A New Beginning

"Wuchang Manor."

The grand gates stood open, and a crowd eagerly awaited, craning their necks.

Madam Shi, the matriarch, stood at the forefront, followed a step behind by Lord Shi and Lady Shi, Lord and Lady Wu. Behind them were the numerous grandchildren of the Shi family, all eyes fixed on the approaching carriages.

As the carriages drew nearer, all eyes settled on Li Changsen and Li Sanlang, riding on horses beside the carriages.

When they caught sight of Li Changsen's face, the expressions of Madam Shi and her companions flickered with surprise.

Lord Wu spoke with a touch of admiration, "I now understand why our elder uncles recognized Fourth Brother as part of the Shi family the moment they saw him."

Li Changsen indeed bore the distinctive features of the Shi family: tall stature, strong brows, and phoenix-like eyes.

Among the Shi siblings, aside from Shi Zhengkun, each one was tall and dignified, with a pair of vermilion phoenix eyes resembling those of Old Master Shi.

Li Changsen had evidently inherited the strengths of the Shi family.

Observing the similarities between his appearance and hers, both Lord and Lady Wu, the fifth and seventh elders, felt a true connection through blood ties, no longer as casually dismissive as before.

Madam Shi, however, wore a slightly surprised expression. Li Changsen and his son differed from the timid and reserved image she had imagined. They were indeed dark-skinned, but the aura they exuded made it hard to look away.

They were more formidable than anticipated!

"New Fourth Uncle doesn't seem as unimpressive as we thought. He looks quite imposing on a horse."

Each adult had their own thoughts, while the children whispered amongst themselves.

On the other side, within the carriage slowly approaching the manor, Li Wuya lifted a corner of the curtain, peering outside to assess the situation.

The wide-open gates and the welcoming crowd indicated the Shi family's respect towards them.

Soon, the carriage arrived at the entrance of the manor.

"Madam, Lord Wu, Lady Wu, Lord Wu, Lady Wu, Fourth Master has returned!"

The steward of the Shi family was the first to dismount from the carriage and loudly announce their arrival to the household.

Li Changsen, in the midst of dismounting his horse, paused briefly, suppressing his inner unrest, and quickly dismounted.

Li Sanlang followed behind, unhurried.

Following this, the carriage door opened, and Li Er'ya gracefully stepped down, assisting Jin Yue'e as she emerged.

As mother and daughter stood in place, Li Wuya and Li Qilang, who were seated in the back carriage, came forward hand in hand.

The whole family appeared before the assembled crowd in a neat line.

Madam Shi quickly surveyed Li Changsen's family, her smile appearing more genuine than before. "Welcome back, Fourth Brother, Fourth Sister."

The steward of the Shi family introduced, "Fourth Master, Fourth Madam, this is Madam."

Li Changsen and Jin Yue'e promptly paid their respects, "Elder Sister-in-law."

At this moment, Lord Wu and Lady Wu stepped forward, "Welcome back, Fourth Brother, Fourth Sister."

The steward introduced once again, "This is Lord Wu, Lady Wu, Lord Wu, Lady Wu."

Li Changsen and Jin Yue'e reciprocated, "Fourth Brother, Fourth Sister, Seventh Brother, Seventh Sister."

Standing last in line were the grandchildren, led by the Shi family's patriarch. They all approached and offered their greetings, "Welcome back, Fourth Uncle, Fourth Aunt."

Li Changsen and Jin Yue'e nodded with smiles, then gestured for Li Sanlang and the others to step forward, "Allow me to introduce my somewhat unruly four children."

As the words fell, Li Sanlang led his younger siblings in bowing and saluting the elder generation of the Shi family.

Li Sanlang and Li Qilang bowed with fists, while Li Er'ya and Li Wuya curtseyed, "Greetings to Grandfather, to Fifth Uncle and Aunt, to Seventh Uncle and Aunt."

After Madam Shi responded with a smile, she turned to the younger generation of the Shi family and gave a bow in return, "To all my younger brothers and sisters, proper decorum."

Graceful and composed, with no trace of any petty behavior.

After both sides exchanged greetings, the senior Madam of the Shi family warmly approached and took Jin Yue'e's hand, saying, "Father and Mother have been mentioning you every day during this time. Finally, you're back."

Lady Wu also stepped forward, linking her arm with Jin Yue'e's, and smiled, "Fourth Sister, you've finally come. You can't imagine how much we've been looking forward to your return."

