Chapter 28: Without Comparison, How Can There Be a World of Difference

Soon, the day of the Qiqiao Festival arrived.

From early morning, everyone in the household was on edge, aware that this was an auspicious day for the two young ladies of the manor, and thus no one could afford to be lax.

In Xijin Courtyard, He Lingyi looked at her mother, who was impeccably dressed for the day, and felt a surge of pride. As far back as her memory stretched, she had never seen her mother look so radiant and striking. Although there were still some worries, this life was a hundred times better than what they had endured after marrying into the Lu family.

Her mother wore a hibiscus-colored, front-opening long gown, embroidered with a delicate pattern of lotus flowers entwined with vines—a design with an exceptionally auspicious meaning—paired with a moon-white pleated skirt. As she walked, she carried herself with the grace of a true noblewoman. Around her neck hung the gold and jade collar left by Lady Hai, carved with motifs of good fortune and prosperity, which lent her an air of aristocratic elegance.

"You look beautiful. Once Eldest Sister Chi makes her appearance today, I fear Young General Qiao will be struck by your beauty."

Hearing this, Chi Guiwan laughed heartily. She did not have many strong feelings about her fiancé, but it was a rare treat to be complimented, and she felt a small, secret sense of triumph.

"Let’s go. We shouldn't delay; let us first pay our respects to Grandmother, and then head to the main hall."

"Agreed."

Within the Vice Minister's manor, He Lingyi’s status allowed her to come and go freely. Moreover, having prudently maintained a close relationship with Old Madam Chi, she was treated much like the third daughter of the house. When they entered Huafang Study, where the Old Madam resided, they were received with great warmth.

"Granddaughter offers her respects to Grandmother."

"Lingyi pays her respects to the Old Madam."

Both stepped forward properly, performing their salutations according to the instructions of Nanny Zong. Seeing this, Old Madam Chi was very pleased.

"Rise. Why have you two girls come so early today?"

"With joy added to the household, it is all under the shade of Grandmother’s blessings. Naturally, I wanted to come early to attend to you, so that Grandmother might continue to grace us with her protection."

When Chi Guiwan spoke these words, she touched the heart of Old Madam Chi. In the old woman’s view, having worshipped the Bodhisattva for so long, she had accumulated a great deal of Buddhist merit; thus, her granddaughter’s request for her protection was perfectly fitting.

Feeling a genuine sense of affection, she stroked Chi Guiwan’s hair and smiled. "You were just an infant in swaddling clothes, and in the blink of an eye, you are already at the age of marriage. Truly, time spares no one."

"Though your granddaughter has grown, Grandmother’s radiance remains, as kind and benevolent as ever."

"You have such a sweet tongue. Come, let us head to the front hall first; we cannot be late today."

Afterward, Chi Guiwan supported Old Madam Chi as they exited Huafang Study, while He Lingyi followed half a step behind, careful not to overstep by walking side-by-side.

***

The summer day was fine, and there was little heat in the early morning.

When the cool breeze blew, everyone felt quite comfortable. As they walked to the front hall, Chi Yunjing, Madam Guo, Chi Guiying, and Chi Guizhao were already waiting.

Seeing Old Madam Chi enter, they immediately stepped forward to greet her.

"Son pays respects to Mother."

"Daughter-in-law pays respects to Mother."

"Grandmother, I hope you are well."

On the other side, Chi Guiwan and He Lingyi also performed their bows.

"Daughter pays respects to Father and Mother. Second Sister, Third Brother."

"Lingyi pays her respects to Uncle, Aunt, Second Sister Chi, and Brother Chi."

Today, Chi Yunjing’s expression was relaxed; after all, two auspicious events were coming to the family, both of which would greatly benefit his future, so he was naturally pleased. Madam Guo, however, wore an ugly smile. Even though she maintained the demeanor of the Vice Minister’s wife, she looked listless, not to mention the sullen-faced Chi Guiying and the indifferent Chi Guizhao.

Seeing the expressions on the three of them, Old Madam Chi, who had been in an excellent mood, became displeased. Her eyes swept over them as she gave a stern warning.

