Chapter 009: Meeting

Aunt Pang cautiously looked around and then lowered her voice to say mysteriously: "You may not know this, but it is said that when Young Master Yi saved the young lady, she had already stopped breathing. As it turns out, that Young Master Yi is quite remarkable; he actually removed the young lady's clothing and performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on her, ultimately bringing her back to life. You see, this method is rather unconventional; although it can save a life, it is quite inappropriate and could tarnish the young lady's reputation. Although saving a life was of utmost importance at that moment, the young lady is an unmarried woman, and being undressed and kissed by him certainly compromises her virtue. Coincidentally, our young lady has never had a suitable man, so why not simply bring this Yi Feng back and make him the son-in-law?"

After the wedding ceremony, he can be considered the third master of Gaojia Village

In fact, the situation in Gaojiazhuang is much better than Lingyun had imagined. It is said that in later generations, the ideal husband’s family for girls is one that has a house and a car, with both parents deceased. Currently, Gao Qianxue's situation is quite similar to this; Gaojiazhuang is located on the outskirts of Yangzhou, a bustling center in the Jiangnan region, featuring a luxurious resort villa community by the mountains and rivers, with hundreds of acres of fertile land. Not only does it possess tens of thousands of acres of farmland, but it also owns dozens of various shops in major cities like Yangzhou and other parts of Jiangnan. Gaojiazhuang is a large and prosperous family, employing thousands of workers and tenants, with nearly two hundred servants and laborers within the estate itself.

Oh dear, my dear sister, my lips are sealed, I will not gossip indiscriminately, please go ahead and speak

Gao Qianxue also sensed the strangeness of Gao Ding and said softly: "Yilang is suffering from amnesia, and may be somewhat lacking in manners; Uncle Gao, please be more understanding."

Ling Yun fundamentally has no in-laws to meet

Weren't you also by the river that day? Although Gao Bo-nian is older, he is not foolish. The so-called words about controlling fathers and husbands are merely rumors spread by some to slander the young lady; how could you believe them like those ignorant lower-class people? As for the so-called matter of Young Master Yi ruining the young lady's reputation, it is even more unfounded. The notion of a sister-in-law drowning and an uncle coming to the rescue is merely a makeshift strategy. Young Master Yi was primarily concerned with saving a life at that time, rather than engaging in any improper conduct. As for the so-called matter of Young Master Yi ruining the young lady's reputation, it is even more unfounded. The notion of a sister-in-law drowning and an uncle coming to the rescue is merely a makeshift strategy. Young Master Yi was primarily concerned with saving a life at that time, rather than engaging in any improper conduct

In fact, there is an inside story to this matter. Another woman who was fetching water wore a mysterious expression, piquing people's curiosity.

The elderly man with a head full of white hair stopped in his tracks

I met many people one after another, and after spending half a day, I finally finished the meetings. This made Ling Yun breathe a long sigh of relief. This feeling was just like the departmental meeting when I first joined the new company, with a large number of new faces, and my face had been smiling so much that the muscles felt stiff.

"Mulan, you and Qinglian take Yilang to the East Courtyard to prepare for the wedding attire and ceremonial matters, and be sure to do so with great care," Gao Qianxue said with a smile, then nodded at Lingyun, showing not a hint of the shyness typical of a bride before her wedding. Lingyun nodded, exchanged farewells with Gao Bo and the others, and then left with Mulan and another maid, Qinglian, to make the final preparations for the wedding.

"But I heard that this person has lost his mind, and he can't even remember his own name or where he lives. Why would the young lady want to take him in as a son-in-law? It would be enough to thank him and give him some money; there is no need to invite him into the family." said the tall, thin woman who was fetching water, puzzled.

"What inside information do you know?" the laundress feigned disbelief as she spoke.

This is the head of the household servants in the village, Gao Ding, who was originally my father's personal bodyguard. He has served the Gao family for twenty years. Gao Ding possesses exceptional skills and martial arts, making him the foremost hero in our village

Gao Bo, everyone says that the princess is the reincarnation of a doomed star, destined to bring misfortune to her parents and husband. They also say that Yi Feng has committed an offense against the princess, tarnishing her reputation. Is there any truth to this matter?

