第六十七章 一客远归来落花早谢 合家都忭悦玉树双辉 (Chapter Sixty-Seven: A Distant Guest Returns, Flowers Wither Early; The Whole Family Rejoices, Twin Jade Trees Shine.)

Upon returning from Shanghai, Jin Fengju first went to the main quarters to see his mother, Mrs. Jin.

Mrs. Jin was playing cards with Second Concubine, Aunt Cui, and others. When she heard that the eldest young master had returned, she hurriedly put down the cards and went out to greet him.

Feng Ju stepped forward to pay his respects. Mrs. Jin grabbed his hand, tears in her eyes, and said, "You’ve finally returned. I’ve been so worried about you all these days."

Feng Ju said, "Your son has been well while away. I’m sorry to have caused you such concern. It is truly unfilial of me."

At that moment, sisters-in-law like Peifang, Yufen, and Huichang, as well as brothers such as Yanxi, He Sun, and Peng Zhen, all rushed over upon hearing the news.

There was a lively reunion as everyone met. Feng Ju ordered the luggage to be opened and took out silks, cosmetics, and other items brought from Shanghai, distributing them to each person.

Seeing the whole family gathered happily, Mrs. Jin was overjoyed. She instructed the kitchen to prepare a lavish feast to welcome Feng Ju home.

During the feast, Feng Ju talked about his business dealings in Shanghai and described the bustling scene of the city. Everyone listened intently.

Yanxi, however, was absent-minded. He kept glancing out the window, thinking of Leng Qingqiu and wondering what she was doing at that moment.

After the feast, Yanxi excused himself on some pretext, slipped out the main gate, and headed straight for Leng Residence on Falling Flowers Lane.

Arriving at Leng Residence, he saw Leng Qingqiu sitting by the window doing embroidery, with Nanny Han beside her doing needlework. Yanxi knocked and entered. Leng Qingqiu stood up to greet him.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Yanxi presented the newly purchased poetry collection. Leng Qingqiu thanked him, and they began discussing poetry.

Just as they were enjoying their conversation, they suddenly heard someone knocking at the door. Nanny Han went out to look and found that it was someone from Jin Residence looking for the Seventh Master.

Yanxi had no choice but to bid farewell and return. Leng Qingqiu saw him to the door and whispered, "If you have time tomorrow, you can come visit."

Yanxi was overjoyed upon hearing this and nodded repeatedly. Returning home, he found Jin Quan waiting in the study. Upon seeing him return, Jin Quan asked, "Where have you been again?"

Yanxi lied, saying he had been discussing poetry with friends. Jin Quan was skeptical and admonished him, "You’re not young anymore. You should focus on your studies and not spend all day idling about."

Yanxi agreed verbally but in his heart was thinking about how to meet Leng Qingqiu again. The next day, Feng Ju discussed family matters with Jin Quan and brought up Yanxi’s marriage. Feng Ju said, "Seventh Brother loves freedom. Let him be for now."

Jin Quan sighed and said, "Among you brothers, you are the most capable. You must discipline him more in the future." Feng Ju promised to do so.

From then on, Feng Ju stayed at home, assisting his father with external affairs. The family was filled with harmony and joy.