Chapter 17

Yan Yihuan wore a look of disapproval, furrowing her brows as she spoke, “Second brother, Yile, Daohua is our eldest aunt’s daughter, and our aunt usually treats us well. We shouldn’t speak this way about Daohua behind her back.” Yan Yile was indifferent, “What’s wrong with talking about it? She’s not the Jade Emperor’s daughter. We can’t even mention her now?” “You impudent girl, quiet down,” came a sudden reprimand. Sun Family burst into the room, glaring fiercely at her younger daughter. “Mother, why have you returned?” Yan Wenjie, Yan Yihuan, and Yan Yile all stood up in unison. Sun Family spoke, “Your grandmother is currently washing up. I came back quietly to remind you that when we go to Songhe Courtyard later, you must genuinely warm up to your grandmother and also to Daohua. You should build a good relationship with her, understand?” Yan Wenjie smiled and said, “Mother, rest assured, we will get close to Grandmother, and as for Daohua, a country girl who hasn’t seen the world, she’s easy to send off.” Sun Family glared at her son, “Though Daohua is a country girl, your grandmother is still above you. Let me tell you, your grandmother is not a vegetarian; all of you better behave yourselves.” “And from now on, you are not allowed to speak of what is crude or not. The name ‘Daohua’ was personally chosen by your grandmother. Even if you disapprove in your hearts, you must not show it openly.” Yan Yile laughed and ran to hug Sun Family, “Mother, your sons and daughters aren’t that foolish. Don’t worry, we won’t have any conflicts with Daohua.” Sun Family looked at her youngest daughter with irritation, “What Daohua? You should call her eldest sister. She is the legitimate eldest daughter of the Yan Family. Moreover, ‘Daohua’ is her pet name, to be used in private. Her formal name is Yan Yiyi.” Yan Yile pouted, “Sister is only a few months younger than her; otherwise, the legitimate eldest daughter of the Yan Family would have been her.” Hearing this, Sun Family sighed and glanced at her eldest daughter, Yihuan. Indeed, it was just a matter of a few months. Otherwise, her daughter would have been the legitimate eldest daughter of the Yan Family. In the countryside, the status of being the legitimate eldest daughter might not matter to anyone. But after dealing with the ladies from official families, she understood that reputable and well-founded clans usually prioritized marrying the legitimate eldest daughters from other families. Qiushi Courtyard. Wu Family had also returned. Boys were quick to bathe, and within a short while, Yan Wentao stood wearing clean undergarments in front of Wu Family. Wu Family, smiling, stepped forward to dress him personally in his outer garments. “Mother, I can do it myself.” Wu Family slapped away Yan Wentao’s hand, insisting on dressing him, which made Yan Wentao feel somewhat embarrassed. Seeing him like this, Wu Family chuckled, “You are my child, do you have to be shy in front of your mother?” Yan Wentao chuckled sheepishly, no longer resisting. As Wu Family helped her son get dressed, she said, “This place is not like Yan Family Village. You need to be mindful of your words and actions. Our branch of the family is new here, and you can’t run wild anymore like you did back home.” Yan Wentao nodded. His father had already spoken to him about this before, and he had taken it to heart. At that moment, Wu Family seemed to think of something and let out a sigh. Yan Wentao looked over, puzzled, “Mother, what’s wrong?” Wu Family replied, “I’m worried about Daohua.” Hearing this, Yan Wentao immediately relaxed, “What’s there to worry about with Daohua?” Wu Family explained, “You don’t know. Whether it’s your eldest uncle’s illegitimate daughter or the second branch’s Yihuan and Yile, their looks and demeanor are just like that of young ladies from noble families. I’m afraid Daohua…” Before she could finish, Yan Wentao interrupted with a laugh, “Mother, are you really worried that Daohua won’t match up to them?” Wu Family responded, “She obviously doesn’t have to worry about her looks, but what about poise and manners… Daohua never learned those in the countryside.” To this, Yan Wentao was even less concerned, “If she hasn’t learned, she can learn. With Grandmother around, who would dare to bully Daohua?” Wu Family shook her head; it wasn’t that simple. The whole family was full of the old lady’s grandchildren, and even if she favored Daohua more, she couldn’t show excessive bias. Besides, the old lady couldn’t manage everything. The best outcome would still be for Daohua to stand on her own two feet…