The Humble Family's Daughter Has A Spatial Pocket!

Chapter 477: Chapter 446: Not the Same_1

In another guest house, Yan Siyu and her son and daughter also discussed everything about the Yan Family.

“Mother, Uncle’s house is not at all like what Grandmother and Great-Aunt said.”

By the window, standing on the tread, Yang Xiujun was pruning the fresh flowers in the vase according to her preference, while talking with Yan Siyu and Yang Hongrui.

In the Yang Family, during winter, Great-Aunt wouldn’t bother wasting silver to buy fresh flowers for them to place around the house.

There were indeed begonias in Second Sister’s room, but she treasured them like precious belongings, only bringing them out for admiration when inviting other young ladies over for gatherings.

Yet such potted scenery could be seen everywhere in the Yan Family; even the guest house they were staying in had several pots in each room, a testament to the generous spending.

Yan Siyu glanced at the Liuli vase used for the flowers, pressed her lips together, and did not speak—her family’s wealth was truly unexpected.

The Liuli mirror, Liuli windows, and various porcelain tea sets in her mother’s room, she had only seen in a few aristocratic families whom the Yang Family had made acquaintances with.

The food at home, although not exotic delicacies, was an array of fresh vegetables during the depth of winter, none repeated. Looking at the casual demeanor of her sister-in-law and nieces, one could tell these were common meals at home, not specially purchased at high prices from outside to entertain guests because of their visit.

Seeing his mother and sister silent, Yang Hongrui drank his tea without saying anything, his surprise and shock were no less than theirs.

He had moved out of the backyard long ago and did not often hear the idle gossip from his grandmother and three great-aunts disparaging the Yan Family, but he had frequently seen his father’s disdain for them.

His father often said that his eldest uncle was old-fashioned and inflexible, and although his learning was not bad, he was conceited, unable to get along well with his colleagues. That is why he stayed as the County Magistrate for nine years, and even though he had now become a Magistrate, it was uncertain how far he could really go.

Yet today, he saw that his eldest uncle was upright and dignified. Though not prone to smiles and laughter, he naturally exuded a scholar’s charm, and he interacted with Han, the second master from the Earl Residence, with proper manners and composure.

Such an uncle might be a bit aloof, but he was certainly not the stubborn figure described by his father.

After coming to the Yan Family and after today’s experiences, he realized that their own family was indeed somewhat narrow-minded and short-sighted; suddenly he understood why his eldest uncle was reluctant to get close to their family.

Yan Siyu abruptly looked at her son, “What do you think of your eldest cousin’s learning?”

Yang Hongrui put down his teacup and answered earnestly, “Eldest cousin is erudite and has unique insights. Most of what he talks about is substantial. Compared to him, I fall far behind.”

Yan Siyu smiled, “Your eldest cousin is a few years older than you and has read more books. It’s normal for his learning to be stronger than yours, so don’t be discouraged.”

Yang Hongrui nodded but did not tell his mother that his cousin’s knowledge was not simply the result of reading a few more books.

Everyone dreams of becoming a Capital Official. After studying and seeking to understand, he had always taken pride in being from an official’s family. But after coming to the Yan Family, all that confidence had vanished.

Not to mention his eldest cousin, even his second cousin understood more about worldly affairs than he did.

Yan Siyu continued, “Since your eldest cousin is so knowledgeable, you should seek his guidance in the future.”

Yang Hongrui nodded, “I will, Mother.”

Yan Siyu then said, “Your grandmother mentioned that in a couple of days, your third and fourth cousins will be coming back home. They have been following the Little Prince from the Prince Residence. You should also get along well with them when the time comes.”

Yang Hongrui smiled, “Mother, rest assured, I will get along well with my cousins.”

Yan Siyu said no more and glanced at her docile daughter, her gaze slightly downcast.

As her maternal family thrived, she found herself truly tempted by her husband’s suggestions of marriage alliances.

She would have to think about it more. As far as her eldest brother’s son, Wenxiu, was concerned, she could forget it; even if she brought it up, her mother and eldest brother and sister-in-law would not agree. Now, only Wenkai and Yiyi remained.

Wenkai had not set his sights on anyone yet, and his age was suitable for her daughter, but Yiyi, spoiled as he was by her eldest brother and sister-in-law, could her son afford to keep him?

Just by looking at Yiyi’s attire today, she felt a chill.

Kesi silk jacket, enamel hairpins, lotus jade powder bracelets, a golden pocket watch—each of these, not a single item could be bought with money, not even the daughters of ordinary nobility in Beijing could match this grandeur.

