Chapter 13: Guests Arrive

Tong Mingyu turned to her parents, elder brother, and sister-in-law, apologizing, “Father, Mother, there are guests at home. I must return first. Please allow Ah Yi and Ah Yang to stay here. Second Brother, if you have time, could you help review their studies?”

“Let them stay, then. I happen to have some free time lately,” Tong Guanghui agreed without hesitation, though he had no idea what was happening in the Xiao family.

Lady Tong, who knew a bit more about the situation, said nothing. She simply instructed the servants to load the prepared return gifts onto the carriage. Tong Mingyu then asked Qiao Yue to carry the sleeping Xiao Yao.

“Ping’an is still asleep. Perhaps she should stay here as well,” Lord Tong remarked, reluctant to part with his granddaughter. As for his grandson, he was eager for him to be taken home, recalling the messy and unpleasant sensation earlier.

“I know you adore Ping’an. We’ll bring her back in a few days when we come to pick up Ah Yi and Ah Yang. That way, you can spend time with her to your heart’s content,” Tong Mingyu reassured him. Leaving behind three of the four children during a visit to her family wasn’t proper, and besides, she couldn’t bear to be apart from her daughter.

Under her father-in-law’s disapproving gaze, Xiao Jingkang tightly held his daughter and headed straight for the Tong family’s gate without looking back. He hadn’t taken a few steps when he heard a heavy sigh and his mother-in-law’s hearty laughter at his thwarted plan.

Turning back, Xiao Jingkang tried to appease his wife, only to be met with an exasperated eye roll. Lowering his head, he muttered pitifully to his daughter, “Daddy is doing this all for you. You mustn’t abandon me, or Daddy will be so pitiful.”

When they returned to the Xiao family estate, the couple first brought the children to Ya Courtyard. Xiao Yao had already awakened. Tong Mingyu instructed the servants to prepare medicine. After a period of careful nursing, her daughter had recovered well. The dosage had been reduced from three times daily to twice, morning and evening. Other than refraining from strenuous activity, she was no different from a healthy person. Xiao Jun, on the other hand, was sleeping soundly like a piglet after exhausting himself.

After ensuring everything was in order, the couple changed their clothes and headed to Ninghe Hall.

Meanwhile, in the main house, Lady Qin was entertaining a couple dressed in luxurious brocade garments adorned with gold and jade. They appeared to be in their fifties. Seated beside them were a younger man and woman, with three teenagers—a boy and two girls—standing behind them.

“Greetings, Mother,” Xiao Jingkang and Tong Mingyu bowed respectfully to Lady Qin.

“Come and meet your Fang family uncle and aunt,” Lady Qin instructed.

Xiao Jingkang frowned slightly. Which Fang family uncle? Since his maternal grandfather’s passing, the connection between their two families had dwindled. His mother resented his second uncle for taking over the family head position from his eldest uncle, while his second uncle blamed the Xiao family for not supporting them. Though relations had somewhat eased, they were far from the cordial past. This Fang Yufu was his second aunt’s brother, but it was unclear how he qualified as an uncle.

“Greetings, Uncle and Aunt Fang,” Tong Mingyu said courteously, offering a bow. It was just a title, after all. At this stage, maintaining appearances was key; nothing more, nothing less.

“This must be your eldest son and his wife! People from the capital truly have an exceptional bearing. Just look at their demeanor and appearance! I daresay there isn’t a second pair like them in all of Xuzhou,” Lady Fang gushed, her flattery pouring out unreservedly.

Tong Mingyu responded with a faint smile and gracefully sat down beside her husband.

The Fang family was entirely unfamiliar to her, a name she had barely heard in passing. Her initial impression was indifferent—neither fond nor disliking. Yet, after today’s encounter, she felt an unmistakable unease, sensing that disentangling from them would be challenging. As long as the Xiao family remained concerned about their reputation and Lady Qin’s standing, compromise would seem inevitable.

