, Gao Mantang's eyes widened, and his heart bloomed with joy. He was from a merchant background, a low social standing, and it was questionable whether his descendants could even participate in the imperial examinations, let alone serve in the yamen.
Old Man Yun and Madam Gu alighted from the carriage, supporting each other. "In-laws, you've finally arrived!" Gao Mantang greeted them with a broad smile. Madam Liu also took Madam Gu's hand, her eyes glancing towards the carriage. Where was their little daughter? Had she not come?
Just then, a small, chubby hand pushed aside the curtain, revealing a round, rosy face. Little Xi Tian, like a little ball of dough, hopped down from the carriage. Her big eyes blinked at Madam Liu.
"Oh my, this must be Sweetie Baby!" Madam Liu's eyes lit up. She released Madam Gu's hand and scooped up Little Xi Tian.
"Mmm!" Little Xi Tian wrinkled her nose. "You're squeezing me to death..." She squirmed, wanting to be put down. But Madam Liu held her tighter, smiling and asking, "Sweetie Baby, how old are you this year?"
Little Xi Tian pouted, rolling her eyes internally, "Five!"
"Oh, dear, come and see! This little girl's voice is so lovely, like a bird's song," Madam Liu exclaimed, planting a kiss on Little Xi Tian's cheek.
Gao Mantang: "..." What a disgrace! What bird song? Crows and magpies are also birds, and their songs aren't pleasant. He gave a dry laugh and nodded, "Yes, like a lark's song, truly beautiful!"
Yun San Man stood at the doorway, so embarrassed he wished he could disappear into the ground. Gao Fengjuan, however, pulled out a handful of candies and pressed them into Little Xi Tian's arms. "Here, this is for you from your third sister-in-law. They're very sweet!"
Yun Jin Shan and Yun Jin He exchanged glances. Didn't they get any? In fact, they didn't. Even Gao Jing De, Gao Fengjuan's son, didn't get any.
"No candy, it causes toothaches!" Little Xi Tian, with her gappy smile, had gotten that way from eating too much candy. She was losing her teeth earlier than other children. Children usually started losing their teeth around six or seven years old. Perhaps due to excessive candy consumption, she had developed more cavities recently, and the sight of candy now annoyed her.
Since her candy couldn't be given away, Gao Fengjuan turned to Madam Gu. "Mother, here, have some candy!" She couldn't lose face by not giving it away.
Before Madam Gu could reach for it, Liu Cui Rong snatched it, peeled one, and popped it into her mouth. "Oh, this doesn't taste that great, it's a bit sour..." She then turned to Gao Fengjuan, "Third sister-in-law, tell me next time you buy candy, I know which shop has the best!" Liu Cui Rong then stuffed the entire handful of candy into her own pocket.
Gao Fengjuan trembled with anger. This wretched woman had no shame at all.
"In-laws, the wine and food are ready. Let's go inside!" Gao Mantang said, rubbing his hands.
Since alighting from the carriage, Old Man Yun had maintained a cool, indifferent demeanor. With his hands behind his back, holding his pipe, he strode into the courtyard. The Gao residence was not as spacious as the Yun family's, but it was exquisitely furnished. Every plant, every tree, every table, and every chair was crafted from fine wood. The main hall and inner rooms were meticulously cleaned and spotless. A large, round dining table was placed in the center of the main hall, with two maids busy serving tea and water.
"Wow, Big Brother, look! So much food!" Yun Jin Shan glanced at the dining table, licking his lips in anticipation. To entertain their esteemed guests, Gao Mantang had specifically asked San Man to buy some seafood. The large crabs, spread out on the plates, were bright red and much bigger than the crabs from the local lakes.
Madam Gu showed no particular interest in the seafood. She was not a gluttonous person. Besides, she had eaten her fill of such delicacies in her childhood.
Gao Mantang picked up the wine pot and personally poured wine for Old Man Yun. "Come, in-law, it's been so many years since we last drank together. Today, we won't stop until we're drunk!"
Old Man Yun raised an eyebrow and placed his hand over the rim of the cup. "I've quit drinking!"
The Yun family: "..." When did you quit? Half an hour ago?
Little Xi Tian watched her father's affected expression and covered her mouth, giggling. "Daddy is too cute."
Gao Mantang, having traveled extensively and met many people in his youth, understood what Old Man Yun was thinking. He grinned, patted Old Man Yun's hand, and said, "In-law, after this drink, I have something to tell you! We are family, but over the years, we haven't kept in touch and have gradually grown distant. Let this drink be my apology, alright?"
Old Man Yun snorted upon hearing this. He lit his pipe, took two deep puffs, and said gruffly, "In-law, how can I respond to your words? What wrong have you done to apologize to me?" This clearly indicated he did not wish to engage with Gao Mantang.
Madam Gu coughed lightly and kicked Old Man Yun under the table. "Why are you kicking me?" Old Man Yun asked. Can't you see what the Gao family's intentions are? For the first time, she felt her wife could be a bit confused.
Unexpectedly, Madam Gu frowned and kicked him again. "Ash!" Old Man Yun looked down and saw two specks of ash had fallen into Madam Gu's teacup. The tea was clearly undrinkable. Old Man Yun's old face flushed, and he quickly extinguished his pipe.
Liu Cui Rong took a couple of sips of the fruit wine. It was sweet and quite delicious. She poured herself a full cup, then stood up and toasted Gao Mantang. "Since my father won't drink, I'll drink with you!" She could drink half a jar of this fruit wine.
Gao Mantang: "..." This woman truly didn't consider herself an outsider! I'm not familiar with you.
Little Xi Tian also sighed, resting her forehead on her hand. "Second sister-in-law, wouldn't it be better if you just ate some seafood quietly?"
Yun Er Man tugged at her, frowning. "Sit down!" This was too embarrassing. Truly unrefined.
To save Liu Cui Rong some face, Gao Mantang decisively raised his cup and drank it down. Liu Cui Rong, however, rolled her eyes and slammed her cup down. She wasn't drinking anymore! What was with all these proud people?
Gao Mantang smiled at Old Man Yun. "It's fine if you don't drink, in-law, but I still need to say what I have to say. Don't think I'm trying to curry favor with Sweetie Baby; our Gao family wouldn't do such a thing!" With that, Gao Mantang stood up and said solemnly, "Everyone, please listen. I have an announcement to make..."