< Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter >
Testing the Waters
T/N: Translated by Jen on Broken Jinsei! Please do not repost my translations! All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
Shuangye and Ganlu were both shocked. Yu Lingxin was also a bit surprised, glancing at Bai Guo. The latter had already lowered her head, returning to her usual obedient and docile look.
“Sister Shuangzhi, tell the old madam, my body is much better now, so it’s better to not trouble the marchioness to come over.” Yu Lingxin thought for a moment, “I will change right away. It’s better for me to go to Dongli Residence to greet the marchioness.”
Shuangzhi had already heard Shuangye come to Dongli Residence to report this morning, knowing that Yu Lingxin no longer had a fever, so just responded on the spot that she will go back to report.
Lianyi Residence naturally very quickly became busy.
Ganlu was still somewhat uncertain, but Shuangye immediately just understood what the Wen’an Marchioness coming over to visit meant. Although she wasn’t considered flustered, she was still very excited.
The servant girls were agile and skillful with their hands to begin with, very quickly helping Yu Lingxin change into a red brocade long dress embroidered with round flowers and draping on a jade colored cloak on the outside. That red plum flower gold hairpin and the white jade water lilies by her temples made Yu Lingxin appear very bright and charming, yet also not lacking in composure and grandeur. After getting ready, they finally headed over to Dongli Residence
After Shuangzhi reported their arrival and lifted the curtains, Yu Lingxin just went in, seeing Yu old madam drinking tea with Ming Huayue with a big smile on her face. Su-shi was also sitting below accompanying them, while Xun Ying and Yu Yunxin were sitting on the other side talking. Between the peers of the same generation, although they weren’t that familiar, they were still able to polite chat in a low voice, like as if it was just a normal visit between relatives.
However, as Yu Lingxin went forward two steps, she was able to clearly sense Su-shi and Yu Yunxin’s extremely complicated gaze towards her. In fact, it can even be said to be a bit unfamiliar.
Yu old madam and Ming Huayue’s, however, were both full of affection and joy. Xun Ying was also very happy. For a moment, Yu Lingxin’s heart suddenly started beating wildly again. She couldn’t help but press her lips before going forward to greet, “Grandmother, marchioness, madam.”
“Ling’er, come over and sit.” Yu old madam pointed to the empty seat next to her, “Madam Xun heard that you caught a cold yesterday, so came over to see you.”
“Thank you madam for the concern, merely just a small cold. I took the medicine last night and have already recovered today.” Yu Lingxin once again curtsied towards Ming Huayue, and afterwards, sat down by her grandmother’s side.
Ming Huayue had her nicely examined from top to bottom before nodding, “Your spirit appears to be pretty good, but you’ve also gotten lighter these days, truly must have tired you out.”
When Yu Lingxin was changing just now, she actually did notice that her clothes were a bit loose, but at present, having changed into the winter clothes, it wasn’t too obvious on the outside. More importantly, these words can only be vaguely responded to, “Madam is too serious. I’m on good terms with both Ying’er and Jinrou, so merely just a small matter, not worth mentioning.”
“How is it just a small matter? This child is also too modest.” Ming Huayue said with a smile and then turned towards Yu old madam again, “In the past, when hearing the elders at home mention the old head minister, all say that Head Minister Yu had outstanding scholarly knowledge, yet also modest and openminded. At present, on your family’s young miss, one sure enough can see magnificent family style and upbringing.”
Yu old madam looked at Yu Lingxin who had her eyes slightly lowered, also smiling from ear to ear, “This child has always been gentle and quiet, but is very sensible inside. When she was little, it wasn’t noticeable, but these last two years, indeed able to see her grandfather’s shadow. A few days ago, Ling girl frequently went to your manor to trouble you all. Many thanks to madam for looking after her.”
Ming Huayue waved her hand and smiled, “How can it be considered troubling? I’m ashamed to say that, that banquet of ours a few days ago, if not for your manor’s eldest miss helping my Ying’er, really don’t know how many mistakes there will be. This kind of good child, never mind just coming over for a few days, even if carrying by the side everyday, one would also be delighted.”
