112. Settling into the Lu Residence in Jianglin

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The Shen Residence.
When the carriage arrived and stopped at Shen Garden, Lu Jin hurriedly jumped down from the carriage, startling the footman who was about to close the door.
Lu Jin had intended to assist his uncle and aunt out of the carriage, but when he glanced toward the entrance, he was momentarily stunned. The elderly matriarch, Bai Lu, supported by members of the Shen family, was already waiting at the door with her cane. Lu Jin was deeply moved. He had expected the matriarch to see his uncle and aunt immediately, but he had never imagined that at such an advanced age, she would personally come out to greet them.
“Grandmother, why did you come out?” Lu Jin quickly stepped forward to greet her.
“My grandson-in-law’s family has arrived, and it warms my heart to come out and welcome them,” the matriarch said with a smile.
The carriage was already quite close to the door, and by the time she finished speaking, Lu Yuanzong was already approaching.
“Grandmother, this is my uncle, my grandson-in-law’s paternal uncle,” Lu Jin hurriedly introduced.
“Junior Lu Yuanzong pays respects to the venerable Madame Shen,” Lu Yuanzong bowed in greeting. The rainy season had passed, and he was not using his cane today.
“Well done, you look like a man of courage and strength. Please rise quickly,” the matriarch said happily.
“Grandmother, this is my aunt,” Lu Jin continued.
“Greetings, Madam,” Baili Rou also quickly offered her respects.
“Well, well, I always said a family that can raise such a fine grandson-in-law must be exceptional. Meeting you both today confirms it. Grandson-in-law, quickly take your uncle and aunt to greet the others.”
Behind the matriarch stood not only the Shen family’s direct descendants but also members from other branches. Lu Jin was overwhelmed; he recognized many faces but couldn’t recall their exact rank or relation. Fortunately, Shen Yanxi arrived just in time to ease the awkwardness.
After a round of greetings, Lu Jin was utterly exhausted, not to mention his uncle and aunt. This large family was truly intimidating.
It was the first time Lu Yuanzong and Baili Rou had come to the Shen residence. They were astonished by the elegance and luxury of Shen Garden. This place was far beyond what they were accustomed to, but the warmth of the Shen family gradually put them at ease.
A grand welcoming banquet was held at the Zhonghe Hall in Shen Garden for Lu Yuanzong and Baili Rou. Zhonghe Hall was the most prestigious reception hall in the Shen residence. Lu Yuanzong and Baili Rou endured the lengthy banquet with unease. The extravagance was overwhelming, even for the brave and sturdy Lu Yuanzong, let alone Aunt Baili Rou.
After the banquet, under the arrangements of Lu Jin and his wife, the uncle and aunt stayed in the East Wing of Xiyuan. Lu Jin decided not to have his father-in-law’s family accompany them back, feeling that the sentiment was already conveyed.
“My son, do you live like this every day?” Back in the East Wing, Aunt Baili finally relaxed.
“Aunt, the banquet was held just to welcome you. Actually, our everyday life is quite ordinary. You will gradually get used to it,” Shen Yanxi said, taking Aunt Baili’s hand to comfort her before Lu Jin could reply.
“Don’t laugh at me, Xi’er. My heart is still pounding. Sitting there, everything felt awkward,” Baili Rou said, still shaken.
“Aunt, even though I grew up in the Shen family, I feel just as uneasy as you when sitting there,” Shen Yanxi, a daughter of a noble family, comforted her easily. Lu Jin looked on curiously but was quickly shot a glare.
“Aunt, let’s stay here today. Tomorrow, our family will visit the new residence,” Shen Yanxi smiled.
“All right, we’ll follow Xi’er’s lead,” Aunt Baili said, clearly fond of her daughter-in-law.
“Where does my son live?” Baili Rou looked toward Lu Jin.
“Aunt, my place is a bit farther away. Why don’t you and uncle rest a while before going there?” Lu Jin knew she worried about him. Though she trusted the Shen family wouldn’t mistreat her son, a mother’s heart always cared deeply.