Lady Wu also approached, but her demeanor wasn't as affectionate. She simply stood behind the senior Madam Shi, smiling gently.

Facing such a warm reception, Jin Yue'e felt a bit overwhelmed and didn't know how to respond. She could only smile and nod repeatedly.

Lord and Lady Wu also approached Li Changsen, with Lord Wu saying, "Fourth Brother, let's enter the house. Father and Mother have been waiting for quite a while."

Li Changsen nodded and, along with Jin Yue'e, was surrounded by Madam Shi and the others as they entered the manor.

Senior Master Shi smiled and walked towards Li Sanlang and the others, saying, "Let's go in as well."

Li Sanlang nodded and led his siblings to follow Senior Master Shi and the elder Madam Shi into the manor.

As for the second-generation members of the Shi family, they trailed behind, walking at a leisurely pace. They didn't come forward enthusiastically to greet Li Sanlang and his siblings.

Once inside the manor, Li Changsen and Jin Yue'e had to interact with Madam Shi and others, leaving them little time to appreciate the manor's scenery. Li Sanlang, Li Er'ya, Senior Master Shi, and the elder Madam Shi engaged in casual conversation, with their attention elsewhere.

Only Li Wuya and Li Qilang were leisurely, their eyes darting around.

From the main gate to the ceremonial gate, and then to the garden gate, pavilions, towers, and corridors, they were captivated by the dazzling scenery.

This mansion was even larger than the historical park ruins from her past life.

"Sister, the manor is so big! Our decision to come back was right," Li Qilang exclaimed excitedly.

Li Wuya agreed wholeheartedly, nodding incessantly.

Nobility in ancient times truly exceeded her imagination.

She had the confidence to lead her family to prosperity, but this elevated status and wealth were not something that could be achieved overnight.

Just to live in such a mansion, money alone wasn't sufficient.

Recalling how even having a meal in the Northern Market required considering one's status, a mansion of this caliber could only be afforded by individuals of corresponding status and position.

"Sister, there's a lake in the estate!"

"And a rockery, Sister, look! There's a rockery over there."

Li Wuya and Li Qilang enthusiastically explored the manor's picturesque scenery, while the other members of the Shi family displayed various expressions.

"It's as if these two have never seen anything before!"

"Shut up! Regardless, they are part of the Shi family now. They're our brothers and sisters. How can you be so harsh in your words?"

"You're such a do-gooder. Then, are you willing to introduce them to your friends?"

"My acquaintances are all scholars and literati. To make them feel comfortable, I shouldn't bring them along."

"Hmph, so self-righteous."

Second Master Shi didn't engage in the argument amongst his younger siblings. Walking alongside Second Madam Shi, he spoke in hushed tones.

"Fourth Uncle's younger siblings seem fine to me. They're not as awkward as we thought. Your husband should approach them and talk to them," Second Madam Shi advised.

Second Master Shi chuckled and shook his head, "What would I have to talk to them about? Can they discuss history and current events with me, or engage in conversations about calligraphy and painting? We have no common ground. Why should we force ourselves together and make everyone uncomfortable?"

Noticing her husband's increasingly impatient tone, Second Madam Shi didn't press further. She looked a bit frustrated.

During their conversation, they arrived at the Yixiang Hall.

Senior Master Shi and the elder Madam Shi were not waiting inside the hall. Instead, they stood side by side at the entrance. Seeing Li Changsen approaching, both elderly figures were visibly moved.

"They're finally back," Senior Master Shi whispered.

"Father, Mother, Fourth Brother's family is back!"

Madam Shi led Li Changsen and Jin Yue'e to the presence of Senior Master Shi and Senior Madam Shi. Servants quickly placed cushions on the ground.

Li Changsen gazed at the two elderly figures with their gray hair, his emotions complex – a mix of joy, detachment, unease, and worry.

Seeing Li Changsen standing still, Madam Shi reminded, "Fourth Brother, you should bow to Father and Mother."

Li Changsen snapped back to reality and, together with Jin Yue'e, knelt down on the cushions.

"Son pays respects to Father and Mother."

"Daughter-in-law pays respects to Father and Mother."

Senior Madam Shi approached, helping Li Changsen up and gripping his wrist, her teary eyes caressing him, "Child, you've suffered so much in these years."

Those words broke through Li Changsen's emotional barriers. Tears welled up in his eyes, his nose tingled, and he choked on his words.