"Hmph, all of you, show some of the dignity befitting the Vice Minister’s manor. Stop pulling such long faces. If anyone intentionally ruins today’s joyous occasion, don't blame this old woman for being heartless!"

Instead of coming to pay their respects early in the morning, they had only known how to sit here complaining about heaven and earth—what was the meaning of this? Having lived to this age, she would certainly not wrong herself, so she spoke her mind directly, barely stopping short of scolding Chi Guiying outright.

Madam Guo tugged on Chi Guiying’s sleeve, urging her to suppress her reluctance, lest offending the Old Madam add further trouble to their already difficult path. Chi Guiying was not stupid; she knew the importance of her grandmother in her father’s heart and in the household. Gritting her teeth, she wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and stepped forward to offer her respects.

"Granddaughter offers her respects to Grandmother. I felt a headache upon waking this morning, which is why I did not come to Huafang Study to pay my respects. I hope Grandmother will forgive me."

Whether her words were sincere did not matter; as long as the facade was maintained for the moment, it would suffice. Old Madam Chi did not wish to dwell on it in front of everyone, so she nodded and let the matter pass. "Is the auspicious hour approaching?"

"Soon, in another quarter of an hour."

No sooner had Chi Yunjing finished speaking than the steward entered the hall, a red silk ribbon tied around his waist to signal the celebration. He smiled and announced, "Master, the Eldest Madam of the General of the State's manor and the Young General Qiao have arrived. Additionally, the Marquis, the Marchioness, and the Second Young Master of the Haibo Marquis manor have come together, saying they wish to present dowry gifts to the Eldest Young Lady!"

***

With two prestigious and wealthy families arriving at once, the Chi family naturally felt a sense of pride. However, it was only Old Madam Chi, Chi Yunjing, and Chi Guiwan who were truly happy; as for Madam Guo and her two children, they could at best be described as forcing a smile.

"Please, invite them in immediately."

"Yes, Master."

Soon, the steward welcomed both families. Following them came a massive amount of betrothal gifts—eighty-eight chests in total, all carried into the house. Each was heavy, and within moments, they filled the Chi family’s courtyard.

The monetary gifts were displayed prominently in the center, totaling eight hundred and eighty-eight ingots of gold. When the red silk covering was lifted, the entire courtyard seemed to brighten.

Chi Yunjing had managed his affairs in the imperial court well over the years, and the family had some foundation, so although they could not compare to the wealthy, hereditary noble houses of Bianzhou, they were not doing poorly. Still, seeing this, he was slightly shocked.

However, the Qiao family had been military generals for generations; the rewards accumulated from their military service would naturally be substantial. Since they could afford to send these gifts today, they undoubtedly possessed significant resources. Thinking of his future in-laws' wealth, he felt a sense of honor and stepped forward with a smile.

He first exchanged formal bows with the Marquis of Haibo and the Marchioness Qin.

"It has been a long time since I last saw the Marquis and the Marchioness. I hope all is well."

"All is well. The Vice Minister looks radiant and full of vitality; you must be flourishing as well."

"You are too kind, Marquis."

After speaking, he nodded in greeting to the Eldest Madam of the Qiao family. In terms of seniority, he was the elder; even if his status was lower, since they were to be joined in marriage, he had to maintain a certain level of dignity.

"Kong, of the Lu family, pays respects to Uncle Chi."

"Your nephew, Qiao Ruoyu, pays respects to Uncle Chi."

"Good, good. Please, rise. Today is a joyous day; let us dispense with these formal courtesies."

He gestured for them to rise. Regardless of what he truly thought of his eldest daughter, Chi Guiwan, he had to play the part of a loving father today. He beckoned to her and said with a smile, "Eldest daughter, come and pay your respects to the Eldest Madam of Qiao and the Young General."

"Yes, Father."

She had not forgotten a single word of Nanny Zong’s teachings. The more formal the occasion, the more important it was to observe etiquette. Step by step, she approached and performed her salutations, her movements elegant and composed, her expression calm and sincere. Seeing this, the Eldest Madam of Qiao could not help but feel a growing fondness for her.