Chapter 130: Visiting Relatives in Bianjing

Lu Xingran didn't have much of an impression of her great-grandmother, but she had heard that Bianjing's streets were more bustling and had more fun things to do, so she had been looking forward to it for several days.

On the day of departure, Lu Xingran got up early and dressed herself, but she buttoned the clothes wrong.

Cuizhi glanced at the sky outside, which was just beginning to brighten. "It's still early. Why did you get up so early?"

“If we get up early, we can see our great-grandmother sooner,” Lu Xingran said.

Cuizhi touched the young master's face. "That's the same. Now that you're up, let me make you some egg drop soup first, how about that?"

"Make sure to add sugar." Lu Xingran pulled Cuizhi's hand and walked outside.

Smoke rose from the kitchen. Everyone was surprised to see Lu Xingran arrive. Normally, this young master wouldn't wake up unless you called her two or three times.

Cuizhi made egg drop soup for the young master, and knowing that the eldest brother had also gotten up, she took another bowl of egg drop soup over.

Qiao Mianmian and Lu Zhao, who lived in the main house, didn't get up until it was broad daylight. They had just finished breakfast when Lin Shi and Qiao Mancang rushed over.

"Please give my regards to the old lady." Lin said, pointing to the things she had brought. "The old lady likes our homemade sausages, so I brought her ten. There are also lotus seeds and yams, which were sent by the Lin family. I brought them all for the old lady to try."

She paused, then took out another bag. "These are homemade steamed buns. The weather isn't too hot now, so they'll last us for several days. Xingran is a picky eater and won't like the mixed grain pancakes we had on the road, so remember to take good care of her, okay?"

"I know, Mom. I will definitely take good care of Xingran." Qiao Mianmian went over to take a look. Each steamed bun was plump and cute, and still steaming hot. It was clear that her parents had gotten up early to make them. "You are the best. You thought of making steamed buns for us to eat."

Madam Lin chuckled, "I'm your mother. If I'm not good to you, who else would I be good to?"

Qiao Mancang, who was standing to the side, yawned sleepily. "You have no idea, your mother woke me up to make steamed buns an hour before dawn."

Lin: "Why do you talk so much?"

Qiao Mancang: "I was just making a comment."

Watching her parents bicker, Qiao Mianmian felt that life was still the same as before. "Alright, alright, don't worry, we will definitely finish all these steamed buns. When we get to Bianjing, I will write to you. What do you need? I will bring it to you."

Qiao Mancang wanted Wanhelou's Daughter's Red wine, but Madam Lin didn't want anything. "When you get to Bianjing, ask the old lady if she wants to come to Lin'an. Isn't she the one who dotes on her son-in-law the most? It's the same if she comes to her eldest grandson's house to live out her old age."

Qiao Mianmian agreed, but she knew that Old Madam Lu wouldn't come.

Madam Lin added, "Your second brother wants you to bring back a piece of jewelry. He said the price doesn't matter, as long as it looks good and is fashionable. He really dotes on your second sister-in-law."

Over the years, Qiao Jiaxing and his wife have only had one daughter. The doctor said that Cao Yuan is somewhat cold-natured and has a lower fertility than the average person.

Cao Yuan felt indebted, but Qiao Jiaxing didn't care. With his comfort, Cao Yuan gradually stopped taking the matter so seriously.

Qiao Jiaxing's original words were, "My eldest brother has many sons. When the time comes, he can just register one of them for us. As for our daughter, she is the apple of our eye. If we take good care of her as she grows up, why would we be afraid that no one will take care of her in her old age?"

Qiao Jiawang had three sons. Qiao Jiaxing didn't want to adopt his nephew; he just wanted to keep his name so that his lineage could be recorded in the family genealogy.

"What about your older brother and sister-in-law?" Qiao Mianmian asked.

"Your eldest brother is still the same as before. It was your sister-in-law who brought it up with me. She said that her parents are weak and wanted you to buy some deer antlers and such." As Lin said this, seeing that her daughter was still the same as before, she sighed in her heart. All her daughters had found good husbands, and she could finally rest easy.

"Okay, I've got it all in mind." Seeing that it was getting late and she needed to hurry on her way, Qiao Mianmian said goodbye to her parents and then got into the carriage with her two children.

Before parting, Lu Xingran saw her maternal grandmother and was reluctant to leave. She wavered between the allure of Bianjing and her grandmother until the carriage swayed her to sleep.

