The convoy passed through the snow-filled streets of the Capital City, returning from Skywater Bridge to Pei Family Alley. The maids and servants of the household all hurried outside to welcome them.
Eldest Aunt, Madam Zhang, had been especially stirred these past few days because the blood feud buried in her heart for ten years had finally been avenged. She had gone straight to the bridge to wait for them. Finding Third Madam walking in front of Ye Jingtang and putting on the airs of an elder, she even scolded her:
"Third Madam, Jingtang is injured. Don't you know to give him a hand? You're a grown woman, yet you don't understand a thing..."
Although Pei Xiangjun had already let Jingtang pluck even her little flower, she had not, after all, openly married him. Being scolded by her eldest sister-in-law in the street as though she were a nephew's wife naturally embarrassed her a little, but she dared not talk back.
Ye Jingtang knew the neighbors around them had known her since childhood. He quickly smoothed things over for Third Madam, then had Little Yunli take Miss Fan home first while he followed Third Madam to the Pei residence to offer incense in the underground Incense Hall.
He was assuring his Adoptive Father in the underworld that he was safe, while Third Madam was informing her master and eldest brother that the Pei Family's great grudge had been avenged and Red Flower House had reclaimed the title of Spear Chief.
By the time all the welcoming arrangements were finished, it was already afternoon.
Ye Jingtang stepped out of the Pei residence's front gate and stood in Bluestone Lane amid the drifting snow. He, too, slipped into a mood of "stealing half a day's leisure from this fleeting life" and stretched