Chapter 9: Family Reunion Dinner (Part 2)

The back-and-forth banter earlier was just a sideshow, the real main event is the meal ahead—

In high-profile households, especially in grand mansions like the Jade Residence and the homes of the powerful and influential, reputation and propriety are highly valued. Therefore, dining etiquette is of utmost importance. Carelessness in this matter can easily lead to embarrassing mishaps and invite ridicule. In his previous life, Yu Li returned to his ancestral home just in time for his grandfather, Yu Zhihao's mourning ceremony. At that time, there were many guests present. However, being an illegitimate son who couldn't appear in grand occasions, he was not seated together with the Li family, the Qin family, or the likes of Yu Xuan and Yu Wan. Instead, he was arranged to sit with the second branch and some distant relatives of the Jade Residence. Even so, he still made a fool of himself during the meal due to his ignorance of proper manners, which subjected him to ridicule.

He grew up in Guangming Temple, how could he know so many rules? And as a newcomer, he was filled with fear and anxiety. How could he have the presence of mind to pay attention to the dining etiquette? But if someone had just mentioned a few words to him before the meal, he wouldn't have made such a joke. However, as his "good" mother and siblings, none of them reminded him and let him embarrass himself and be ridiculed by others.

In this life, the Qin family still tries to amuse him with these little tricks: the Double Ninth Festival has long passed, but there are still crabs on the table. When wealthy families eat crabs, it is not like ordinary families. They have a set of tools called the "Eight Crab Utensils" specifically used to extract the meat from the crab legs and the crab roe. After finishing, they still need to drink warm yellow wine to dispel the cold, because it is said that crabs have a cold nature, so they need to drink hot yellow wine to dispel the cold. Ordinary people wouldn't know how to use these Eight Crab Utensils, nor would they understand the intricacies of drinking yellow wine to dispel the cold. When Yu Li returned from the countryside, he would definitely use his hands to break the crab and eat the crab meat. If that's the case, it would be quite a spectacle for the people at the table and the servant girls standing by.

For some reason, after eating for a while, nobody touched the plate of fragrant crabs that was emitting a tantalizing aroma. Yuli did not bother touching it either.

After a while, as expected, Qin Shi appeared with a kind smile and said to him, "Li'er, this steamed crab is very delicious. I assume you didn't have any crabs to eat while you were at the mountain gate. Now that you've returned home today, there's no need to hold back. Have a taste and enjoy."

Yuli's heart whispered, "Sure enough, he's here. I have no intention of slapping you in the face, yet you dare provoke me. Therefore, I can only put on a frightened expression and say, 'No need, Yier has already tasted it in the temple.'"

The Qin family would never let him go. Qin Yuran gave a signal to Yuran, who then used her tender voice, as gentle as a melodious oriole, to say, "Brother, there's no need to refuse. No matter how good things are outside, they can't compare to what we have at home. This 'Gutless Young Master' must also be delicious in our home. Mother also has a good heart. Brother, just listen to her!"

At this point, there was no room for further argument. Even Old Lady Yu chimed in, saying, "Lier, go ahead and have it. This crab is extraordinarily delicious."

Yu Li saw that she couldn't refuse, so she said, "Since mother and grandmother have instructed, I will no longer be disrespectful." As she spoke, she picked up a crab with her chopsticks. The legs of the crab were tied with a string. Carefully, she untied the string and then looked around. She immediately asked, "Mother, where are the eight utensils we use to eat crabs?"

Qin Shi was taken aback, clearly unprepared for Yuli's question. However, she concealed her surprise well and quickly smiled, saying, "You reminded me, I almost forgot. I don't know which confused old lady failed to present the eight crab dishes." As she spoke, she turned and instructed her personal maid, Mama Lin, to go and fetch the eight crab dishes.

After the eight crabs were presented, Yuli skillfully cut open the crab legs and scooped out the meat and roe. Then, he served the crab roe on a small plate and presented it to Lishi, saying, "Lier is able to enjoy such delicious crabs all thanks to grandmother's generosity, so I dare not taste it first. Please grandmother, have a taste first." He knew that Lishi really enjoyed eating crab roe.

Sure, here's the translation:

"Sure enough, Aunt Li was very pleased and praised him, saying, 'Since you are so filial, Grandma won't stand on ceremony.'"

The Qin family and Yu Wan stood by, watching as Yu Li skillfully handled the crab pieces without making a single mistake. They felt both irritated and perplexed. After all, this lowly fellow had grown up in a small countryside temple, so how could he be so familiar with using the crab pieces?

Yuli ate the crab meat, and while smiling at Qin Shi, he couldn't help but notice the disgust and annoyance that Qin Shi failed to hide in time. Yuli pretended not to see it on his face but inwardly sneered: "You want to see me embarrassed, but I won't let you have your way!"