But such reasons couldn’t stop Aunt Baili. Just as she was about to take a sip of tea, Lu Yuanzong was pulled up again and had no choice but to follow, looking disheveled.
On the way, they first passed the Guanyun Tower where the couple lived. Naturally, they had to take a look. The exquisite luxury inside spoke for itself, but Aunt Baili was startled by the portrait of Shen Yanxi already hanging in the main hall.

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“Mother, this is the painting my brother made for my sister-in-law,” Lu Caiwei explained nearby.
Uncle and aunt examined the painting for a long time. It was so lifelike no wonder Caiwei treasured it; who wouldn’t?
“It’s truly identical to the real person. Xi’er really looks like a fairy,” Baili Rou admired.
“Aunt, you’re still young and beautiful. When husband finishes his work, I’ll have him paint a portrait for you too,” Shen Yanxi said beside her. Painting family members was a matter of course; her husband would never refuse to paint for Aunt Baili.
“Aunt has grown old; she’s not worth my son wasting ink and brush on,” Aunt Baili declined modestly. Seeing Shen Yanxi’s ethereal beauty, she felt somewhat unworthy. She also worried about her son; such a large painting surely required much effort.
“Aunt, in your son’s heart, you are the best woman in the world. After resting here for a few days, you’ll surely surpass many women in Jianglin,” Lu Jin took Aunt Baili’s hand.
“My son is just flattering me. Xi’er is truly the best. My son is blessed,” Aunt Baili knew her son was trying to cheer her and felt as sweet as honey inside.
“Alright, all good. Aunt comes first, Xi’er second, and little dark-skinned Lu Caiwei third,” Lu Jin joked.
“That’s quite something—we take all the top three spots in the family… Ha ha!” Aunt Baili finally let go of her unease.
“Hmph! I’m not dark-skinned; it’s all your fault, stinky brother!” Lu Caiwei was unwilling and secretly kicked Lu Jin.
Seeing her children get along so well, Lu Yuanzong and Baili Rou were very pleased.
With Lu Jin and his wife accompanying them, the family then visited Chuyuntai.
“Aunt, this is where we usually stay, the study…”
“Ah, don’t you live together with Xi’er?” Aunt Baili was shocked.
Shen Yanxi blushed and remained silent, embarrassed. Lu Jin realized and explained, “Aunt, we live together in Guanyun Tower, but I have many things to do, so I’m mostly here during the day. Caiwei also stays around here.”
Only then did Aunt Baili feel reassured. Looking around the rooms, she kept thinking her son might not have tidied up properly, but it seemed she couldn’t intervene anywhere. Could she? There were dozens of servants attending to everything!
After touring the entire Chuyuntai, Uncle and Aunt were extremely satisfied. Their children were not mistreated, which was the greatest comfort to parents.
The family sat and chatted a while longer on the floating terrace, sipping tea before returning to the East Wing, planning to visit the new residence the next day.

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The next day, Lu Jin and his wife naturally brought Aunt Baili to see the new residence early. Though Shen Garden was beautiful, the two never felt completely at ease living there.
Upon arrival at the estate gate, Uncle and Aunt were stunned. The courtyard, enclosed by white walls and blue tiles, was vast and beautiful. The grand and solemn gate tower bore a plaque inscribed with the words “Lu Residence.”
As a rural landlord, Lu Yuanzong had never seen such a magnificent home aside from the Shen family’s. He anxiously looked at Lu Jin, silently asking if they had arrived at the right place.
Lu Jin smiled without replying and took Lu Yuanzong’s hand, while Shen Yanxi and Lu Caiwei led Aunt Baili inside the estate.
“Mother, this garden is so large and beautiful. Brother won’t let me live here, but Xiyuan is also lovely,” Lu Caiwei chirped happily around Aunt Baili like a joyful swallow.
