Under the bright moonlight, the Jiang family gathered together for a grand moon-worship ceremony.
During this time, Hao also sent someone to invite Jiang Huaiyu, but she politely declined, saying that Bai Yujing was still drunk and needed someone to take care of him.
Ms. Hao did not insist. Instead, she said that if they were not feeling well, they did not need to force themselves to attend the family dinner, and she would send someone to deliver dinner to their room.
Jiang Huaiyu had originally planned to explain to her that he wouldn't be attending the family banquet, but since Hao had already brought it up, he readily agreed.
Seeing that she was so sensible, Madam Hao couldn't help but feel a little affection for her. She said, "I remember that you loved Liang's mooncakes when you were little. Today, we have prepared all kinds of mooncakes at home. I will have someone send you some of each flavor later."
"Thank you, Mother."
Madam Hao added, "Although you won't be attending the family banquet, it's rare for your brothers to gather together. After Yujing sobers up, it would be best if the two of you went to see them together."
After all, she is still nominally a member of the Jiang family. As the son-in-law of the Jiang family, Bai Yujing is likely to achieve great things in the future. Therefore, it might not be without benefits for the family's sons to be closer to him.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and agreed, "Yes, my husband and I will definitely go tomorrow."
Madam Hao nodded slightly and said, "I have other matters to attend to, so I won't discuss them with you in detail here. There is an attic on the east side of your room, and I have already instructed the servants to clean it. If you wish to go up to the attic to enjoy the moonlight, you are welcome to do so at any time."
Jiang Huaiyu looked up with a hint of surprise.
That attic on the east side of the house was her favorite place since childhood. It was like her secret garden, where she could hide and quietly read books for an afternoon, or climb up alone late at night to immerse herself in the brilliance of the stars and moon.
Whenever her parents couldn't find her anywhere, they felt helpless and could only gently call her back from the attic.
However, ever since Jiang Shuqin returned home, she has lost that willful freedom, and the attic has become an unattainable dream.
Who would have thought that the mother still remembered that corner?
However, in the blink of an eye, Hao shattered her illusions.
"Shuqin has been living away from home for many years and has gone through many hardships. Even if she harbors resentment towards you, it is understandable. But don't forget that you have the blood of your family flowing through your veins. Your parents raised you with their own hands. You should be more understanding of her when things happen, don't argue with her over trivial matters, and never hold a grudge."
Jiang Huaiyu lowered her head slightly, concealing the emotional fluctuations that flashed in her eyes, and said in a calm tone, "Huaiyu will remember this."
After Hao left, Bai Yujing immediately came to greet her as soon as she stepped across the threshold.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and asked, "You heard everything? Let's go to the attic tonight to admire the moon. It's a rare gem. Not only can we enjoy the brilliant night sky, but we can also peek into the neighbor's courtyard."
A deep worry was evident in Bai Yujing's eyes.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled gently and comforted her, "Don't worry, I've been over it for a long time."
...
The moonlight is especially enchanting during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The Hao family specially set up the family banquet in the octagonal pavilion in the courtyard. The pavilion was surrounded by lanterns, and the evening breeze brought a refreshing coolness.
As everyone drank and chatted, they looked up and saw the bright moon, as round as a jade plate, its pure light shining for miles around, a truly delightful sight.
During the meal, Jiang Shuqin didn't see Jiang Huaiyu and couldn't help but ask, "Mother, where did they go?"
Hao explained the reason to her.
Jiang Shuqin snorted disdainfully, "It's fine if they don't come, lest they ruin our enjoyment. Mid-Autumn Festival is a festival for family reunion. Our family is gathered together, and these two outsiders shouldn't bother us. They only make us feel annoyed."
Hao shook her head slightly, her voice tinged with helplessness, "Don't you know who wrote the letter urging them to return?"
A hint of curiosity flashed in her eyes as she asked softly, "Shuqin, I still don't understand. What important matter makes you so determined to see Huaiyu?"
Jiang Shuqin was unwilling to reveal too much, only vaguely saying, "Nothing much, I just wanted to confirm something, but now it seems that it was a superfluous move."
Before she could finish speaking, Jiang Li, the eldest son of the Jiang family, suddenly called out to her.
"Shuqin, it's been a long time since you've returned home. Today is a joyous occasion, why not share a drink with your elder brother!"
The second son, Jiang Lang, also raised his glass and said warmly, "Sister Shuqin, and me too."
With a beaming smile, Jiang Shuqin raised her wine glass and said softly, "Alright, Shuqin toasts my elder brothers."
After finishing her drink, Jiang Li asked with a smile, "I heard that the young master has recovered. Since your marriage, I have not had the chance to see my brother-in-law. When will the young master have some free time? I would like to invite him to Taibai Tower for a long chat."
“Indeed, when I meet my brother-in-law, I will definitely remind him to treat my sister well and not to let my Shuqin down,” Jiang Lang echoed.
Jiang Li chuckled and said, "With such audacity, you really dare to speak to the Crown Prince like that?"
Jiang Lang responded boldly: "Even if he is the crown prince, he is still my sister's husband. What do I have to fear?"
Jiang Shuqin enjoyed the approval of this family affection and happily agreed.
"Eldest brother, second brother, I will definitely tell the young master about this when he returns. However, if you go to Taibai Tower, remember not to drink alcohol. The young master has just recovered, and the elders in the family have strictly ordered him not to touch alcohol for six months."
"Alas, what a pity..." Jiang Lang said with a look of regret.
Jiang Wenyuan's gaze sharpened, and he said seriously, "Since the Crown Prince is your brother-in-law, it is certainly not wrong for you to want to befriend him. However, the way you associate with him should be noble. You should discuss official careers and economics, learn the conduct of high-ranking families, and never indulge in sensual pleasures and waste your time!"
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