When the people in the room saw a plump middle-aged woman supporting an elderly lady with snow-white hair entering the door, they immediately knew it was the elders from the Xie family who had come to deliver the betrothal gifts, specifically to see the appearance of their prospective bride.
For a moment, everyone fell silent, making way to clear a path.
The crowd observed carefully: indeed, the Xie family was a prominent household from the county town, and their attire and style were distinctly different from those of the families in Baihe Town.
Old Lady Wu wore a lake-blue embroidered silk gown, with two or three gold rings on her fingers. Although her hair was frosted with white, her posture remained sturdy and upright. Even with a warm smile on her face, she exuded a resilient and composed demeanor.
Lady Feng, accompanying her, was dressed in a brocade-green gown, adorned with gold and silver ornaments from head to toe—items she rarely wore on ordinary days. But on such an occasion, she was determined to make a splendid impression.
Earlier that day, when Old Lady Wu first arrived and saw that the Shen Family’s residence consisted of only two narrow courtyards, so cramped that even a carriage could not enter, she felt a faint sense of dissatisfaction in her heart.
Although it is said since ancient times that when taking a wife, one values virtue over wealth, focusing on the person rather than the family, the Shen Family’s circumstances were simply too far below their own.
She did not expect her in-laws to be wealthy, but she feared that the vast disparity between the two families’ statuses would likely result in marrying in a tactless and uncultured girl.
She wondered what her second grandson saw in this family.
But as she entered and approached for a closer look, her eyes lit up.
Shen Qi’s skin was fairer than snow, her cheeks tinged with a shy blush. That day, she wore a well-tailored, plain red gown that perfectly accentuated her graceful figure. In her hair, she wore two small silk flowers, adding a touch of playfulness and liveliness.
What a beautiful girl! Every movement, every smile, carried an indescribable aura of intelligence and charm, making one feel fondness and affection at first sight.
Seeing the two approach, Shen Qi had long known they were the grandmother and second aunt of that person. She rose lightly, smiled, and performed a respectful bow.
Upon seeing this, the old lady was overjoyed. She quickly stepped forward, tightly grasping Shen Qi’s hands, and affectionately called her “my dear child.”
Second Aunt observed carefully from the side, pondering inwardly. She noticed that this girl conversed and laughed with the old lady without the slightest hint of awkwardness or shyness. Her composure and ease were a stark contrast to the typical blushing and reserved demeanor of unmarried girls meeting strangers for the first time.
This girl certainly has some insight and cleverness.
Seeing the esteemed guests arrive, the crowd gradually dispersed. The curious children who had gathered around were playfully coaxed outside by the adults to enjoy some snacks, and the room quickly grew much quieter.
The Shen Family, knowing that female relatives from the Xie family would visit that day, had specially reserved high-backed chairs for the two respected elders as a gesture of honor.
Just as Shen Qi was about to turn to fetch tea, her sister-in-law had already prepared it. She gave Shen Qi a meaningful look and handed her a teapot, four teacups, and a plate of dried fruits and pastries at the doorway.
Shen Qi took the teapot and nodded gratefully to her sister-in-law, who returned a smile and slightly tilted her chin, signaling her to go inside and attend to the guests.
Returning to the room, Shen Qi turned slightly, held the teapot, and with a gentle turn of her wrist, personally poured two cups of tea. One she presented to Old Lady Wu, the other to Lady Feng, her face beaming with a smile.
“For Old Madam and Second Wife to condescend to visit is truly an honor for our humble home. If our hospitality is lacking in any way, we beg your forgiveness. This simple tea from our home is but a small token of our sincerity. Please, esteemed elders, enjoy a taste.”
Second Aunt glanced at Shen Qi upon hearing this, thinking to herself that this young girl indeed had some insight.
During the wedding ceremony, tea would formally be offered to the elders, but when the betrothal gifts were delivered, the elders would visit, and they couldn’t be left thirsty. Tea had to be served to the elders. This girl was neither shy nor timid, simply addressing the elders and referring to it as her family’s tea, as if she were taking care of distant relatives. She showed no trace of fear or hesitation.
After Shen Qi poured the tea, Old Madam pulled her to sit beside her, admiring her fair complexion, dark hair, and eyes like water chestnuts. The more she looked, the more she liked her, and she held Shen Qi’s hand.
“Good child, I remember Duo’er saying your name is Shen Qi? What a lovely name.”
