Chapter 7: Granddaughter-in-law
The discussion is halted unceremoniously, it has everyone sitting on their ends. Anxious glances are directed towards the head of the dining table where Grandfather Zhong is seated. At the moment, the elder's face is absolutely blackened.
Every younger generation would have to give face to their elders, it is nearly an unspoken rule. Children as young as three-years-old know this, how could the twenty-seven-years-old Zhong Lie not?
Faced with this brewing storm he himself stirred, Zhong Lie is unfazed. Forget about appeasing his grandfather, the man actually strides out the room with the same ease in his steps as when he entered the dining room.
Zhong Lie has given no further explanation nor a backward glance as he left for work, as if the situation in the room has nothing to do with him. He has expected for the loud shout of his name, perhaps a scolding or two from his grandfather.
Contrary to his expectation, Zhong Lie heard no such thing in the time it took him to reach the foyer. Even with the gentle soothing from his grandmother, his grandfather would still be able to yell out an angry word or two.
Then, this change has to be related to his wife.
Following this quick realisation, the corner of the man's delectable lips is lifted into a cold smirk. Indeed, this bride his grandparents has chosen for him is capable. Now it's just a matter of how far her capability is.
"Grandfather, take a deep breath. Hold it, yes, you are doing good. Release. Again, two more times, please?" Qing Lan is softly instructing the angered elder, her hand holding to his arm as gentle support.
Of course, breathing exercise is a good method to regulate the elder's sudden rise in anger, however for said anger to be completely quelled, then there are more to do, such as words to be said.
"Grandfather, if this is about the wedding, then you don't have to worry. The wedding will be as the elders' wished it. That is…Zhong Lie and I will agree to your arrangements."
Now that the young generation has given her word to comply to the elders' decision, even the stubborn Grandfather Zhong can no longer be angry.
The disrespect from his grandson has greatly angered Grandfather Zhong, but now that he is calm, he can understand why Zhong Lie has acted as such.
In the first place, this marriage was insisted upon by Grandfather Zhong and Grandmother Zhong. The youngsters really have no say. Now that the matter is done, he then asked for his grandson's opinion.
Also, Zhong Lie has never liked planning for events or parties, he always sent someone else to do it while Qing Lan is unfamiliar with the ways of the Capital.
It's not strange that the two youngsters feel the wedding is best left at their elders' hands. Even if in the case of his grandson, it is more of a devil-may-care attitude.
Still, a woman's marriage is one of her most important events in life. Grandmother Zhong doesn't want Qing Lan to have any regret about her wedding, so she has to ask.
"Lan'er, you are okay with us deciding your wedding?" the old woman looks worried for her sake.
Qing Lan understands why Grandmother Zhong asked.
Which girl has not fantasised about her wedding and her groom-to-be? They would believe that their future husband would be 'the one' for them and their wedding would be forever remembered.
And yet in her case, not only is her husband chosen for her, even her wedding she decides not to participate planning for.
"I believe the elders will be good to Zhong Lie and me," Qing Lan nods her head, an honest smile on her face. No trace of reluctance can be seen nor heard.
The enormous trust the young woman has for the Zhong Family's elders is hard to believe. She doesn't even harbour the slightest doubt towards the elders, who in the end, are surnamed Zhong.
Such beliefs warmed the old woman's heart, which is already soft towards this young woman. Grandmother Zhong feels her emotions for the girl are overflowing, like a breaking dam.
"Lan'er, thank you for your understanding. Grandmother knows that we, your elders, are very selfish. We asked you to marry Ah Lie because we are afraid he will make a mistake that would have ruined him. Grandmother can only treat you well, not let anyone wronged you," Grandmother Zhong smiles tearfully as she takes the young woman's hand, solemnly making a promise.
"Your wedding, Grandmother will make sure it is the best. Lan'er, you are a good girl. In time, Ah Lie will also realise this and love you as his wife."
Grandmother Zhong loves this girl like her own, marrying her with her biological grandson is one of her greatest wishes. She always thinks how wonderful it would be, if the two fall in love with each other.
However, above all else, Grandmother Zhong wants both Zhong Lie and Qing Lan to be happy.
