Chapter 23 Father and Daughter
It's a pity that no amount of kindness and affection can withstand the collapse of the Gu family.
It is sad to say that a loyal and good family was lost in the battle of Jin Ce.
Shang Ji was stunned for a moment when he mentioned Jinling City, but was quickly interrupted by Du Jingyi's words.
"Dad, where is the golden belt that my daughter made specially for you? Why don't you see me wearing it? But I don't like it?"
This was the first time that Shang Ji saw such a smart and lively Du Jingyi.
The round and tender face was full of mischief.
A pair of smart eyes flickered at Master Du, with a hint of cunning in them.
One can tell at a glance that he is also a little fox that has become a spirit.
He's just wearing sheep's clothing and acts nice on weekdays.
Mr. Du pretended to hum twice before complaining.
"You still dare to say that, that golden belt is so heavy that my father can't even walk with it every time. How can you show it off outside? Aren't you afraid that someone will get jealous and snatch it away?"
Du Jingyi smiled when he heard this.
Then he spread his hands and said quite innocently.
"Dad, you have wronged your daughter. I originally thought that you have become too big-hearted and fat over the years, so I asked someone to make a gold belt for you to wear, so as to remind you all the time, sir. Eat more and move more, who asked you to show off outside?"
Mr. Du reached out and touched his round belly, and immediately burst into laughter.
Seeing this, Du Jingyi also smiled and patted his father's belly.
It made everyone chuckle.
This scene of a loving father and a filial daughter could be seen every day in the Du family in the past.
Otherwise, there would be no "rumors" that Mr. Du loves his daughter as much as she wants.
But since both daughters got married, there has been no such joy and laughter.
Now that the old relationship between father and daughter can be reappeared, the four maids and Mama Cai who came back with Du Jingyi are also full of joy.
Joking is all about joking, but business has to be done.
Today is the homecoming ceremony. According to the rules, the Du family and his wife have to kneel down and drink tea with Shang Ji and Du Jingyi.
But due to Shang Ji's current status, he canceled the kneeling and only served tea.
Therefore, the Du family and his wife sat at the top with no futon in front of them.
When Du Jingyi saw it, he understood in his heart.
National rituals are more important than family rules, and merchants are less important than courtiers.
The eternal truth.
There was a trace of loss in his eyes, but there was also helplessness.
"Second young lady, second uncle would like to serve you tea."
Mother Cai next to her brought the lacquer tray and shouted loudly.
Shang Ji took one out, flicked his clothes and knelt down.
Such behavior shocked everyone present.
The Du family master waved his hand quickly and stepped forward to help him.
He said with some nervousness in his mouth.
"I can't do it, I can't do it. Second uncle, get up quickly."
Du Jingyi next to him was surprised, but he quickly knelt down.
He also held a cup of tea in his hand, restrained his laughter, and was more sincere than before.
"Dad, mother, it's not easy for you to give birth to me. Now that your daughter is married, it's natural for her to bring her husband back home to serve tea. There's no need to refuse. Come and drink."
When Shang Ji heard this, he respectfully held the teacup in his hand and said to the two elders of the Du family.
"This tea should have been served to my father-in-law and mother-in-law three years ago. It's just my son-in-law's responsibility that I have to postpone it until today. I ask my father-in-law and mother-in-law for your forgiveness."
After hearing their words, the Du family and his wife looked at each other.
After nodding slightly, he immediately took the tea from the two of them and took a big sip to express his feelings.
There were expressions of relief in the eyes of the two elders.
Not only was she moved that her daughter had gained the attention of her husband, but it was also a special treat for Shang Ji, her uncle.
"Okay, get up quickly, get up."
Mrs. Du said as she stood up and helped them both.
Then someone brought a tray up.
There was a simple box inside, not big and not heavy at all.
Shang Ji didn't know why, so he couldn't answer out loud.
But Du Jingyi saw it clearly.
That's the weight of the Du family's wealth accumulated over the years. How could it be used?
Could it be that the second uncle and the sixth uncle are here to force me again?
His face looked a lot darker than before.
Mrs. Du also saw her daughter's expression, but she still had to appear very calm.
Then he said.
"My uncle is back, so you and your wife can live a peaceful life. This is what we, the old couple, want. I hope you and your wife can grow old together."
When Shang Ji heard this, he clasped his fists and said.
"Don't worry, mother-in-law, please keep this in mind, son-in-law."
The respectful and pious attitude made both the Du family and his wife feel at ease.
When Du Jingyi saw this, his eyes showed a lot of worry.
However, due to the presence of her husband Shang Ji, she could not directly inquire.
He could only accept the box and speak softly.
"My daughter will take good care of her."
Master Du stretched out his hand and stroked her forehead as usual, without saying anything else.
But the concern and love shown moved everyone present.
Just when a few people were feeling pregnant and didn't say anything, they heard hurried footsteps coming from the door.
Immediately afterwards, the butler, Uncle Liu, trotted in with a calm expression and said something.
"Master, madam, someone from my family is here."
Hearing this, Shang Ji could clearly feel that his wife's originally calm but sad atmosphere soon revealed anger.
It seems that this person from the family is not welcome by the host family.
However, he did not know the whole situation at the moment, so it was difficult to comment.
So he just stood aside with his hands behind his back and did not speak.
But if you look closely, his face has returned to the same expression as in the Duke's Mansion, which is more cold.
Mr. Du and Mrs. Du frowned. These people are really shameless.
It has been made clear that no outsiders are allowed to disturb today, but they still come up one by one.
What is the plan in their mind, they can figure it out with their toes.
Naturally, there is no good expression.
So, Mrs. Du made a prompt decision and said immediately.
"Uncle Liu, invite them to the Luo Die Xuan, and the master and I will go there later."
"Yes, madam."
Then, Mrs. Du smiled and said to her daughter and son-in-law.
"Since this is the first time that the son-in-law comes to our house, let Tangtang show you around. The master and I will go take care of some things, and we will have dinner together later."
The implication is that Shang Ji and Du Jingyi and his wife are not going to be involved.
Seeing this, Du Jingyi was deeply worried.
But Mrs. Du's words have always been unquestionable, and Du Jingyi knows this very well.
So he bowed and answered.
"Don't worry, mother, go, your daughter will take care of it."
"Okay."
After saying this, the Du family couple got up and left Mingse Courtyard and went straight to the Maodiexuan.