Aunt Shou listened with continuous exclamations of surprise, feeling greatly satisfied

How is it that it is so coincidental, that there was nothing wrong by the river, yet upon entering Gaojia Village, I lost my memory

You said, could this Young Master Yi's loss of soul be related to the young lady? It is said that the young lady has a hard fate, bringing misfortune to her father, mother, and husband...

Isn't this the good Young Master Yi brought back by the young lady

Ling Yun hurriedly spoke some kind words, finally soothing the excited emotions of the chief steward

It is fortunate that only a few prominent individuals are present; if I had to meet hundreds of people from top to bottom, just the thought of it would drive me insane

Just call me Lingyun, no need to be so formal with titles like Young Master Yi. As for sparring, there's really no need for that; I have completely forgotten about the past and I don't even remember if I ever practiced martial arts. Moreover, I estimate that even if I had practiced before, I would never be able to compare with a master like Captain Gao. I am not used to being called Yi Feng, as I have always heard others refer to him by that name. I have now accepted that I am called Yi Feng, but I have taken my original name Lingyun as my courtesy name. In this way, according to ancient customs, it is rare to use full names, and instead, people usually address each other by their courtesy names. I do not understand why Gao Ding has animosity towards me, but I also do not wish to create conflict with someone like Gao Ding, who is both the captain of the security team and a high-ranking member of the Gao family, as soon as I enter Gao's village. I will try to make a good impression.

"Miss, a person as pure and pristine as you, how could you just casually bring someone back to become a son-in-law?" At the edge of the courtyard by the well, the plump aunt washing clothes shook her head in regret as she spoke.

Let us go, the young lady has just instructed the people in the manor to go to the main hall shortly, saying that Young Master Yi is almost ready. Before the evening ceremony, they will formally meet and get acquainted with the people in the manor.

With Gao Qianxue stepping in to mediate, Gao Ding found it inappropriate to say anything further that might pressure others, and could only retreat to his previous position.

"Yes, Gao Bo." Gao Ding nodded, but he found it difficult to accept the princess's sudden decision to recruit an amnesiac stranger with an unknown background as a son-in-law.

What is even more concerning is that, despite possessing such a vast estate, the owners of Gaojia Village are merely Gao Qianxue and Gao Mingyue, two unmarried young women. Gao Qianxue lost her parents at an early age, while Gao Mingyue, the second young lady, is merely her distant cousin, having sought refuge with her elder cousin due to the early death of her own father

I must tell you, the young lady is already 20 years old and still unmarried, all due to her silver hair and white eyebrows. It was once said that this is the fate of a solitary star. I have heard that the young lady's parents passed away early, which is somewhat related to this. There are also rumors that she brings misfortune to her husband, which is why, even at 20, no one has come to propose. I heard that a few days ago was the anniversary of the young lady's deceased mother, and in a moment of despair, she jumped into the river. Fortunately, she was saved by someone passing by.

I have heard that Master Yi has also practiced martial arts; when there is time, I should seek Master Yi's guidance on a few techniques

This is the security captain of Gaojia Village, who previously served as a personal bodyguard and assistant to the former chairman of Gaojia. It seems he holds a significant position in Gaojia Village and is also a core senior executive. Ling Yun hurriedly bowed to Gao Ding, but to his surprise, Gao Ding was very cold towards him. Ling Yun could even sense a deep hostility from him, which left him feeling perplexed and confused. Could it be that he had offended this muscular devil in some way?

"Hey, let me tell you, my daughter works in the inner courtyard, and she told me that herself. I must warn you, do not gossip with others, or else it could lead to serious consequences from above." The laundress had a sense of superiority, feeling that her daughter was someone important next to the young lady.

