Prev | TOC | Next
———
~ Please support this site by disabling your ad-blocker...
______
CHAPTER 13 - ENTERING THE ANCESTRAL HALL
He Immediately retorted, "How can my son be a jinx? Fifth uncle, your words are too harsh! No wonder the sixth young master doesn't like dealing with you. Each one of you is capable of scheming against him behind his back!"
With a disdainful snort, he left the courtyard in a huff and retreated to the study.
The fifth elder lord, realizing he had spoken too harshly, but facing the gazes of his numerous children and servants, couldn't back down.
Stubbornly, he said, "What's wrong? Isn't this how it's being talked about outside? If not, why would you all go and help him seek the hand of this Du woman with such a strong fate? We are the Shang Family Mansion! A daughter of a merchant can become the future Lady of the Shang Family Mansion. It's truly laughable!"
His words were as sharp-tongued as a woman's, if not more so. Although Lady Wei had suffered a setback in front of Shang Yukuan and Du Jingyi, she was pleased to see the fifth family venting her anger. Despite offering words of advice, she couldn't help adding fuel to the fire.
As the fifth elder lord continued his scolding, he even casually fabricated stories about the casualties of the Gu family in the military, as if their hardships were all due to Shang Yukuan's unyielding fate. This led to intense whispers among the people below.
It seemed as if they believed that facing such difficulties was all because of Shang Yukuan's unyielding fate, stirring intense whispers among the onlookers.
Meanwhile, in the main hall, the scolding continued vehemently, and the servants stood in the corridor, enjoying the spectacle.
In the northwest direction of the Shang Family Mansion, there was an unusual quietness.
At the Shang family ancestral hall.
A solemn atmosphere surrounded them.
Following Shang Ji, Du Jingyi took a deep breath before entering.
The Shang family hadn't been established for many years, so there weren't many memorial tablets displayed. Apart from the first row, which held the tablets of Old Duke Shang and the Old Duchess, there were the tablets of Shang Gushi and Shang Dalang in the second row, as well as the memorial tablets of Shang Ji's three former wives—Shang Xushi, Shang Jingshi, and Shang Wangshi—in the third row. Additionally, there were scattered tablets for the sons and daughters-in-law who had passed away from the third and fifth branches.
All these tablets were accompanied by burning incense.
Du Jingyi had never entered the ancestral hall alone before, except for the annual New Year's Eve family worship. Initially, she might have found it somewhat eerie, but now there was a nostalgic atmosphere, perhaps due to the calming presence of Shang Ji. So, she didn't feel the same fear she once did.
Read only on https://royaltywrites.com.ng/
Standing in front of the tablet of Shang Gushi.
Du Jingyi received the tea from Ying Tao and knelt down in front of the tablet. Shang Ji joined her.
With a calm demeanor and a hint of sincerity, Du Jingyi spoke, "Daughter-in-law Du pays respects to Mother-in-law with tea."
Observing her attitude, Shang Ji felt comforted. When he turned to the tablet, his expression carried a touch of sorrow.
Then, Shang Ji spoke in a gentle tone, "Mother, if you have knowledge beyond the grave, rest assured, your son has returned. In the future, no one will dare to mistreat the Shang family."
He shifted his gaze to the tablet of Shang Dalang, his tone turning from mournful to resolute. "Big brother, find peace. With me here, your wife and nephew will no longer suffer injustice."
Du Jingyi quietly knelt on the cushion, listening as her husband, Shang Ji, spoke to the tablets of his mother and elder brother.
Having entered the family after the passing of these two, she was unaware of the specific circumstances. The intrigues in high-ranking households were no less than those in smaller households like hers, so she thought it best not to inquire too much.
Quietly listening, they waited until the time for an incense stick had passed.
Shang Ju then spoke lightly, "Apologies, I got lost in my thoughts and forgot that you were still kneeling."
Du Jingyi smiled and said, "It's the first time this concubine is offering tea to Mother-in-law, so kneeling for a while is no trouble."
"Hmm."
Shang Ji reached out to help Du Jingyi stand, but he noticed her maids on both sides had already rushed forward to assist with concern. He withdrew his hand, his expression returning to normal.
"Let's go, go back and meet eldest sister-in-law. I should have introduced you three years ago."
"Alright."
After saying this, the couple headed towards the East Courtyard.
Whether there were originally few servants around the ancestral hall or the scene just now intimidated them, there were not many servants trailing behind Shang Ji.
The couple remained silent along the way until they entered the gate of Xitang Courtyard and saw familiar faces. It was then that Shang Ji spoke to the steward He and the nanny Dou, who were guarding the gate of the East Courtyard.
"These years have been hard on both of you. After everything is settled, we'll move to the general's residence and live a good life."
Steward He and Nanny Dou were both left behind by Lady Gu before she passed away.
They faithfully guarded the East Courtyard, so even if chaos reigned outside, within the East Courtyard, everyone could still enjoy peaceful days. This included the Autumn Breeze Court where the widowed Lady Liu resided and the Ripple Court where the eighth Miss of the Shang family, Miss Xue, lived. They were not influenced by the rumors circulating from the third and fifth branches.
Therefore, upon hearing Shang Ji's words, both women were tearful but relieved, saying, "We will follow General's arrangements."
"Hmm."
After saying this, the couple headed towards Xitang Courtyard in the center of the East Courtyard.
Lady Liu, her nephew Shang Zhiping, and the eighth Miss, Shang Xue, had been waiting for a long time.
As the couple approached, the first to stand up with great joy was Shang's youngest daughter, Miss Xue.
Known as Xueniang, she was only fourteen years old and still in her girlhood. She enthusiastically threw herself into Shang Ji's arms, crying with a look of grievance.
"Sixth Brother! I thought you wouldn't come back!"
Seeing her like this, Lady Liu couldn't help but have tears well up, wiping away the tears from the corner of her eyes with a handkerchief. However, her expression became more sincere and composed.
Du Jingyi silently stood aside. This kind of family affection was not something she could casually intervene in and comment on. When she exchanged glances with Lady Liu, they both saw a sense of inquiry in each other's eyes.
However, some words were not suitable to be said in front of Shang Ji. Therefore, both of them suppressed their thoughts.
Shang Ji gently patted his sister's back, consoling her silently.
Since his teenage years, he had joined the military under his maternal grandfather's family. Over the past decade, he had been engaged in battles and rarely experienced such peaceful moments.
Therefore, towards this younger sister of his, he felt affection, but he didn't know how to express it. All he could do was use his broad shoulders to shield them from external malice.
After a moment, he softened his tone and said, "Sixth Brother is back, and he won't leave this time. I'll protect you and ensure you have a peaceful life."
Miss Shang Xue, who was only fourteen years old, lost her mother at a young age. Despite this, her elder sister-in-law took on a maternal role.
Read only on https://royaltywrites.com.ng/
We hope you enjoyed this chapter! You can vote for this novel translation and drop a review on Novel Updates!
Show support by clicking on the support us button below!❤️
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments
What's on your mind...