With the addition of two children, their journey was slowed down, and the family didn't arrive in Bianjing until early September.

The carriage stopped in front of the Lu family's house, and the steward jogged over. "Master, you've finally arrived! The old lady has sent people to inquire several times a day. She's been looking forward to this day ever since she received your letter. These must be your eldest son and daughter. They're so beautiful. Please come in. Second Master and Second Madam are waiting for you."

As he spoke, he beckoned to the servants, "Quickly help carry the things into the mansion and deliver them to the Qiwu Garden where the master lives."

The butler led the way, cheerfully recounting the Lu family's situation over the past two years. "Second Madam gave birth to a daughter last year, whose features resemble Second Master's, and the Old Madam is very fond of her. Third Master also got married this year, and the Old Madam said that after Fourth Master gets married, they will be allowed to separate and live separately. Back then, you were generous, leaving the mansions in Bianjing to the gentlemen, and they are all grateful to you."

Listening to the butler's rambling, Lu Zhao and his party arrived at the courtyard where Old Madam Lu lived.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, Granny Kong saw them and immediately greeted them with a smile, "Grandma, Master and Madam are back!"

Upon hearing this, Grandma Lu immediately put down the flower plaque and got up to greet them. When she saw her eldest grandson's family at the door, she couldn't stop smiling. "Oh my, is this Xingran? She's grown so much! The last time I saw her, she was just learning to walk."

Lu Xingran had just woken up and was being held in her father's arms. She rubbed her eyes, still not used to the unfamiliar environment, and clung tightly to her father.

Grandma Lu had been looking forward to seeing her two great-grandchildren for a long time, but her great-granddaughter seemed a little shy. She touched her great-granddaughter's face and said, "Grandma has prepared a lot of food, including fried goat milk and cheese. Would you like some?"

Lu Xingran had never eaten these before and was curious, so she asked in a low voice, "What are you talking about?"

As soon as she asked, an old nanny came over with some snacks. After smelling the aroma, Lu Xingran immediately perked up.

Seeing his younger sister start eating, Lu Yanli thought he should find an opportunity to teach her some manners.

He himself respectfully bowed and greeted his great-grandmother.

"Yanli is so sensible." Grandma Lu held her great-grandson's hand. "You little rascal, you are just like your father when he was a child. Even the way you bow is exactly the same."

Lu Yanli stood ramrod straight, obediently listening to his great-grandmother speak.

Qiao Mianmian reminded, "Grandmother, let's not stand here, let's sit down and talk."

Only then did she notice two other young women in the room. She recognized one of them, Madam Xu, as she was the second wife. The other woman had a round face and was presumably the third wife. As she was observing them, the two women came over to greet her, calling her "elder sister-in-law" in unison, confirming her guess.

Now that she was the matriarch of the household, Madam Xu took the initiative to have tea and snacks served to her. "Knowing that my elder brother and sister-in-law were coming back, Grandmother had been thinking about it for a long time. The courtyard where you will be staying has been cleaned and tidied up, and incense has been burned. I have also prepared a room for Yanli and the others. Here, this is a gift from your second aunt to welcome you."

As they were talking, her maid brought over two small boxes. One was an inkstone for Lu Yanli, and the other was a gold lock inlaid with red agate for Lu Xingran. Both items were quite valuable.

Seeing that Madam Xu had taken the gift, Madam He from the third branch of the family quickly gave the old woman a meaningful look, signaling her to go back and get it.

The second and third wives both knew that the first wife had no ambition. Moreover, if the first wife hadn't voluntarily given up the family property, they wouldn't have received so much, and their lives wouldn't be as good as they are now.

They knew how to be content. When the eldest son came to visit, they made arrangements in advance to make him happy and comfortable.

Qiao Mianmian also prepared gifts for the second and third wives, including lip balm and sachets that she made herself. "These lip balms are made with beeswax and flowers. Look at mine, I applied this this morning and it hasn't faded yet."

Looking at her, Xu felt that her sister-in-law hadn't changed at all; she was still beautiful and charming. She thought to herself that it must be so easy to live without having to worry about anything and having someone to protect you. She felt a little envious.

