Chapter 136: The Yang Family Arrives

A quarter past the hour of si.

Three carriages and two riders on horseback arrived at the boundary of the Dongxi Xu clan's territory.

"Who goes there!"

The patrol guard captain raised his hand to stop Yang Shichang and the others from continuing forward. "This is Xu clan private land. Without an invitation, trespassing is forbidden."

Yang Shichang squeezed his horse's sides and moved forward a few steps, "You don't even recognize me?"

"Who are you?"

The patrol guard captain looked them over with surprise.

"Go summon your family head. Just say..."

"Insolent!" The patrol guard captain shouted loudly. "Our Xu family's Family Head isn't someone the likes of you can casually meet!"

"If you don't state your identity and origins, don't blame us for being impolite."

At this moment, the carriage curtain opened, revealing Yang Zhao's head. He said, "Chang'er, don't be foolish. The Xu family is no longer what it was. It's nothing like when you came here more than ten years ago."

"I understand, Father." Yang Shichang obediently admitted his mistake then Yang Zhao smiled and said, "We are from the Yang family of the commandery city. I am Yang Zhao, the father of your Family Head's wife, Yang Ronghua.

"We've come from the commandery city specifically to pay a visit."

"The Yang family from the commandery city? The Family Head's wife's father?!"

The patrol guard captain immediately sheathed his long saber and cupped his fists with a bow, "This humble one has eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai. I didn't know it was you all arriving. Please forgive me, please forgive me.

"However, the Family Head has a rule that all non-Xu family members must have permission from the main family before being allowed entry.

"I'll have my subordinate go report immediately. I'm sure the Family Head and Madam will be very pleased by your arrival."

"Much appreciated." Yang Zhao said, then returned inside the carriage.

Yang Shidao observed these guards. Each one was full of vigor and spirit, with impressive bearing. They were at least first-rate martial artists, and that guard captain should be at peak Postnatal.

"Cultivating martial artists isn't easy. Judging by their attitude, they're clearly not randomly recruited people." Yang Shidao thought to himself. "To have trained such a group of guards in just over ten years, this Xu family is truly as remarkable as the Old Family Head said."

When the servant reported, Xu Mingwei showed no surprise whatsoever. He said indifferently, "Let my father-in-law and the others in.

"Then go notify Madam, as well as Zhao'er, Wen'er, Ling'er, Jun'er, and Jin'er. Have them go to the main gate to welcome their maternal grandfather."

"Yes, Family Head."

Yang Ronghua was extremely surprised upon hearing this. "My father and big brother have come?"

"Yes. The Family Head wants you and the young masters and young misses to go to the gate to welcome them."

"I understand. I'll go right away."

Accompanied by her maids, Yang Ronghua immediately headed to the Xu family main residence's gate.

Xu Dezhao and Xu Deling also came down from the mountain.

Xu Mingwei's entire family stood at the gate to welcome them.

In just a moment, Yang Zhao and the others arrived.

"Big Brother, why have you all come?"

"Can't we come visit you? Don't tell me we're not welcome?" Yang Shichang joked.

"Brother, don't jest."

Then Yang Zhao and the others also disembarked from the carriages but the completeness of those who had come surprised Yang Ronghua. Did they really come just to visit me?

And wasn't that person over there Yang Shidao?

Why had he and his family come too?

Yang Ronghua's delicate brows furrowed slightly. She had some dislike for people from the Yang family's main branch, though come to think of it, she herself was actually one of them.

"Father, Mother."

Yang Ronghua stepped forward with a smile.

Xu Mingwei feigned ignorance and greeted them, "Father-in-law, Mother-in-law. Brother Shidao, why have you come as well?"

Yang Shidao dismounted, indeed somewhat awkward.

Yang Zhao smiled and said, "Shidao is with us. We'd like to stay at your Xu family for a while. I wonder if our good son-in-law would be willing?"

"That's naturally no problem."

