Reborn Lady

Chapter 177

Wei Luo, typically reserved, treated Yin Yong similarly to his elder brothers. However, the fourth brother, Wei Xuan, differed. He admired Yin Yong’s talents and coveted his wealth of travel experiences. After offering his respects, Wei Xuan took a seat beside Yin Yong and eagerly inquired about his adventures, resembling a grandchild asking for stories. Despite sitting among the five Emperor’s grandchildren, Yin Yong remained composed, treating the gathering as if he were a guest at an ordinary in-law’s house. Politeness met with politeness, and Wei Xuan’s sincere request received a smiling response.

The old man spoke with a certain flair, making even casual conversations captivating. Unnoticed, the rest of the hall fell silent as everyone listened attentively. Wei Luo, sitting beside him, kept his eyes on Yin Yong. It marked the first time he faced the old man directly.

For some reason, Yin Yong’s calm demeanor and friendliness reminded him of his grandfather in the capital. Both were legendary figures in the eyes of the people, yet his grandfather exuded more nobility and dignity, while Yin Yong emanated refinement and tranquility.

As stories continued to unfold, King Yan, accompanied by his wives and concubines, arrived, prompting everyone to rush forward to greet them. Yin Yong, leading Yin Lang, followed behind the five grandsons. However, King Yan’s gaze bypassed several sons and fixed on Yin Yong. Surprised, he approached, smiled, and inquired with concern, “I haven’t seen you for many years. Are you in good health?”

In terms of the in-law relationship, Yin Yong belonged to his father’s generation. In fact, Yin Yong was fourteen years older, barely fitting into the category of his father’s generation. Yin Yong smiled and saluted, “Thanks to the prince, the border is peaceful, and we and the common people can sleep in peace.” The respect shown to Yin Yong surpassed what even Zhen Guogong, Princess Xu’s father, might have received.

The eldest son, Wei Yang, observed the scene with astonishment. Not long ago, his father had reprimanded his third brother for wanting to invite the Yin family. What had transpired? Then again, his father had always maintained a virtuous public image, regardless of his private actions.

Upon reflection, Wei Yang adjusted his attitude and treated Yin Yong with utmost politeness. The banquet unfolded joyfully, and when the auspicious moment arrived, the wet nurse emerged with Qi Lang in her arms, prompting the head of the family to name him.

King Yan cradled his little grandson in his arms, expressing his anticipation of being a grandfather. He declared, “Wu Lang’s name is Heng, and Heng signifies the righteous path of Zhongping. Qi Lang is named Xun, embodying righteousness, goodness, and beauty.”

The gathering nodded in agreement; the names were well-received. Wei Luo saluted and said, “Thank you, Father King, for the names. I will ensure their proper upbringing.”

King Yan nodded and advised Wei Yang and Wei Yan, “Not only the third son, but all of you should also pay close attention to the children.” 

Everyone affirmed their understanding.

Yin Yong, observing the numerous descendants of King Yan, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. As the banquet concluded, Yin Hui initially intended to spend time with her grandfather. However, King Yan unexpectedly invited him to Qinzheng Hall, with Wei Luo and Yin Lang in tow.

Left waiting in Chengxin Hall, Yin Hui expressed regret when Wei Luo returned after more than an hour. Yin Hui inquired, “Grandpa has left?”

Wei Luo confirmed, “Yes, I just escorted him out. Are the children all asleep?”

Yin Hui nodded, and the couple proceeded to the inner room. Despite not being completely refreshed, they lay under the quilt. Turning to Wei Luo, Yin Hui softly asked, “While you were eating, did Grandpa violate any customs in front of Father?”

“The two elders talked very happily, and they still chatted endlessly in Qinzheng Hall.”

Yin Hui smiled, “It seems that Father likes Grandfather quite a bit?”

Wei Luo replied, “Yes, usually Father only talks to the three commanders. That’s why they are so approachable.”

Feng Su, Gao Zhen, and Yang Jingzhong, these three individuals had been by his father’s side since he became a vassal, serving as his right-hand men.

In essence, it all came down to valuing and cherishing talent. Put differently, anyone possessing genuine talent and knowledge, regardless of the type, would be highly appreciated. When his father engaged in a conversation with Yin Yong, Wei Luo mostly listened, but he gained a lot from various perspectives.

Noticing Wei Luo’s distraction, Yin Hui waited patiently. When Wei Luo glanced at her again, she shared, “Grandfather is going to Jiangnan again in February, and this will be his last trip. He assured me that he would be with the caravan and return soon. However, the more he reassured me, the more anxious I became. I worry that something might happen.”

“You don’t know, I’ve read too many storybooks. Almost every time someone says something like this—for instance, a talented man promising a beautiful woman that he’ll come back to marry her after finishing an exam, or a son telling his mother he’ll come over once he passes—either the talented man changes his mind, or the mother falls ill and the son never gets the chance to be filial. In short, something always happens at one end.”

Listening to her express these concerns in one breath, Wei Luo remarked, seeing her slender eyebrows furrow deeper, “I told you earlier, don’t read those novels. If the people who write the books didn’t intentionally make the stories twist and turn, how could the common people buy them?”

Yin Hui sensed that he would take such matters lightly, so she paused, tears welling up in her eyes. “What about my father? When I was five years old, he was going to go to sea, and he promised to bring me something before he left. The peculiar items he bought came back, but…”

Mid-sentence, she buried herself in the quilt. Wei Luo, understanding that her father had died in a sea storm, joined her in bed, embraced her, and comforted, “Okay, I will arrange for two guards to accompany the old man.” 

Gradually, her tears subsided.