Chapter 145: The Yang Family

 Chapter 145: The Yang Family

The Zhou family’s boat traveled along the Grand Canal, and the journey was quick. Within ten days, the Yan family’s New Year gifts arrived in the capital.

The Yang Residence

Madam Yang had just returned from a banquet with the women of the household and was now gathered with them in a room, chatting.  

As the year-end approached, the number of banquets from various families increased. Although her husband held only a fourth-rank official position, they still received a fair number of invitations.

“Grandmother, the headpiece of Miss Yuan from the Yuan family is so beautiful. I also want one.”

“Grandmother, I want one too.”

The daughters from the first, second, and third households of the Yang family were seated around Old Madam Yan, acting coquettishly and flattering her, hoping to gain favor for themselves.

The first, second, and third wives of the Yang family simply smiled and watched, not stopping them.

Madam Yang wasn’t initially willing to agree, but being as proud as she was, and seeing that the other young ladies at the banquet had more beautiful clothes and jewelry than her granddaughters, she finally relented. The girls were so charming and adorable that she gritted her teeth and gave in.

“Alright, I’ll buy you one each.”

At the same time, Fourth Madam Yan Siyu noticed that Old Madam Yan didn’t mention her daughter, Xiujuan, and felt a pang of sadness.

She understood her position as a daughter-in-law and the fact that she wasn’t favored by her mother-in-law. However, why was her daughter, who was also a granddaughter, so neglected?

“Mother!”

Yang Xiujuan, sensing her mother’s mood, immediately reached out and held her hand.

Having grown used to her grandmother’s favoritism and indifference over the years, she would only be surprised if her grandmother ever showed her any kindness.

Yan Siyu forced a bitter smile and held her daughter’s hand in return.

It was her fault as a mother. If she had been more assertive, maybe her daughter wouldn’t have to suffer like this.

At least her son, Hong Rui, was doing well in his studies and was valued by her elder brother. If not for that, she would have truly had no place in the Yang family.

“Old Madam!”

At that moment, the housekeeper hurried into the room and glanced at Fourth Madam before quickly moving to Old Madam Yang’s side and whispering a few words in her ear.

Old Madam Yang, upon hearing the news, looked up at her youngest daughter-in-law in surprise. “Fourth Madam, does the Yan family have a connection with the Zhou family?”

Yan Siyu didn’t expect her mother-in-law to suddenly ask her. She was stunned for a moment. “The Zhou family? Which Zhou family?”

Madam Yang replied, “The Zhou family of the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.”

These words caused not only Yan Siyu but also the three wives of the Yang family to freeze in shock.

The Zhou family of the Assistant Minister of Personnel was one of the most powerful and influential families in the capital, deeply favored by the Emperor.

The Yang family’s highest-ranking official was only a fourth-rank official, and there was no chance for them to establish any ties with the Zhou family.

The first wife of the Yang family asked, “Mother, are you sure? How could Fourth Sister-in-law’s family possibly know the Zhou family?”

Madam Yang didn’t respond to the first wife but instead frowned, looking at her youngest daughter-in-law’s confused face. She turned to the housekeeper for confirmation. “Are you certain it’s the Zhou family?”

The housekeeper nodded. “Yes, I confirmed several times. It’s the family of the former Prime Minister Zhou.”

Madam Yang felt a shock in her heart. Yan Siyu’s elder brother had indeed served as an official in Zhou’s hometown, Zhongzhou Province. Could it be that the Yan family’s fortunes had changed and they had somehow become connected with the Zhou family?

Though shaken, Madam Yang quickly regained her composure and looked at her youngest daughter-in-law. “Fourth Madam, the Yan family’s New Year gifts have arrived.”

Yan Siyu instantly stood up, delighted.

Normally, if a daughter-in-law was so visibly excited, Madam Yang would scold her. But this time, she said nothing and merely instructed, “It’s said that they came on a ship from the Zhou family. The Yan family also sent someone. Go meet them.”

“Understood!”

Yan Siyu felt a surge of excitement. She hadn’t expected her family to send someone. She quickly paid her respects to Madam Yang and hurried off, pulling her daughter with her.

Seeing her hasty departure, the second and third wives of the Yang family scoffed.

“It’s just a New Year gift. Look at how excited the younger sister-in-law is.”

"Second sister-in-law, the dowry of the fourth younger brother's wife isn't much, so naturally, she values the New Year gifts more."