Her son…

Yan Siyu looked at her son, her expression tinged with a sigh. Right now, her son did not even have a title to his name. Even if she harbored the thoughts of arranging a marriage, she couldn’t possibly bring it up.

“`

After a while, the teacup was empty, and Yang Hongrui stood up and said, “Mother, I’ll go back to my room first. You and my sister should also rest early.”

Yan Siyu nodded, “Alright, go and rest.” Then she turned to Yang Xiujun, “You should rest as well.”

…

The main courtyard.

Madam Li watched her daughter sip milk and asked, “Why didn’t you invite your cousin to stay at your place? I saw that your grandmother really wanted to keep your aunt over, but your aunt couldn’t rest easy leaving her children behind.”

Daohua paused, put down the bowl, and wiped her mouth before replying, “Didn’t you say that aunt and her family might stay for a long time? Everyone has different habits. When it’s just for a few days, people can make compromises, but over a longer period, grievances are bound to arise. It’s better to live separately from the start.”

Madam Li glanced at her, “You seem not to like Xiujun very much?”

Daohua shook her head quickly, “Not at all, absolutely not, it’s just… Cousin Xiujun is a lady from a distinguished family, well-trained in etiquette to her core. Being around her means I have to be constantly on edge, it’s too exhausting.”

Madam Li said with a tinge of annoyance, “You, you just indulge in laziness too much. You really should learn from Xiujun.”

Daohua acted startled, “Mother, please just bear with me, I will never be able to learn that kind of lifestyle, always so constrained—it’s too dull.”

Madam Li snorted, “Your grandmother has been missing your aunt for years. Don’t neglect Xiujun.”

Daohua nodded, “Mother, rest assured. Even if not for the monk, then for the Buddha’s sake—on grandmother’s account, I will treat cousin Xiujun warmly.”

…

In the following days, Madam Li, the Sun Family, and the Wu Family were busy preparing for the old lady’s birthday, while Yan Siyu was devoted to attending her elderly mother. Daohua was busy helping with the preparations, so Yan Yihuan, Yan Yishuang, and Yan Yile took over the task of hosting Yang Xiujun and Yan Yunxi and Yan Yunyan.

As for entertaining the servants of the second Lord Han and others, it was Yan Wenxiu’s responsibility.

On the third day after Yan Siyu and her sons arrived at the Yan Residence, Yan Wenkai and Yan Wentao returned.

“Your nephew greets you, aunt!”

Looking at her nephew in front of her, full of vigor and imposing appearance, not at all acting like an outsider, Yan Siyu was pleasantly surprised, “This must be Wenkai, right?”

The old Madam Yan’s face beamed with unrestrained joy, “Indeed, it’s this rascal. He has the loudest voice in the entire house.”

Yan Siyu quickly helped Yan Wenkai up, laughing, “You’ve grown so tall and so sturdy.”

Yan Wenkai scratched his head, “Aunt, the tallest and strongest in our family isn’t me, it’s Third Brother.” With that, he turned his head to look at Yan Wentao standing beside him.

Yan Wentao stepped forward with a smile, “Wentao pays his respects to aunt, may you be forever peaceful and safe.”

Yan Siyu quickly reached out to help him up, “Stand up quickly.” While talking, she looked closely at Yan Wentao, and then turned to Wu Family with a smile, “Sister-in-law, Wentao looks so valiant and spirited.”

The Wu Family smiled broadly, “Him? He’s just all brute strength.”

After that, Daohua introduced Yang Xiujun to the two of them.

After the greetings, Yan Wenkai said to Daohua, “Big sister, when Third Brother and I came back, Dong Big Brother and Su Hongxin said that Dong Sister and Su Sister are coming over in a couple of days. You should prepare a bit.”

Daohua laughed casually, “There’s nothing much to prepare, they’ve always stayed in my courtyard when they’ve come before. It’ll be the same this time.”

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiujun quickly glanced at Daohua, then silently lowered her head again.

Yan Wentao interjected, “Don’t forget there’s also Sister Zhou. Big Brother Zhou will also be coming.”

Daohua was immediately delighted, “Jingwan is also coming? That’s great, I haven’t seen her in such a long time.”

Yan Wentao smiled, “The last time I met Big Brother Zhou, he said that Sister Zhou misses you too, just that she hasn’t had the chance to go out.”

When it came to Zhou Jingwan, Yan Wentao clearly had more to say, which made Yan Wenkai glance at him.

Fortunately, the adults didn’t pay much attention to the youngsters’ conversation.

“`