The Yin family had a simple population, fostering an easygoing atmosphere. After spending some time together in the hall, Xie Zhuyi led the children to play in the garden, Yin Lang entertained Wei Luo, and Yin Hui had a private conversation with her grandfather.
“Looking at your gray hair, these three years must have been hard,” Yin Hui expressed her concern for her grandfather.
Yin Yong touched the top of her head and smiled, “With age, this day will come sooner or later. Your grandfather is an old man. Do you still care about this?”
Yin Hui replied, “I care. I don’t think you will ever grow old.”
Yin Yong playfully said, “Okay, go and find an elixir of immortality for Grandfather.”
Yin Hui pouted.
Yin Yong enjoyed seeing his granddaughter display such a cute and naive look. Regardless of how many children she had, she would always be a little girl in his eyes.
“You guys have been pretty busy lately, haven’t you?” Yin Yong asked with concern after a bit of joking.
Yin Hui nodded, acknowledging her busy schedule. She had visited the palace three times, and with numerous responsibilities and the presence of many children, she found little leisure in her day.
However, many women in the world couldn’t dream of such hard work; being a princess meant being a master.
Yin Yong stroked his beard and said with emotion, “When you were young, the relatives praised you for having the fate of a noble lady. When King Yan came to me to propose marriage, I thought it would be fulfilled if you became the Emperor’s granddaughter-in-law. I never thought that our Ah Hui could be a princess.”
Looking at the old man’s loving eyes, Yin Hui expressed, “I don’t care for the life of a noble lady. I am happiest when I am a young girl by your side.”
Yin Yong said to his granddaughter, “Don’t talk nonsense. No woman can be a girl for a lifetime; she will marry someone sooner or later. If she marries well, she will live a good life for most of her years.”
The old man had some deep-rooted thoughts, so Yin Hui did not argue with him and instead said with admiration, “You got a broad heart. Even if you get the official position, you don’t want it.”
Outsiders might perceive her grandfather’s appointment to an official position as an extraordinary promotion by Emperor Yongping, but Yin Hui believed it was well-deserved. Her grandfather chose not to pursue fame through official examinations, yet he possessed genuine talents and knowledge.
Yin Yong smiled and remarked, “I’m already old, and whether or not I hold an official position doesn’t make much difference. Instead of navigating the complexities of officialdom, I prefer to spend my old age at home and enjoy my time with my grandchildren.”
Yin Hui responded, “Your grandchildren are all grown up. In some time, you’ll have a great-grandson.”
Grandchildren…
The image of the eldest grandson Yin Wen, before his unfortunate fate, flashed in Yin Yong’s mind, prompting a sigh.
As early as when Yin Wen went to the capital to accuse King Yan and the Yin family, their relationship as grandfather and grandson had deteriorated completely. Despite the strained relationship, Yin Yong couldn’t help but sigh, as Yin Wen was the grandson he had raised with his own hands.
“That’s the path he chose; don’t feel bad,” Yin Hui consoled the old man upon noticing his sadness.
Yin Yong smiled and changed the topic, “Forget it, don’t mention him. Your brother-in-law, Jiang Weijiao, is now an official. Did you know about this?”
Yin Hui confirmed, “Well, the prince informed me.”
Yin Yong continued, “After entering Beijing, he visited me. Your sister and children arrived in Jinling at the beginning of the month. Before Ah Rong got married, she was somewhat unreasonable. After all these years, I’ve noticed she has become quite stable. Ah Hui, both of you are in Jinling, so don’t be unfamiliar with each other and don’t hold grudges. Otherwise, if sisters do not get along, it’s easy for outsiders to take advantage of the loopholes.”
Yin Hui assured him, “Grandpa, don’t worry, I understand. I’ll send a letter to my sister in two days.” It was a matter of basic etiquette, especially given that Jiang Weijiao and Wei Luo were officials in the same dynasty.
The conversation shifted to Yin Lang’s studies, and Yin Yong expressed satisfaction. Yin Lang had focused on his studies, and despite the delay in helping with household affairs, there was hope for success in the Jinshi examination before the age of thirty.
“We already have your brother-in-law in our family. Don’t be in a hurry, Ah Lang. The most important thing is to keep your feet on the ground and act steadily. Don’t be impetuous just because of a title,” Yin Yong advised when he talked to him.
In addition, Yin Yong had spent a considerable amount of time in the capital, giving him a more detailed understanding of the situation regarding officials from aristocratic families. Carefully, he shared this information with Yin Hui, taking the precaution of writing it down in a booklet to ensure she wouldn’t forget.
“In the future, as the mistress of the Shu Mansion, you’ll be involved in more social interactions. If someone takes the initiative to befriend you, consider whether they are trying to establish connections with the Prince through you. Regardless of the situation, remember to discuss matters with the Prince and avoid making decisions on your own…”
In many families, such discussions occurred between parents and their married daughters. However, in the Yin family, Yin Yong meticulously considered every aspect for his granddaughter.
Merely discussing these matters wasn’t sufficient; the old man also intended to provide Yin Hui with a stack of banknotes, fearing she might not have enough funds to manage the Shu Mansion.
Yin Hui resolutely refused to accept it, acknowledging that her grandfather had already donated a considerable amount in military supplies, and perhaps he didn’t possess as much money as she thought.
“You can enjoy your happiness with peace of mind. It’s not that after you got married, I was alone.”
After lunch at the Yin Mansion, the family of five returned to the Shu Mansion.
Wei Luo lingered in the front yard for a quarter of an hour. When he came to the back yard to take a rest, he saw Yin Hui leaning on the head of the bed, flipping through something in her hand.