Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Strict Family Tradition
In Shengjing City, there has always been a common saying:
"The north is noble, the south is wealthy; the east is for merchants, and the northwest is for craftsmen."
It refers to the nobles living in the north, while the south is mostly affluent marketplaces.
The east is mainly occupied by merchants, and the northwest is where craftsmen and common folk gather.
Therefore, the Dong Family, rooted through several generations in Shengjing City, has its mansion located in the southeastern marketplace area.
The streets and alleys divide the marketplace in an orderly manner.
Where the Dong Family resides, the area has a pleasant name, Dengwen Street.
The street is bustling with vendors and shop assistants calling out.
Though not tightly packed with people, it’s still extremely lively.
The Dong Mansion is located at the entrance of Dengwen Street.
From the outside, the facade doesn’t seem large.
If not observed closely, one might think it’s just an ordinary residential courtyard.
Yet inside lies a hidden world.
It’s a three-section courtyard with a west wing.
A small bridge spans flowing water, creating a simple and elegant atmosphere.
Despite being a merchant’s home, it doesn’t exude a sense of sudden wealth.
Rather, it is adorned with many green pines, cypresses, and plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum that literati enjoy.
The scenery is so delightful it resembles a Jiangnan garden within the home.
Mrs. Dong’s carriage stopped at the entrance, and the maids Chuanjuan and Sujuan helped her alight.
The doorman, seeing the family’s third young lady returned, quickly approached with a beaming smile and said:
"Greetings to the third young lady, why have you returned?"
"Where’s the master and everyone? Are they home?"
"Yes, they are, but the eldest master, second master, and second mistress are not at home."
Mrs. Dong thought for a moment and immediately instructed the doorman:
"Go, bring them back and tell them I have important matters to discuss with them, hurry, understand?"
The doorman noticed Mrs. Dong’s somewhat serious expression.
So he dared not delay and promptly replied:
"Rest assured, third young lady, I’ll go now!"
With that, he hurried off towards the Dong Family’s clinic.
Mrs. Dong, familiar with the way, entered the Dong Mansion on her own, heading straight to the main courtyard where her parents were.
She had no time to admire the beautiful scenery along the way when she unexpectedly encountered her elder sister-in-law, Mrs. Wang.
This elder sister-in-law’s family has had good relations with the Dong Family for generations, so ever since she joined the family.
The whole family lives harmoniously.
She appears slender and well-maintained.
Despite being a merchant’s wife, she doesn’t have the habit of wearing gold and silver.
Rather, she prefers jade and pearls.
Under the sunlight, the Mutton Fat Jade Bracelet on her wrist is smooth and delicate, a family heirloom of the Dong Family.
There are three in total.
One for the eldest daughter-in-law, second daughter-in-law, and the daughter Dong Qinzhen (Mrs. Dong).
Seeing Mrs. Wang, Mrs. Dong immediately approached.
Only to see Mrs. Wang also looking at Mrs. Dong with a puzzled expression, curiously asking:
"Third sister, why have you suddenly returned without informing me, so I could send someone to welcome you at the door?"
"Elder sister, I came in a hurry, so I didn’t say beforehand."
"What happened?"
"A letter came from the palace, saying I could enter the traveling palace in two days to see Qianqian."
"Really?"
Elder sister Mrs. Wang was also delighted; everyone in the family adored Lin Wanyi, the young girl.
Initially, when they heard she was entering the palace, they all felt uneasy.
They expected her entrance into the deep palace would sever her ties with home forever.
Unexpectedly, she could meet them so soon.
Thus, she quickened her pace, walking with Mrs. Dong towards the main courtyard.
The main courtyard exudes refinement throughout.
This refinement doesn’t rely on ornate decorations but on the thoughtfully cultivated flora.
Several are species transported from Jiangnan, especially the symmetrically placed Chinese arhat pines on both sides, also known as money pines, which are well-maintained.
The Dong Family elders are engaged; one practicing calligraphy, the other sorting threads.
Without external interruption, it’s a scene of tranquil times.
"Daughter-in-law greets father-in-law and mother-in-law; the third sister has returned."
Old Master Dong and his wife looked up upon hearing eldest daughter-in-law Mrs. Wang’s words.
Seeing their daughter suddenly appear, their faces were filled with confusion.
They wondered if something serious had happened.
Immediately putting down what they held, Mrs. Dong hurried forward to inquire:
"What’s going on? Are those from your husband’s family bothering you again?"
Mrs. Dong sighed softly.
Then promptly began explaining:
"No, it’s a message from the palace saying I can go in to see Qianqian, so I’ve rushed here to share the good news with you."
Understanding her intention, the two elders relaxed.
"Oh, you scared me, I thought something’s happened on your end again!"
This was from Mrs. Dong, who patted her chest and tried to calm herself.
Her expression carried a trace of affectionate reprimand.
Meanwhile, Old Master Dong stood silently, with eyes brimming with affection as he looked at his daughter.
At over sixty, Old Master Dong remained strong and robust.
He was neither pot-bellied nor frail with age.
Upon examining his facial features, it was clear he must have been a strikingly handsome man in his youth.
Thus, even in old age, there was no sign of dullness.
Alongside him, Mrs. Dong was well cared for.
Perhaps due to her husband’s love and her children’s filial piety, she has lived an entire life filled with peace and happiness.
Her stature was slightly plump, yet this indeed was outwardly seen as a blessing.
Seeing their parents both healthy and in good spirits.
Mrs. Dong pondered for a moment before speaking:
"I’ve come not only to share this joyous news but also to seek your advice on taking some medicinal recipes inside."
"Medicinal recipes?"
"For what purpose? Is there trouble for Qianqian?"
Old Master Dong, known for his perceptive nature, guessed the gist of it as soon as his daughter began speaking.
Mrs. Dong’s expression shifted from joy to worry, then she said:
"Earlier, I feared causing worry for you both, so I didn’t mention anything. When He Song participated in dragon boat racing, he returned saying Qianqian’s foot was injured, and recently when the master was summoned by the Emperor to the traveling palace, he was informed about Qianqian being poisoned, so..."
Mrs. Dong hadn’t finished speaking when Mrs. Dong became disoriented.
If it weren’t for Old Master Dong’s quick reflexes, she might have fallen.
Mrs. Dong anxiously held onto Mrs. Dong’s hand and questioned:
"How could it be? How could it be?"
Though they knew palace life wasn’t easy while outside.
They hadn’t expected such grave troubles.
Injury?
Poisoning!
It’s simply unbelievable.
The Dong Family had always maintained a strict family tradition.
No concubinage, no unruly descendants.
Thus, they have lived many years in familial harmony and support.
Whenever they mentioned the oppression of the Lin Family, they would sigh for days on end.
To learn their beloved granddaughter was living under such precarious conditions in the palace truly worried the Dong Family.