After passing through the long corridor and the moon gate, it wasn't long before we arrived at the main hall of the Marquis of Lin'an's residence.
Lu Qiqi, holding Lu Yao's hand, followed behind her two aunts. As they approached the hall, they saw three or five maids carrying things and quickly walking inside.
As soon as the two sisters stepped into the hall, they saw many people sitting inside, all of whom were looking in their direction.
As soon as Lu Qiqi entered the room, she saw the two elderly people sitting high on the head of the table, one on her left and one on her right.
Marquis Lin'an had fought on the battlefield for many years and looked dignified and solemn.
Lady Lin'an, the wife of the Marquis of Lin'an, had a kind face and a smile on her lips. Her face was marked by the passage of time, but one could still vaguely see the beauty she had in her youth.
Ding Wanyue walked quickly to Old Madam Chen and said with a smile, "Mother, Wenjun's child has come home."
Lu Yao was unaccustomed to so many eyes on her and was a little nervous. Her right hand unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes.
But when she looked up and saw her sister's profile, she felt a sense of peace for some reason.
Lu Qiqi took the lead in demonstrating the proper greeting, and Lu Yao followed suit.
"Qiqi has met her maternal grandfather and maternal grandmother."
“Ayao has met her maternal grandmother and maternal grandfather.”
Seeing the two sisters before her, Old Madam Chen seemed to see Chen Wenjun in different stages of her life.
Tears welled up in her eyes without her realizing it. "Oh, good, good. It's good that you're back."
Ding Wanyue, being the most perceptive, smiled and said, "Qiqi, Ayao, your maternal grandmother, upon hearing the news, has been longing to find you and bring you back."
Now that we're finally home, come in quickly and let your parents see us.
Upon hearing this, Lu Qiqi led Lu Yao inside.
But as she got closer, she saw that both old people's eyes were filled with a layer of mist, and she knew what it was without even guessing.
While the upper seats are spacious, it becomes quite crowded if three people sit on one side.
Neither of the two sisters felt comfortable sitting on equal footing with the Marquis of Lin'an.
Old Madam Chen had clearly thought of this, and said without any politeness, "My lord, could you please make room for me?"
This was only done in front of the younger generation; if it were in the courtyard, Old Madam Chen would probably have kicked them out.
Lord Chen knew his wife's temperament well. He coughed lightly, patted his knees, and stood up.
He quickly took over the position from his youngest son, Chen Ziye.
This left the two sisters at a loss, since there were many elders below them, so what was the meaning of them sitting in the seat of honor?
When Lu Qiqi looked at everyone, she found that no one seemed to be acting strangely; they were used to such things.
Seeing how the two elders got along made Lu Qiqi think that her mother, Chen Wenjun, must have had a wonderful childhood.
After all, children will be deeply influenced by loving parents and grow up in a loving environment.
She wasn't the only one who thought this way; Lu Yao, who was beside her, did too.
She had always thought that her parents were very authoritative, but she never expected that she would be so much like them when she was with them.
She said, "Sister, Grandfather seems to be afraid of his wife, just like our father."
After Lord Chen was driven away, the hall became quiet. Lu Yao spoke softly, but her words still reached the ears of Old Madam Chen.
Hearing that her daughter had married someone like a marquis while she was alive brought her considerable comfort.
After all, these days there's no such thing as being afraid; it's just a matter of giving in.
Lu Qiqi ultimately did not sit down there. Although she was not from this era, she knew that since Old Madam Chen had done this, the situation in her home would not be known to outsiders.
But she would never sit in a higher position above her elders, whether in her past life or this one; it doesn't make sense.
So, Lu Qiqi had someone bring a stool and sat down around Old Madam Chen.
During the meal, the second aunt, Ding Wanyue, introduced the sisters to her maternal grandparents' family.
"This is your second uncle. He now manages all the shops owned by the Chen family."
That's yours..."
After Ding Wanyue explained everything, Lu Qiqi understood the population situation of the Marquis of Lin'an's residence.
When the Marquis of Lin'an was young, he was not obsessed with romantic affairs, and he only had one wife and one concubine in his huge mansion.
The only concubine was a maid who came with Madam Chen as part of her dowry.
The concubine gave birth to a daughter who died a few years ago. She was the only illegitimate daughter of the Marquis of Lin'an. She had married into the Huating family many years ago and had rarely returned home since the concubine's death.
Speaking of Madam Chen, she had two sons and a daughter, all of whom were handsome and beautiful, and were quite famous in the new capital.
The eldest son, Chen Zirong, married Xuan Wenying, the daughter of General Xuanwu.
The couple has a son and a daughter. Their eldest daughter, Chen Simin, is married and is the eldest sister among the younger generation. Their youngest son, Chen Siyan, is the second oldest in the family and is currently studying for the imperial examinations.
The second son, Chen Zirong, married Ding Wanyue.
The couple had two daughters and one son. Their only son, Chen Sihang, was the third child in his family, their eldest daughter, Chen Siqi, was the fourth child in her family, and their youngest daughter, Chen Siyi, was the fifth child in her family.
Lu Qiqi didn't see Chen Sihang. Ding Wanyue told her that he would leave the mansion with his servants to do business after the New Year and would not be able to return home until April.
After the introductions, Lu Qiqi remembered them all.
Then came the voice of Old Madam Chen, "These hazelnut shortbreads are delicious, have a couple more."
Steward Chen told me that you fell ill on the way. Once you've settled into the Marquis's residence, your maternal grandmother will have someone prepare some nourishing soup for you.
Lu Qiqi looked over upon hearing the sound and saw Lu Yao's pleading expression.
There were still crumbs of pastry at the corners of Lu Yao's mouth, indicating that Old Madam Chen had fed her quite a few candied fruits.
Just as I was about to step forward and say a few words of advice, I heard Old Madam Chen's voice, "After saying so much, Qiqi, come and eat some too."
Your mother loves this hibiscus cake the most; she makes someone go to the market to buy it every few days.
As Madam Chen spoke, a glimmer of light appeared in her eyes as she recalled the beautiful past.
Then, looking at Lu Qiqi's expression, it seemed that the little bit of concern in her heart had turned into another kind of hope.
For a moment, Lu Qiqi was speechless. Following Lu Yao's example, she obediently took the hibiscus cake and took a bite.
The pastries are sweet but not cloying, and they melt in your mouth after a few moments.
She met Old Madam Chen's expectant gaze and smiled, "Thank you, Grandmother, this hibiscus cake is delicious."
Upon hearing that Lu Qiqi also liked it, Madam Chen quickly instructed people to place the hibiscus cake in front of her, saying, "Eat more if you like it. Tongxinzhai in the new capital makes the best."
When they want to eat it, they send a servant to buy it.
Lu Qiqi was enveloped in the love and care of her elders, and ate the hibiscus cake one bite after another.
Seeing that she was eating earnestly, Madam Chen did not urge her and began to feed Lu Yao again.
At this moment, Lu Qiqi felt helpless in the face of Lu Yao's plea for help.
She looked at the table full of food and sighed inwardly.
Sure enough, elders who cherish their juniors will raise them like pigs.
However, she never expected that this was a historical tradition passed down from ancient times to the present.
Thinking this, Madam Chen handed over another hazelnut pastry.
Lu Qiqi, “…”
For a fleeting moment, I wanted to go home.
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