All Hail Cousin Brother

207 I Have a Daughter

Yang Shuwan was overjoyed. Her mind was filled with thoughts of how to dress up so that she could show her face at the Flower Festival in the Marquis of Changxing’s Residence. She stood up and was about to take Yu Jianjia away.

On the other hand, Yu Jianjia took a step forward and bowed to Old Madam Yu. “Grandmother, take care of yourself. I’ll take my leave first and not disturb you.”

Even though Old Madam Yu did not like her granddaughter for thinking too much, she had to admit that Yu Jianjia was a polite and sensible person. She was meticulous in everything she did.

Madam Yao sat still.

After Yang Shuwan and her daughter left, Madam Yao glanced at her daughter, who was sitting on the chair and eating and drinking foolishly. “There are too many people at the Flower Festival. Yao Yao and Shuangbai are still young children. They usually don’t go to other people’s houses, so how can they be brought out?”

She was asking her for advice, so Old Madam Yu’s expression became a little more sincere. “It’s not a big deal. Our family isn’t familiar with the Marquis of Changxing’s Residence, so we’re just going through the motions. As for Yao Yao and Shuangbai, you can bring them along. They’re younger, so no one will say anything. If you really can’t bring them along, you can look for the Zhenguo Marquis Residence and let them stay with the sisters of the Zhenguo Marquis Residence. The sisters of the Zhenguo Marquis Residence are older and more polite and they don’t have to stay with Madam Yang.”

Upon hearing the last sentence, Madam Yao felt relieved and left with Yu Shuangbai.

When the room was empty, Yu Youyao helped her grandmother back to the inner room.

Old Madam Yu took a sip of tea and turned to glance at her granddaughter. “What do you think?”

Yu Youyao pondered carefully for a moment. “Previously, I happened to hear Father mention that the Marquis of Changxing had won a battle in You Prefecture years ago and had sent a letter to the imperial court asking for credit. This matter was asked by the cabinet to be suppressed. At this time, the Marquis of Changxing’s Residence is holding a flower festival to bring this matter to the surface. After the palace examination, it would be difficult for the cabinet to suppress this matter anymore.”

Although it was just a flower festival, it was aimed at the royal court.

She knew that Eldest Son had asked Yao Yao to manage the large study. Old Madam Yu looked at Yu Youyao for a long time. “Your third cousin came to the capital with news that the vassal king is acting strangely!”

Yu Youyao was shocked, and even her eyes widened.

Old Madam Yu did not speak directly. Instead, she asked Yu Youyao, “Do you understand what I mean?”

Yu Youyao’s breathing tightened, and she subconsciously asked, “Do you know which vassal king…”

Old Madam Yu’s eyes lit up when she saw Yu Youyao’s gaze. Then, she shook her head. “Your second uncle has sent someone to investigate. There’s no news yet.”

Why did the young mistresses of wealthy families read the Four Books and Five Classics?

It was also for the sake of helping the family take care of the inner residence better.

Naturally, they had to know some things.

Yu Youyao took a deep breath. “Youzhou is located in the extreme north, and it corresponds with the capital. In the past, the soldiers and horses in Youzhou have always been strong. They used their strength to fight with outsiders and protect their territory and intimidate the vassal lords. Ever since… the incident in Youzhou, the vassal lords haven’t been as peaceful as before.”

Old Madam Yu’s eyes lit up even more. She stopped twirling her prayer beads and looked at Yu Youyao, asking her to continue.

Yu Youyao said, “The Marquis of Changxing won a battle in Youzhou years ago. It’s not like the cabinet can’t suppress this glory. Back then, when King You was guarding Youzhou, he won many battles. If he were to be rewarded every time he returned, I’m afraid the Imperial Court wouldn’t be able to reward him either. Moreover, it’s the Marquis of Changxing’s duty to guard Youzhou, and it’s also his duty to win a battle. However, if the vassal lords make any movements at this time, then the Marquis of Changxing, who has won battles, will seem especially eye-catching. The emperor will have to use this matter to praise the Marquis of Changxing greatly to show his generosity and dignity as an emperor to intimidate the various vassal lords.”

At that time, the Marquis of Changxing’s Residence would probably be in the limelight.

As a direct descendant of the Marquis of Weining, the Marquis of Changxing’s Residence was probably unstoppable. The cabinet might not be able to suppress the flames of the Marquis of Weining’s Residence, and the entire court would be in chaos.

Old Madam Yu had obviously thought of this too. She sighed slightly. “Your father is a censor, so he can’t leave this matter alone. Your second uncle is a court official, and he’s also from Old Master Xia’s lineage. He can’t avoid this matter either. I don’t think our family will be at peace.”

Yu Youyao agreed wholeheartedly.

Old Madam Yu looked at her granddaughter. “The news of the vassal king’s strange actions will probably only spread after the palace examination. Don’t spread it now.”

Yu Youyao nodded. “Grandmother, I know what’s important.”

Old Madam Yu then thought of the Flower Festival at the Marquis of Changxing’s Residence and reminded her, “Although the Flower Festival isn’t a big deal, you have to be more careful. You’re the eldest, so you have to be more thorough in your actions, so bring more…” Before she could finish speaking, she thought of Yang Shuwan and her daughter, who looked like they couldn’t wait to get into the Marquis of Changxing’s Residence. She frowned and waved her hand. “Forget it. Take care of yourself and don’t mix with Madam Yang. As for Shuangbai, she came from your Second Aunt’s stomach. You definitely have to take care of her first.”

Yu Youyao nodded. “Don’t worry, Grandmother.”

Old Madam Yu held her hand. “Don’t worry too much too and just let her do as she pleases. Anyway, I’m not dead yet, so it’s not up to her to decide at home.”

Yu Youyao was not worried, but she still nodded in agreement.

Old Madam Yu changed the topic and asked, “The 18th of April is your birthday. When the time comes, invite the sisters of your close family over for a gathering. It’ll be fun and lively. We’ll let everyone outside know that my granddaughter has just grown up.”

A ten-year-old child was already at the age of visiting relatives. She had the right to show her face.

Yu Youyao shook her head. “Forget it. April 22nd is the Flower Festival of the Marquis of Changxing’s Residence. Our family has to prepare early. It’s just a family meal. It’s not too important.”

Old Madam Yu shook her head. “How can the Flower Festival be more important than this? It’s not up to you to decide. Prepare the invitation yourself later. I’ll get Nanny Liu and Nanny Xu to arrange it.”

Yu Youyao had no choice but to nod and agree.

Yang Shuwan happily pulled Yu Jianjia back to the main courtyard. Her face was full of pride, and even the servants saw it clearly.

When they reached the inner room, Yang Shuwan held Yu Jianjia’s hand. “It’s also because you’ve caught the eye of the Marquis of Changxing’s wife. She likes you, so she asked you to bring your sisters along. Eldest Sister and Second Sister also benefited from you.”

Yu Jianjia’s pale face turned slightly red. “Mother, don’t say that. The Marquis of Changxing is holding a flower festival. He definitely won’t only invite me. It would only be appropriate if all the sisters in the family were present.”

Yang Shuwan smiled and pulled Yu Jianjia to the side room. “This is your first time going out. You can’t be careless and let Yu Youyao steal the limelight.”

Yu Jianjia frowned. Someone from the Xie Residence had come over first with three large carriages of expensive items for Yu Youyao.