Old Madam Yang glanced at the two of them but didn't speak.

At the flower gate in the back courtyard, Madam Li had sent Fang Shi to deliver the New Year gifts. Fang Shi was chatting familiarly with the Yang family's servants, asking about Yan Siyu’s situation in the Yang family.

Upon learning that Yan Siyu's husband, Yang Boyi, had several concubines and children, Fang Shi was furious.

At that moment, Yan Siyu arrived, accompanied by Yang Xiujuan.

"Servant pays respects to the fourth young lady, may you be well!" 

Fang Shi immediately knelt and kowtowed.

"Hurry and get up." Yan Siyu hurried forward, personally helping Fang Shi to her feet, then looked at her with a bit of surprise. "You are Aunt Sun's daughter-in-law, Sister Fang?"

Uncle Sun and his wife, Aunt Sun, had sold themselves to the Yan family when Yan Siyu was very young. Their son got married before Yan Siyu, so she had seen Fang Shi before. 

"Yes, it’s me, Fourth Young Madam!" Fang Shi was also excited. Since the Yang family moved to the capital, it had been six or seven years since they last saw Yan Siyu.

Thinking of her relatives far away, Yan Siyu’s eyes became a little red. "How is the family? How is my mother’s health?"

Fang Shi immediately smiled and said, "They're all doing well. Last year, the master brought Old Madam Yan to live with him, and they're all together. The old lady is very happy."

"This year, the master was promoted to the Prefect Magistrate of Xingzhou, and the eldest, third, and fourth sons went to the Wangyue Academy. The old lady is even more content now."

"Now, she spends her days with the eldest young lady, tending to the flowers, practicing martial arts, and occasionally stays at the estate for a few days. Her little life is truly peaceful and happy."

"However, Old Madam Yan still misses you. She always says that if you were here, the whole family would be together." 

Yan Siyu was stunned by the news Fang Shi shared. After a long pause, she asked in excitement, "Did you say... my elder brother has been promoted to Prefect Magistrate?"

Seeing Yan Siyu's reaction, Fang Shi was taken aback. "Fourth Young Madam, didn't you know? The congratulatory letter was written by Madam herself in front of Old Madam Yan. Didn't you receive it?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Siyu couldn't help but burst into tears.

Yang Xiujuan, puzzled by her mother's tears over such happy news, immediately stepped forward to comfort her. "Mother, there are so many people around. If grandmother finds out, it will break her heart."

Yan Siyu sniffled and wiped her tears, then looked at Fang Shi apologetically. "Sister Fang, please forgive me. I'm just too happy."

Seeing her like this, Fang Shi felt a lump in her throat.

Although Madam had suspected that the fourth young lady's life in the Yang family was difficult, she never expected it to be this hard, to the point of not even receiving family letters.

Fang Shi forced a smile. "Fourth Young Madam, this time, thanks to taking a boat from the Zhou family, Old Madam Yan had me bring many things for you."

"She sent all sorts of vegetables she grew, potted plants, and fruit wine she brewed. Everything she thought was good, she made sure to bring for you, saying she wanted you to try it."

Upon hearing this, Yan Siyu couldn’t hold back her tears again.

Yang Xiujuan quickly comforted her.

"So this must be the young miss?" Fang Shi smiled at Yang Xiujuan. "She looks just like the Fourth Young Madam, truly a beauty."

Yan Siyu, wiping away her tears, said, "Sister Fang, stop praising this girl, or her tail will start to stick up."

Yang Xiujuan, noticing more and more people gathering, smiled. "Mother, let's go inside and talk."

Yan Siyu nodded repeatedly. 

In the past, when her family sent New Year gifts, no one came, just letters. This time, someone had come, and she had many questions to ask.

Fang Shi, walking a few steps behind the mother and daughter, said, "This time, besides Old Madam Yan, the eldest young lady also brought gifts for the young master and young miss."

Yan Siyu paused. "You mean my eldest brother's legitimate daughter?"

Fang Shi nodded. "Yes, Fourth Young Madam, you don't often come home, but our eldest young lady really is the joy of the family. With her around, Old Madam Yan is always happy."

Yang Xiujuan listened quietly. Hearing about her grandmother and cousin's daily interactions, she couldn't help but feel a hint of envy and longing.

If only her own grandmother could be like that… how wonderful would that be?
(The end of this chapter)