Rebirth: Making a Fortune in Ancient Times

Mentioning Zhang Youtie might still earn him some respect in Ming'an County, but now that he's in the capital, he's utterly insignificant. Although he calls Shen Jingheng "Uncle," everyone in the room understands the true nature of the relationship between the two families.

Nineteen was very happy and impressed by Xia Yu's thoughts, insights, and understanding at such a young age.

"Miss, which set of these matching jewelry pieces do you like?" Nineteen pointed to the jewelry displayed on the table.

Xia Yu's eyes swept over the items, and she was quite satisfied with Nineteen's outfit. It included both gifts from Madam Shen and items she had brought from her own home, thus both acknowledging Madam Shen's kindness and avoiding being looked down upon.

She turned her head to look at the several gauze skirts hanging on the rack, and chose one in her favorite color. These clothes were all sent by the Shen family. In addition, she also chose a dress that she had brought herself and asked Da Niu to wrap it up.

Having finished dressing, and sensing it was almost dusk, Xia Yu, along with Nineteen and Da Niu, headed towards the Li residence's gate. However, along the way, they encountered Granny Hu and Granny Hua, both of whom were astonished to see Xia Yu in her new attire. Xia Yu greeted them warmly. The two usually eloquent women, having seen Xia Yu without makeup for two days, were momentarily speechless at her sudden transformation.

When they arrived at the gate of the Li residence, the gate was wide open, and two carriages were parked one after the other outside the gate.

"Wow... Sister Xiaxia, you're so beautiful!" As soon as Xia Yu appeared, she was greeted with a burst of praise from Shen Luo. His words also made Li Taifu and Changyun, who were talking with their backs to the gate, turn around and look at Xia Yu who was walking out of the mansion.

"Grandpa Li, I've packed everything." Xia Yu approached and smiled as she gave Grand Tutor Li a curtsy.

Then he looked up at Changyun beside him.

"Brother, you look so handsome in that outfit!"

"So handsome?"

What makes someone truly handsome?

Li Taifu and Shen Luo asked Xia Yu at the same time.

"Uh, it means dashing and handsome." Xia Yu pinched herself under her wide sleeve and quickly tried to explain and make amends.

Her explanation made Changyun blush a little. It was the first time a girl had praised his appearance in front of him. Even though she was his own sister, the teacher was still there, so he was a little embarrassed.

Grand Tutor Li glanced at Xia Yu's attire, then at Chang Yun standing beside him. Both children were handsome. Moreover, they were poised and elegant in their manners, handling people with great poise and grace. He was very pleased to have such students and goddaughters at his age.

Looking at Shen Luo standing to the side, although he was still young, he was quite handsome, and the child was kind-hearted and of good character, which he liked very much. He liked all of these children. However, every time he saw Shen Luo's face, he felt that it looked familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere before, but he couldn't remember where.

Since he couldn't remember, he simply stopped thinking about it. Looking at the children, he laughed and said, "Now that everything's ready, let's set off."

With the help of Shen Luo and Chang Yun, Grand Tutor Li boarded the first carriage, while Xia Yu was helped into the second carriage by Shijiu and Daniu. Once everyone was seated, the carriages slowly headed towards the Shen residence.

In less than a quarter of an hour, their carriage arrived at the gate of the scholar's residence. Xia Yu looked out through the window screen and found that there were no other carriages parked outside, and there was no traffic jam as she had imagined.

She got out of the carriage and stood behind Grand Tutor Li. She saw Shen Jingheng hurrying down the high steps of the Imperial Academy to greet her. Behind him followed a richly dressed woman, who walked slowly but with impeccable manners.

"Grand Tutor Li, I am so sorry for not greeting you sooner! My apologies!" Shen Jingheng greeted Grand Tutor Li politely.

"Not at all! I've arrived too early," replied Grand Tutor Li.

After the two exchanged greetings, Madam Shen happened to walk up to Shen Jingheng. Shen Jingheng took her hand and introduced her to Grand Tutor Li.

"Grand Tutor, this is my wife, Madam Jiang." He then introduced her to Madam Shen.

"This is the Grand Tutor Li that I often tell you about."

Grand Tutor Li stroked his beard and laughed heartily, "The daughters raised by the Jiang family are all excellent. It is Lord Shen's good fortune to marry such a virtuous wife!"

Hearing Li Taifu's words, Madam Jiang blushed slightly, but still maintained her composure and gave Li Taifu a proper junior's bow.

After she got up, Shen Jingheng introduced her to the siblings Changyun and Xia Yu.

"These are Zhang's nephew and niece."

After saying that, he addressed the two of them.

"This is your aunt."

As soon as he finished speaking, the two quickly bowed to Madam Shen and addressed her as...

"Auntie is well."

Madam Jiang had long noticed that most of the clothes the brother and sister wore were sent by her, and she was quite pleased with them for doing so. Hearing her husband's introduction now, she knew he was determined to bring the two siblings under his wing. Seeing the brother and sister bowing, she quickly stepped forward to help them up.

"Get up quickly, we're all family, no need for such a grand gesture." She then gave Shen Jingheng a reproachful look.

"It's all your uncle's fault. He's always been very tight-lipped and didn't tell me you were coming, so I couldn't prepare a proper gift for you."

"Auntie, you're too kind. My brother and I really like the gifts you sent today." Xia Yu obediently let Jiang Shi hold her hand.

"If you like it, then it's good that I put so much effort into choosing it." As she spoke, she took off another jade bracelet from her hand and placed it on Xia Yu's wrist. Seeing that Xia Yu wanted to refuse, Jiang Shi quickly pressed down on her hand as she tried to pull the bracelet off.

“We have a natural affinity. I liked you immediately. This bracelet was blessed in front of the Buddha. Wearing it will protect you on your journey north. It is also a token of my affection.”

Xia Yu quickly looked up at Grand Tutor Li and Shen Jingheng. Seeing Grand Tutor Li nod slightly to her, she accepted the gift with relief and then gave Madam Jiang a respectful junior's bow.

"Thank you, Auntie." But before she could even squat down, she was helped up by Madam Jiang.

“I’ve already said, we’re all family, no need for all this bowing and formalities.” After saying that, she took a jade pendant from the maid behind her and handed it to Changyun.

"This jade pendant has also been blessed in front of the Buddha, to protect you and ensure your health and safety on your journey."

"Nephew thanks Aunt for the gift." Jiang Shi bowed.

"Alright, alright, now that everyone has greeted each other, let's go inside and talk," Shen Jingheng said, reminding everyone that they had exchanged greetings.

"Grand Tutor, please!"

"please!"

After entering the mansion, the man and woman went in opposite directions. Before parting, Shen Jingheng specifically instructed Madam Jiang to take good care of Xia Yu, since it was her first time in the capital and she did not know any officials' families. In addition, given her status, she might be looked down upon.

Hearing his instructions, Madam Jiang smiled.

"With you, their uncle, backing them up, who would dare to look down on her?" Even if someone did, they wouldn't show it at the Shen family banquet. These were Jiang's thoughts, but she didn't voice them aloud.