Chapter 416: Chapter 392, I’ll Show You the World_1
The noise from outside the carriage gradually subsided, and the members of the Yan Clan inside knew they must be approaching the Governor’s Office.
Yan Wenqi adjusted his clothes and took another look at his sister’s attire, making sure there was nothing disrespectful before he sat up straight, waiting for the carriage to come to a stop.
Yan Yunxi did not lift the curtain to look outside but sat quietly in the carriage.
In another carriage, Yan Yunyan also helped her eldest and second brothers straighten their clothes, and then she took a deep breath to suppress the nervousness in her heart.
Seeing her like this, Yan Wenyi couldn’t help but laugh, “Little sister, you don’t need to be so nervous. Although Great-Uncle Yan is a fourth-rank Magistrate, he is also an elder of our clan; he wouldn’t make things difficult for us.”
With an embarrassed look on her face, Yan Yunyan said, “I know, but I just can’t help feeling nervous.”
Yan Wenge glanced at his second brother and instructed, “Second brother, the Yan Residence is not like our own home; you must not make a ruckus like you do at home.”
Yan Wenyi nodded casually, “Eldest brother, I’m grown-up now. I understand what’s appropriate.”
Before long, the carriage slowly came to a stop.
“We’re home, everyone get off!”
Upon hearing Yan Wenxiu’s voice, Yan Wenqi and the others got off the carriage one after another.
As soon as they entered the city, Yan Wenxiu sent someone to inform the household. Madam Li, upon learning that her eldest son had brought several members of the Yan Clan, went to the gate in person to welcome them as a sign of respect.
“Mother, your son has returned!”
Seeing Madam Li, Yan Wenxiu quickly stepped forward to bow.
Before he could kneel, Madam Li hurriedly supported him, her face full of pride, “My son, you’ve done well, bringing honor to your parents and the Yan Family.” As she said this, she gave Yan Wenxiu a worried look.
“You’ve lost weight and gotten tanner, but no matter, you’re home now. Mother will take good care of you.”
Yan Wenxiu wore a smile, allowing Madam Li to look him over. It was only after returning to his ancestral home that he truly felt the warmth and comfort of being at home.
Outside, he had to personally deal with everything, taxing both his mind and body; but at home, his mother would take care of everything for him.
Madam Li had many things to say to her eldest son, but noticing the members of the Yan Clan standing by, she held back her words and smiled at Yan Wenqi and the others, “Look at me, it’s been many years since I’ve returned to my old home, I can hardly recognize who’s who.”
Yan Wenxiu immediately introduced, “Mother, these are the Clan Leader’s son, Wenqi, and daughter, Yunxi; and these are from Great-Uncle’s family: Wenge, Wenyi, and my sister Yunyan.”
Madam Li smiled and pulled Yan Yunxi and Yan Yunyan over, looking them up and down, “Such good children. Come, follow your aunt to meet your Great-Grandmother.”
Yan Yunxi and Yan Yunyan, who were somewhat nervous at first, felt somewhat relieved by Madam Li’s kindness and followed her into the gate.
Yan Wenxiu also called for Yan Wenqi and the other two to follow.
After entering the gate, Yan Wenqi and the rest realized just how vast the Yan Residence was. Courtyards followed courtyards, and the servants went about their duties with proper manners, bowing deeply as they saw them approaching.
Even the most unruly Yan Wenyi recalled the etiquette his grandfather had told him before leaving home, fearing he would be laughed at for any missteps.
After walking for more than a quarter of an hour, they heard Madam Li say they had arrived at the Songhe Courtyard where the old lady lived.
Old Lady Yan had been eagerly awaiting them, and as soon as she heard that Yan Wenxiu and the others had arrived, she hurried out of the house, “Has Wenxiu returned?”
“Grandmother, your grandson has returned!”
Yan Wenxiu quickly ran forward to support his grandmother, fearing that she would trip in her haste.
Old Lady Yan held onto Yan Wenxiu, examining him, “Haven’t you been eating well? Why have you gotten so thin?”
Yan Wenxiu smiled, “Grandmother, actually, I’ve gotten sturdier.”
Old Lady Yan showed her discontent and said to Madam Li, “You must nourish my eldest grandson well. He is at the age of growth; he mustn’t be neglected now.”
