Chapter 18: There is Room For the Poor Daughter
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Chapter 18: A Family Gathering
"Even from afar, I could hear Grandmother's hearty voice. How come it fell silent the moment I arrived?"
The playful, melodic voice of a young girl was like a pebble dropped into a serene pond, rippling warmth and amusement through the room.
The moment Daohua stepped into the house, Old Madam Yan's gaze never left her. It wasn't just her—everyone else was similarly captivated.
Hearing her granddaughter's teasing, Old Madam Yan's face bloomed into a smile as radiant as a chrysanthemum. She quickly waved her over, beckoning Daohua to sit beside her.
Without hesitation, Daohua walked over and naturally nestled herself by the Old Madam's side, affectionately holding her arm.
Old Madam Yan clasped Daohua's hands, scrutinizing her granddaughter carefully. The more she looked, the more pleased she became. "Good, good, good! This is exactly how the eldest daughter of the Yan family should appear."
Instead of feigning bashfulness, Daohua smiled brightly. "Grandmother, these clothes were prepared by Mother. Do you like them?"
"They're lovely. Everything looks good on my Daohua," Old Madam Yan said with a nod of approval.
Daohua agreed with a grin. "I think so too! The best part is, they fit perfectly." Rising to her feet, she gave a graceful bow to Madam Li. "Thank you, Mother, for your thoughtful effort. I love them."
"I'm just glad you like them!" Madam Li's voice trembled slightly as she stepped forward to touch her daughter's cheek, tears brimming in her eyes.
It had been years since she'd last seen her daughter, and now, she had grown into such a graceful young lady.
After letting the mother and daughter share a tender moment, Old Madam Yan playfully chided, "You silly girl! What are you still standing around for? Go greet your father!"
Madam Li quickly composed herself. "Oh, look at me, keeping you to myself. Go on, pay your respects to your father."
Turning to the refined man seated to Old Madam Yan's right, Daohua smiled and approached him. Recalling her mother’s words about paying respects, she knelt gracefully. "Your daughter greets you, Father."
"Good!" Yan Zhigao beamed with satisfaction as he looked at his eldest daughter.
From the moment she entered, he'd been observing her closely.
Truthfully, he had been worried that a daughter raised in the countryside might lack refinement or decorum.
Today, all his concerns were put to rest.
His mother had raised Daohua impeccably, her demeanor exuding a grace and elegance that even he could not help but admire.
Among the Yan family's daughters, each had her own charm. His youngest, Yi Shuang, was bright and clever. Second Brother's eldest, Yi Huan, was serene and gentle, while his second, Yi Le, was vivacious and playful.
But his eldest daughter, Daohua, embodied a natural radiance and vitality, her expressive eyes full of spirit, and her countenance fresh and inviting.
He now understood what his mother and younger brother had often said: as long as Daohua was around, his mother would always be in high spirits.
Even someone as reserved as himself couldn't help but feel joy in her presence.
Yan Zhigao personally helped Daohua to her feet and patted her head with a smile. "All these years, you've done well staying by your grandmother's side." He then removed the jade pendant from his waist and fastened it onto Daohua's sash himself.
Daohua was pleased but quickly reasoned that it was natural for a father to give gifts to his daughter. Without hesitation, she accepted the jade pendant graciously.
However, the others in the room were far less composed.
Everyone knew how much Yan Zhigao treasured that jade pendant, a gift from his mentor when he passed the imperial examination. He had worn it for years and had even refused to part with it when his favored twin daughters by Concubine Lin had asked for it.
Now, he had given it to Daohua.
The room was abuzz with mixed emotions—some were delighted, while others were deeply unsettled.
Still kneeling, Concubine Lin's heart sank. She hadn't anticipated that Madam Li's daughter would turn out to be so strikingly beautiful, her demeanor so poised and refined.
Yi Shuang, standing nearby, felt utterly overshadowed.
At this moment, a sense of unease crept over her.
In contrast, Madam Li was overjoyed.
Her earlier worries about her husband's lack of affection for a daughter raised away from home were completely dispelled. Seeing him gift his cherished pendant to Daohua, she felt utterly reassured.
With a bright smile, Madam Li led Daohua to the front of Sun Shi. "Come, child, greet your Second Aunt."
Daohua smiled and curtsied gracefully. "Daohua greets Second Aunt."
Sun Shi immediately helped her up, holding her hand warmly. "No wonder the Old Madam dotes on you so much. Sister-in-law, I almost want to steal her from you!"
Madam Li laughed. "Aren't Yi Huan and Yi Le already enough for you to dote on?"
Sun Shi teased back, "A daughter this lovely? One can never have too many!"
After a few jokes, Madam Li brought Daohua to Wu shi. This time, Daohua's smile deepened, and just as she was about to bow, Wu shi quickly stopped her.
Wu shi affectionately held her hand. "You've finally come home. Look at you—so thin!"
Daohua chuckled. "Third Aunt, being thin is fashionable!"
"Nonsense."
Old Madam Yan, who had been observing with amusement, gave Daohua a mock scolding look. "What do you know, girl? Being plump is a sign of prosperity. You're as thin as a stick—how is that good-looking?"
Then she turned to Yan Zhigao and Madam Li. "From now on, take better care of her. Don't let her run around all the time."
Madam Li smiled. "Mother, we'll need your help to keep her in line."
Old Madam Yan nodded without hesitation. "If you can't manage her, just send her to me. I'll straighten her out. I still keep my bamboo rod handy!"
Madam Li froze. "Bamboo rod?"
Old Madam Yan grinned mischievously at Daohua's dismayed expression. "The one for 'bamboo shoot stir-fry.'"
The room instantly understood—it was her disciplinary stick!
The grandchildren's respect for Old Madam Yan grew even more profound.
Even Yan Zhigao couldn't help but shudder at the memory of being disciplined by that same bamboo rod as a child.
Madam Li, envisioning her daughter being punished with it, turned pale.
Seeing her mother's reaction, Daohua quickly stepped forward and tugged at her sleeve with a reassuring smile.
Madam Li came to her senses and, seeing the concern in her daughter's eyes, composed herself. She squeezed Daohua's hand tightly as if to promise, "Don't worry; with me here, you'll never be hit again."
"Now, go meet your brothers and sisters."
Finally, Daohua turned her attention to the roomful of young men and women.
Old Madam Yan had three sons and one daughter. Aside from her married daughter, the three sons all lived together.
The first branch, headed by Yan Zhigao, included three sons and two daughters: Yan Wenxiu, Yan Wenkai, and Yan Yi (Daohua), born to the main wife, Madam Li; and Yan Wenbin and Yan Yishuang, born to Concubine Lin.
The second branch, led by Yan Zhiyuan, had one son and two daughters: Yan Wenjie, Yan Yihuan, and Yan Yile, all born to Sun Shi.
The third branch, headed by Yan Zhitao, had two sons: Yan Wentao and Yan Wenhua.
With such a large and thriving family, the Yan lineage was truly flourishing.
(End of chapter)
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