“Aunt, here is the key to the household door,” after touring the entire estate, Shen Yanxi handed over control of the inner courtyard to Aunt Baili.
“Also, this is Uncle Huang, the steward. The fifty servants standing around the courtyard are carefully selected from Shen Garden staff. These are their contracts. Please keep them safe, Aunt. From now on, they are only servants of the Lu family. If there is anything you are unsatisfied with, feel free to replace them,” Shen Yanxi explained.

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“These are the family account books…”
One by one, item by item, Aunt Baili was so overwhelmed she was speechless. After regaining her composure, she refused the responsibilities for a long time, but Shen Yanxi persuaded her until she reluctantly accepted.
“Uncle, Aunt, what Xi’er said was not mere politeness. This residence will be the new Lu family home, and naturally you will be in charge. Since you might not be familiar with Jianglin, these stewards and personal maids are all senior people from the Shen family you can trust,” Lu Jin added.
“Well, well, my son arranged everything so carefully. Aunt and you, Uncle, won’t have to trouble yourselves with the household affairs,” Aunt Baili was very satisfied.
“Aunt, you give me too much credit. It was your daughter-in-law who managed everything. Your son doesn’t have that capability,” Lu Jin laughed.
“Xi’er really worked hard on all this. I wonder how much thought she put into every detail. You naughty girl, why don’t you help your sister-in-law more…”
“Aunt, you and Uncle are like my parents. This is also my home. It’s only right that I worry about the family,” Shen Yanxi held Aunt Baili’s hand warmly.
Lu Caiwei pouted, thinking, what does this have to do with me? Besides, Brother makes me study all day long. Only these couple of days have I had a chance to rest.
The women continued organizing household affairs, while Lu Jin and Uncle Lu Yuanzong sat casually chatting in the garden pavilion.
“Jin’er, about the servants in the residence…” Lu Yuanzong hesitated.
“Uncle, you can rest assured about them. Your niece-in-law personally selected them.” Lu Jin knew what Lu Yuanzong worried about but the Shen family would never be foolish enough to play tricks now. Besides, these were people personally chosen by Shen Yanxi.
“Jin’er, saying that makes me feel coldhearted. At your aunt’s house, you call me son and your wife daughter-in-law, but here with me you only call me nephew?” Lu Yuanzong feigned anger.
“All right, all right, it was your daughter-in-law who handled it,” Lu Jin said. At this age, why still compete over such things?
“That’s better. By the way, why did you want me to come here?” Lu Yuanzong didn’t forget the main topic.
“First, you and Aunt settle in and rest for a couple of days. Once you’re refreshed, we’ll recruit some men and get the escort team up and running. By then, you will be the chief instructor of the 800,000-strong Imperial Army,” Lu Jin smiled.
“Nonsense. Our border army in Daliang doesn’t even have 800,000 men, and where would the Imperial Army come from?” Lu Yuanzong laughed.
Lu Jin hadn’t expected the border army to be so small, but that wasn’t his concern. He continued, “The freight bureau I plan to open is what I mentioned before as the escort bureau. We plan to handle trade along the upper and lower reaches of the Lan River. Both ships and carriages will need escorts. We also need warehouses in several major cities and guards for them. Altogether, this requires many men. I’m counting on you to bring a troop with you—fighters who can and dare to fight. Many places are in chaos now. If someone causes trouble in Jianglin, these men must be able to hold the line.”
Lu Jin spoke plainly to his uncle: just raise an armed force. Not only the escort bureau, but the salt bureau and brewing bureau will also need protection. In wartime, they will go to the battlefield. Lu Jin didn’t plan to interfere; that would only cause awkwardness between them. Their thinking was completely different in this regard. The troop his uncle raises would be conventional military force.
“If it comes to what you say, we’ll need armor and weapons…”
“Ordinary weapons are fine; escorts can carry swords. Armor isn’t urgent—we need men first and must wait for the right opportunity.”
…
After several busy days, the Lu family finally settled in Jianglin, and Lu Jin felt completely at ease.