Although seeing Ming Huayue personally coming to visit, even bringing medicinal ingredients and gifts, while also saying that she wanted to personally go see Yu Lingxin, already can be considered very explicitly expressing her goodwill, but hearing Ming Huayue express an even clearer meaning like this, it still made the Yu family from top to bottom all somewhat shocked.
TN: All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
After all, old Head Minister Yu has already passed away for a long time. Based on Yu Bocheng’s current official post and the Yu family’s status, Yu old madam’s original intentions for her own granddaughter inside were also nothing more than just looking at the sons of officials around the fourth rank. If really entering prestigious noble households, afraid it can only be for the di sons of a shu branch, or even the shu son of a di branch.
As for the Wen’an Marquis Manor and Jin Duke Manor, these families that not only have an inheritable noble title, but also actual power and influence, as well as imperial favor, the Yu family actually never even considered before. Never mind Xun Che who was the heir, even Xun Cong’s status was more than enough to marry a princess, or any other daughter of the imperial clan.
“Madam overpraises.” Yu old madam laughed again. However, the faint misgiving inside previously still bubbled up. In terms of age and status, Yu Lingxin should be better matched with Xun Cong, just heard that Xun Cong’s studies at Maolin Academy previously seemingly still haven’t finished, and his age was also just fifteen.
Although already old enough to discuss marriage, but there was no reason for the Xun family to skip over the heir, Xun Che, and let Xun Cong get engaged first. Could it be that there was some problem with Xun Cong, thus need to rush to discuss marriage?
After hesitating for a moment, Yu old madam finally ask, “Speaking of which, your noble manor’s children truly are outstanding. The heir is already well-reputed throughout the capital at such a young age, the second miss is also well-educated and sensible, and the fourth young master is also a distinguished disciple of Maolin Academy, truly the whole family brilliant. Don’t know whether the fourth young master is planning to return to the academy afterwards, or directly prepare for next year’s imperial exam?”
Ming Huayue slightly blanked. Regarding Xun Cong’s arrangements, it was actually still undecided. Xun Che’s plan was to not let him return to Maolin Academy, but next, whether it’s following Ming Jincheng to the army camp to train, or him personally teaching him, or something else, all need to wait until their father, Xun Nanheng, return at the end of the year before deciding.
Yu old madam suddenly asking about Xun Cong at this time, she was also somewhat tongue-tied for a moment, “Our family’s old four is still small. The academy’s matter, we are still thinking over. Probably will wait until next year to make arrangements.”
Yu old madam and Su-shi both blanked when hearing this. Xun Cong was still small? Then, this stance of personally visiting to look at Yu Lingxin, what did it mean? Could it be that it was really just seeing how Yu Lingxin and Xun Ying were very close, so wanted to let them become sworn sisters?
Ming Huayue’s thoughts at this time slightly turned, also understanding Yu old madam and Su-shi’s meaning, thus calmly smiled, “Truth be told, old madam, the one in the family that worries me the most at present is still that disappointing number two in the family. Almost nineteen, yet still haven’t settled down, truly worrisome.”
“The heir is talented and good-looking, so certainly will have great future prospects.” Yu old madam vaguely answered with a smile, yet on the inside, she was full of disbelief. Sweeping a glance at Su-shi, the astonishment on latter’s face was just even more distinct. And Yu Lingxin, who was sitting on the other side, already lowered her head to the point where her neck was about to snap.
“Speaking of which, the eldest miss’s birthday is in the twelfth month?” Ming Huayue gazed towards Yu Lingxin again, “After your birthday, you’ll be fourteen, right?”
Yu Lingxin slightly curtsied, deferentially responding, “Yes.”
“Then, it’s also soon.” Ming Huayue turned and signaled the servant girl Bishu by her side, taking out another brocade case, “Our family’s old madam’s birthday banquet this time truly exhausted you. This is a bit of our kindly feelings. By the time your birthday comes around, our family’s marquis should have returned to the capital by then. At that time, we will prepare a bigger present for you.”