Hearing the name of her future husband, Shen Qi’s heart skipped a beat, though she showed no sign of it on her face. She still replied with a smile:
“Old Madam remembers correctly. Because my parents run a wool and thread shop and deal with wool and silk threads all day, my formal name uses the character ‘Qi’ with the silk radical, said to reflect our family’s trade. My elder brother Shen Shao and younger brother Shen Ji were named in the same way.”
Old Madam asked again, “That’s good, the name sounds lovely. Do you have a childhood name?”
Before Shen Qi could answer, a quick-tongued young girl nearby called out, “She has a childhood name, it’s Little Yue’er.”
Everyone in the neighborhood knew this childhood name and laughed.
Shen Qi also smiled and lowered her head.
“Yes, Mother said because I was born on the night of the fifteenth day of the eighth month, with a bright moon hanging in the sky, my childhood name is Little Yue’er.”
“No wonder it’s so fitting! The moon on the fifteenth day of the eighth month is bright and round, no wonder you’ve grown up so well and have such a good temperament.”
Old Lady Wu grew fonder the more she looked and asked many more questions. Shen Qi answered each one, and the grandmother and granddaughter held hands and talked for a long time.
By lunchtime, the neighbors gradually dispersed and returned home. Since the Shen family were outsiders without many close relatives, only a few close neighbors and Qiao’s parents stayed behind to accompany the new guests for a meal and drinks.
Men and women were seated separately at inner and outer tables, with the same dishes served on both sides: a full table of meat and vegetable dishes, including steamed goose, clear stewed fish, crystal pork knuckle, Snow Lotus Root, and yam meatballs, along with two types of steamed pastries and various side dishes.
This was the best feast Eldest Brother had specially ordered from a restaurant in town, accompanied by two jars of clear Yuquan wine. Though it couldn’t compare to the lavishness of wealthy families in the county, it was more than enough to make a respectable showing.
Meanwhile, Shen’s Mother chatted with Old Lady Wu, along with several older aunties and aunts, surrounding the guests with lively talk of everyday matters.
Shen Qi obediently sat with Sister-in-law at the end of the table, making it convenient to pour tea and urge the elders to eat.
As the conversation grew lively, Qiao Yunhua quietly tugged at Shen Qi’s sleeve.
Shen Qi understood that Sister-in-law had something to say privately. One took the teapot, the other held a teacup, pretending to go refill the tea.
When they reached a secluded spot by the window, Shen Qi lowered her voice and asked Sister-in-law what was the matter.
Sister-in-law waved her hand, signaling her not to speak, and pulled her by the hand out the door. The two of them tiptoed quietly toward the outside.
As they neared the courtyard gate, Shen Qi gently squeezed Sister-in-law’s hand and whispered:
“Sister-in-law, if we go any further, we’ll reach the outer courtyard. The male guests are drinking over there, and it wouldn’t be proper for us to go.”
Indeed, just beyond the gate, the sounds of the male guests drinking and conversing could be heard.
Sister-in-law smiled at the corner of her mouth, yet she pulled her aside toward the small vegetable patch, pressing close to the wall to peek outside.
This wall was originally a decorative flower wall, with hollow floral patterns in the middle, but it was usually obscured by leaves, so no one had ever paid much attention to it.
Sister-in-law’s voice was hushed.
“Yesterday, I had your brother clear it out on purpose, just so it could come in handy today!”
Sister-in-law gently pushed aside a branch, revealing a small opening.
“Look, the one sitting next to your brother is the second son of the Xie family.”
The blush that had just faded from Shen Qi’s cheeks instantly returned.
So, all this effort from Sister-in-law was to let her take another good look at her future husband.
Seeing her hesitation, Qiao Shi chuckled softly and gave her a gentle nudge. Shen Qi no longer held back, stood up, tiptoed, and quietly peered over.
The male guests were all gathered under the tree in the courtyard, drinking wine. Father of the Shen Family and Father of the Xie Family sat side by side in the main seats, listening to the second uncle of the Xie family holding forth with lofty talk.
Further down, the uncles and elders from the neighborhood sat in order, with her brother Shen Shao at the very end. And next to her brother was that person…
That person wore a dark red brocade robe. With his tall and upright figure and broad shoulders, the robe hung straight and fitted perfectly. His thick, jet-black hair was tied back, adding a vibrant and heroic air to his appearance.
Even sitting beside her brother, who was known for his good looks and graceful demeanor, he did not seem the least bit inferior.
At that moment, sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves of the tree, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow across his back, creating a strikingly beautiful sight.