Fortunately, the prior agreement between the two families was vague, stating only that the Xiao and Fang grandchildren would marry, with no specifics on who would marry whom. This left room for negotiation. Tong Mingyu’s lips curled into a slight sneer. Back then, Lady Qin might have agreed out of fear and confusion, while the Fang family had likely seen the Xiao family as lacking background and support. A martial family would be a convenient ally in case of trouble. Without a written betrothal contract, reneging would be easy.

But now, with the Xiao family prospering and its children excelling, the Fang family had seized the perfect opportunity to assert themselves.

“Qinglian, Qinghe, come forward and greet Lord Tong and Lady Tong,” Lady Fang summoned the two girls forward, adding with a smile, “And where are the young masters and young miss of the Xiao family?”

“Why the formality of calling them Lord Tong and Lady Tong? We should address them as…” Lady Qin hesitated, unsure of the proper familial term.

“It’s appropriate to address them formally. Etiquette must be observed, and rules should be established early on. Naturally, their titles will change when the time comes,” Lady Fang interjected.

Her meaning was clear.

So, this was a test. Tong Mingyu replied calmly, “My brothers were concerned the children might neglect their studies during the New Year festivities and decided to tutor them personally. Since my elder brother is currently free, he’s helping them address any weaknesses. The younger ones are home but fell asleep on the way. They’ll have to greet you tomorrow.”

The Fang couple exchanged glances, their eyes swirling with hidden currents. How coincidental. Of the suitable boys in the Xiao family, one was left at his maternal grandparents’ house, while another was visiting his mentor. Not a single one could be seen today. The message was clear: withdraw on your own.

Fang Yufu sneered inwardly. Dream on. If the Xiao family were in decline, they wouldn’t have mentioned the marriage at all. But now that they were flourishing, reneging was no longer an option.

If only they had formalized the engagement in writing back then. Who could have foreseen the Xiao family’s meteoric rise, establishing themselves firmly in the capital and forging powerful alliances?

“We’ll be staying in the capital for some time to handle certain matters. Once everything is settled, we’ll consider leaving,” Fang Yufu finally spoke.

In other words, the marriage must be confirmed before they would depart.

Lady Qin lowered her gaze, fingering her prayer beads as regret once again swelled within her.

Tong Mingyu stood and addressed her mother-in-law respectfully, “I’ll go to the kitchen to ensure everything is prepared. We should treat our guests well tonight.”

“I have matters to attend to in the study and will take my leave,” Xiao Jingkang added.

Neither had any desire to stay and entertain the guests, choosing instead to withdraw.

“You’ve both had a long day. There’s no need to join us for dinner tonight. Have your meals in your quarters, and let the Qing Courtyard know they need not come either. After all, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet in the future,” Lady Qin declared.

The Fang family’s attempt at intimidation was met with an equally resolute response. Lady Qin chose to support her son and daughter-in-law, making her stance clear.

“Understood. We’ll take our leave,” Xiao Jingkang said, promptly departing. Tong Mingyu curtsied gracefully before following suit.

“Elder Sister, what do you make of this?” Lady Fang was fuming. They had traveled so far, prepared thoroughly, yet the Xiao family had dismissed them with such a blatant show of disrespect.

Lady Qin remained silent, lost in her thoughts. To her, the Xiao family’s dignity came first, and she would not allow it to be undermined.

Xiao Jingkang and Tong Mingyu strolled slowly along the path toward Ya Courtyard, their moods heavy. The servants, sensing their displeasure, treaded carefully around them.

“Elder Brother, did they make any demands, such as…” Tong Mingyu trailed off, implying marriage arrangements.

Dressed in his official attire with a sword still at his side, Xiao Jingtai had clearly come directly from court. Matters concerning his children always stirred his composure.

“Perhaps I should make a detour to the main hall,” Xiao Jingtai said, patting his sword and straightening his back.

“Perhaps you should draw it directly. That might yield better results,” Xiao Jingkang remarked lightly.

Realizing the severity of the situation, Xiao Jingtai and his wife concluded it was indeed serious. Though frustrated, they weren’t overly concerned. After all, this was the General’s Mansion. Why should they fear a mere merchant?