Chapter 189: Chapter 188: The Whole Household in Shock
Hong Yan, carrying a bamboo basket filled with grapes, walked toward the Lotus Courtyard of Madam Xiao, her face flushed with excitement.
She was a bit exhilarated; she knew Lin Wanwan was wealthy but never imagined she could be this affluent! Such a large quantity of grapes, perhaps only the Xiao Family when they were part of the Imperial Family could have seen such a sight, and even the most prosperous branch of the Xiao Family couldn’t afford this now.
Madam Xiao received half a bunch of grapes, tasted one carefully, and sighed, "These grapes are like the Purple Pearls, crystal clear, juicy, sweet — truly a rare fruit. Wanwan’s senior brother is indeed very capable."
"Isn’t that so? Her mother is surely watching over her from the beyond, allowing her to be nurtured by the old sage. Don’t worry, madam, your descendants are indeed blessed!" The elderly maidservant attending her laughed and said.
This evening, the Xiao Mansion was in an uproar over Lin Wanwan’s grapes; grapes of such quality on the market were pricier than gold. Eating grapes was akin to eating gold, how could one bear it!
Only Madam Xiao ate two grapes, while the elders of the first and second households also received grapes — none of them was willing to eat them immediately, instead, they all chilled them to keep for later.
The people of the first household were contemplating which families to send invitations to for a grape feast to enhance their status among the nobility of Qiantang. The second household, on the other hand, pondered what practical benefits they could exchange this platter of grapes for, as eating them was the most impractical choice.
Xiao Jingkun, upon hearing that Lin Wanwan had given grapes to the elders, went to his parents’ courtyard out of curiosity and sat by the grapes with Xiao Zhen, expressing his thoughts.
"The grape I got from Lady Lu last time was this large, and that taste, it lingered till now," Xiao Jingkun said, staring at the grapes on the plate.
Xiao Zhen replied with a smile, "Tomorrow, you personally deliver this half bunch of grapes to Lady Lu; we have long enjoyed her favor, and it’s time we return something. Between relatives, there should be reciprocity for endurance."
Xiao Jingkun agreed immediately, "Father is right, it is impolite not to reciprocate."
Xiao Zhen cheerfully replied, "Who would’ve thought your cousin Lin Wanwan has such a powerful senior brother — we benefited as well."
As the father and son excitedly discussed, a maid quietly exited the small main hall to report to Mrs. Wang.
"The young master said he’d deliver these grapes to Lady Lu tomorrow?" Mrs. Wang reconfirmed with a frown.
"Yes, Second Madam, I truly heard it," answered the maid.
Mrs. Wang sighed lightly, "I just don’t have the fortune, not destined to eat grapes. By the way, how did Wanwan get these grapes, did you hear clearly?"
"Hong Yan said it was brought by a caravan passing through on Wanwan’s senior brother’s behalf."
Mrs. Wang was silent, actually, ever since she hadn’t met Lin Wanwan, she had known of her wealth through the various gifts brought back, but to be wealthy enough to casually give away such precious grapes was truly unexpected.
After delivering grapes to the three elders of the Xiao Mansion, Hong Yan returned to the quarters where Lin Wanwan lived; Lin Wanwan and little Qingyu had already started having dinner, with a basin of peeled grape skins nearby.
These grape skins were to be fed to the cattle, not to be wasted carelessly.
"You’re back, saved some grapes for you, go wash your hands and have them," Yun Shang said with a smile upon seeing Hong Yan return. Yun Shang arranged most of the distribution affairs.
Hong Yan was surprised, "Saved grapes for me? I have a share?"
Yun Shang nodded, "Our miss always treats servants kindly, you’ll come to know. The rest are all yours, we’ve already had ours."
Hong Yan bewilderedly walked to the lower room and indeed saw a small dish of grapes placed on the dining table, as many as five. Yun Shang, Hua Nong, and the others were somewhat vague about the concept of grapes in the Great Tang, but Hong Yan had heard much about grapes owing to Lady Lu’s grape feast last year.
These were grapes more precious than gold! Even the most esteemed lady in Qiantang hosted a banquet upon receiving a bunch, and now, she was able to enjoy five alone?
Hong Yan sat dazed on the mat, staring at the grapes incredulously.
Having finished her work, Hua Nong returned to the room and asked upon seeing Hong Yan’s demeanor, "You don’t like grapes?"
Hong Yan then regained her senses, smiling brightly at her, "What nonsense are you talking about, Hua Nong sister, how could anyone not like such a treasure?"
"Then why haven’t you eaten them? They won’t be as good if left until tomorrow after being washed." Having eaten grapes last year, Hua Nong was experienced, "Hey, you folks in Qiantang really don’t compare to us country folks in Mao County; when I look at your food and clothing, it’s nothing special either."
Hong Yan: "..."
She truly didn’t know what to say, did Hua Nong think all country women could be like Wanwan?
Hearing Hua Nong’s warning about the grapes being washed and left uneaten, Hong Yan finally decided to eat them, reluctant to waste even the skins, only feeling sweet and sour inside, her eyes slowly turning red.
At the age of six, she was sold by her family, at eight bought into the Xiao family, serving the old madam, never daring to err lest she be made to go hungry.
The Xiao family bore the name of the Southern Lanling Xiao clan, but was actually empty inside and not wealthy. They couldn’t reduce servants and estates due to social obligations, so one could imagine the treatment for dependents like themselves.
To casually give something as precious as these grapes to servants like Lin Wanwan did, Hong Yan had never witnessed in her lifetime. Now she felt nothing but gratitude, grateful that Madam Xiao had bestowed her to Lin Wanwan.
When she was first given over, she had heard some teasing from the sisters of her previous courtyard, as she would be returning to Mao County countryside with Lin Wanwan by the month’s end. But now, she only marveled at her good fortune.
Does it matter whether one lives in the city or countryside? For servants like them, it’s merely circling the back courtyard anyway. Encountering a kind master is their greatest fortune as servants.
Hua Nong had already washed up and was now in bed; Yun Shang was on night duty today, so Hua Nong naturally could sleep soundly.
"Hong Yan, remember to brush your teeth after eating; don’t be reluctant to use the toothpaste and toothbrush given, Miss doesn’t like people who don’t brush their teeth," Hua Nong reminded Hong Yan from bed.
Other matters may fall behind at Lin Family Manor, but hygiene cannot lag. Lin Wanwan detests dirt and stench.
Thus, they each had toothpaste and toothbrushes allocated (toothpaste was purchased by Lin Wanwan from the modern era and placed in ceramic jars, toothbrushes were specially bought wooden ones). In terms of quality of living, they were far better than ordinary well-off families.