The people in the mansion, upon seeing Mrs. Han and Yun Jinnian, all paid their respects.
"Greetings to the madam, miss!"
Mrs. Han cast a glance at them before saying to Yun Jinnian, "You see, that’s how people are. If we show weakness, they will come to bully us without restraint. But if we are strong from the start, who would dare to cause trouble!"
But what could a girl who lived alone in a large family strong arm? And with what to be assertive?
The so-called strength and assertiveness must be based on confidence.
Her father didn’t care, her mother didn’t bother, her grandmother loathed her, her aunt schemed, her cousins suppressed her, her uncles and brothers ignored her, with no money in hand, and no one to command, she couldn’t but be bullied, keep a low profile, strive to preserve herself—what else could she do?
If she had acted up, Yun Jinnian would have long ended her own life and would not have managed to barely survive until today!
Mrs. Han, seeing that Yun Jinnian didn’t seem to take her words to heart, felt a tightness in her chest.
Suddenly, she felt an oppressive tightness there.
Her lively and cheerful daughter had been worn down to this state by others!
Yun Qi followed and said to the butler, "Take the miss to her courtyard. Is dinner ready?"
"Everything is ready, master!" the butler replied.
Mrs. Han wanted to go with Yun Jinnian but was held back by Yun Qi.
"Yun Qi, let go!" Mrs. Han said angrily.
Yun Jinnian watched this, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, and after bowing to them, she left.
She understood that her mother had come back for her, and she understood even more that, although her mother might have once loved her father, she no longer did now.
Yun Jinnian didn’t know what had happened in the meantime that had changed their feelings, but she didn’t want anyone to make sacrifices for her sake.
The courtyard that Yun Qi had prepared for her was still Niannian Garden.
"Year after year, the flowers look the same, but the people change every year." Yun Jinnian murmured softly, shook her head with a helpless smile.
Jinnian, a beautiful time in life, meant to imply something wonderful.
Yun Jinnian knew she was thinking too much and stepped into the courtyard.
In the courtyard, several osmanthus trees were planted, beneath which were pots of orchids with broad green leaves.
Yun Jinnian nodded and entered the small hall.
A warm and cozy feeling enveloped her.
Yun Jinnian looked around, not seeing any charcoal brazier, "Is the underfloor heating on?"
"Yes, the main room of Niannian Garden always has the underfloor heating lit during winter, so whenever the miss comes to stay, it is always warm!"
Yun Jinnian paused but said nothing.
After removing her cloak, Mrs. Yuan immediately came forward to take it and took it outside to shake off the accumulated snow.
"Miss, please rest for a moment. I will have someone bring hot water immediately; freshen up a little, and then you can go to the dining hall for dinner—it’s already prepared!" the butler, having finished speaking and waiting for Yun Jinnian’s nod, then withdrew.
The butler exited Niannian Garden, looking at the courtyard that finally welcomed its owner, and couldn’t help but feel emotional.
Having been cleaned every day for seven years, regardless of the season with daily maintenance, and in the winter, the underfloor heating had to be kept lit. The potted plants in the courtyard were changed with the seasons, either vibrantly colorful or lush green.
He had thought its owner would never come!
Two maids quickly brought in hot water, and Ming Yang and Ru Yue assisted Yun Jinnian in washing up; she also had a bowl of warm sweet soup to soothe her stomach.
"Miss, you can rest in the bedroom for a while, or change into another outfit!" the maid reminded.
Just as Yun Jinnian was about to rise, she heard a clear, sweet laughter, and a woman entered the room with a cheerful smile.
"Waiting left and right, I’ve finally waited for the miss to arrive!"
The woman styled her hair in a maiden’s coiffure, but by her age, she didn’t seem to be of the shy tender years of a jeune fille, rather, she looked to be in her early twenties, with an attractive face and a bright, warm and enthusiastic demeanor.
Seeing Yun Jinnian appraising her, Fumei laughed, curtsied slightly towards Yun Jinnian, "Fumei greets the miss!"