The Yang family’s young masters entered Suzhou at the end of the tenth month.
This year’s harvest was poor and times were hard. There had been little rain all year, and many sections of the canal were nearly dry. The young masters had been delayed on the road for quite some time.
After all, they were their own nephews whom they had watched grow up in previous years. Both First Madam and the Master were very pleased.
The young masters arrived at the Hanlin household the first day, and the next morning Second Madam led them to pay respects to the Master and First Madam.
This was Seventh Young Lady’s first time meeting these three cousins.
Eldest Young Master Yang Shanmin was thirteen this year. He had grown very tall and could already stand shoulder to shoulder with the Master. These brothers all resembled their mother. Though not particularly handsome—at most merely presentable—their round faces seemed naturally to carry a slight smile, without the arrogance commonly seen in wealthy young masters.
Ninth Brother’s oval face seemed rather too delicate in comparison.
As they grew older, the differences between Ninth Brother and Seventh Young Lady’s appearances had gradually become more pronounced. Seventh Young Lady was more delicate, while Ninth Brother had developed a masculine bearing. But no matter what, that oval face couldn’t be shaken off.
Under Eldest Young Master’s lead, Second Young Master and Third Young Master bowed to the Master and First Madam.
“We haven’t met in many years—we’ve truly missed you.” The Master laughed heartily. “How is your father?”
“Father is well.” Yang Shanmin answered properly. “He misses Elder Uncle and Elder Aunt and asked his nephew to convey his regards.”
Though this child was only thirteen, his manner and conversation already had an adult quality.
Even the famously steady Tenth Young Master Li from the Li family lacked somewhat in comparison to his composure.
The Master’s gaze held more appreciation as he looked at Eldest Young Master. “Good. Seeing your articulate speech and generous bearing, these years in the capital haven’t been wasted.”
First Madam, however, beckoned to Second Young Master and Third Young Master. “Da’ge, Hong’ge, were you tired on the journey?”
Second Young Master Yang Shanda and Third Young Master Yang Shanhong moved close to First Madam with natural intimacy. “Thank you for Elder Aunt’s concern. Though the journey was bumpy, it wasn’t much.”
Ninth Brother stood beside First Madam with a half-smile, watching the heartwarming scene between his two cousins and First Madam.
Seventh Young Lady wasn’t particularly surprised either.
During that time before Ninth Brother was born, First Madam must have shown meticulous care for her two nephews.
Shortly after Ninth Brother was born, the three cousins had followed their father to the capital. To them, First Madam was naturally the most amiable and dear aunt. This impression wouldn’t fade even after many years.
First Madam finally remembered Ninth Brother. “Have you met your siblings yet? This is your Fourth Brother Shanjiu. When you went to the capital, he was still a nursing infant!”
The three young masters quickly came over to greet Ninth Brother.
Ninth Brother bowed to each in turn with complete courtesy and steady bearing. “Shanjiu greets Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother!”
First Madam continued introducing them. “You’ve met the other sisters before. Sixth Young Lady was still small then—she probably doesn’t recognize her brothers.”
Sixth Young Lady shyly came forward to greet her brothers.
“Seventh Young Lady is Ninth Brother’s twin sister. She lived in the hometown before, so you probably haven’t met her.”
Seventh Young Lady smiled and bowed to her three brothers. The three young masters naturally returned the courtesy.
It was clear they didn’t pay much attention to these sisters. After the formalities, Second Young Master and Third Young Master snuggled back to First Madam’s side.
Seventh Young Lady couldn’t help glancing at Second Madam.
She sat in the guest seat with a gratified smile, wiping the corners of her eyes, staring endlessly at her three sons.
Even Eighth Young Lady looked full of joy, her sickly appearance considerably diminished, her eyes only for her brothers.
The Master’s expression, however, grew somewhat somber.
Second Madam’s biggest problem was being too direct.
Even though everyone understood the intention behind these young masters returning to Suzhou, there was no need to make it so obvious at first meeting.
Even First Madam found it somewhat hard to watch.
After a few more intimate words with Second Young Master and Third Young Master, she instructed Ninth Brother, “Though your brothers just arrived today and your sisters needn’t attend school, you still must go study. It’s getting late—you should go quickly, lest Master punish you with extra assignments.”
Eldest Young Master quickly said to the Master, “Uncle, when Father sent us off, he also instructed us to study diligently…”
“No need to rush these few moments!” The Master laughed heartily, looking gratified. “I know you’re diligent, but you just arrived home. Spend time with your mother first before discussing studies.”
Ninth Brother stepped forward to bid farewell to his parents. “Shanjiu is going to study.”
His little face was drawn tight, as if someone owed him money.
Seeing First Madam was absorbed in conversation with Second Madam, Seventh Young Lady quickly gave Ninth Brother a meaningful look.
Even knowing the brothers’ purpose in returning, he shouldn’t show such a face.
Ultimately, such matters couldn’t be resolved by Ninth Brother pulling a long face.
Ninth Brother let out a soft breath.
After walking a few steps, he came to himself and turned back. “Mother—” He drew out the word, full of childish charm. “For lunch I want to eat pickled cucumber with hawthorn juice!”
Both hawthorn juice and small cucumbers were rare in this season.
First Madam put on a stern face. “Only if the kitchen has them, right?”
Ninth Brother pouted and snorted. “Mother just knows how to put me off.”
Everyone couldn’t help but laugh softly. The Master was somewhat displeased. “When told to study, you still dawdle like this—looking for a beating?”
First Madam instead defended him, chiding the Master. “The child wanting to eat a small cucumber isn’t such a big deal.” She coaxed Ninth Brother gently. “If we have them, I’ll definitely have it made for you. Mother never lies.”