These words practically couldn’t be more clear. Even though Yu Lingxin was well aware inside, her face still burned in embarrassment. She hesitantly got up, also glancing at the old madam.
Yu old madam at this time had also composed herself. Although previously, she never thought that this granddaughter of hers actually had this kind of marriage fate, but when she returned to her sense, she naturally was limitlessly happy, “Madam is too generous. Ling’er, why don’t you just take it.”
Yu Lingxin finally went forward and curtsied, receiving that brocade case with both hands, “Many thanks madam.”
At this time, Su-shi and Yu Yunxin who were sitting to side already didn’t know how to react. Previously, when they thought that Ming Huayue wanted to look at Yu Lingxin for Xun Cong, they were already feeling mystified, but now, the meaning in these words were actually…………
Ming Huayue laughed, and then turned towards Yu old madam again, saying a few ordinary words about the family, beginning to idly chat again. Xun Ying also asked Yu Yunxin a few words about her studies. Yu Yunxin somewhat managed to respond, yet her eyes couldn’t help but repeatedly float towards Yu Lingxin. That kind of familiar yet unfamiliar feeling rose up in her heart, for a moment, actually somewhat unable to focus.
Xun Ying has always been patient. Seeing Yu Yunxin distracted, she also didn’t appear unhappy, just softly smiling, patiently waiting for her. Just, after saying a few more words, in the end, she still turned towards Yu Lingxin, “Sister Huijun, Jinrou is still sick. Do you want to come with me to go see her?”
Yu Lingxin immediately nodded. She indeed was worried about Ming Jinrou who’d gotten drenched in the heavy rain that day. But, in the next moment, she recalled that she was in Dongli Residence, so hurriedly turned towards Yu old madam, “Grandmother………..”
Yu old madam helplessly laughed, “Only asking grandmother after you’ve already agreed?”
Ming Huayue also laughed, “These children are close like real sisters, also a kind of fate.”
Yu old madam saw Ming Huayue’s expression when lookng at Yu Lingxin, actually genuinely full of affection. Although happy, she also couldn’t help but inwardly feel surprised. Whether it’s from the relatives, or friends of the family, whenever there’s an elder that takes a fancy to another family’s young lady, wanting to seek for as a daughter-in-law, at most, it was just feeling that the young lady’s character and appearance were excellent, giving a few more praises.
Aside from that kind that were originally family to begin with, or having watched them grow up thus close, types like Ming Huayue, this kind of future mother-in-law, who haven’t interacted with them for very long, yet already this fond of Yu Lingxin, truly were very rare.
In front of Ming Huayue, Yu Lingxin has always felt a bit of embarrassment. Even when pleading towards her grandmother, she all needed to be a bit more reserved, “Then, will grandmother permit me to go see Jinrou?”
“Just go, remember to go early and return early.” How could Yu old madam not allow? If previously, there was still a bit of misgiving, then at present, with Ming Huayue having the words said to this degree, if Yu Lingxin can become closer with Ming Huayue’s niece, then her days in the future will only be even better.
Ming Huayue was also smiling, but couldn’t help but glance at Xun Ying again.
Meeting her mother’s eyes, Xun Ying’s gaze actually averted for once.
Yu Lingxin immediately understood, this was probably…….
T/N: The author changed Yu Lingxin’s birthday that was previously mentioned to be in the fourth month (chapter 47) to the twelfth month here. Author most likely just forgot. Tbh, even now I have no idea when her actual birthday is, but overall, it’s not that big of a deal unless you’re very concerned with minor inconsistencies like me.
< Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter >
Discover more from Broken Jinsei
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Thank you for this wonderful translation. It is done so professionally and consumes full my attention. This is so far a terrific read. I am so glad to have found this.
Thank you for reading! ✨
Xun Ying had always been “patience” -> “patient”
Thank you, fixed it!