"Greetings to Maternal Grandfather, Maternal Grandmother, Uncle, and Aunt." Xu Dezhao led his younger siblings in cupping their fists and speaking in unison.

"Good, good, good." Yang Zhao said with a beaming smile. "These are all your children? Five already?"

"Indeed. Brother-in-law, you're quite productive. I can only vaguely recognize Zhao'er and Wen'er."

Xu Mingwei smiled faintly, "You children, why don't you introduce yourselves to your maternal grandfather and the others?"

"Let me do the introductions," Xu Dezhao said.

"This is Second Brother Dewen, Third Sister Deling, Fourth Brother Dejun, and Fifth Sister Dejin."

"Haha, now I've got everyone straight." Yang Shichang said. "This is Feng'er, and this is Yao'er. You two should greet your aunt, uncle, and cousins as well."

"Feng'er (Yao'er) greets Uncle and Aunt."

The two also cupped their fists in greeting.

Yang Ruifeng was one year younger than Xu Dezhao, currently sixteen.

Yang Ruiyao was twelve.

Yang Ronghua smiled at Wen Jing, "Sister-in-law, over these years, you and Big Brother only had one more child, Yao'er?"

"The Yang family has plenty of descendants. Two is enough. But you've raised five children for the Xu family. Such meritorious service."

"Let's not chat outside. Everyone come in and talk," Xu Mingwei said. "Someone, go invite the Old Family Head and Old Madam to the main hall."

"Yes, Family Head."

Yang Zhao walked alongside Xu Mingwei, asking with a faint smile, "Have your father and mother been well these years?"

"My father is in excellent health, and so is my mother." Xu Mingwei replied.

Behind them, Yang Ronghua held Lady Yang's hand, also chatting casually. "Mother, you must stay for a good long while this time."

Lady Yang patted her hand, "Don't worry. We'll stay until you get tired of us."

Following behind them were Yang Shichang, Wen Jing, Yang Shidao, and the others.

Last came Xu Dezhao and the rest of the younger generation.

Xu Chuan had deliberately not gone to the Jade Cold Pool and had stayed in the main residence to keep Bai Jing company.

"Our in-laws have come? That's quite rare indeed." Bai Jing said.

"Let's go. It's been a long time since I've seen Brother Yang."

The two immediately headed to the main hall.

At this moment, there were quite a few people in the hall. Xu Mingwei and his wife, Yang Zhao and his wife, Yang Shichang and his wife, Yang Shidao and his wife.

The younger generation could only stand.

Xu Mingwei knew Xu Chuan would definitely come, so he hadn't taken the main seat.

Shortly after, Xu Chuan and Bai Jing walked into the hall.

"Brother Yang, what wind has blown you to my humble Dongxi backwater?"

"Brother Xu, it's been too long!" Yang Zhao rose and cupped his fists with a smile.

Yang Shichang and the others also stood up.

"Uncle Xu, Aunt Xu."

Xu Chuan and Bai Jing nodded in acknowledgment, then sat down in the main seats.

Maids came in one after another to serve tea, placing white porcelain cups with blue lotus patterns on the tea tables at each person's left hand, then retreated to the side.

"I've heard the commandery city hasn't been peaceful lately. Brother Yang, don't tell me you've come here to take shelter?" Xu Chuan picked up his tea cup and said indifferently.

"Haha, Brother Xu is still as sharp-eyed and keen-eared as ever. You saw through it at a glance. I wonder if that would be possible?"

After speaking, Yang Zhao looked at Xu Chuan.

Though Xu Mingwei was the Xu family's Family Head, the person who truly made decisions was still Xu Chuan.

Ordinary matters Xu Chuan would certainly not concern himself with, but matters that might bring disaster to the Xu family, Xu Chuan would not ignore.

Xu Chuan took a light sip, raised his eyes, and smiled, "Please stay with peace of mind. We have plenty of guest rooms. Mingwei, later have someone take them to stay in the west courtyard.

"Also assign some maids and servants to attend to them."