She thanked her sister-in-law for the gift, and seeing that the third branch of the family had brought the gift, she said, "Eldest brother and sister-in-law, you must be tired from your journey. Please stay here and keep Grandmother company for a while. My third sister-in-law and I will go prepare dinner." Knowing that her grandmother had a lot to say to the eldest branch of the family, she offered to leave.

He was stunned for a moment before she understood what Xu meant. She hurriedly turned around and followed Xu out.

Qiao Mianmian turned her gaze away from Xu's two sisters-in-law and saw her grandmother talking to the two children. She sat quietly to the side and drank tea.

Lu Zhao then took the initiative to inquire about the situation at home.

Grandma Lu glanced at Granny Kong, who then led the two children to a private room for snacks. Only then did Grandma Lu say, "I thought you didn't care about the Lu family at all?"

Lu Zhao pursed his lips and remained silent.

"Alright, relax a bit," Old Mrs. Lu said with a smile. "Your second brother passed the imperial examination and is now an official in the Hanlin Academy, so the family has something to look forward to. Your third brother didn't do well in his studies, but he's quite good at business. Your fourth brother is the best at studying. By the time he gets his official rank, your second brother will have been in officialdom for a few years and can support him. Your father was a good-for-nothing, but fortunately, his sons were all quite good, so he didn't extinguish the hope of our Lu family. Otherwise, I would have no face to see your grandfather."

She paused, took a sip of tea, and continued, "Your brothers are all successful, which will make things easier for you in the future. I specifically sought out my second brother's wife; the Xu family has very strict rules, so I trust her with the inner quarters. My third brother's wife is simple-minded, which is a perfect match for him."

Hearing this, Qiao Mianmian realized that the old lady was no ordinary person; she could arrange things so well.

Knowing that the second son was an official and needed someone to support him, he went to great lengths to marry a daughter from a prominent family. The third son, who ran a business, was chosen based on his character and personality. If both married strong-willed women, two tigers cannot share one mountain, and conflict would be inevitable.

When the fourth son gets married, the Lu family should be in a better situation, and there will be no need to worry about conflicts arising from marrying someone of a higher social standing, because they can then divide the family property.

"The family is thriving, and now I can finally relax and enjoy my retirement." After Old Mrs. Lu stopped managing things, she wasn't used to it at first, but after her second son's child was born, she helped take care of the baby, and the days went by quickly. "But how long do you plan to stay this time? Will you go back after the New Year?"

Lu Zhao said no, he didn't have that many lies.

“Then you go back yourself, leave Mianmian and the others behind. I’ll send someone to take them back later.” Before Grandma Lu could finish speaking, she saw her eldest grandson frown slightly and click his tongue. “Look at you, are you so reluctant to part with your wife? Fine, fine, I won’t be heartless. You two can go back together. But we agreed that you have to stay with me these days.”

Qiao Mianmian smiled and said, "Grandmother, don't worry, we came to Bianjing to visit you. How have you been lately?"

"I'm perfectly fine. I want to see the Lu family prosper again and for Yanli to get married. Don't worry, I will try my best to live to be a hundred years old." The old lady Lu happily called to Granny Kong to bring the two children out. "Send someone to ask how dinner is being prepared. I'm afraid the two children will be hungry."

Lu Xingran immediately said she wasn't hungry; she had just eaten several pastries and drunk honey.

"Then let's wait a little longer." Grandma Lu hugged Lu Xingran in her arms. "My darlings, you are my lifeblood."

Lu Xingran was no longer afraid of strangers. She leaned against her great-grandmother with a smile. Suddenly, she remembered her mother's instructions and invited her great-grandmother to live in Lin'an.

Grandma Lu smiled even more happily. Although she couldn't go to Lin'an, she was still happy to hear this, which showed that her great-granddaughter cared about her.

Lu Yanli couldn't bring himself to act cute. He sat quietly to the side, watching intently as the adults spoke, as if he understood everything they said.

About half an hour later, Madam Xu came to call them for dinner. Old Mrs. Lu held one child in each hand and then looked at Qiao Mianmian and her husband. "Let's go. Today our family is reunited, so we should have a few drinks."

Qiao Mianmian smiled and agreed. Lu Zhao held her hand and didn't let go after Qiao Mianmian stepped over the threshold.

The couple led each other to the front hall, and after they sat down, seeing the whole family living in harmony, they were very happy.

————————

The story is now complete! Please give it a five-star review!

Wishing everyone all the best, good health, and happiness. See you again with the new book! [heart emoji]