Chapter 17: There is Room For the Poor Daughter
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Chapter 17: A Stern Reminder
In the Songhe Courtyard, with Madam Li’s assistance, Old Madam Yan had already freshened up. She now reclined comfortably on a couch, her face beaming with joy as she gazed at the gathering of her children and grandchildren.
Considering the long journey, even those in their prime would have been exhausted. Yet, the old lady showed little sign of fatigue and appeared to be in remarkably good spirits.
Seated close to her on the couch, Yan Zhigao held his mother’s hand, while the others were arranged in pairs on either side. The room buzzed with cheerful conversation, centering on the old lady and family matters.
Yan Zhigao couldn’t help marveling at his mother’s rosy complexion and bright eyes.
In her younger years, the old lady had overworked herself raising her four children, which took a toll on her health. Just a few years ago, when he visited home, she could barely walk a few steps without gasping for air. Yet now, she seemed healthier than even him.
Both Madam Li and Sun Shi were equally astonished.
When they married into the Yan family, Old Madam Yan had already been in poor health. Although she’d often reassured them in letters that her condition had improved, they had assumed she was merely trying to ease their worries. Seeing her now, it was evident her health had indeed taken a remarkable turn.
Sun Shi chuckled and praised her, “Mother, I must say, you’re looking younger and more vibrant by the day.”
The old lady laughed heartily before turning to Madam Li with a kind smile. “My recovery is all thanks to you giving the Yan family such a wonderful daughter. If it weren’t for Daohua’s efforts in securing medicinal remedies for me and her constant companionship and humor, I wouldn’t have recovered so quickly.”
The family had heard about Daohua’s temple visit to seek medicine in the old lady’s letters.
While they had previously dismissed it as a token of Daohua’s filial piety, hearing it again now made them reconsider.
Madam Li, delighted by the praise of her daughter, maintained a modest demeanor. “Mother, you’re too kind. Daohua is still just a child. What does she know? It’s your own fortune and vitality that brought about your recovery.”
Yan Zhigao chimed in, “Exactly. She’s just a little girl. I’d say it’s the care from Third Brother and Sister-in-law that made all the difference.”
Wu shi quickly spoke up, “Elder Brother, we dare not take credit. Whenever Daohua was around, Mother was always cheerful. Even Third Uncle said that when the heart is happy, the body heals naturally.”
Hearing this, Yan Zhigao looked surprised and asked, “Didn’t Third Uncle grow distant from us after I refused to take his son with me when I assumed office?”
The old lady smiled mischievously. “Your daughter took a liking to him. She wandered around the village and decided he was wise and learned. She insisted he teach her, saying she’d benefit for life under his guidance.”
With a fond laugh, she added, “You wouldn’t believe it, Zhigao. At the time, Daohua was so small, just five or six, yet there she was, earnestly critiquing your Third Uncle. It was the most amusing sight!”
Everyone laughed, especially those who had witnessed the scene, like Wu shi and Yan Wentao.
The others, intrigued by the old lady’s stories and Daohua’s evident charm, grew increasingly curious about her.
The old lady, brimming with pride, looked at Yan Zhigao and Madam Li, her eyes soft with affection. “That girl is clever beyond her years. You’ll see for yourselves soon enough.”
Meanwhile, among the younger generation, Yan Wenxiu and the others felt a mix of curiosity and jealousy.
Yan Yishuang, in particular, grew resentful watching her father’s smile grow wider as he listened to tales of her elder sister. I’m Father’s favorite daughter! she thought angrily.
Noticing Yishuang’s darkening expression, Yan Yile whispered, “Third Sister, will Uncle still like you as much now that Eldest Sister is here?”
Yishuang snapped back, “Of course! Father loves me the most!” Her voice was louder than she intended, drawing everyone’s attention.
Yan Zhigao frowned at his daughter, displeased. “Yishuang, how dare you raise your voice in front of your elders?”
Embarrassed and intimidated by the stares, Yishuang hesitated before blurting out, “Grandmother and Third Brother have been ready for ages. Why hasn’t Eldest Sister shown up yet? Making Grandmother and our parents wait—how improper!”
“Bang!”
The old lady slammed her hand on the table, her face turning stormy.
“Mother!”
No one expected such an outburst. Everyone jumped to their feet, shocked.
Yan Zhigao hurried to calm her. “Mother, please don’t upset yourself. Yishuang is just a child. She didn’t mean any harm.”
Concubine Lin quickly stepped forward, kneeling. “Old Madam, Yishuang is just eager to meet her elder sister. Please forgive her thoughtlessness.”
The old lady’s face darkened further at the mention of Concubine Lin, her mind flashing back to the earlier incident at the county office gates.
“Good! Good!”
She ignored Concubine Lin entirely and turned her glare to Yan Zhigao. “Ever since you became a county magistrate, I’ve refrained from interfering, trusting you to conduct yourself with integrity and diligence. But today, I see I was gravely mistaken!”
“Arrogant servants, unruly concubines, and disrespectful children—Yan Zhigao, you’ve truly outdone yourself!”
“Mother!”
Yan Zhigao dropped to his knees, panic written all over his face. Madam Li, equally alarmed, knelt beside him.
Sun Shi and Wu shi exchanged uneasy glances. Should they kneel as well?
The children, caught in the adults’ turmoil, shrank back into the corners, too scared to utter a word.
Yan Zhigao pleaded, “Mother, it’s all my fault. Please punish me, but don’t upset yourself.”
Madam Li added, “Mother, the blame lies with me. I failed to manage the household properly.”
The old lady softened slightly and helped Madam Li up. “You’ve done nothing wrong. I know your character well. It’s certain others who’ve grown conceited and forgotten their place.”
Yan Zhigao swallowed his retort, his face lined with regret.
Madam Li, unsure of what to say, helped the old lady back to her seat.
After a while, the old lady’s anger began to subside. She glared at Yan Zhigao.
Yan Zhigao, sensing her mood, stood up and tried to lighten the atmosphere with a smile.
Madam Li suggested cautiously, “Mother, it’s been a while. Shall I send someone to check why Daohua hasn’t arrived yet?”
“Absolutely not!”
The old lady’s sharp tone silenced everyone. She shot a glance at Yan Zhigao.
“That girl has been through so much for us during this journey. If not for her, I might have starved on the road. Now that we’re home, she deserves to rest properly. No one is to disturb her!”
Yan Zhigao quickly agreed. “She’s still a child. Let her rest.”
The old lady’s face softened slightly. “Good. And you—don’t bother her either. Meeting the family can wait. It’s not like anyone’s going anywhere.”
Madam Li nodded reluctantly.
The earlier commotion left the room subdued. Even Yan Zhigao spoke more cautiously, and the younger generation dared not make a sound.
Just then, a maid announced from outside, “Master, Madam, the eldest young lady has arrived!”
The curtain lifted, and a girl in a green dress stepped inside, her silhouette backlit by the sun.
As she entered, her smile lit up the room, dispelling the lingering tension with a single glance.
Her bright, radiant presence left everyone momentarily stunned.
End of Chapter
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