Chapter 20: Night Banquet

The Yan family was a renowned and influential household, something Yan Ningxin already knew well. But even so, seeing the rows of archways at the entrance of Xinghua Lane, the sprawling mansions, and the strict decorum, she felt as if she had stumbled into an unfamiliar world.

A group of well-dressed maidservants and maids surrounded her as she entered.

Yan Ningxin was already disoriented, sitting in the sedan chair, taking deep breaths continuously. She wasn't a counterfeit, but she might as well have been. It was only this year that she was found by the Prince Qi's heir and brought back home. However, the Prince Qi's residence was no longer what it once was, and even her cousin's situation was quite difficult. Otherwise, there wouldn't have been a letter from Minister Yan, prompting the Prince Qi's heir to personally escort her back.

After alighting from the sedan chair, several people came to support her. They walked through a long covered corridor, and not far away were eaves with blue tiles. At the end of the corridor was a moon gate. Passing through the moon gate and around a stone screen, she saw that even the floor tiles depicted the Three Stars of Blessing, Longevity, and Prosperity, meticulously laid out. Moving forward, they passed another decorative gate before reaching the main courtyard.

The entrance to the main courtyard bore the inscription "Pine Waves Courtyard," which Yan Ningxin thought must be where Grandmother Yu resided.

Upon entering, a maid held up the curtain for her. A wave of warmth greeted her, and before she could steady herself, an elderly woman with graying hair embraced her and wept, softening her heart. This was what family truly felt like.

"Grandmother," Yan Ningxin called out.

Grandmother Yu dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, subtly observing Yan Ningxin. Noticing her slightly large steps, the excessive movement of her head ornament, the slight yellowing of her teeth when she spoke, and the faint scars on her hands, she felt puzzled.

It was Lady Zhen who consoled her, saying, "Grandmother, you've missed Elder Sister for so long. Now that she's back with you, it's a joyous occasion. Please stop crying; it's not good for your health."

Grandmother Yu introduced Yan Ningxin to her, "This is the First Lady."

Lady Zhen smiled warmly as she introduced herself. Seeing Lady Jie, Yan Ningxin couldn't help but marvel at her father's good fortune. Both Lady Zhen and Lady Jie were in their thirties, yet Lady Zhen was still quite beautiful, while Lady Jie possessed an ethereal beauty.

Lady Jie's voice was very pleasant. Upon seeing her, she said, "It's good that you're back. It's good that you're back. We've all been thinking of you."

"This is your three younger sisters," Lady Zhen pointed to Yao Niang and the others.

Yan Ningxin looked over. The second sister, Qian Niang, appeared graceful and amiable. Qian Niang bowed respectfully, "Elder Sister."

The third sister, Yao Niang, had a radiant complexion and delicate skin, her eyes like autumn water, and her cheeks like peach blossoms. She was still young, but if she grew up, she would undoubtedly be a great beauty. She bowed with a smile, "Elder Sister."

Yan Ningxin then looked at her youngest sister, whose round face still carried baby fat, her eyes dark and bright, and her cheeks flushed, exuding a lively charm.

As Yan Ningxin observed everyone, Yao Niang was also looking at her elder sister, who had grown up in the palace. She was petite, with a delicate appearance, seeming somewhat timid, but her eyes were clear and bright.

Then she heard Grandmother Yu ask her to sit beside her, saying, "You can meet your father and brothers later. For now, let's just talk among ourselves."

Yan Ningxin did not dare to speak much, merely nodding silently.

Sitting below, Yao Niang thought that when she returned from outside, Grandmother hadn't shown such genuine emotion. Perhaps it was because the Prince Qi's heir had personally escorted her back, making the occasion more significant?

Then she heard Grandmother Yu ask, "Did you study in the palace?"

Yan Ningxin replied according to what the Prince Qi's heir had told her, "I usually read *Biographies of Exemplary Women* and *Twenty-four Filial Examples*."

"That's very good. Filial piety comes first among all virtues. Your sisters are all studying too. Why don't you join them? It will be good for companionship," Grandmother Yu smiled.

Yao Niang looked at Yan Ningxin and said, "That's wonderful. Two people left our school recently, so it's perfect that you're here to make it lively again."

Yan Rubei had married two years ago, and Zhao Fang had returned to Shandong with her brother Zhao Xian to prepare for the provincial exams. Xin Wan's health was often unstable, leaving the school with only the three sisters.

Since Yan Ningxin had little experience interacting with women, she was grateful for Yao Niang's friendly demeanor.

Then Lady Zhen and Lady Jie asked about her life in the Prince Qi's residence. Yan Ningxin spoke very little and provided few answers. Everyone understood, given that she had been away for over a decade. If not for Yan Jingzhao's wedding, inviting her back, the Prince Qi's residence might not have released her.

Fortunately, someone announced that Yan Yingqi and his son had arrived. Yan Ningxin had little memory of her father since birth; the father she remembered was her deceased adoptive father.

In her mind, Yan Yingqi, as a Minister of Rites, should have been portly, with a long beard, walking with an official gait. But the man who entered was surprisingly energetic, tall, handsome, and young. He looked at her and said, "Joy fills my home, and my wishes are fulfilled."

Grandmother Yu smiled at Yan Ningxin, "Go and greet your father."