"Yes, Father." Xu Mingwei said.

"Brother Yang, you've had a tiring journey. Go settle in and rest first. Tonight we'll have a family banquet to welcome you."

Yang Zhao cupped his fists, "Then I'll respectfully comply."

Xu Chuan's appearance was just going through the motions. Even if there were important matters to discuss, it wouldn't be done at this moment.

Shortly after they left, Yang Ronghua led them to the west courtyard.

This courtyard was elegantly scenic. Along winding paths through secluded areas stood rugged artificial mountains, glistening pool waters, and gracefully swaying lotus shadows.

Within the encircling corridors, vermilion railings and ornate doors were set amid flowers and trees. Bells hung from the upturned eaves, producing clear, lingering sounds when the wind passed, harmonizing with the bamboo's rustle below the steps.

Pavilions were scattered throughout the courtyard. Stone tables with chess boards were arranged beneath the shade of ancient pines. The west wall was planted with roses, while chrysanthemums grew to the south.

In spring, the flowers blazed brilliantly. In autumn, chrysanthemums reflected against sparse fences, their subtle fragrance drifting.

The guest houses in the courtyard were all individually constructed with flying eaves and ornate brackets, vermilion railings and decorated doors, not the common design of connected buildings.

"Mother, if you need anything, just tell these maids and servants. They'll take care of it for you. As for the maids you brought yourselves, let them attend to you personally, but don't let them wander about.

"If the Xu family patrol guards don't recognize them, they may be detained on the spot."

As Yang Ronghua spoke, she also looked at Yang Shichang and his wife, and Yang Shidao and his wife. "Brother and Sister-in-law, Cousin Shidao, this applies to you as well."

"Little Sister, it's been over ten years since I came here. Have the rules become this strict?" Yang Shichang asked in surprise.

Yang Ronghua smiled slightly.

"Chang'er, don't you understand the principle of following the host's customs?" Lady Yang scolded, then took Yang Ronghua's hand again. "Pay no attention to your brother. Continue. What else should we be mindful of?"

"This courtyard also has a kitchen. Since tonight is a family banquet, it certainly won't be held here. But afterward, you'll probably have your three daily meals in this courtyard.

"The various Xu family branches are the same.

"If you get bored and want to walk around the Xu residence, it's best to have the maids and servants accompany you. There are many Xu family guards, and it's not possible to call them all over to have them memorize all your faces."

Lady Yang nodded slightly. "Is there anything else?"

"That's about it. Father, Mother, please go inside and see if anything is missing. I'll have it sent over right away."

Yang Zhao said, "It's fine. Everything seems quite complete. You're the lady of the house and have matters to attend to. Go ahead and take care of your business."

"Then alright. Father, please rest well."

Yang Ronghua nodded slightly and then left the west courtyard.

Lady Yang surveyed the surroundings. "The Xu family's guest house design is quite distinctive. Peaceful and elegant. It's probably not inferior to the main residence.

"I remember before we left Qingjiang, this courtyard didn't seem to exist yet."

"So many years have passed. Who knows how much the Xu family's scale has expanded. The residence naturally had to expand along with it."

"Husband speaks truly." Lady Yang said.

Yang Zhao looked at Yang Shichang and Yang Shidao. "Chang'er, Nephew Shidao, take your respective families and choose a guest house to stay in."

"Then your child will take the one to your left, Father."

"I'll take the one on the right. That way we can look after each other."

"Husband, your clan sister doesn't seem to like you very much."

Yang Shidao's wife, Shen Nianyan, surveyed this guest house and remarked casually.

"There is some conflict, but don't concern yourself with it. Just stay here peacefully with Yan'er. Don't wander about needlessly."

"Understood, Husband."

On the other side, Wen Jing was also surveying the guest house, murmuring, "The Xu family really isn't what it used to be. Even the guest houses are this elegant. I wonder how Sister Ronghua and the others live?"

Yang Shichang said with slight displeasure, "What, do you want to switch places with my sister?"