On the side, Senior Master Shi also wore an apologetic expression. He wasn't as expressive as Senior Madam Shi, but he silently observed Li Changsen.

Madam Shi stepped forward to ease the situation, "Mother, let's continue the conversation inside. Fourth Brother and his family have traveled a long way; they must be tired."

Senior Madam Shi composed herself, nodded, and led Li Changsen, saying, "Let's go inside and talk."

Everyone entered the main hall of the Yixiang Hall.

Li Wuya had expected the room to be cramped with so many people, but it turned out not to be the case.

Glancing around, she noticed that the main building of the Yixiang Hall had five spacious rooms. The middle three rooms were interconnected, forming a hall that could easily accommodate dozens of people.

Once inside, Senior Madam Shi and Senior Master Shi took their seats in the main positions.

Madam Shi stood to the side, Senior Master Wu and Senior Madam Wu stood to the left and right, respectively. The junior generation of the Shi family, like Senior Master Shi's grandchildren, stood behind the chairs.

Only Li Changsen's family remained in the center of the hall.

At this point, servants brought in more cushions.

Li Changsen and Jin Yue'e had only given a preliminary bow outside. Now, they knelt down again and respectfully kowtowed.

After they stood up, Li Sanlang and Li Er'ya stepped forward, knelt down, and kowtowed.

"Grandchildren pay respects to Grandfather and Grandmother."

Senior Master Shi and Senior Madam Shi nodded with smiles, "You're all good children. Please rise."

Next were Li Wuya and Li Qilang.

Li Qilang knelt down straightforwardly, while Li Wuya hesitated slightly.

"Grandchildren pay respects to Grandfather and Grandmother."

Li Qilang's voice was resonant, overshadowing Li Wuya's.

Senior Master Shi, observing Li Qilang's high spirits, smiled more deeply, "Jiulong, you're full of energy."

Li Qilang quickly corrected, "Grandfather, I'm Qilang, not Jiulong."

Senior Master Shi, pleased with his grandson's lack of timidity in the new environment, explained, "According to the birth order of the Shi family's grandchildren, you're the ninth, so you are Jiulong."

Li Qilang's realization showed on his face, "Oh, Grandfather, I see you sorted by the Shi family's order. Alright, I'll be Shijiulong from now on."

Li Qilang's unpretentious nature made Senior Master Shi like him even more.

While Senior Master Shi kept an eye on his grandson, Senior Madam Shi's attention was on her granddaughter.

Seeing Senior Madam Shi's gaze, Li Wuya responded with a bright and obedient smile.

Unlike the emphasis on fairness in modern families, ancient families placed a strong emphasis on hierarchy.

Clearly, Senior Master Shi and Senior Madam Shi wielded the most power in the Shi family.

Therefore, it was essential to leave a favorable impression.

With her almond-shaped eyes and dimples, looking at the smiling, youthful face below, Senior Madam Shi raised an eyebrow.

Well, her family now had a wolf in sheep's clothing!

There was no need for further confirmation; she could tell that this little girl wouldn't be the obedient and well-behaved type.

Second Brother's words were right; she really was someone who pretended to be good in front of others but caused trouble behind the scenes. This really did remind her of herself.

Subsequently, a scene of introductions followed.

Previously, at the main gate, they had exchanged cursory greetings. Now, they were formally introduced.

After this round of introductions, Li Wuya sighed, remarking that the Shi family was truly extensive.

Ignoring the three married aunts, her father's three brothers had a total of 18 children. Combined with their own four siblings, the Shi family had a total of 22 grandchildren.

Indeed, a fitting example of a large family!

"Now that you're back, your names in the Li family are no longer relevant."

Senior Master Shi spoke, "Changsen, your generation has the character 'zheng' in your names, which your mother and I have chosen for you." He handed Li Changsen a piece of paper.

"Shi Zhenghe!"

"Your mother and I hope you will live in harmony throughout your life."

Senior Master Shi then turned his attention to Li Sanlang and his siblings, "Sanlang, you're the fifth among the Shi family's grandchildren, and your name is Shí Dìngxuān; Second Yà, you're the third among the sisters, and your name is Shí Fúyīn; Fifth Yà, you're the sixth among the sisters, and your name is Shí Fúxīn; Jiǔláng, you're the ninth among the grandchildren, and your name is Shí Dìnghào."

"In seven days, I'll hold a clan ceremony for you to enter the family tree."

"Now that you're part of the Shi family, everything from before is in the past."