Have You Written Your Will Today?
Chapter 177: Truly Worried

Chapter 177: Chapter 177: Truly Worried

The Yongchang Marquis Mansion is located on Chaoheng Street, and the carriage ride there was very smooth.

The carriage was spacious enough to comfortably accommodate several people.

Shen Hua was indeed extremely sleepy, her eyelids growing heavier as she listened to Cui Xuan and Qiao Si talk.

"This banquet will see many guests; not to mention the nobles from Shengjing, there are also quite a few from the Xuan family’s collateral branches."

The Xuan Residence’s population is not as simple as that of Marquis Yangling Mansion.

Above Cui Xuan, there is an elder brother of the legitimate line, who is Father of Xuan Shen. At the same time, she also has quite a few concubine brothers and sisters.

Each of them married, with children, and this time they are sure to bring their families back home.

Not to mention several uncles under Cui Xuan and their descendants.

Just giving red envelopes to the younger generation during the New Year is quite a sizable sum.

Of course, there are also the golden coins given to the children.

Every year, there are several rooms full of people, and batches after batches of unfamiliar faces come to pay respects.

Qiao Si said softly, "I’m afraid the daughter-in-law will not be able to recognize everyone."

Cui Xuan smiled gently: "Don’t mention you, even I can’t remember everyone."

"Managing all these is indeed a difficult task. My sister-in-law has been sending me messages for several days now, and it seems quite urgent, fearing any mishaps. She wants us to get there as soon as possible; once we arrive, it looks like we, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, will have our work cut out for us."

Tomorrow is the day of the banquet, and the Mother of Xuan Chen dares not make any mistakes. Dowager Xuan is getting on in years, it’s best not to overburden the mother-in-law. So, she’s looking forward to her younger sisters-in-law returning sooner. Waiting for them to arrive, together they’ll review the dishes and many other miscellaneous matters.

Qiao Si said: "It’s our own family’s happy occasion; no matter how tiring, it’s worth it."

Outside the carriage, there’s a cacophony of people, noise coming and going.

The two women were still talking when there was a heavy weight on Qiao Si’s shoulder, as a barely awake Shen Hua leaned over. Strands of her hair covered half of her face.

Qiao Si lowered her eyes to look.

The girl had her eyes closed, sleeping sweetly.

She smiled softly, raised her hand to whisk away the hair, and gently pulled Shen Hua closer to allow her a more comfortable rest.

"This Miss Shen, she’s like a child sometimes, but at times she’s more rational than anyone, living a very clear-headed life."

Cui Xuan has not spent as much time with Shen Hua as Qiao Si has.

Sometimes, Shen Hua would have her meals in her courtyard.

"My courtyard is quiet, and it comes alive when she visits. She can also ensure Rong sticks to her vegetarian diet."

Cui Xuan, hugging an already sleeping Cui Rong, looked again at the tranquil face of Shen Hua.

Isn’t it like that?

She chuckled quietly to herself.

"Not to mention you think it lively, even Yun seems more human, you didn’t hear, before getting on the carriage, he actually had the servants keep the older ones in line. It’s a wonder he, being their uncle, could say such things."

Cui Xuan laughed. She had a set of shallow dimples; this middle-aged woman, well-maintained, looked quite young.

She said with satisfaction: "He truly cares deeply."

Although both mansions are in Shengjing, one is in the east and one is in the west, quite far apart.

Shen Hua was sleeping soundly when Qiao Si woke her up with a gentle call.

She clung to Qiao Si’s arm, her eyes still bleary with sleep.

"Have we arrived?"

"Yes, let’s get down from the carriage quickly. If you’re still sleepy, you can go to the side chamber to rest later."

Shen Hua picked up the cup of tea from the tea table, which was a bit too cold and made her teeth chill. After drinking it, she felt much more awake.

She followed the others off the carriage.

And there, Xuan Chen had been waiting outside the door for a while.

Cui Rong also woke up, and she excitedly flung herself onto Xuan Chen: "Uncle!"

Xuan Chen smiled and lifted her up.

"Rong has gotten heavier again."

