"Mei Niang, since you're here, come inside quickly. You two can talk later. What's the point of standing outside and leaving our whole family here?"
Grandma Ji was exceptionally happy today; even her voice was louder, and her joy could be felt even through the doorway.
Ji Meiniang wiped her eyes with a handkerchief and followed behind Ji Pengyu, leading Xiang Wan into the hall.
The Qiu family had arrived long ago. Among them was Xu, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Qiu family, who was also the niece-in-law of Old Madam Ji and the wife of her nephew Qiu Hong. Old Madam Ji was the eldest daughter of the Qiu family who married into the Ji family. Her younger brother, Qiu Chengchi, after retiring from his position as Grand Master of Ceremonies, took on a sinecure, specifically responsible for compiling books for the current emperor. Perhaps the Cao family played a part in this, but Qiu Chengchi did not blame them. Instead, he pitied his sister's unfortunate fate and took good care of the Cao family.
Qiu Chengchi had two sons, with Qiu Hong being his eldest grandson. When Qiu Hong reached marriageable age, Ji Meiniang was considered for the role. However, Cao Xinqian later won Ji Meiniang's heart, which led to Qiu Hong's marriage to Xu Shi.
Madam Xu didn't come alone; she brought two children who were about the same age as Xiang Wan: Qiu Hong's eldest daughter, Qiu Ruyan, and his eldest son, Qiu Lin. They were childhood playmates of the original owner, so they were always quite affectionate when they met. Qiu Ruyan, in particular, kept winking at Xiang Wan as she approached.
Ji Pengyu's wife, Ruan, was not born into a prestigious family. Because the Cao family had fallen on hard times and no one came to propose marriage, Ji Pengyu simply married Ruan Yu'er, the eldest daughter of Ruan Guowei, the Director of the Imperial Observatory, according to his wishes. They had two sons and a daughter. Their eldest son, Ji Feng, was a little older than Xiang Wan, their second son, Ji Xuan, was two years younger, and their youngest daughter, Ji Shuang'er, had just turned ten. They lived with Ji Pengyu away from home and didn't have many opportunities to see Xiang Wan, so they were somewhat estranged.
Xiang Wan smiled and greeted each of the elders, then distributed the gifts she had brought with her. The delicate pastries she bought while passing through the bustling market became Ji Shuang'er's favorite; she ate them with her mouth bulging, looking like a cute little hamster.
The whole family was talking in the front hall. Several of Ji Pengyu's old friends from the capital had also come, but they were all invited to the pavilion at the back. As for the figure that Xiang Wan had seen, he had already been invited to the adjacent courtyard and had not shown himself.
After chatting for a while, Xiang Wan and Qiu Ruyan led Ji Shuang'er to the back garden to enjoy the scenery, while Ji Feng, Ji Xuan, and Qiu Lin followed not far behind them.
In the Ji family, everyone was a relative, so there weren't many formalities. Qiu Ruyan was very interested in the affairs of the border region, but Ji Shuang'er couldn't say anything about it, so the three of them quietly walked over to Ji Feng and the others to listen to what they were saying.
"Cousin Ji Feng, I've heard that the people on the border are known for their fierce and tough nature, with all the men being strong and the women incredibly powerful. Is that true?" Qiu Lin asked with a curious expression.
He was only twelve or thirteen years old, a time when his curiosity was at its peak. Hearsay was far less interesting than firsthand accounts. However, he didn't want to ask Ji Xuan, who was about the same age as him. They were peers, and he had to consider his feelings.
Ji Xuan didn't mind, but he felt a little envious that his cousin from the Qiu family was better at talking than him.
Ji Feng smiled and said, "It's not that exaggerated. However, the men there generally farm and hunt in their spare time, so they are naturally much stronger than us. As for the women, they are exposed to the sun and rain all day long, so it's normal for them to be a bit darker than those in the capital."
"Are their clothes the same as ours?" Qiu Lin continued to ask.
