After bathing, Lin Yajun changed into a brand new red brocade dress, looking radiant. After the young couple got ready, they went to the East Courtyard for dinner.
Zhao Canchen and Lin Yajun walked hand in hand out of the moon gate and into the east courtyard. Suddenly, a figure rushed over like a gust of wind; upon closer inspection, it was Lin Songhao.
"Sister! Brother-in-law! I've been waiting for you all day!" Lin Songhao shouted excitedly, looking at them with anticipation.
Seeing this, Zhao Canchen smiled and replied warmly, "Brother Hao, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting!" As he spoke, he took out a jade pendant from his pocket and handed it to Lin Songhao, "This is a gift from your brother-in-law. I hope you like it."
Lin Songhao was overjoyed. He took the jade pendant with both hands, examined it carefully, and his eyes sparkled with joy. This was the first time in his life that he had received such a valuable gift.
He bowed respectfully to Zhao Canchen and said gratefully, "Thank you, brother-in-law!"
Xu Shi and Lin Daoyan, who were waiting in the courtyard, witnessed this scene, and a huge weight was finally lifted from their hearts.
Seeing the young couple so affectionate, holding hands, they couldn't help but smile at each other, their faces beaming with contentment.
Lin Yajun released her hand, bowed, and said, "Daughter greets Father and Mother."
"Get up quickly." Madam Xu couldn't stop smiling.
Lin Daoyan gently tugged at Xu's sleeve, and the two of them stepped forward together, preparing to bow to Zhao Canchen.
Zhao Canchen quickly grabbed Lin Yajun's hand and turned slightly to avoid their greetings.
Zhao Canchen smiled and said gently, "Father-in-law and mother-in-law, please don't bow to your juniors anymore. It's really too much for us juniors to do."
Upon hearing this, Lin Daoyan hesitated, seemingly in a dilemma.
Lin Yajun interjected earnestly, "Father, Mother, it's true. There's a saying that if elders bow to younger people, the younger people will have their lifespan shortened."
Lin Daoyan listened, and although he still had some doubts, he decided to err on the side of caution and nodded, saying, "In that case, alright."
Lin Daoyan did not change his attitude and insisted that Zhao Canchen go first and enter the hall.
Seeing this, Zhao Canchen could no longer refuse, so he took Lin Yajun's hand, smiled, and stepped into the hall first.
After Zhao Canchen entered the hall, Lin Daoyan slowly followed him in.
Several people entered the hall one after the other, followed closely by two palace servants who carried exquisite gifts in their hands. They carefully placed the gifts on the table and then stood respectfully to one side.
With a smile on her face, Lin Yajun stepped forward, picked up a set of jade pendants, and handed them to Lin Daoyan with both hands, saying gently, "Father, this is a gift that your daughter and son-in-law specially prepared for you. We hope you will like it."
Lin Daoyan accepted the gift, a warm feeling welling up inside him. Looking at the jade pendant in his hand, he said somewhat uneasily, "This gift is too precious; why did you go to such lengths?"
Lin Yajun quickly comforted him, "Father, this is just a small token of our appreciation, please accept it." After saying that, she turned around, picked up another set of jewelry, walked to Xu Shi, and said softly, "Mother, this is a gift from your daughter and son-in-law, we hope you like it."
Madam Xu accepted the gift with a smile. Upon opening it, she saw a set of glittering gold jewelry inside, which immediately caught her eye. She exclaimed, "This...this is too precious! Mother doesn't need this. Ah Jun, keep it for yourself!" Madam Xu wanted to refuse this generous gift.
Seeing this, Lin Yajun quickly said, "Mother, please accept this. It's a token of our filial piety." As she spoke, she forcefully placed the gift in Xu's hands.
Helpless, Madam Xu had no choice but to accept the gift. She looked at Lin Yajun and said with a smile, "Ajun, your father and I have decided that from today onwards, all the profits from that shop will belong to you two, young couple."
Lin Yajun quickly waved her hand and said, "Mother, no rush. Let's talk about the shop when the family's situation is better. We won't be dividing the property with you for now, why be so clear about it?"
Seeing Lin Yajun's insistence, Madam Xu could no longer refuse and could only nod in agreement, saying, "Alright then, Mother will save it for you first."
At this moment, several old women came in carrying trays and set the dishes on the table. A rich aroma of wine and food wafted into the room, making one's mouth water.
The tables inside the hall were laden with a dazzling array of delicious dishes. There was fragrant Dongpo pork, tender and juicy steamed fish, and stir-fried seasonal vegetables that were delicious in color, aroma, and taste. Each dish exuded an irresistible fragrance.
With a smile, Zhao Canchen politely said to his father-in-law and mother-in-law, "Father-in-law and mother-in-law, please take a seat."
Lin Daoyan quickly waved his hand and replied firmly, "I dare not accept such praise!" He knew very well that it was already a rare privilege for him to be able to dine at the same table as Zhao Canchen, let alone sit in the seat of honor, which would be an overstepping of his bounds.
Xu and Lin Songhao dared not sit down at the table to eat with Zhao Canchen.
Seeing this, Zhao Canchen quickly explained, "Father-in-law and mother-in-law, we are all family, why be so reserved? Besides, there are no outsiders here, so let's just relax and be at home."
After listening to Zhao Canchen's words, Lin Daoyan hesitated for a moment. However, under Zhao Canchen's repeated insistence, he finally gave in and sat down at the dining table with the family.
During the meal, Madam Xu appeared somewhat uneasy. After a while, she finally couldn't bear it any longer, stood up, and said apologetically to everyone, "Excuse me, I have something to take care of in the kitchen. Please enjoy your meal." After saying that, she hurriedly left the banquet.
Xu's departure made Lin Daoyan feel even more nervous. In order to ease this tension, he decided to find a topic to talk about.
He looked at Zhao Canchen sitting next to him and said with a smile, "Today, while I was guarding the city gate, I heard something incredible."
Zhao Canchen looked at him curiously and asked, "What is it? Tell me, Father-in-law."
Lin Daoyan cleared his throat and continued, "I heard that this afternoon, Duke Enguo led a group of people to smash up the Prince Consort's brothel. At the time, the Prince Consort happened to be in the brothel. When he saw Duke Enguo leading people to cause trouble, he stepped forward to stop him. As a result, Duke Enguo, without saying a word, directly punched the Prince Consort."
Zhao Canchen's mouth dropped open in surprise, and he hurriedly asked, "Ah? How is the Prince Consort?"
Lin Daoyan shook his head and sighed, "The Prince Consort was not to be outdone, and he slapped the Duke of En twice. This enraged the Duke of En, who flew into a rage and broke the Prince Consort's left leg."
"Ah!" Zhao Canchen couldn't help but exclaim in shock, "What are we going to do!" He looked at Lin Yajun, who was also shocked, and the two of them looked at each other, realizing that this matter could not be resolved peacefully.
Lin Daoyan nodded. "Yes, the matter has caused quite a stir. When the princess found out, she cried bitterly and immediately went to the palace to ask the emperor to punish the Duke of Enguo."
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