Cui Rong’s smile faded.

She pouted, as though she had been greatly wronged.

"Nobody compliments people like that."

Xuan Chen stepped forward.

"Aunt Kang’an."

"Sister-in-law Zhuang’an."

Then, he saw Shen Hua, surprised.

"Miss Shen Zhuang’an."

Shen Hua returned the salute.

Xuan Chen invited everyone inside with natural ease.

Cui Xuan scolded him: "It’s cold outside, why were you waiting here?"

"There are many youngsters in Grandma’s courtyard, making quite a noise right now. I thought I’d step out for some peace and naturally, as your nephew, I ought to come and welcome you myself."

As he spoke, he paused for a moment. Then, he informed Cui Xuan of the individuals inside the room one by one.

"Hmm, it happens that I’ve been missing Mother as well. I’ll go and pay my respects to her first, then look for Mama."

While speaking, she asked a question.

"Has your elder sister returned yet?"

Xuan Chen fell silent for a moment, as if wanting to say something but then holding it back: "She has returned."

His reaction was really not normal.

Cui Xuan noticed but didn’t rush to ask.

Indeed, the main courtyard was bustling with excitement, and the moment Shen Hua entered, she heard the laughter and chatter inside.

Qiao Si, worried that she might be shy, took Shen Hua by the hand and led her inside.

Dowager Xuan, wearing a low knot on her forehead, sat regally in the main seat, laughing heartily due to the youngsters’ antics.

Upon seeing several people enter, she straightened up slightly.

After everyone had paid their respects, she smiled and waved at Cui Rong.

"Rong, come over to your great-grandma here."

Xuan Chen placed Cui Rong on the ground.

The little girl strode forward and threw herself onto Dowager Xuan.

"Great-grandma, I’ve missed you."

Dowager Xuan lifted her onto her lap.

"Oh my, our Rong has gotten heavier."

Cui Rong shyly buried her face.

Shen Hua tried hard to suppress her laughter, her shoulders shaking. Then, another group of youngsters came forward to pay respects to Cui Xuan.

Dowager Xuan’s legitimate sister narrowed her eyes.

"The beauties from Marquis Yangling Mansion, from the four who entered the room, which isn’t a beauty?"

She looked at Cui Xuan: "Already a grandmother, yet you look as if you’re a new bride just married."

"Rong is clever and pretty, and this Bai’s wife is still as soft and gentle as water as I remember."

Speaking, her gaze landed on Shen Hua.

"This girl is also beautiful!"

Then, she turned to ask Dowager Xuan.

"Who is this?"

Dowager Xuan, busy pampering Cui Rong, chuckled upon hearing this.

"Considering our two families are often interacting, how could you not recognize someone from the Cui family."

She said, looking towards Shen Hua, and then fell silent.

Cui Xuan told everyone.

"This is Miss Shen, another girl living in the West Garden of our residence, I also thought to bring her along for some lively company."

As for the rest, she did not mention a word. It was up to the people inside the room to think as they wished.

While speaking, she leaned close to her mother and whispered a few words.

Shen Hua clearly saw a flash of clarity in Dowager Xuan’s muddled eyes: "Child, come forward."

Shen Hua blinked.

She thought.

The Cui family really was lacking in pleasing cousins!!!

So much so that Dowager Xuan could be so warmly enthusiastic.

She always believed in reciprocating, so she took her time walking forward.

"How old are you?"

"I’ve passed my coming-of-age ceremony, I am fifteen now."

On the other side, Xuan Chen, holding the letter Cui Xuan gave him, left the main house.

Although he was an official at court, Emperor He had specially granted him leave. With Father Xuan not back at the residence yet, he was unaware of the affairs in the palace.

After opening the letter, he skimmed through it more than once.

His expression darkened with hidden anger. Then he ordered the servant by his side.

"Go, retrieve the wedding invitations sent to Duke Wei Mansion."

Servant: ???

This was the first time he heard that such things could be taken back.

Xuan Chen looked at the letter again: "Remember, bring more people, it’s fine to make a bit of a commotion."

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