Chapter 65: 介紹
[Introduction]
After exchanging some private words, the doctor noticed the time was right and led Sang Jiayi to the garden.
As soon as they entered, the young nobles and ladies who had been talking of anything under the sun” {in English, describing casual, wide-ranging conversations on any topic.} and laughing all around immediately greeted her warmly, casting several curious glances at Sang Jiayi beside her.
When Tang Xiaobao approached, one might have expected awkwardness, but soon enough, with everyone’s concerted effort, the conversation shifted to other topics. The young gentlemen found Ji Ling’s story merely amusing and showed no intent to embarrass him or make it difficult for him. Even the young ladies who harbored feelings for Ji Ling maintained their composure after he revealed Tang Xiaobao’s identity. With several skilled at lightening the mood, the atmosphere soon grew lively again.
Perhaps because their family backgrounds were similar and their upbringings comparable, the topics discussed were universally acceptable, and conversation flowed freely. Some topics left Tang Xiaobao unable to contribute, while other topics were deliberately avoided by the young ladies who still harbored some resentment. Yet Tang Xiaobao couldn’t care less. He listened happily from the sidelines, even watching Ji Ling—who spoke little but always hit the nail on the head—his face flush with pride each time.
Ji Ling, who had initially worried Tang Xiaobao might feel out of place, kept glancing at him out of the corner of his eye, fearing he might harbor negative thoughts. But after seeing his genuinely engrossed expression time and again—one that clearly wasn’t feigned—he silently breathed a sigh of relief. His purpose in coming here was to familiarize himself with the younger generation—encounters outside were far too rare. If this matter caused a rift with Tang Xiaobao, it would be a loss far outweighing any gain.
But Tang Xiaobao neither felt inferior like those with ulterior motives nor bored as Ji Ling had imagined. He genuinely found their topics fascinating. Even in this electronics-free era, wealthy families always found ways to live lavishly. Hearing their amusing anecdotes, Tang Xiaobao listened with rapt attention. His eyes even lit up brightly when someone invited Ji Ling and him to join their banquet next time. Seeing this, Ji Ling briefly reflected on whether he should take Tang Xiaobao out more often to prevent him from getting bored at home.
The conversation flowed effortlessly among the group. Under Ji Ling’s subtle guidance, the topic drifted toward what he wished to learn, gradually placing him at the center of the discussion. Just as they were arranging plans for future outings, a commotion erupted at the doorway. The matriarch of the Ji household then made her way toward them.
As the matriarch of a prominent family, the Eldest Lady commanded boundless prestige wherever she went. Along the way, the younger generations treated her with utmost courtesy, while her face remained adorned with a gentle, warm expression throughout. Accompanied by her maidservant, she made her way to Ji Ling’s location. Observing the younger relatives bowing in greeting, she addressed each one in turn. With great tenderness, she said: “This is your gathering, young ones. An elder like myself ought not to intrude. Yet my niece attends for the first time, so I’ve humbled myself to introduce her to you all.”
Her words carried profound humility. Regardless of her status, her role as an elder alone commanded respect. Eyes followed her gaze to the young woman at her side. The girl was in her early twenties, exceptionally pretty, yet her brow carried a hint of quiet refinement—the very picture of a proper young lady. Meeting their gazes without flinching, she offered a perfectly composed smile that set many unmarried young masters’ minds racing.
The big lady’s gentle gaze swept over the crowd. When it rested on Ji Ling, her eyes held satisfaction. But upon catching sight of Tang Xiaobao beside him, her expression paused momentarily. Maintaining her calm demeanor, she addressed Ji Ling: “Third Son Ji, Jiayi is visiting here for the first time. If you have the time, please take her around and show her around.”
Hearing this, Ji Ling looked at the young woman he had just seen beside Tang Xiaobao and respectfully replied to his great-aunt, “Please rest assured, Aunt. I will.”
Satisfied with Ji Ling’s attitude, the Eldest Lady said no more. Glancing at the crowd surrounding her, she turned to leave, but not before carefully instructing Ji Ling once more to take good care of Sang Jiayi. Only after Ji Ling agreed did she depart with her maidservant, never once looking at Tang Xiaobao or exchanging a single word with him.
Tang Xiaobao naturally sensed the big lady’s preferential treatment, but Ji Ling kept patting his hand reassuringly, telling him not to worry too much. After a momentary flash of anger, he quickly regained his composure, even feeling a faint sense of satisfaction. No matter how much she meddled, she couldn’t tear them apart. Hmph, you this vicious woman.
After the Eldest Lady departed, Sang Jiayi spoke softly. Thanks to Big Madam’s influence, everyone gave her a considerable face. Combined with her own talkative nature, she quickly integrated into the group—a stark contrast to Tang Xiaobao, who could only stand by listening to their conversation.
Throughout the entire gathering, Sang Jiayi exchanged a few words with Ji Ling. The initial speculation sparked by the Big Lady’s request for him to look after her gradually faded. Instead, a subtle notion began to take root—perhaps it was simply because they happened to be relatives that she had been asked to take extra care of her.
When young masters conversed, they might share tales of romantic escapades or discuss family business affairs. Among young ladies, beyond exchanging tips on jewelry and attire, the conversation typically turned to the private confidences shared between close friends.
Now, with both young masters and miss present, such topics were deemed inappropriate. Ultimately, they settled on a poetry-composition game. This is a refined and witty game,though the people here do not look down upon commerce yet the people here may not hold commerce in high regard, but the belief that scholars are the most valued among all professions remains unchanged. Even women of some standing in secluded households were educated in the classics. Those with exceptional literary talent were even sought after or favored.
The families of this group are among the most prominent in the area. Consequently, they have engaged specialized tutors to instruct them, and mingling together on a regular basis is quite suitable. Two women in particular, whose talents rivaled those of men, were quite popular within the group despite their youth. With strong family backgrounds and considerable admiration, their spirits naturally soared.Thus, when the proposal was made, they readily agreed, their eyes fixed on Sang Jiayi.
Seeing everyone consent, the proposer exclaimed with delight, “Why don’t we ask the lady of the house for some non-intoxicating wine? Let’s play wine drinking games together!”
The young gentlemen cheered at this idea, and the young ladies, accustomed to such games, readily agreed. Sang Jiayi smiled at the group, gracefully reminding them to go easy on her. Ji Ling glanced at Tang Xiaobao beside him, hesitated for a moment, and then silently agreed.
Upon seeing everyone pass the test, they promptly sent someone to fetch the wine for the poetry punishment. The steward even arranged a venue for their entertainment. Seeing how accommodating the steward was, the proposer offered a few extra words of praise.
Only after everyone had taken their seats did the drinking game begin.