Madam Li nodded with a smile, “I will follow Mother’s instructions. Mother, please have a look, do you recognize these younger members of our clan?” She brought Yan Yunxi and Yan Yunyan in front of the old lady.
Old Lady Yan looked at Yan Wenqi and the four others, smiling, “How could I not recognize them? I have watched these little ones grow up.” Then, she turned her gaze to Yan Wenqi and Yan Wenge.
“Wenqi, Wenge, how are your grandfathers? Are they well?”
Yan Wenqi and Yan Wenge bowed and then responded, “Replying to Great-Grandmother, Grandfather is in good health.”
Old Madam Yan kept nodding, “That’s good, that’s good. Let’s go, let’s talk inside.” After speaking, she grabbed Yan Yunxi with one hand and Yan Yunyan with the other, talking as they walked.
“Daohua has gone to the manor and probably won’t be back until after two days. There are still three young misses at home, but they are currently in class. Once they finish, you can all play together.”
“There’s also your Great Uncle Yan, who is still busy at the Governor’s Office. You’ll have to wait until he finishes his duties before you can see him.”
Listening to Old Madam Yan’s voice, Yan Wenqi and the others truly started to relax.
Although Madam Li was kind and approachable, she was still the Magistrate’s wife. Since she had not lived in the Yan Family village for long, they still felt nervous around her.
But Old Madam Yan was different. She was the one who had watched them grow up. In her presence, they could be more at ease.
The group entered the house, and it didn’t take long before the people from the second and third branches heard the news and came over.
Although Yan Wenqi and the others were somewhat nervous, they responded appropriately to the inquiries of Old Madam Yan and others.
…
Taohua Temple.
After being pursued by Xiao Yeyang and brought back, Daohua did not leave on the same day but stayed another night before taking a boat home.
Looking at Xiao Yeyang who boarded the boat with her, Daohua said without words, “You’re also going to the capital city, not returning to the military camp?”
Xiao Yeyang nodded, “I need to check on the sales of glazed products. Oh, and I’ve bought a residence in the capital city. Did you know?”
Daohua, “How would I know about that?”
Xiao Yeyang, “Didn’t your fourth brother tell you?”
Daohua shook her head, “No.”
Xiao Yeyang, “Well, now you know. If you ever need me for something, you can just send someone to the residence to let me know, and they’ll inform me.”
Daohua, “What would I need you for?”
Xiao Yeyang glanced at Daohua and smiled, “For example, if you want to go somewhere to have fun and have no one to accompany you, you can absolutely count on me.”
Daohua curled her lip, “I can find Yuan Yao, Sister Su, and Jingwan. Why would I need to find you?”
Xiao Yeyang, “Are you sure they can accompany you wherever you want to go? Besides, I bet it’s not easy for them to leave home either, nowhere near as convenient as me.”
Saying that, he paused, “As long as it’s somewhere you want to go, I can accompany you.”
At these words, Daohua paused and then looked up at Xiao Yeyang, saying in a serious tone, “Xiao Yeyang, don’t make promises lightly, especially the kind you don’t know whether you can fulfill.”
Xiao Yeyang immediately said, “I mean it.”
Daohua was silent for a while, “You might be serious now, but in a while, you might change your mind, or simply forget about it altogether.”
Seeing that Daohua didn’t believe him, Xiao Yeyang felt the urge to make a few more guarantees, but he found words to be too weak. After a thought, he said, “Just watch how I will do in the future.”
Hearing that, Daohua’s grip on the side of the boat tightened, and she pursed her lips without saying anything.
She believed that Xiao Yeyang was sincere at the moment, but some things just couldn’t withstand the test of time.
Xiao Yeyang did not continue, and with a smile, he said, “The Double Ninth Festival is in two days, do you have any place in mind where you’d like to go?”
Daohua pondered, “I’m not really sure what places are good to visit in Ningmen Prefecture.”
Xiao Yeyang nudged Daohua with his elbow, “Call forth your good big brother to listen, then I can take you to a nice place.”
At that, Daohua turned around, stretched out her hand, and fiercely twisted Xiao Yeyang’s arm, “I think your skin is getting itchier, if you won’t speak plainly then don’t speak at all.”
Xiao Yeyang felt a bit sulky, rubbing his sore arm, “Yan Yiyi, why can’t you be a little gentler with me?”
Daohua glanced over, “It’s just the way I am.”
Xiao Yeyang sighed, well then, so be it – actually, her personality was quite distinctive.