Therefore, ever since they heard the news, Wei Hai, Meng Shi, and Wei Shuyao had been somewhat worried and rushed to the old lady for confirmation. Now that they learned that Sun Shi's younger brother was only returning to the capital to report on his duties and would not be staying for more than a few days, they were relieved.
A few days is easy to handle. Tomorrow, we'll have a welcome dinner for him, and after that, they can just stay in their own courtyard and not come out.
Having figured this out, Madam Meng couldn't help but ask again, "Mother, have you ever heard of this Sun... what position does this Jian hold in the army? What rank is he?"
Logically speaking, someone who could accompany the military governor of Weirong back to the capital to report on his duties should at least have a rank.
However, Wei Wenshi did not know the specifics. She frowned, her brows streaked with silver, and said, "Sun only said that her younger brother had been following the military governor for many years, but it seems that he did not have any official rank."
"No rank? Then... isn't that just a servant?" Meng said, curling her lip.
It seems they've been scared out of their wits lately, that's why they're so terrified of even the smallest cat or dog!
...
On this day, everyone in the Wei family mansion was busy.
Having just recovered from her imprisonment, the household wanted to use this occasion to dispel bad luck and add to the festive atmosphere. Therefore, Sun Lurong ordered the best chef in Shengjing to be invited and paid a deposit. She also ordered that the large red lanterns that were hung during the New Year be taken out of the storeroom, cleaned and hung high in front of the gates and corridors of each garden.
As dusk settles, the hanging lanterns are lit, and the fiery red candlelight illuminates the scene, casting shadows that stretch far into the distance along the winding corridor.
The area outside Zhaoshui Hall is particularly beautiful, with a dazzling array of lights. The lights flow in a continuous stream in the pond in front of the hall, creating a magnificent and dazzling spectacle.
The entire household's busy day seemed to have an echo at this moment. Sun Lurong returned to her room with satisfaction, waiting patiently for the arrival of tomorrow.
Even though everything was prepared, she couldn't fall asleep on the couch.
Sun Lurong was not the only one worried about this; the master and servants of Fuquxuan also had a sleepless night, counting the stars and hoping for dawn to come quickly.
As soon as the first rays of sunlight appeared, Zi Qiao rushed to Wei Shuwan's room and found that Wei Shuwan was also awake. She helped her wash and change, and they went to the front yard together to wait for news.
When Wei Shu arrived at Zhaoshuitang late, she found that Sun Lurong was already there and noticed two faint dark circles under her eyes. "Mother, did you not sleep well last night?"
Wei Zheng chuckled lightly, his teasing tone tinged with heartache: "Your mother didn't just not sleep well, she didn't sleep at all."
"You should know that Xingjian and I haven't seen each other for a full ten years!"
“Yes, the last time Uncle came to our house, it was when he brought Ziqiao over.” As she said this, Wei Shuwan turned around and took Ziqiao’s hand.
In fact, the two of them grew up together since childhood and were of similar age. Although they were nominally master and servant, they were more like sisters in terms of affection.
Taking this opportunity, Zi Qiao made a request: "Miss, if my uncle stays at the Wei residence tonight, could my brother stay as well?"
Sun Xingjian was a relative of the Wei family, so it was natural for him to stay overnight. However, Zi Qiao was just a maid in the Wei family, and her brother could only be considered an outsider. It was indeed inappropriate for him to stay overnight.
However, Wei Shuwan readily agreed: "Don't worry, the Wei family is your home, which is also your brother's home. As long as he can return to Shengjing, it doesn't matter how long he stays at the Wei family."
Zi Qiao was about to kowtow in gratitude, but Wei Shuwan stopped her in time.
As dawn broke, Lady Wei Wen, supported by Lady Meng and Lady Wei Shuyao on either side, arrived at Zhaoshui Hall.
When Sun's family members came, she, as the matriarch of the Wei family, shouldn't have had to personally greet them. But since the entire Wei family was now relying on their second branch, she had to put on a good show.
Therefore, not only did Lady Wen of Wei come, but Lady Hai of Wei and Lady Meng also got up early to come over and curry favor.
The two gatekeepers at the main gate of the Wei family were also on high alert, opening the gate wide early in the morning and sitting on two small stools on either side of the gate, just like the two stone lions guarding the gate.
Every carriage that passed in front of the Wei family's gate was practically set ablaze by their intense stares. Unfortunately, not a single one stopped in front of the gate; they all simply passed by.
The two waited anxiously for a whole afternoon, but the uncle's carriage never arrived. Meanwhile, the servants and maids from the manor kept running from Zhaoshui Hall to inquire if there was any news. However, they returned disappointed time and time again, and the two gatekeepers gradually lost their enthusiasm.
By noon, there were fewer and fewer carriages on the road, and only a few were passing by. Just as another carriage was heading towards the gate of the Wei residence, the two gatekeepers didn't pay much attention to it, thinking it was just another one passing by.
But the carriage stopped steadily in front of the Wei residence!
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