nucmednet Chapter 341 The Yelü Family's Single Lineage
Chapter 341 The Yelü Family's Single Lineage
The family, beaming with joy, welcomed Gu Mochen into the spacious and bright hall. The hall was adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, and the mahogany tables and chairs were neatly arranged. Several valuable calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls, showcasing the family's extraordinary wealth and status. Yelü Fengqi's first wife, dressed in a magnificent and dignified brocade robe, greeted them warmly with a smile. Her gentle and soothing voice perfectly created a welcoming atmosphere, her words filled with warmth and concern for the guests from afar.
Just as everyone was chatting happily, footsteps sounded outside. Ye Qingchen subconsciously turned her head and saw a sprightly old lady walking steadily towards the hall. Although she was over fifty, she stood upright, her eyes bright and piercing. The marks of time on her face only added to her dignity and wisdom. The maid beside her wanted to step forward to help her, but the old lady gently waved her hand in refusal, her posture seemingly declaring that she was still strong and did not need much support.
As soon as the old lady stepped into the hall, her gaze fell directly on Yelü Fengqi, her eyes filled with maternal concern. She said, "Son, are you tired from this trip? Let Xiao Wu take you to rest. What are you still doing in the living room?" Her tone was gentle yet carried an undeniable concern. Xiao Wu was one of Yelü Fengqi's concubines, ranking fifth in rank. Just then, the old lady's gaze swept over six unfamiliar faces, including Gu Mochen. She paused slightly, her eyes instantly drawn to these young people.
The six young people before her were strikingly handsome; the men were tall and elegant, exuding a unique charm. The women were beautiful and charming, their eyes sparkling with liveliness and vitality, appearing to be only in their early twenties. The old woman's heart leaped with joy, a thought flashing through her mind: Could it be that Feng Qi has a wife in Da Xia? Judging by how delicate these children are, their mother, Feng Qi's wife, must be a beauty that could topple kingdoms, and judging from the situation, it seems there's more than one.
With this expectation in mind, the old lady could not suppress her curiosity and looked at Yelü Fengqi, asking, "Fengqi, all these children are...?" Her eyes were full of inquiry and expectation.
Upon seeing this, Feng Qi quickly stood up, bowed respectfully to his mother, and replied humbly, "Mother, these are all my friends, whom I met on the journey. They have given me much help along the way and are truly my benefactors." After speaking, he turned slightly to the side and gestured to Gu Mochen and the others as if to introduce them.
Hearing her son's answer, the light in the old lady's eyes dimmed instantly, and the corners of her mouth, which had been upturned, drooped slightly, revealing a clear sense of disappointment. She sighed softly, her tone tinged with helplessness, and said, "Since they are friends, then please entertain them well. You must be tired after your long journey, so please get some rest. My old bones are also weary, so I won't keep the guests company any longer. Please make yourselves at home." With that, the old lady slowly turned around, her steps no longer as light as when she entered, but carrying a hint of melancholy. Accompanied by her maid, she left the hall with a disappointed expression.
Seeing her mother-in-law leave, the First Madam maintained her polite smile. She turned slightly to Gu Mochen and the others, saying, "Distinguished guests, please don't take offense. The Old Madam has always been straightforward, but she is particularly concerned about family matters. Seeing all of you young talents and beauties here today, it's inevitable that she would have some thoughts." With that, she waved her hand gently, and the maids waiting nearby immediately understood, filing in one after another with exquisite tea and snacks, placing them on the tea table in front of everyone.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall became slightly awkward. Yelü Fengqi felt a little guilty, thinking that his mother's disappointment might have been noticed by his friends, so he quickly perked up and said with a smile, "Come, come, everyone, try this tea. This is a fine tea treasured in my residence, with a unique flavor." As he spoke, he personally picked up the teapot and poured tea for Gu Mochen and the others, his enthusiastic manner seemingly trying to completely dispel the previous little incident.
Gu Mochen nodded slightly, took the teacup, took a sip, and praised, "Excellent tea, sweet aftertaste, and rich aroma." The others echoed his sentiments, expressing their appreciation for the tea's quality. Through this back-and-forth conversation, the atmosphere in the hall gradually became harmonious again.
Ye Qingchen's gaze unconsciously followed the direction the old lady had left. She knew all too well that the First Madam's situation was truly difficult. With so many concubines in the household, managing them was already a delicate matter, and now she had such a shrewd and strong-willed mother-in-law. Her daily life must have been like walking on thin ice. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly, realizing that life in this deep mansion, seemingly glamorous, actually concealed countless hardships and helplessness.
Meanwhile, the old lady, after returning to her room, did not immediately sit down to rest. The maids wanted to help her undress, but she waved them away. Standing alone by the window, her gaze drifting into the distance, her mind filled with countless thoughts. She had always hoped that her son would settle down and start a family, have many children, and continue the family bloodline. Seeing those young men today had ignited a glimmer of hope, only to have it extinguished instantly, leaving her heart filled with disappointment. Now, her son only had Yelü Churan, not even a daughter, and her face was filled with utter despair.
Recalling her son's answer, she couldn't help but feel worried. Her son was constantly traveling and had made all sorts of friends. She naturally hoped he would have a few truly loyal friends, but even more so, she hoped he would find a suitable woman soon, settle down, and have several children. She deeply understood the weight of family responsibilities; as an important member of the family, her son's many children were crucial for the family's future.
The old woman stood by the window for a long time, until the sky gradually darkened and the light in the room became dim. Only then did she slowly turn around and sit on the edge of the bed, a hint of melancholy still in her eyes. She murmured softly, "Fengqi, when will you be able to put your mother's mind at ease..."
Meanwhile, in the main hall, Yelü Fengqi and Gu Mochen chatted amiably. Yelü Fengqi smiled slightly and said, "Now, the Great Xia is truly powerful and prosperous, attracting the best goods from all over the world. Doing business in Great Xia is incredibly convenient." Gu Mochen nodded slightly and said, "Indeed, it's very convenient to buy anything in Great Xia now, but that can't compare to personally visiting other countries and experiencing their unique scenery." The group chatted about Great Xia and Great Liao, and before they knew it, it was dinnertime.
The First Madam reappeared, smiling warmly, and said, "Distinguished guests, dinner is ready. Please proceed to the dining room." She then gestured for them to enter. Everyone rose and, led by the First Madam, walked towards the dining room. Inside, a large round table was laden with a sumptuous feast, its colors, aromas, and flavors enticing, making one's appetite soar.
Everyone took their seats, and Yelü Fengqi raised his wine cup, saying, "Today, I am deeply grateful for the help of all my friends, and I feel that you are all my friends. I would like to propose a toast to everyone." He then drank it all in one gulp. Everyone else also raised their cups and drank together. In this lively atmosphere, the hall was filled with laughter and cheerful conversation.