A group of people entered the city, and Chu Yu exchanged a few words with Yun Jinnian beside the carriage before returning to Prince Rui Residence.
Yun Jinnian and his group first returned to the Han Family.
Yun Jinnian understood that even if he were to return to Yun Residence, he should be received rather than going back on his own initiative.
He also needed to get a clear understanding of the situation at Yun Residence.
Only by knowing both your friends and your enemies can you win every battle.
The Han Residence had long been informed that Grandmother, Cousin Miss, and the young master were coming back. Several courtyards had been tidied up early, with several pots of hot water prepared in each courtyard. The kitchen was stocked with plenty of snacks, sweet soups, and meals, all ready to be served after a quick reheating.
Han Xuzi, rarely staying in, was at home waiting for his three treasures.
Although his daughter was over thirty, she was still a child in his eyes, his heart’s delight.
Seeing the carriage stop at the gate, Han Xuzi’s eyes reddened immediately.
Han Tianci called out joyfully, quickly running to Han Xuzi and hugging him tightly, "Grandfather, I’ve missed you so much!"
Choking with emotion at Tianci, who was now as tall as him and hardly looked like a ten-year-old, Han Xuzi said, "Grandfather has missed you too!"
"Did you miss sister and mother too?"
"Yes, I missed them all!"
Yun Jinnian helped Mrs. Han down from the carriage and entered the main hall.
She bowed to Han Xuzi, "Daughter greets Father!"
"Greetings to Grandfather!"
Han Xuzi felt that with this, his life was complete.
"Good, good, stand up, everyone, stand up. You’ve all worked hard on the journey, go back to your courtyards to freshen up. We will eat in the dining hall later. After the meal, we can chat leisurely in the warm room!"
Everyone went back to their courtyards to freshen up.
Yun Jinnian returned to Chaoyang Academy and told Mrs. Yuan to go and rest.
Mrs. Yuan’s eyes crinkled with a smile, "I’m not tired!"
Even if it was a journey, she liked being bustled about. If it wasn’t for her reluctance to leave Yun Jinnian, she wouldn’t have wanted to come back. It would have been nice to stay in Nanjiang, tending to the flowers and caring for the grass.
"Nanny!" Yun Jinnian emphasized.
Mrs. Yuan quickly responded, "Alright, alright, I’ll go freshen up and rest now!"
Yun Jinnian watched her with a slight smile.
After freshening up and changing into a warm silk-wadded cotton jacket and styling her hair in a simple updo, Yun Jinnian headed to the warm room.
After being away for over a year, Chaoyang Academy hadn’t changed much.
There wasn’t much change along the way either, just that the trees had grown a bit taller, and many potted plants were still in their original spots, untouched!
It was as if she had never left.
But thinking about it, she indeed had been away for over a year, and after experiencing so much, she was no longer the same Yun Jinnian, with a heart that had changed.
Not yet reaching the dining hall, she could hear Tianci’s hearty laughter. Without even seeing him, she could imagine his unrestrained joy.
Stepping into the dining hall, she saw Grandfather sitting on a chair, Tianci hopping around and speaking with flying spit, amusing the old man to no end.
Han Xuzi waved towards Yun Jinnian, motioning for her to sit by his side.
Yun Jinnian went over and sat down, Han Xuzi poured her some warm water, "Have some water to moisten your throat first. Once your mother arrives, we can eat!"
"Thank you, Grandfather!"
Yun Jinnian sipped the tea in small gulps.
Tianci’s temperament seemed lively and animated, but that was only towards those he was close to. If it were strangers, he could go days without talking, let alone laughing.
His warmth was reserved for his family alone.
During the conversation, Mrs. Han approached carrying a warming pan, "Oh dear, I’m actually late!"
Han Tianci looked towards the doorway, his eyes twinkling, and joked, "Wow, who is this beauty coming through the door, so stunningly attractive!"