"Men usually wear their hair down, while women, well, they need to, they need to be more revealing... These are all folk customs, Cousin Qiu Lin, you shouldn't ask too much." Ji Feng's dark face had an embarrassed blush, which was not noticeable unless you looked closely.
"Oh~~"
Qiu Lin's teasing made not only Ji Feng but also Ji Xuan feel awkward, so they quickly changed the subject, saying, "Cousin Qiu, what are some good places to eat and fun things to do in the capital? Tell us about them."
When it comes to food, drink, and entertainment, they have endless topics to discuss.
Ji Shuang'er was very interested in these things and wouldn't let go of Qiu Ruyan's hand, insisting on following them to listen carefully. Qiu Ruyan's face was flushed, so Xiang Wan simply pulled her along and stood openly in front of Ji Feng and the other two.
"Cousin Ji Feng, I heard your journey has been arduous. Did you travel by boat or by carriage along the official road? Did you encounter any interesting events along the way? When you passed through checkpoints, was it enough to just hand over your travel permit? Did you see any strangely dressed merchants? Is the border region really adjacent to the Kingdom of Fei? Is our Cui Dynasty more powerful, or is the Kingdom of Fei more powerful?"
Xiang Wan asked five or six questions in one go, leaving Ji Feng and Ji Xuan completely bewildered and unsure where to begin.
Qiu Ruyan quietly tugged at Xiang Wan's sleeve, startled by her actions.
Xiang Wan reached out and stroked the back of her hand, then looked up at Ji Feng and said, "Cousin Ji Feng, please don't mind. I was just very curious, that's why I asked. When I entered the front hall just now, I thought I saw a stranger. Was he with you? He didn't seem to be from our Cui Kingdom."
Upon hearing this, Ji Feng and Ji Xuan's expressions changed simultaneously, while Ji Shuang'er, preoccupied with the flowers beside her, did not hear it.
Ji Feng pursed his lips, hesitating to speak. They had been living in fear for quite some time, only finding some relief once they reached the main road. His father and mother had repeatedly warned them not to reveal anything, lest they cause unnecessary trouble.
Ji Xuan secretly tugged at Ji Feng's sleeve, silently shook his head, and lowered his eyelids.
Seeing their expressions, Xiang Wan knew they were unwilling to talk.
There's always a reason behind everything. The person Ji Pengyu brought directly to the Ji family must either be a close friend or someone who has done him a great favor. Now might not be the right time to question him; all Xiang Wan needs is a gesture of respect.
"Since my cousin doesn't want to talk about it, I won't force him. How about he tells us about what he's seen and heard along the way? We're all very curious."
Ji Feng secretly breathed a sigh of relief that they weren't asking about that matter, and instead shared some interesting anecdotes, which made him quite content.
Lunch was served in the front hall of the Ji residence. The daughters sat at one table, the younger boys like Ji Feng sat at another, and Ji Meiniang sat at a table with Old Madam Ji and the others. Ji Pengyu sat at a table with his childhood friend and the stranger.
The man was very talkative, and he told stories of interesting things he had encountered in business in a humorous tone. He quickly became familiar with Ji Pengyu's childhood friends.
Xiang Wan's gaze would occasionally sweep over the man, and several times she deliberately let him notice.
The man didn't seem to mind Xiang Wan looking at him; he simply nodded in acknowledgment and continued drinking with Ji Pengyu and the others.
After lunch, Xu took her two children and left. Ji Pengyu's childhood friends did not stay to disturb them. The man wanted to stay at a restaurant, but Ji Pengyu insisted that he stay and arranged a guest room for him.
Ji Meiniang wasn't in a hurry to go back; she still had a lot to say to her brother, and Xiang Wan naturally couldn't leave either.
After dinner, Ji Shuang'er felt a little sleepy. Xiang Wan took the opportunity of escorting her to her room to sleep, and then went to the side courtyard after leaving her bedroom.
Sure enough, the man was already waiting there.
"May I ask what business this young lady may have with me?"
"You're crying 'stop thief!' What exactly is your purpose?"
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