From beginning to end, Yuli never made the slightest mistake. Not only that, but his posture was so elegant that it was even more noble than that of the young master Yuxuan, who was dressed in luxurious clothing. The servants were accustomed to judging by one's demeanor, and upon seeing the newly returned Third Young Master's manners while dining, they found that he was no inferior to the young masters and ladies who had been raised in the mansion. As a result, they dared not look down upon this Third Young Master.

After finishing, the maid brought in mouthwash tea. Yulan and Yuqian both glanced at him with the corners of their eyes. Yulan simply wanted to see if he would drink it and provide some amusement. Yuqian, on the other hand, was somewhat concerned that he might embarrass himself. However, Yuli didn't give them any attention and rinsed his mouth directly. He then washed his hands and calmly drank the post-meal tea, appearing like a noble young master who had been brought up in a wealthy family. Of course, that is if you ignore his attire.

In fact, in his past life, he practiced etiquette diligently for Xiao Jinyan, fearing that he would bring dishonor upon Xiao Jinyan's face. He practiced not only eating, but also walking, drinking tea, and speaking in a refined manner... However, despite his efforts, his etiquette was already on par with those young masters who were raised in privileged families since childhood. But in the eyes of the people in the Jade Palace and the Xiao family, he would forever be that rustic illegitimate son who couldn't be presentable—because later on, he heard Yuran use these words to mock and ridicule him multiple times.

However, he was relieved that he didn't let the Qin family and his "good" sister laugh at him.

After the meal, the group of people gathered together and began chatting. Yuran and Yuxuan were particularly talkative, making Lishi burst into laughter and delight.

Yuli watched from the side, wearing a smile on his face. He knew in his heart that Yuran intentionally excluded him by bringing up topics he had no knowledge of. He couldn't be bothered to speak up, so he coldly observed the harmonious scene of this family from the sidelines.

He despised everyone in the Yufu Manor, and he hated them to the core. But as he watched them laughing and talking, he couldn't help but feel a sense of desolation deep in his heart. Even though the members of the Yu family were hypocritical, at least at this moment there was harmony and reunion. In his past life, he never experienced sincere warmth from a family or the loving care of parents. Now, in this lifetime, he feared that he would have to walk this journey alone, lonely and desolate.

At this moment, suddenly the sound of the servant outside came, saying that the master had returned.

Several people's faces were filled with joy, but only Yuli's face revealed a fleeting trace of resentment, which quickly vanished, revealing a mixture of surprise and admiration.

In fact, his emotions were three parts real - just now, he was infected by the warm atmosphere in the Jade Palace, and as a result, he had hope in his heart. He thought, if he became smarter and no longer embarrassed himself in this world, would his father, Yu Zhangci, look at me with higher regard and protect me a little more? After all, I am his own son...

Yu Zhangci rushed in wearing an official robe, with a gloomy expression on his face. As soon as he entered, his gaze fell upon Yu Xuan.

The people in the room all stood up to welcome, especially Yu Xuan. Seeing the expression and gaze of his father, he was startled and immediately felt guilty, thinking of what had happened today.

Li Shi noticed that her son was in a bad mood, so she asked, "Zhang Ci, has something happened in the court?"

"It's all because of this wicked child!" Yu Zhangci possessed a refined and elegant appearance, with a graceful demeanor. However, he was extremely strict in educating his son. On the other hand, Qin Shi was the opposite. She was born with a harsh nature but doted on her son excessively. This resulted in Yu Xuan having an outwardly capable and reliable appearance, while inwardly being weak and feeble. Yu Zhangci stared at Yu Xuan with anger and asked, "Yu Xuan, I'm asking you, did you do something wrong while following the Crown Prince of Qing today?"

Yuxuan's greatest fear was Yuzhangci. Seeing him angry, his fear only grew. But relying on the fact that his grandmother and mother were both present, he stubbornly retorted, "No, I haven't done anything wrong."

"You wretched brat, you still refuse to tell me the truth!" Yu Zhang's voice was filled with anger as he took a few steps closer. His tone was stern, "Today, when I returned from my duties, I happened to meet the Crown Prince on the way. He expressed his dissatisfaction with you, claiming that your words and actions were lacking. He even asked me to teach you a lesson!"

Although Yuzhang Ci is the father-in-law of Prince Shizi Qing, the identity of Prince Shizi Yuancan is ultimately more esteemed. The Yufu must rely on the Qing Wangfu, so Yuancan often speaks more directly. Yuzhang Ci carefully handles this esteemed son-in-law, fearing that he might offend him.

"Father, I, I just said the wrong thing and offended that eccentric old man, that's all. Why was brother-in-law so angry?!" Yu Xuan defended himself, his normally proud and arrogant face showing no trace of grace anymore. "If we just let sister reconcile with the crown prince, wouldn't that solve everything?"