When Na Yifeng suddenly fell into a state of soul loss upon arriving at Gaojia Village, it was truly not because he was to be adopted into our Gaojia family, but rather due to being bewitched by the young lady

Gao Bo, wait a moment

Since Miss Gao Qianxue brought Lingyun back a few days ago, various rumors have been circulating throughout the Gao family estate, and they have even intensified with each retelling

The new son-in-law is about to enter, and as a man who has come to live with his wife's family, he traditionally holds little status in this era. In ordinary families, a son-in-law is essentially akin to a child bride, not considered a master at all, and his status is more akin to that of a servant. However, in families of higher status, the situation is somewhat better. For instance, although the emperor's son-in-law is also considered a son-in-law, his status is still quite high, similar to the emperor's concubines, who are all ranked inner court ladies and consorts.

Upon hearing the introduction of Gao Qianxue, Ling Yun could not help but feel a deep respect for this white-bearded chief steward, who exuded an air of elegance. In the Gao family estate, Gao Qianxue serves as the chairman, while Gao Bowu undoubtedly holds the position of general manager of the group. With over forty years of experience, his loyalty to the Gao family is unwavering. This is especially commendable given that the Gao family is now left with only a young lady as its master.

An unattractive daughter-in-law must always meet her in-laws

This is the chief steward of the village, Mr. Gao. Mr. Gao originally served my father in the north and has diligently managed affairs at the Gao family for over 40 years. Now, all matters, big and small, in our Gao family village rely entirely on Mr. Gao's leadership

Although Gaojiazhuang appears to be merely a manor on the outskirts of Yangzhou, it is home to over a hundred people, making it a small landlord family. Therefore, they would not regard Ling Yunzhen as a weak and easily bullied child bride.

Next, the prominent figures of Gaojia Village came one by one to meet the soon-to-be new son-in-law. It must be said that Gaojia Village is indeed a wealthy place, as there were more than thirty individuals including the chief steward, assistant stewards, managers, attendants, accountants, physicians, as well as the leaders of the guards, captains of the guard, and even first-class maids, kitchen managers, stable hands, and coachmen. This was still due to the hurried nature of the wedding, as the managers of the fields, village heads, and shopkeepers from outside could not return in time; otherwise, the number would have increased several times. This gave Lingyun a more intuitive understanding of the vast estate of Gaojia Village.

However, for Lingyun, this statement should be rephrased to indicate that a son-in-law must also meet his parents-in-law. Although Lingyun specifically requested it, and Gao Qianxue also admitted that their marriage is no longer about Lingyun becoming a son-in-law to the Gao family, but rather about Lingyun marrying a wife, ultimately, regardless of the name under which they marry, Lingyun will still have to live in Gaojia Village after the marriage. Therefore, for the people of the Gao family, Lingyun is still regarded as a son-in-law who has come to live with them.

Ling Yun hurriedly stepped forward, cupping his hands and bowing his head to show respect. Gao Bo, without any airs, took a step forward, nodded, and returned the gesture: "I am unworthy, I am unworthy. I am merely a servant of the Gao family and cannot accept such grand courtesy from the son-in-law. Once the evening ceremony is completed, you will be half the master of the Gao family estate. I have been with the Gao family for over forty years, and today I finally witness the marriage of the young lady. I am immensely happy." As he spoke, the old man was so moved that tears streamed down his face.

After coming out of the courtyard, Gao Yi saw Steward Gao passing by in front and quickly called out to him

Alright, Xiao Yi. You should not listen to the foolish gossip of those ignorant women; they do not know the lady's noble status, do you not know it as well? In my opinion, although Young Master Yi suffers from a loss of spirit, he still appears to be a decent person. The lady has decided to invite him to join the family, and he has already made up his mind to stay; this is a good thing. The lady and her companions have lived in solitude for a year, and now they are finally to be married; this is a good thing, and we should be happy.

Aunt Fat and Aunt Thin were taken aback, their faces turning pale. They hurriedly lowered their heads, picked up the wooden basin of clothes, and fled in a panic.

"You two are not working properly and are just chatting idly. If you don't get back to work, be careful that I will cut off both of your tongues!" The head of the guard, Gao Ding, suddenly appeared behind the two.

Exactly!

Of course not, that was the reason for Young Master Yi's earlier injury