Yan Ningxin performed a hastily learned bow, which was rather awkward. Everyone assumed she was nervous meeting Yan Yingqi for the first time. Then Lady Jie introduced her, "Elder Sister, this is your elder brother."

Yan Ningxin saw that Yan Jingzhao resembled Yan Yingqi, but with more refined features. He looked dignified and handsome, and she couldn't help but call him "Elder Brother."

"Elder Sister, there's no need for formalities," Yan Jingzhao said, having many siblings and not feeling particularly close to any one of them.

After introductions, Yan Yingqi sat down. He was never one for fussing and simply said, "Your cousin has told me about your past. Stay well in the residence." Then he instructed Lady Zhen, "Prepare the Xia Yue Pavilion for her to live in."

Yao Niang inwardly groaned, knowing that the Xia Yue Pavilion was where Ying Niang wanted to live. Now that Yan Ningxin had taken it, Ying Niang would surely be upset. But it wasn't her concern, so she kept silent.

Lady Zhen showed no signs of reluctance and smiled, "Understood."

Yan Yingqi trusted Lady Zhen's management abilities and said to Yan Ningxin, "From now on, this is your home. For anything you need—food, entertainment, or necessities—go to the First Lady."

After some further instructions, the men retired. Grandmother Yu wanted to keep Yan Ningxin talking, so the rest dispersed.

Everyone had their own affairs to attend to and wasn't particularly interested in Yan Ningxin. Besides, she was returning at an age when she might soon marry, so no one wanted to create any enmity. Even the Prince Qi's heir, and the Prince himself, were merely local princes in Shandong, with limited power despite their noble status.

After returning to her room, Yao Niang began reading until dinner, when she changed clothes and went to the main house for the evening meal.

Grandfather and Grandmother Yu took a few bites and left early. Yan Yingqi then addressed Yan Ningxin, "The prince's heir had to leave suddenly. I had planned to host a banquet tonight, but he said he had other matters and left earlier."

The prince's heir couldn't stay away from his domain for long. Yan Ningxin knew her cousin had made time to bring her back, but his departure made her feel uneasy, as if a fledgling bird had left its nest. She said, "My cousin didn't say goodbye."

Feeling somewhat dejected, everything was new to her, even though the Yan family seemed kind.

These were internal family matters, and Yao Niang didn't comment. Living in this household, the most important thing was to focus on one's own affairs.

Yan Yingqi reassured her, "You'll have the chance to meet again someday."

Yan Ningxin, accustomed to interacting with men, was usually informal, but in the Yan household, every action was governed by rules, creating a suffocating atmosphere.

At the dinner table, there was silence during meals. After finishing, everyone rinsed their mouths and sat for a while. Lady Jie led Yao Niang and Yan Jingzhao back, while Yan Yingqi stayed in the main house.

In recent years, Father had mostly stayed in the third house, causing resentment in the main house. Yan Yingqi was a self-assured person, but as the head of the family, he occasionally stayed in the main house.

Lady Jie wasn't prone to jealousy, especially since the third house had no concubines. With a daughter-in-law about to enter the family, she needed to maintain propriety.

Xia Yue Lou was arranged very properly within just one day. Lady Zhen personally led her over and warmly said, "If there's anything you're not satisfied with, Miss Yan, feel free to tell me."

Yan Ningxin felt grateful and quickly replied, "It's already very good."

Lady Zhen held her hand and said, "Among your three younger sisters in our family, Second Miss and Third Miss are both very easy to get along with. However, my Fourth Miss has always been spoiled and willful because of her young age. If she offends you in any way, come to me directly."

This was also something Lady Zhen was worried about. Ying Niang had originally wanted to live in Xia Yue Lou, but now it had been assigned to Yan Ningxin by Yan Yingqi. She feared conflicts might arise, so she prepared for this situation, ensuring it wouldn't reach Yan Yingqi.

Yan Ningxin didn't know the details but felt that having a mother was truly wonderful. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, I am the elder sister, so I'll definitely be considerate towards my younger sister."

"Don't talk about being considerate or not. You'll start attending school tomorrow to get closer to your sisters," Lady Zhen said.

After saying this, she gave a warning to the maidservant serving Yan Ningxin before leaving.

Yan Ningxin sat on the bed, thinking about Prince Consort Yan from time to time, and then about the people in the Yan household. These thoughts passed through her mind like a revolving lantern.

The maidservant reminded her, "Miss Yan, you should rest now. You still need to pay respects to Second Lady tomorrow."

"Second Lady?" Yan Ningxin recalled Lady Jie and yawned, "Didn't we meet today?"

"Today was at the main house. Second Lady is the mistress of the third branch, and you should visit her," the maidservant explained. As someone assigned by Old Lady Yu to serve Yan Ningxin, she would eventually become her personal maid for life, so she was looking out for Yan Ningxin's best interests.

Yan Ningxin nodded, "Alright, I understand."

Wasn't it just paying respects to Lady Jie? It shouldn't be too difficult.

Seeing that Yan Ningxin wasn't taking it seriously, the maidservant emphasized, "Second Lady is highly favored, and Third Miss is the apple of our Lord's eye. Especially Third Miss; she's quite cunning. You mustn't offend her." She was afraid that Yan Ningxin might not realize the seriousness and end up offending someone.

Yan Ningxin thought back to Yao Niang's smiling face earlier and suddenly felt nervous.

This was too difficult. Living with people whose true intentions were hidden was truly exhausting.