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“Why don’t we leave Shu Qin and Aunt Feng behind to take care of things here? We’ve rented this house until next year; we can’t back out for the time being anyway. Once they’ve finished up with everything, they can come over to Yiyang Prefecture,” Su Wenyue suggested, thinking that it was best to move to the city sooner rather than later, as things needed to be arranged in advance—especially since Han Yu should make use of this time for social visits. She had to ensure everything was in order so as not to hold him back.

“Would that work? Without you here, can Shu Qin and Aunt Feng handle it? Should I arrange for some help for you?” Han Yu asked, as he was not often involved in inner house affairs, and was only familiar with Aunt Li, Grandma Chen, and Xiao Xi. He wasn’t so acquainted with others and wasn’t sure of Shu Qin and Aunt Feng’s capabilities.

“There won’t be any problem. Aunt Feng and Shu Qin are both capable. I’ve taught Shu Qin everything about the bamboo shoots; there’s no need for me to monitor it personally. However, since Shu Qin will stay here for the time being, we’ll have to arrange for a temporary steward in the kitchen,” Su Wenyue said as she already had someone suitable in mind.

“Let’s have Grandma Chen take care of it. The kitchen is pivotal for managing the food; it’s of utmost importance. Though Grandma Chen is not as skilled as Aunt Li, she wins on loyalty. She should have no problem handling the kitchen,” Han Yu proposed.

Su Wenyue nodded in agreement, thinking it made sense, “Then let’s have Grandma Chen manage it temporarily. I was thinking of asking Aunt Li to take charge, but with the New Year approaching and many things to deal with, she might be too busy. While the kitchen also has many tasks, with the guidelines we established before, it shouldn’t be too difficult to manage. Grandma Chen should be up to it.”

The decided date for moving to the prefecture city was December 12th. They would certainly celebrate the New Year in the city. Before that, Han Yu decided to visit his old home to see his parents and relatives, deliver the New Year’s gifts in advance, and bring the three little ones to meet their grandparents.

Su Wenyue and her family set out on the 10th day of December, planning to stay in the old house for a day and then proceed to the prefecture. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to stay longer; it was just that nowadays, a trip involved no less than ten or twenty people, which could be managed for a day or two, but any longer would be inconvenient. Besides, they were indeed pressed for time to get to the prefecture.

“What? Fourth son and his wife are coming back?!” Old Man Han and Mrs. Yang were thrilled to hear the news, barely able to contain their excitement. Just a few days ago, they had learned of their son’s promotion, and now, within just a few days, he was returning—how could they not be thrilled?

In the same room were Han Hu and his family, the eldest son, who were also delighted to hear that Su Wenyue was coming back.

“That’s wonderful. The Fourth son and his wife have been away for months. It’s rare for them to come back, so we must hurry to make proper arrangements,” Mrs. Liu said with joy. Even after the Fourth son’s family had moved out, they had continued to contribute to the family, especially benefiting Old Man Han and Mrs. Yang, who had been living with them. Upon hearing that Fourth son and his wife would return, how could Mrs. Liu not be filled with joy?

“Of course, the Third Child is now a Commander of the Imperial Court with the rank of sixth, ranking even higher than the magistrate of Xinye County. With such an honorable official visiting, we must provide a proper reception. We cannot be shabby and discredit our family. I heard he has more than ten followers with him, and that’s after he’s reduced his entourage. Such a grand entourage is truly imposing,” they discussed.

“Father and Mother, don’t worry. I won’t be stingy. I will make sure to offer the best we have to welcome them,” Mrs. Liu said in a rare display of generosity since the division of the household.

Old Man Han and Mrs. Yang were pleased with Mrs. Liu’s attitude today; it was only for Fourth son’s family that the eldest daughter-in-law was so magnanimous. After all, they had been benefiting greatly from the Fourth son’s generosity, and now that he had risen to a high rank, only a fool would neglect to curry favor.

“Eldest brother, go and inform the Second and Third brothers as well. Let them know the news too,” Old Man Han instructed.

“Really, are Fourth son and his wife coming back tomorrow? That’s marvelous. Fourth son has been gone for half a year; his return will surely fill Father and Mother with happiness. And what about the three nephews and niece; will Fourth son bring them along?”

“Yes, the whole family of five is coming back. Father and Mother are so excited they can’t even eat. They’re walking around the village, making sure everyone knows the good news,” said Han Hu, chuckling before turning to visit Third brother, Han Lin, only to be coldly received.

No matter past grudges or the different way Fourth son and his wife treated their house, Han Lin and his wife were not particularly interested in Han Yu and Su Wenyue’s return. After all, any benefits would unlikely reach them.

“Wife, wake up, we’re almost there!” Han Yu said softly to Su Wenyue and their four sleeping children in the horse carriage. Taking the opportunity, he helped Su Wenyue put on her heavy cloak and hat, wrapping her up tightly. The three nannies wrapped up the little ones in small blankets too.

“Are we there yet?” Su Wenyue asked, her face breaking into a smile upon hearing they had arrived. After all, she had lived in Xinhe Village for quite some time, including in her previous life, and she still felt a deep affection for the place.

“Soon, we’re almost at the entrance of the village. Get yourself and the children ready to avoid a sudden blast of cold air,” Han Yu suggested, adding some coals to the handwarmer and tucking it back into Su Wenyue’s hands.

Su Wenyue nodded. There wasn’t much to get ready; the nannies had packed the children snugly, and Han Yu had bundled her up like a ball. Actually, inside the cozy carriage, she was starting to feel a bit hot. She opened the carriage window and saw the familiar road and scenery, realizing they were indeed near the village entrance. She saw a crowd gathered there, though she couldn’t tell why, and as they drew closer, Su Wenyue heard the lively sound of gongs and drums.

“Husband, is someone having a celebration? It’s so lively, and we’ve arrived just in time,” Su Wenyue commented with a smile, pleased about returning to a joyful occasion—a good omen for their homecoming.

“Perhaps,” Han Yu remarked, as he too heard the commotion at the village entrance, speculating that someone might be getting married. Yet, it struck him as odd for a wedding to take place right at the entrance of the village without seeing a bridal sedan chair for the bride.