Xu Xinmo ceaselessly prayed to the gods and Buddha, hoping that Yun Jinnian had offended a noble in the palace, that he had been beaten or scolded; in short, as long as he didn’t gain any benefits, it was fine.
The old lady was very anxious as well.
After all, that man had been taken away by General Weiyuan. If he confessed, what should she do then?
She would be laughed at by everyone in the world, disliked by her son, despised by her grandsons, and hated.
Grasping a string of Buddha Beads, she chanted non-stop, "Amitabha!"
It was unclear whether she hoped the Buddha would ensure their deed remained concealed or that Yun Jinnian had offended someone of importance in the palace.
Tian Momo looked on, feeling a chill down her spine...
After returning home, Yun Jinnian went directly to Qiyue Academy. Mrs. Han was not there; only after asking did she find out that Mrs. Han had gone to Niannian Garden.
Yun Jinnian then returned to Niannian Garden.
She saw Han Tianci sitting beneath the window reading a book. The study window had a direct view of the courtyard’s entrance. Mrs. Han sat on one side, sewing clothes.
Yun Jinnian watched and a smile touched the corners of her eyes and brows.
Han Tianci dropped his book and ran quickly to Yun Jinnian’s side, grabbing her hand, "Sister, is the palace fun?"
"The palace is very magnificent, but it’s not fun!" Yun Jinnian said, leading Han Tianci toward the small hall.
"Because there are many nobles in the palace, I couldn’t run around or jump, as it might cause offense to someone of importance, so it’s not fun!"
Han Tianci immediately understood.
"Then it’s better to stay at home!"
Yun Jinnian led him to where Mrs. Han was seated.
Mrs. Han smiled, "Are you hungry? Let Yaniang bring the food up!"
"There’s no rush, I have something to tell Mother!" Yun Jinnian was very serious.
Mrs. Han suddenly felt at a loss.
"Speak, I’m listening!"
"Mother, I need to take a trip early tomorrow morning!"
"Where to?" Mrs. Han asked in surprise.
Why did she have to leave just after returning?
"To Nanjiang, taking brother with me!" Yun Jinnian said as she held Mrs. Han’s hand, "Mother, I must go, and brother..."
Mrs. Han looked at Yun Jinnian, then at Han Tianci who stood beside her, his face full of anticipation.
He was a boy, the future of the Han Family, the hope of the Han Family.
But growing up sheltered in a greenhouse is not conducive to robust growth. It’s good for him to see the world outside.
"Go, then. It’s good to have someone to look out for each other on the road. But remember one thing, take care of yourselves and return safely."
Yun Jinnian nodded firmly.
Han Tianci nodded as well, "Mother, I will protect Sister, and I will protect myself too!"
"Good boy!" Mrs. Han said, standing up, "I’ll go make you something to eat, then pack your things!"
"Mother, my things don’t need much packing, I’m about the same height as brother, wearing his men’s clothing will do!" Yun Jinnian quickly spoke up.
Mrs. Han paused, "That’s right, men’s clothing is more convenient when traveling. Let’s pack a bit and send you over to your maternal grandfather’s house!"
Just as Yun Jinnian was about to nod, the butler came in beaming with joy.
"Fourth Miss, Fourth Miss, people from the palace have come with several large chests; they say it’s a reward given to you by the Empress!"
Yun Jinnian and Mrs. Han looked at each other.
Mrs. Han examined Yun Jinnian carefully, "Let’s go, it’s time to receive the reward!"
Everyone who could be present was there. From the outset, De Gonggong had passed the benevolent decree from the Empress, excusing the need to kneel; a respectful bow to receive the reward was sufficient.
"Miss Yun, please receive your reward!" De Gonggong said with a smile.
Compared to his assessment in the morning, he was much more respectful now.
Yun Jinnian bowed respectfully, and De Gonggong praised her verbally for a few moments before letting her stand. Mrs. Yuan immediately presented a purse that contained two silver notes, each worth a thousand taels.
It wasn’t excessively heavy, but it was not light either.
De Gonggong happily accepted it, said a few more words, and then returned to the palace.
The dozen or so large chests really did inspire envy, jealousy, and hate!