Chapter 208: In the Prime of Youth

 Chapter 208: In the Prime of Youth 

The Dong family’s boat was large, with the lower deck divided by screens into two sections: one where the men sat, drinking tea and chatting, and the other where the women were laughing and enjoying each other’s company.

The purpose of an outing was to have fun, and since the people present were all friends, the atmosphere was much more relaxed than usual. Everyone was in good spirits, and the whole cabin was filled with cheerful chatter.

On the deck, Dong Jiancheng watched as his eldest son, leading a group of energetic young men, approached. He smiled and said to Yan Zhigao, "Youth is really wonderful. Carefree, free-spirited, and so full of joy."

Yan Zhigao nodded in agreement, smiling. "Yes, youth is always something to be cherished and remembered."

Dong Jiancheng’s gaze swept over the group, and finally settled on the "youth" leading the magnificent blood-sweat horse. His eyes flickered briefly.

The Young Prince truly was different when it came to the Yan family.

A blood-sweat horse was rare and valuable, worth more than gold. Yet, he had given one to a young girl so casually.

Inside the cabin, the group of young men walking toward them caught everyone’s attention. The ladies began whispering to each other, trying to figure out who these young men were. The girls also began to gossip.

"Isn’t that Miss Dong? Why is she dressed as a man again?"

"She’s holding a horse, so she must be going to ride it."

"That black horse she’s holding is so beautiful, and the other two horses, the white one and the chestnut one, you can tell they’re high-quality steeds."

"I heard there’s a stable behind the palace. Did they go there to ride?"

"Aren’t outsiders not allowed to enter there freely?"

"Don’t you know? Young Master Dong and Young Master Su are the Young Prince’s companions, so they must have been brought along by him."

"Look! The two young masters walking beside Young Master Dong are the ones who helped evacuate the boats at the port."

"It really is them! I wonder which family they’re from?"

"Xiao Liu, keep an eye on Hongzao(Red Date). After getting on the boat, if it starts feeling uneasy, feed it some grass."

When they reached the shore, Daohua handed the horse reins to Qin Xiao Liu. She was about to join Dong Yuanxuan and the others to board the Dong family’s boat and greet the elders from each family.

Qin Xiao Liu gently patted the back of the chestnut horse, smiling. "Don’t worry, Miss. I’ll take good care of Hongzao." This blood-sweat horse was such a rare breed. He’d never seen anything like it, and now he had to look after it carefully.

If it weren’t for following Miss Yan, he probably would never have seen such a horse, let alone have the chance to take care of it up close.

Zhou Jingwan handed her horse reins to the servants as well.

"Let’s go!" she said.

Once everything was settled, Dong Yuanxuan smiled and led the group toward his family’s boat.

Once aboard, Dong Yuanxuan and the others greeted the male elders first, with Daohua and the others following behind and respectfully offering their greetings.

After the formalities, the elders began questioning Dong Yuanxuan and the others about their studies.

Dong Yuanyao, feeling bored, led Daohua and Zhou Jingwan through the screen into the women’s section.

As soon as they entered, all eyes turned toward them. The ladies and young misses of various families took note of the newcomers.

"Well, well, where did these three handsome young men come from?" Master Dong’s wife, sitting at the head of the table, smiled at them. 

"Madam Dong, you’re teasing us again!" Zhou Jingwan, having visited the Dong family before, recognized Madam Dong and immediately responded with a smile. When she noticed her own mother, Madam Zhou, was present, she was a little surprised. "Mother, why are you here too?"

Madam Zhou gave her daughter a reproachful look. "What? You can go out to have fun, but I can’t?"

Zhou Jingwan quickly walked over, leaned against her mother, and shook her lightly. "I didn’t mean it that way, Mother." 

Madam Zhou ignored her daughter, but smiling, waved at Daohua. Once Daohua approached, she looked at the other ladies and said, "You might not know, but this handsome young man here is the pearl of the Yan family’s Prefect Magistrate, Lord Yan." 

She then stood up and led Daohua to Madam Dong. "This is Madam Dong."

Daohua hurriedly bowed. "Good day, Madam Dong."

As expected, the woman who had raised someone as refined as Dong Yuanyao must be a person of cheerful and open-minded nature. Madam Dong immediately gave the impression of being a bright and forthright person. 

Madam Dong smiled, took Daohua's hand, and looked her up and down before saying, "I’ve heard about Lord Yan’s family having a young lady with the qualities of a refined and gentle orchid. Today, I finally get to meet her." Saying that, she took off a string of blue pearls from her wrist and intended to put it on Daohua’s wrist.

Daohua quickly tried to decline, but Madam Dong spoke first, "This pearl bracelet looks best on young girls like you. We’re too old for it!"

Madam Zhou smiled and added, "But compared to these young girls, we are indeed old."

Seeing Madam Zhou nodding for her to accept, Daohua no longer hesitated and graciously thanked her, "This bracelet is beautiful. Thank you, Madam Dong." 

Madam Dong, seeing Daohua’s graceful and composed manner, smiled and nodded in approval.

The other ladies in the room, seeing Madam Dong give such a valuable gift to the eldest daughter of the Yan family right after meeting her, all began to consider the matter in their minds.

Later, Madam Zhou introduced Daohua to other ladies.

"This is Madam Su, the mother of your brother Su."

Daohua bowed. "Good day, Madam Su."

The Su family was a prestigious scholarly family in Zhongzhou, with generations of officials and a history of producing top scholars such as top scholars, second place, and third place in the imperial exams. They were truly a noble family. 

In contrast to Madam Dong’s cheerful warmth, Madam Su was much more gentle and dignified. She helped Daohua up and said, "There’s no need to be so formal when you’re out. You’re our guest." Then, she gave Daohua a jade pendant.

After meeting with several ladies, Daohua received quite a few gifts.

When they returned to Madam Zhou and Dong Yuanyao’s side, Dong Yuanyao began introducing the young ladies from other families.

After meeting so many people, Daohua felt a bit dizzy.

"Daohua, this is Big brother Su’s younger sister, Su Shiyu." 

After meeting everyone, Madam Zhou finally led Su Shiyu over.

With eyes like a painting and a demeanor as elegant as orchids, she was the very image of a gentle, water-like beauty.

When Su Shiyu approached, Daohua stared in awe. It wasn’t until Madam Zhou waved her hand in front of Daohua’s face that she snapped out of it and quickly bowed, "Sister Su."

Su Shiyu glanced at Daohua with some curiosity. She had heard her older brother mention this young lady from the Yan family often, describing her as lively and playful, similar to Yuanyao. But now, seeing her in person, Daohua seemed very composed. She returned the courtesy, "Miss Yan."

Just then, Dong Yuanxuan’s voice came from behind a screen. 

"Mother, I’ve brought a few of my classmates to pay their respects to the ladies."

Madam Dong smiled and said to the other ladies, "That’s the proper etiquette. Everyone here is an elder, so it’s only right for them to come and greet you."

Madam Zhou immediately chimed in, "We are all familiar with each other, and they grew up together. There’s no need to stand on ceremony."

The other ladies nodded in agreement.

They had all taken a quick look earlier and noticed that the young men were all handsome and in the prime of their youth. It was a good opportunity to observe them closely, as they might find potential future sons-in-law.

Madam Dong waved toward the screen. "Come over here." 

(End of chapter)