Jiayi could tell that Dr. Sun was willing, but he was somewhat self-conscious and afraid of causing trouble.
I believe that as we spend more time together and get to know each other better, these concerns will disappear.
He smiled, bowed to General Tang and Doctor Sun, and then strode out.
Dr. Sun was left behind, pulled aside by General Tang, who gave him a long lecture…
The next morning, the Li family's courtyard was bustling with activity.
Tao Hongying, Zhao Yuru, Sister Liu, and Huiniang, along with their maids, were busy in the kitchen, while Madam Wen was in charge of looking after the children.
Grandma Li entertained the guests, while Wenjuan took care of the tea and snacks.
The old lady of the Tang family arrived early with Madam Tang, and even brought her most beloved granddaughter along, intending to show the Li family.
Tang's granddaughter is named Yuwen. She is fourteen years old, with delicate features. Because she loves reading, she has a scholarly air about her. She is quiet and gentle, and very lovable.
Old Mrs. Li hadn't expected that Old Mrs. Tang really intended to arrange a marriage. Even though Old Mrs. Tang's expression didn't seem bad, she wasn't as resistant as her mother-in-law had been when she brought it up before.
Old Mrs. Li guessed that the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law must have discussed it in private, so she asked Granny Chang to bring a set of white jade jewelry as a gift.
White jade may not be particularly valuable, but it gives people a sense of warmth and peace.
Moreover, this jewelry is extremely well-made and very rare.
Yuwen liked it very much, but Old Madam Tang and Madam Tang were also surprised.
Grandma Li smiled and said, "My little granddaughter likes these things, so the Marquis's mansion always has jewelry craftsmen on hand."
"She would occasionally draw a design and send it over to a craftsman to make it. This time when I went out, she insisted on bringing me two sets, and I didn't expect it to actually come in handy."
“It’s nothing valuable. Yuwen just wears it for fun. You young people should be dressing up nicely. At our age, we’re afraid people will call us old hags if we wear an extra hairpin!”
Everyone laughed.
Madam Tang casually praised, "The princess is truly clever; today, it is our Yuwen who has benefited the most."
“Yuwen is clumsy; the only thing she’s good at is needlework. In a few days, have her embroider some small gifts for the old lady and the princess as return gifts.”
"Alright, then I won't stand on ceremony. It's just that we live far apart, otherwise Yuwen would definitely get along well with our Jiayin!" As Grandma Li spoke, she seemed to miss her little granddaughter, and her expression quickly turned melancholy.
Wenjuan was a little anxious. Although her grandmother rarely mentioned it, she was always thinking about her family and her sister-in-law.
They racked their brains to coax the old lady, which is how they managed to hold on until now.
Thinking this, she was about to step forward to speak when, just then, her in-laws arrived.
Sister Liu was very satisfied with Yue Linlang, her future daughter-in-law, and she had been interacting with Yue's family a lot during this period.
The Yue family are merchants, and when it comes to seeking profit and avoiding harm, no one is better than them.
The reason why the Yue family chose Liu Yang as their son-in-law was twofold: firstly, they valued Liu Yang, and secondly, Liu Yang and Jia Yi were like brothers, supporting each other.
I heard that the Liu family in Suijintan also gets along very well with the Li family.
Yue Linlang will be Liu's daughter-in-law and also half a daughter-in-law of Li's family.
When the Li family held a banquet to recognize Shanhu as their goddaughter, the Yue family took the initiative to come and offer their congratulations.
When Master Yue and his wife entered the house with their daughter, they were even happier to see the Tang family members also present.
After exchanging greetings, Master Yue and Li Zhensheng went to the study for tea, leaving Madam Yue behind. Madam Yue, being a skilled and eloquent woman, soon found herself chatting and laughing with Old Madam Li and Old Madam Tang.
Linlang went to the kitchen to check on her future mother-in-law, wanting to help, but was instead told to go play with Shanhu and Wenyu.
Madam Yue wasn't quite familiar with the Li family's customs, so she said to Old Madam Li, "Old Madam, we have several chefs who are excellent at cooking seafood. If you don't mind, I'll have two of them sent over tomorrow to help out in the kitchen, and it'll give our family a change of pace, okay?"
Old Mrs. Li wasn't stupid; she immediately guessed the old woman's concern: she was afraid the Liu family would follow the Li family's example and make their daughter-in-law cook as well.
Grandma Li smiled and offered a few more explanations.
"We have a cook at home, and he's quite skilled. The reason I had my wife cook today is because it's a family dinner."
"The people eating here are all family members and elders. The younger generation prepares the food themselves as a sign of respect for their elders."
"Of course, such times are rare, only three to five times a year, so I'm not worried about the children getting tired because of it."
Madam Yue blushed upon hearing this and quickly replied, "Oh, Madam is truly wise. A family should be like this: loving elders and filial children are the way to ensure the long-term prosperity of the family."
Madam Tang couldn't help but nod, jokingly saying, "Old sister, you're so lucky, I'm really envious. My clumsy daughter-in-law, let alone cooking, I'd be praying to Buddha if she didn't burn down the kitchen."
Everyone laughed, which made Madam Tang scold, "Mother, you're hurting my feelings by saying that."
"Although your daughter-in-law can't cook, most of the clothes you wear were sewn by her stitch by stitch."
"Oh dear, oh dear, I let it slip! I'm afraid I'll be in big trouble when I get home!" Old Madam Tang pretended to be panicked, which made everyone laugh even louder.
Grandma Li patted her hand and replied, "My fourth son's wife is a good cook, but she's terrible at needlework. You see, nobody's perfect; everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Speaking of which, when I was young, I was also bad at everything and had to learn everything from scratch."
"Me too, I used to practice martial arts every day, and my mother was worried I'd never get married!" Old Madam Tang said with great interest, reminiscing about her youth.
For a moment, the two old ladies began to reminisce about the past.
After chatting and laughing for a while, General Tang and Doctor Sun finally arrived.
Li Zhensheng, along with Jiayi and Maoge'er, personally went out to greet them and welcomed them in.
The group exchanged greetings, and since General Tang and Doctor Sun were both quite old, there was no need to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
Yuwen and Linlang followed Shanhu into the hall.
Dr. Sun sat upright in his chair. In front of everyone, Shanhu, with red eyes, knelt down, kowtowed to Dr. Sun, and called out, "Godfather."
Dr. Sun struggled to hold back his tears. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Shanhu, when you were injured and brought to the wounded soldiers' camp, I treated your wounds and took care of you. It was only right and proper. You really don't need to repay me so generously. This old man living alone really can't bear such a burden."
“No, Godfather.” Coral shook her head vigorously, crawled forward on her knees, and insisted, “Godfather, I was determined to die back then. It was you who persuaded me again and again, and deliberately found me work to keep me busy, all to persuade me to live.”
"You even saved your own food rations so that Sister Mi could cook porridge for me. The nourishing soups I drank later were also thanks to you."
"I know all of this, and I keep it in mind."
“I have lost my parents and relatives and am all alone. From now on, you will be my second parents. I am willing to take care of you until the end of my life. Please give me this opportunity.”
Upon seeing this, Jiayi knelt down beside Shanhu and said, "Godfather, please give Shanhu and me this chance."
Dr. Sun wanted to say something more, but everyone was getting anxious.
My darlings, there's a case of a high fever at my child's school. I had to rush my child home, and it was a complete mess. It took all afternoon, so I can only post two updates today. Hugs! Everyone, please take precautions and stay healthy!
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