Chapter 140: Chapter 139: The Remarkable Third Cousin
Lin Wanwan emerged from the Bamboo Garden, her thoughts complex, feeling as if she had returned to the human world from a peculiar and strange realm.
"Hong Yan, why are the servants here all disabled? This shouldnât be arranged by my aunt, right?"
Hong Yan glanced back at the tightly closed Bamboo Garden gate and whispered, "These were brought by Young Mistress Xiao. Itâs said in the estate that because she herself was born unusual, she cannot stand to have normal people around her, and would drive them away. The elders in the family had no choice but to find many disabled people to serve her, who all grew up together with her."
"Since she is from the direct lineage of the Xiao Familyâs Imperial Uncleâs House, why does she stay here as a guest?"
Upon hearing this, Hong Yan paused for a moment, then began to explain, "Though the two families had passed from the close kinship circle, Xiao Young Mistressâs grandmother and our Madam learned etiquette from the same nanny when they were young, sharing a close relationship. This time, Xiao Young Mistress came seeking medication from the Medicine Master Hall at Lingyin Temple to treat her illness, so naturally, she settled here.
She usually goes to Lingyin Temple to offer incense every half month and rarely socializes otherwise, staying behind closed doors all day. Madam visited today and learned that such a lady was in the residence; in the future, you probably wonât have many chances to meet her."
Lin Wanwan nodded, understanding the situation, and put the topic aside.
On the night of the third day of the Lunar New Year, after a family reunion banquet, Lin Wanwan acquainted herself with "external family relatives" from the Great Tang. They didnât question her identity, as it had been verified by the Xiao Familyâs Qi Liang Room, and she also had a fame-spreading copy of the Three Character Classic in Qiantang.
A granddaughter with immense wealth and distinguished reputation left no reason for the Xiao Family to doubt.
Lin Wanwan didnât reject this confirmed identity, considering it a stepping stone into upper society in the Great Tang.
In an era of the Great Tang that emphasized birthright and hierarchy, with rigid class divisions, it was challenging to create a family from nothing, especially for women.
Entering the upper-class social circle required more than just wealth. The branch of the Hou Tao Lin Family was already a fallen humble family, but they still had an ancestral shrine holding them up; otherwise, theyâd be farmers.
But Xiao Family was different. Even if they were separated, they remained Lanling Xiao Family. In all of Jiangnan, this surname represented nobility and status. They quickly gained acceptance in the local upper society regardless of where they settled.
As for Lin Wanwan, even in Mao County, producing high-yield grain and earning fame as a physician, the people nearby heard of her wealth but she wouldnât receive visits from noblewomen, nor invitations to join them, nor proposals from family line men.
Fallen humble families did send matchmakers, but as soon as they entered the village, they were intercepted by the Lin Clan Leader, aiming to marry her to the good sons of Lin Family. As for Lin Wanwanâs home, they wouldnât even approach.
Great Tangâs men most desired daughters of Five Families and Seven Hopes, while Jiangnan valued daughters of Five Families and Nine Old Aristocratic Families, which included Lanling Xiao Family, Liu Family, Wu County Zhang Family, Lu Family, and Gu Family.
Among them, Xiao Family, with a lineage producing emperors, held the most esteemed position (after becoming emperor, even claimed Xiao He as an ancestor, though the truth is unknown).
Apart from the ranking of old aristocratic families, Jiangnan could be divided into Migrant Families of Wang, Xie, Yuan, Xiao, as well as Wu Families of Zhu, Zhang, Gu, and Lu.
These family-born men and women were the most desirable in Jiangnanâs marriage and social market.
Thus, Lin Wanwanâs recognition with the Xiao Familyâs external family was beneficial to both parties. Aristocracy was not only about identity but also a protective talisman.
During the tea time post-dinner, Second Uncle Xiao Zhen and Third Cousin Xiao Jingkun spoke frequently, and Lin Wanwan was awed by this intriguing father-son duo.
From their conversation, she could only sigh that branches remained branches, and second houses remained second houses. Responsibilities differed, education differed, and character naturally varied greatly, no wonder Second Uncle took a merchantâs daughter as a concubine.
Compared to the stability of First Uncleâs family, Second Uncleâs family seemed like comic actors.
A short teaâs worth of time and Third Cousin Xiao Jingkun mentioned a certain "Mrs. Lu" numerous times, leaving Lin Wanwan dumbfounded. Without clarification, sheâd suspect an obvious crushâno, an open infatuation.
Wasnât the feudal society supposed to be conservative? Whatâs this charade?
Everyone in the household listened to this repeated mention of "Mrs. Lu" without changing their expression, seemingly accustomed to Xiao Jingkun frequently bringing her up.
As the conversation progressed, Xiao Jingkun suddenly addressed Lin Wanwan: "Sister Wan, youâll be fortunate to meet Mrs. Lu tomorrow. It was through Mrs. Luâs message that we learned about you; you absolutely must thank her.
Upon hearing you arrived in Qiantang, Mrs. Lu specifically sent invitations from her household, inviting us juniors to the Lu Family tomorrow for a dinner party. Itâs an opportunity you have thanks to our Xiao Familyâs reputation."
Lin Wanwan offered a polite but indifferent smile: "Thank you indeed, though I donât know this lady, I wonder how she heard about me."
Xiao Jingkun replied proudly, "Because you saved Brother Zifang; he is Mrs. Luâs own nephew. When he was in critical condition last time, Mrs. Lu summoned all famous doctors in Hangzhou to treat him, unfortunately to no avail, but Sister Wan, you proved most capable."
After chatting for a while, it turned out Xiao Chongâs aunt leaked the news, and Lin Wanwan finally understood.
"In that case, I indeed need to thank Mrs. Lu. Grandmother, tomorrow I must go express my gratitude, if not for her enthusiasm, I wouldnât have known there was a grandmother in this world for me."
Madam Xiao, sitting cheerfully at the head listening to juniorsâ banter, smiled warmly: "Good, good, go ahead. Go out and enjoy yourselves with your siblings tomorrow, the Lu Family garden grows lovely flowers."
Xiao Jingkun followed up, "Sister Wan, I believe when you meet Mrs. Lu tomorrow, youâll certainly learn much etiquette from her, she hails from our Xiao Familyâs Qi Liang Roomâs direct lineage, dignified yet amiable."
Lin Wanwan struggled to hold back her amusement, reluctantly picking up a newly brewed tea cup handed by Third Sister-in-law Zhu, taking a sip without minding the flavor to prevent herself from laughing aloud.
She could sense Zhuâs embarrassment over her husbandâs boastful talk yet displayed composure, showcasing the sophistication of a truly cultivated lady.
For instance, her timely offering of tea effectively spared Lin Wanwan and Xiao Jingkun from an awkward situation.