Chapter 24: Hongmen Banquet – An Announcement of Joy

Lin Guilan burst into laughter: “Alright, alright, some things aren’t worth overthinking. We’ll just bring them a chicken later, consider it like a meat bun hitting a dog – it’s fine to suffer a small loss during the New Year celebration!”

When Jiang Zhimiao heard his mother comparing the Jiang Family to dogs, he found it incredibly fitting and couldn’t help but giggle.

“Look, husband, even our Miao Ge’er is laughing. This really isn’t a big deal,” Lin Guilan said with relief, making a funny face at Jiang Qingshi. “Later, help me pick out the skinniest chicken for them!”

Jiang Qingshi slowly reached out and gently patted Lin Guilan’s head: “Whatever you say, dear.”

After noon, Jiang Qingshi drove the ox cart carrying Lin Guilan and Jiang Zhimiao back to the Jiang Family. Lin Guilan spent a long time choosing, but noticed all the chickens were quite plump. Truth be told, they had raised these chickens from chicks, feeding them grain by grain, so giving them to the Jiang Family felt rather wasteful.

But since it was the New Year, they couldn’t go empty-handed. Lin Guilan also brought some dumplings she had made herself. Her dumplings were so famous in Fanjiazhuang for being delicious – it would seem inappropriate not to let the Jiang Family try them.

The Jiang Family home and their current residence were located at opposite ends of Fanjiazhuang. Even by ox cart, it took them a long time to reach the Jiang Family compound. The Jiang Family had already put up spring couplets, with two impressive large lanterns hanging at the entrance.

Old Master Jiang had always been fond of such superficial displays, something Jiang Qingshi and Lin Guilan were well accustomed to. Jiang Qingshi carried the chicken and dumplings in one hand while holding Lin Guilan’s hand with the other. Lin Guilan held Jiang Zhimiao’s hand – though Jiang Zhimiao insisted on walking by himself.

Both Old Master Jiang and Jiang Laotaitai were dressed in new clothes. Though Feng Shi was getting older, her desire to stand out in a crowd hadn’t diminished in the slightest. Wearing a new vermilion-padded jacket beside the stern-faced Old Master Jiang, she gave off the impression of a young wife with an old husband.

“Oh, Laosan and Guilan are back,” Feng Shi said with a beaming smile. “You two, since you moved out, you’ve never returned. Our family members often talk about you.”

“We’ve been busy,” Lin Guilan refused to accept this implied criticism. “I need to earn money to support the family, and my husband needs to study. But if you miss us, you’re welcome to visit us – your daughter-in-law would certainly treat you well.”

Feng Shi’s expression stiffened. This daughter-in-law had indeed become bold since leaving home – she would never have dared speak to her like this before.

Jiang Jinyao happened to be wandering nearby, looking for snacks, when he overheard Lin Guilan’s unapologetic remark. Startled, the Egg Yolk Pastry in his hand fell to the ground. He quickly picked it up, dusting it off, feeling a sour jealousy in his heart.

Laosan had never been favored since childhood and was inferior to him in every way. How did he manage to marry such a good wife? Not only was she beautiful, but she was also so devoted to him, even willing to support this pretty boy Jiang Laosan. If only he could find such a wife – how wonderful it would be to have someone wait on him every day.

“Don’t stand talking at the door, come inside quickly,” Feng Shi ushered Jiang Qingshi and Lin Guilan inside. “It’s rare for the whole family to be together. Today is a special day.”

Lin Guilan handed the chicken and dumplings she had brought to Feng Shi: “Mother, I came back in a hurry and didn’t bring much. Let’s stew this chicken for everyone tonight. And these dumplings—I made them myself—so you won’t have to make as many for dinner.”

“Oh, Third Daughter-in-law, you’re so clever and skilled! You’re quite famous now!” Feng Shi beamed, taking the items. “You really didn’t need to bring anything when visiting family. Guilan, I’ve heard all about it—your dumplings are in such high demand in our village, and now you’re famous far and wide!”

Though she said this, Feng Shi pondered Lin Guilan’s earlier words, “so you won’t have to make as many for dinner.” It seemed this third daughter-in-law had grown bold, not even planning to lend a hand. Even though they’d divided the household, she was still part of the Jiang Family.