"You wretched creature!" Yu Zhangci appeared very angry. "You always make Tong'er clean up your mess! Your sister is the lady of the Wang Residence, but still has to watch the Empress Dowager's mood. Do you think it's that easy? You don't understand your mistakes nor show any remorse. Today, I am determined to punish you..."

Yu Xuan pleaded for mercy again, with Qin Shi, Li Shi, and Yu Dan all chiming in with kind words. It was evident that Yu Zhang Ci favored this second daughter the most. As soon as Yu Dan spoke, her gentle and reasonable words instantly deflated Yu Zhang Ci's anger.

"Alright, go back to the study and study in peace!" Yuzhang scowled at Yuxuan and continued, "I'm tired too, Mother. I'll go back to my room first."

Without looking back, she walked away while saying this.

Li Shi quickly said to Qin Shi, "Yu Mei, go and serve her well."

After Yuzhangci and Qinshi and Yuxuan left, Yudan finally smiled and looked at Yuli. In fact, she had long noticed Yuli, who had always been ignored by their father, Yuzhangci, but she deliberately did not remind Yuzhangci about him. For some reason, she disliked this third brother who came from the countryside. Originally, this brother had no background and came from the countryside, which made him even less appealing than Yuxian in her eyes. However, for some unknown reason, she just disliked Yuli. The sight of his beautiful and delicate face made her feel repulsed. She also detested his behavior and manners, which, despite coming from the countryside, seemed more refined than hers. She wished she could ruin his appearance and ruthlessly crush him under her foot!

"Third brother, just now father was in a hurry about big brother's matter and didn't notice you. You won't blame father, will you?" Yuhan's face, as beautiful as a blooming flower, carried a hint of concern. Her voice was gentle, as if the melodious warble of an oriole.

After being reminded by Li Shi, she suddenly remembered that today was the first time Yuli had seen his own son. They should have recognized each other as father and son. Just as she was about to ask, she noticed that Yuli, with a slight redness in his eyes, said softly:

"How could my sister think like this? Father has worked hard, naturally for the sake of the family's wealth. As his son, how could I not understand his struggles and blame him? Besides, I will have plenty of opportunities to meet with Father in the future, so why rush things?"

Li Shi saw that although he spoke in a very generous and considerate manner, his eyes were red. She thought to herself, "Sure enough, he's still a child. He says he doesn't blame me, but deep down, he must still feel wronged." Thinking this way, she also felt a bit guilty in her heart. Therefore, she said to Yu Li, "You're a sensible child, Li'er. When you go back home, Grandmother hasn't given you anything. Grandmother's things are all for girls and can't be given to you. But your grandfather had a favorite inkstone that he always cherished and never wanted to give away. Today, I will give it to you!" As she said this, she turned around and instructed Du Ruomama and the others to send the inkstone to Lifen Courtyard later.

Yu Li quickly bowed and expressed her gratitude.

On the side, Yuban clenched the handkerchief in her hand with a resentful grip, but maintained a poised smile on her face. Yuxian, who had remained silent all this while, observed everything with keen eyes.

Li Shi soon became tired, and the younger generation dispersed and went their separate ways.

"Third Young Master, it's windy outside. You should put on your cloak," Zhixue stood at the door to welcome him and, while draping the cloak over him, laughed, "It was Sister Hongzhu who reminded me, or else I would have forgotten again."

Yuli remained silent and continued walking forward with her head buried.

"What's wrong, Third Young Master?" Zhixue stood beside him, holding a lantern for him. Seeing his silence, she feared that he had been wronged inside.

Yu Li naturally felt wronged, but this grievance was unspeakable. His eyes, which had just turned red, were not feigned but genuine.

He thought that by presenting himself so perfectly in this life, he could change his fate and perhaps things would be different from his past life. Yu Zhangci would pay more attention to him, but what actually happened? Yu Zhangci didn't even spare him a glance! Just like the maidservant and servant standing over there, he was an insignificant person, someone who could be there or not. Perhaps he knew that today was the day his son returned, but he didn't put it in his heart! What he cared most about was the future of his eldest son and the future of the jade mansion! What he liked the most was the lovely appearance and soft voice of his youngest daughter!

Yeah, true. In my past life, I already suffered from being emotionally attached and ended up losing. Why should I still yearn for something that doesn't really belong to me in this life? Even before coming here, I made a promise to myself to never repeat the same mistakes again!

In the darkness, the autumn wind blew his hot tears into a chilly thinness on his face. He felt his heart gradually growing cold and hard, bit by bit. Wiping away the partially cooled tear on his face, he told himself:

This is the last time, Yuli. If you make the same mistake again, you will be the most foolish, hopeless idiot under the sun!