The Han Family sent over Second Lord Han and the eldest son and his wife to meet with Han Xinran and Yan Wenxiu, who had returned home for the third day after the wedding, at the inn they had booked.
Seeing her second uncle and husband take away her brother-in-law, the eldest sister-in-law of the Han Family quickly pulled Han Xinran aside for a private chat, "How is it? Is your husband good to you?"
Thinking of her husband’s considerateness and gentleness, Han Xinran bashfully lowered her head.
Seeing her like this, the eldest sister-in-law of the Han Family immediately understood and teased her a few times before asking, "How about the Yan Family? Are they easy to get along with? Especially your mother-in-law."
Han Xinran hurriedly described the Yan Family’s situation, "My mother-in-law is very amiable. She hasn’t imposed any strict rules on me nor has she used her words to pressure me; the old lady is also very kind and treats me very well; my father-in-law may be a bit stern but is clear about what’s right and wrong. As for the people from the second and third branches, they are also quite bearable."
Hearing this, the eldest sister-in-law of the Han Family felt relieved and said with a smile, "From the looks of it, the Yan Family seems to understand propriety. Although it was our family that initially intended to forge ties with the Yan Family, you are after all a daughter of the Earl’s residence, and marrying into the Yan Family means marrying down. If they were to make things difficult for you, it would seem quite unreasonable."
"Before I left, mother was very worried, afraid that the Yan Family might not understand the rules and bully you, who married far away. You must understand, the old lady of the Yan Family used to be nothing more than a common rural woman, and your mother-in-law comes from a merchant family; what could they possibly know."
"Now it seems we were worried for nothing. Your father-in-law must have received considerable help from his back house in climbing to his current position. It’s good as long as they know the rules. It’s the households that lack rules that are truly a mess."
Han Xinran nodded. In fact, she too had been extremely worried when the match was first made. Families of merchants are often without strict rules, and she feared encountering an unreasonable mother-in-law.
The eldest sister-in-law of the Han Family continued, "Second sister, although you married down, you mustn’t rely on this to disrespect your elders. Now that the old lady of the Yan Family and your mother-in-law have shown goodwill towards you, you should understand propriety and feel grateful. You must not become arrogant because you are favored. Daily greetings are essential."
Han Xinran nodded repeatedly, "Sister-in-law, rest assured, I understand all this."
Seeing she had taken her advice to heart, the eldest sister-in-law of the Han Family’s brows relaxed. "By the way, the Yan Family has several young ladies. How are they?"
Han Xinran thought of Daohua and Yan Yihuan and immediately said with a smile, "The ladies of the Yan Family are all quite nice, especially their legitimate younger sister. Both her appearance and demeanor are top-notch, on par with any noble lady in Beijing."
"These past days, my husband also briefed me about his younger sisters. They all study with a female teacher, and what they learn is certainly no less than what our family’s young ladies learn."
The eldest sister-in-law of the Han Family raised her eyebrows, "Really? The Yan Family puts so much effort into grooming their daughters; it seems they must be planning to use them for political marriages. But thinking about it, it makes sense. The Yan Family comes from a humble background with scant resources, and arranging marriages is the fastest way to enhance family strength, so it’s natural they wouldn’t miss this opportunity." freēwebnovel.com
Han Xinran didn’t join in the conversation. She knew too little about the Yan Family to make random guesses.
Afterward, the two talked about other matters. After having lunch, when Han Xinran was about to return to the Yan Family with Yan Wenxiu, the eldest sister-in-law of the Han Family, feeling somewhat reluctant, said, "We will start our journey back to Beijing tomorrow. You’ll be here by yourself, so you must take good care. If you ever get wronged, don’t bear it in silence. Remember, our family’s title is still intact, and father is still an Earl; we can always stand up for you."
She genuinely sympathized with her sister who had married down and so far away. If the Earl Residence hadn’t been declining over the years, there would have been no need for a Han daughter to marry so far away.
Han Xinran nodded with teary eyes, "Sister-in-law and brother, take care on your journey."
The eldest sister-in-law of the Han Family patted her hand and tried to ease the sorrow of parting with a smile, "Perhaps we will see each other soon. Your father-in-law has a good record of service; being transferred to Beijing is not impossible."
Upon hearing this, Han Xinran’s eyes filled with hope, "Let’s hope so."
...
After Han Xinran’s third return home following her wedding, Daohua prepared to return to Taohua Village.
Madam Li’s expression was solemn as she helped pack, aware that her daughter, carrying the duty of filial piety, couldn’t stay at home for long, "You should come back early for your second brother’s wedding in July."
Daohua nodded with a smile, "There are really quite a few joyful events in our home this year."
Madam Li said helplessly, "Isn’t that the truth? Fortunately, your fourth brother has gone to the Northern Frontier. Otherwise, we might have managed to arrange the weddings for all three of you siblings this year."
Seeing herself included in the tally, Daohua suddenly fell silent.
Madam Li, "Alright, I won’t keep you any longer. Set out early, your master is getting old, and it’s worrisome for him to live alone."
Afterward, Daohua, having said farewell to the old lady of the Yan Family with Madam Li, saw the hurried butler, Sun, at the door as she was about to get into the carriage.
"Butler Sun!"
Feeling urgent, Butler Sun initially didn’t want to stop, but seeing that it was Daohua, he couldn’t ignore her, "Eldest Miss."
Daohua looked at Butler Sun with a smile, "What’s the matter? You seem to be in such a hurry?"
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