The Fang Family, just one month after the grand banquet held to celebrate the old patriarch’s birthday, was once again decked out in lanterns and streamers, this time because Madam Fang was about to acknowledge a goddaughter.
In ancient times, the recognition of god-relations was not as casual as it became in modern society, where the terms godfather and godmother could be thrown around lightly, and later even became a kind of specific symbol.
During that period, recognizing god-relations was an incredibly solemn affair, and once acknowledged, except for the lack of a blood relationship, all other responsibilities were the same as those of actual parents. If taken seriously enough, the godchild might even be included in the family genealogy.
Yang Ruxin was a village girl with no background whatsoever, whereas the Fang Family held official status. Fang Dehua was the County Magistrate, wielding the life-or-death authority over the local populace, and his wife Yuan Mengzhu was the esteemed daughter of the Yuan Family. Although she was married, the dowry she brought with her could probably feed several generations—she was truly a female tycoon.
Yet, these two families of such disparate status became kin through this formal acknowledgment.
Some people believed that Yang Ruxin had cultivated years of good fortune.
But others who knew the insider story could not agree with such a statement. Although Ruxin was a village girl, she had an impressive master, Dao Xuzi. Was he someone just anyone could meet? Of course not. So what was the solution? Seek out the disciples of the Divine Doctor.
Who could claim they have never been ill? Even the Emperor himself could not escape sickness. When the time comes, with eyes closed and legs crossed, neither high power nor abundant wealth would be of any use.
So, rather than saying that Yang Ruxin had taken advantage of them, it was really the Fang Family who had gotten the better end of the deal.
Fortunately, they had the grace not to act spoiled despite their good fortune.
Yuan Mengzhu was in a very good mood today, not only because she was about to acknowledge a goddaughter, but more importantly, because her older brother Yuan Mengqing had also come.
Yuan Mengqing was eight years older than Yuan Mengzhu, and he had practically raised his sister by himself. Mengzhu’s affection for her elder brother was even deeper than for her own parents. But her brother managed the Yuan Family’s business and was very busy. Furthermore, with the Yuan Family residing half a month’s journey away, the siblings could rarely meet more than a few times a year.
Last month, when the old Mr. Fang celebrated his birthday, Cai Wenjuan came over and chose to stay a little longer. She was planning to return after visiting the Pancake Fruit Shop, but with the god-child recognition coming up, Cai Wenjuan simply sent a message to her husband, saying she would stay a few more days. Unexpectedly, Yuan Mengqing rushed over.
He came both to meet this goddaughter that his sister had chosen and to personally bring his wife home.
Whatever the reason, Yuan Mengzhu was exceptionally happy.
"That girl saved Zeze; she’s not only a benefactor to the Fang Family, but our Yuan Family is also grateful to her," Yuan Mengqing said. He had a genteel and elegant appearance, and his tone was gentle, often carrying a faint smile that immediately endeared him to others. Only those who knew him well were aware that the head of the Yuan Family was a decisive character in business, which had allowed him to greatly develop the family’s enterprises and rank among the foremost of the great families in Jiangnan.
"That girl, oh, I liked her the moment I saw her," Cai Wenjuan’s eyes sparkled with excitement, suddenly recalling something, "Right, she must be of marriageable age now, right?"
"Eldest sister-in-law, you..." Yuan Mengzhu frowned slightly.
"What do you think of my Tiantian? You, as his aunt, have watched him grow up, and his character..."
"Eldest sister-in-law, Tiantian is a good child, with both virtue and appearance, but... didn’t you notice the man by her side that day?" Mengzhu looked at Cai Wenjuan, "The one in the wheelchair..."