As she spoke, it is clear that the old woman is choked with emotions as she speaks, the raw sincerity in her voice touched not only Qing Lan, but even Madam Zhong who dislikes this daughter-in-law.
"Grandmother…" the young woman has no word to offer, she can only hold on to the wrinkled hands of the old woman as her heart feels like its about to burst.
Qing Lan has always wished for an elder to love her dearly and unconditionally. Without her birth parents, she has thought it would be impossible for there to be someone to satisfy the second condition.
Even the two Zhong Elders have used their love and affections to subtly pressure her into a marriage with their biological-grandson, mostly for his sake.
But maybe, just maybe. Grandparents-in-law and parents-in-law can also qualify as elders who will love her dearly and unconditionally.
Perhaps, one day, Qing Lan can be a true family to the Zhong.
Before this exchange, Madam Zhong has truly wondered if the Zhong Elders forgot their surnames. Only now she realises, in the end, both Grandfather Zhong and Grandmother Zhong are the the Zhong Family's elders.
That, their decision to suddenly marry the two youngsters are more in consideration of her son, Zhong Lie.
Else, the Zhong Elders would have brought Qing Lan back to the Zhong Estate for Zhong Lie to marry even earlier, before her son declares his intention to take the Xu Family's adopted-daughter as his wife.
The realisation that her in-laws are indeed thinking of her son allows Madam Zhong to finally lets go of her resentment for both her elders and her daughter-in-law. She is indeed too hasty in deciding to dislike this daughter-in-law.
The first breakfast in Zhong Estate after welcoming the daughter-in-law thus ends in a relatively solemn yet warm familial mood.
After sending their granddaughter-in-law to her bedroom while showing her the garden the Old Madam is most proud of on the way, the Zhong Elders departed for the appointment with the feng shui master.
Madam Zhong also left the estate not long after for a lunch gathering with her friends. She intends to spread the words of her son's marriage and soon-to-be-held wedding.
Madam Zhong may even offer a word of praise for her daughter-in-law in front of the ladies of high society to establish a good reputation for the countryside-girl.
A countryside-girl her daughter-in-law may be, but she is still the Zhong's daughter-in-law, no one can bully! It's best to deliver subtle warnings to these elite madams.
In the Zhong Estate, other then the many staffs, there are now only Father Zhong and Qing Lan. The former spends his time in his study as usual while the latter takes a stroll in the garden she was earlier shown to.
There are plenty greeneries decorating the Zhong Estate which are cared for by certified gardeners, but there is a smaller garden which Grandmother Zhong tends to on her own.
This garden is where Qing Lan is at. Although much smaller and less grand than the gardens that are cared by the hired professional gardeners, Grandmother Zhong's garden is far more cosy and relaxing.
The varieties of flowers in the garden is impressive, truly befitting that of a wealthy-person's hobby. If the wealthy and the poor has the same hobby and pours in similar amount of efforts, the wealthy would have the upper-hand at least nine-out-of-ten.
For Qing Lan who has been surrounded by plants growing up, both wild and cultivated, there is no difficulty to recognise each and every flowers.
Grandmother Zhong loves orchids the most. If Grandfather Zhong obsesses over antiques, then Grandmother Zhong's obsession is orchids.
There is no lack in varieties of orchids here. Every single one of them is well-cared for, it can be easily seen that the old woman care meticulously for the flowers.
Of course, with the advices and helps from professional gardeners, the orchids are definitely shaping to be masterpieces. Nonetheless, there are still room for improvements.
Walking deeper into the garden, there is a moderately-sized greenhouse. Grandmother Zhong told her once that inside is where the herbs are planted, including some tea leaves.
The Zhong Elders has always complimented her tea-making skill and Qing Lan wants to use this opportunity to make a pot of tea for the elders who treats her very well.
When placed next to other Young Misses in the Capital, Qing Lan pales awfully in comparison. This, she doesn't doubt. Still, when it comes to pleasing the family elders, she believes she can be one of the best.
In the future, even if her husband dislikes her, as long as the family elders adore her, Qing Lan is satisfied.
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