But Feng Shi was shrewd and didn’t show any of this, keeping her smile warm and cheerful.

Just then, Yuan Yuexian walked over, sleeves tucked in her floral-patterned padded jacket. After half a year apart, she looked haggard. With her naturally sharp, mean features—triangular eyes with too much white—and now gaunt, disheveled, and unkempt, she appeared even more shrewish and bony.

“Well, isn’t this a rare guest! If it isn’t the third son’s family,” Yuan Yuexian pursed her lips, her tone sarcastic. “I never thought you busy folks would have time today. I’ve heard all about it—Third Daughter-in-law is now the big celebrity of our town! Everyone praises how clever and skilled she is, and the things she makes are so sought-after, people can’t even buy them. You must be rolling in money now.”

Lin Guilan hadn’t forgotten the incidents before she left the Jiang Family. Hearing this, she replied indifferently, “Second Sister-in-law, you flatter me.”

Yuan Yuexian had come looking for trouble, but seeing Lin Guilan wouldn’t take the bait, she felt thwarted. This third daughter-in-law was becoming more like that third son of theirs—speaking all refined. It seemed a full purse gave one confidence…

But… this was no friendly feast today; it was clearly a Hongmen Banquet. They’d be crying soon enough! Yuan Yuexian thought darkly.

All afternoon, Feng Shi bustled about with her two daughters-in-law. Lin Guilan, fully aware of her guest status, stayed outside with Jiang Zhimiao, playing and visiting neighbors. Having been away for a while, it felt warm to reconnect with everyone. They hopped from one house to another, and before they knew it, it was time for dinner.

When Lin Guilan returned with Jiang Zhimiao, Feng Shi and the two daughters-in-law had already laid out the meal. Feigning surprise, Lin Guilan said, “Mother, you and my sisters-in-law are so efficient! You’ve prepared dinner so quickly. I was planning to come back early to help!”

Cao Cuiying maintained a neutral expression, but Yuan Yuexian’s pouted lips could practically hang an oil bottle. Though they were all daughters-in-law of the Jiang Family, this Lin Guilan certainly knew how to shirk responsibilities. Yet she dared not say anything now, knowing the old madam was planning to set a trap for the third son’s family that evening. Although the old madam currently favored the eldest son—why else would that room have been given to the eldest family for nothing!—she was skilled at whispering in Old Master Jiang’s ear. Offending her would bring no good outcome for anyone in the Jiang Family.

Besides… she simply enjoyed seeing the third son’s family uncomfortable. Enduring a little inconvenience was worth it if she could watch them become a laughingstock.

Feng Shi remained all smiles: “We’re all one family—no need for formalities. You’ve made a rare trip back; it wouldn’t be right to have you working right away. Go wash up and get ready for dinner!”

Old Master Jiang had already taken his seat, face stern as ever, maintaining his full authority. The Jiang family members arranged themselves in order. Strangely, the usually boisterous younger generation stayed silent today, as if anticipating some major event.

Lin Guilan settled with Jiang Zhimiao. Since learning to walk, the boy had become fiercely independent, refusing to be carried by his mother in public. The small child climbed onto the stool with Guilan’s assistance, while she watched her son with overflowing joy, her hands hovering protectively behind him lest he bump or bruise himself.

“Miao Ge’er has made remarkable progress these past months,” Cao Cuiying remarked in surprise. “When you left, he was still a nursing babe—now he’s the very picture of a proper child.”

Guilan glowed at the praise: “He’s so determined, never willing to admit defeat. My heart often aches watching such a small child, but his father is strict—insisting Miao Ge’er picks himself up after every tumble.”

“A stern father and a compassionate mother,” Cao Cuiying nodded approvingly. “Your Miao Ge’er is sure to go far.”

“May your kind words prove true.”

After this brief pre-dinner exchange, silence fell over the table as everyone focused on their meals. About fifteen minutes later, Feng Shi set down her bowl, the two silver bracelets on her wrist chiming delicately. Beaming at the assembly, she announced:

“How rare for everyone to be gathered like this. I have some happy news to share.”