Luo Chaoyan entered the hall and was overjoyed to see her uncle’s family, whom she hadn’t met for a long time.
“Uncle!”
“Cousin! Cousin!”
Yin Haocui was delighted to see his niece after such a long absence. He looked her up and down and smiled, “Look, our bride-to-be has grown even more beautiful.”
“Hehe! Uncle, with your high spirits, you’re the one who remains as dashing as ever.”
Yin Haocui gently tapped her nose. “You, our A Yan, always know how to cheer your uncle up.”
Yin Shi chided, “Brother, don’t let this silly girl sweet-talk you. She’s always been unreliable and never lets anyone rest easy.”
“Mother, don’t slander me.” Luo Chaoyan declared without shame, “Back in Jizhou, I was better at reading and writing than both my cousins. I only ever acted mischievous when I was with them.”
Yin Miaoshan and Yin Xuanjun looked at her with disdain as she boasted. Clearly, it was she who loved to play and, taking advantage of her academic prowess, would tempt them to take her out in exchange for sharing exam tips. Of course, they had to admit they had fun too, but what they found most contemptible was that whenever they got scolded, they bore the brunt of it while she acted completely innocent.
“Madam, I think our A Yan is just fine—open and straightforward, unlike those delicate young ladies from wealthy families who are overly reserved,” Luo Guanqing said proudly.
Yin Shi glared at him. “You just spoil her!”
Luo Guanqing chuckled and turned to Yin Haocui. “Brother-in-law, how long will you be staying in the capital this time?”
“Probably until after A Yan’s third-day marriage return visit, then I’ll have to hurry back,” Yin Haocui replied.
“So soon?”
Yin Haocui nodded. “Right now, A Min is managing things in Jizhou, so I’m not worried, but we’ve recently opened several new shops in the Lingnan area, and the situation there isn’t very stable yet. I need to go check on them.” He paused, then added, “Little sister, A Qing, I’d like Xuanjun to study in the capital. Next year, I want him to try the imperial exams. I might have to trouble you to look after him a bit.”
“Brother, we’re family—no need for such formalities,” Yin Shi said with a smile.
Luo Guanqing nodded. “Brother-in-law, don’t worry. I’ll make sure to guide Xuanjun in his studies.”
Yin Xuanjun’s face fell. Even though his uncle wasn’t strict in teaching, his methods for dealing with people were endlessly inventive. He felt his future days would be bleak and hopeless.
Seeing his expression, everyone couldn’t help but laugh.
Noticing her daughter and two nephews frequently exchanging glances and making faces at each other, Yin Shi guessed that the younger generation, having not seen each other for so long, had private matters to discuss and allowed them to leave.
Luo Chaoyan then led the two back to her courtyard.
Once in the courtyard, the two eagerly surrounded her, full of curiosity, demanding she explain the whole story behind her engagement.
After hearing it, they couldn’t help but sigh.
Yin Xuanjun offered consolation, saying, “Cousin, that young master of the Huo Family is indeed cunning, but I think no matter how troublesome a little devil he is, in your hands, he’ll be tamed and obedient.”
“Second Brother, your comfort is unnecessary. In my opinion, it’s Lord Huo who deserves sympathy. I’ve heard he’s exceptionally talented, as handsome as Pan An, and he even performed a timely heroic rescue,” Yin Miaoshan said with regret. “Such a dragon among men actually has to marry a woman like Cousin who doesn’t understand romance.” As she spoke, she clutched her chest as if deeply stricken.
“Are you two putting on a performance? One playing the villain, the other the hero—do you want me to write a banner for you?” Luo Chaoyan glared at the two of them.
“Why don’t you mention that because of him, I not only have to face the hidden arrows of jealousy and resentment from others but also constantly guard against that little brat trying to harm me?”
“While that may be true,” Yin Miaoshan stared intently at her, then teased, “Cousin, aren’t you even a little tempted?”
Luo Chaoyan blinked, propped her chin on her hand, and pondered for a moment. Probably not. She did feel some fondness, but she had always been slow to understand emotions. Moreover, Huo Jin seemed like a cold and aloof person—those lofty, unattainable types usually disdained worldly matters. She wasn’t about to invite trouble for herself.
Huo Manor
Huo Rui watched as the servants bustled in and out of the manor, carrying and moving things, and the atmosphere was filled with a sense of celebration. Yet, he felt an indescribable heaviness in his heart.
That day, when he and that woman had been in danger together, even though she had constantly provoked him with her words, he had to admit she was quite clever. He had begun to look forward to the days ahead. But then he thought again and felt that this seemed like a betrayal of his birth mother, leaving him conflicted.
Old Madam Huo noticed his mood and grew concerned. “Rui’er, what’s wrong? Are you unhappy?”
Madam Huo also looked at him and sighed softly. She understood that her grandson was thinking of his birth mother. But the departed were gone, and he was still so young, with a long life ahead of him. He couldn’t afford to be too despondent or carry such heavy thoughts.
“Rui’er, Luo Manor just sent over some more fun little trinkets. Would you like to go take a look?”
Hearing this, Huo Rui’s eyes lit up. It must have been that woman who sent them. Everyone in the manor said she was trying to win him over by sending him amusing things. But only he knew that she didn’t care about pleasing him at all—she was just doing it to keep him from bothering her at Luo Manor.
“Great-grandmother! Grandmother! I’ll take my leave now.”
Old Madam Huo watched as his earlier gloom vanished, replaced by lively energy. She smiled and said, “It seems Miss Luo is quite good with children. Once she enters our household, you might find things easier. But as for the authority to manage the household, we’ll wait and see after she arrives.”
Madam Huo nodded. “You’re right, Mother.”
A few days later, the joyous occasion for the Huo and Luo families finally arrived.
Early that morning, Luo Chaoyan was dragged out of bed by her maids. There was no helping it—because she was about to marry and leave her girlhood behind, she had suffered from insomnia and only fallen asleep as dawn broke.
Seeing the dark circles under her eyes, Shulan had no choice but to apply thicker makeup to cover them up a bit.
From dressing to grooming, Luo Chaoyan moved like a boneless puppet, letting the maids arrange her. When the exquisite but heavy phoenix crown was placed on her head, she nearly toppled backward. Fortunately, the maids caught her in time, averting disaster.
Just as Fengli was about to place the red veil over her head and help her up, Luo Chaoyan felt an uncomfortable sensation below.
“Miss, what’s wrong?” Fengli asked, seeing her not rise.
Luo Chaoyan felt like crying. She was probably that one in a million who got her period on her wedding day. She lifted the veil and looked pitifully at Fengli. “Menstrual cloth.”
Fengli and Shulan exchanged a glance, both annoyed at the terrible timing.
There was nothing for it. The two of them had to help her go and freshen up.
After they had finished their fussing over there, Huo Jin had already bested the various cousins of Luo Manor in a literary contest at the gate and smoothly made his way into the front hall of Luo Manor.