At this moment, after the rain had cleared, just like Yun Jinnian’s heart, no matter how bitterly cold it once was, warmth was finally seen in the sun.
Back at Niannian Garden,
Yun Jinnian had Mrs. Yuan gather everyone.
There were only seven people in total.
"I will be heading to Yingci’an in a few days, and I might not return for three to five years, who among you wants to go with me!"
The crowd exchanged glances.
One by one they remained silent, none willing to go.
No one was foolish; Yun Jinnian said three to five years, but who knew if she could return after that period.
Furthermore, following Yun Jinnian to Yingci’an would surely result in difficult days ahead.
Who would want to go?
Ming Yang was the first to step forward, "Miss, this servant is willing to go with you!"
Yun Jinnian glanced at Ming Yang but said nothing.
Ru Yue also stood up, "Miss, I am also willing to go with you!"
Yun Jinnian remained silent, merely sweeping a glance over the room, "Is no one else willing to go?"
"Since none of you are willing to accompany me, I won’t force you. Niannian Garden still needs people to look after it, so all of you may stay here!"
Yun Jinnian was neither disappointed nor disheartened.
At least Ming Yang and Ru Yue were willing to accompany her, which was better than none at all.
"Then, Ming Yang and Ru Yue, you both should start packing. We will likely be leaving in a few days!"
That day was surely not far off...
Mrs. Yuan also began packing Yun Jinnian’s belongings, as Yun Jinnian waited, waiting for Yun Chen to return.
After Yun Chen returned, Yun Jinnian stood up and headed to the outer study.
Clearly, the Lady had been informed, and Yun Jinnian had no trouble reaching the outer study.
Yun Chen was surprised to hear of Yun Jinnian’s visit, "Did Yun Jinnian come?"
Yun Chen thought for a moment, "Let her in then!"
Yun Jinnian had never been to Yun Chen’s study, in fact, she had never been to the outer courtyard.
Yun Jinnian entered the study and curtsied, "I greet my Uncle!"
"Yun Jinnian is here, what brings you?"
Yun Jinnian nodded slightly, "I have a matter!"
"What’s the matter? Speak!"
"I wish to go to Yingci’an to pray and chant sutras for my family!"
Yun Chen looked at Yun Jinnian calmly, "Is this your own will? Or has someone forced you?"
Yun Chen tapped on the desk, and after a while said, "Do you know when you will depart?"
"Possibly tomorrow or the day after!"
"Wait until after the Lantern Festival on the sixteenth; a few more days won’t make a difference!"
Yun Jinnian exited the study. Despite facing Yun Chen, Yun Jinnian remained indifferent.
This uncle did not truly cherish her; all his affection was rooted in his own interests and his future prospects.
If there were even a trace of genuine care for her, he would have clarified things with the grandmother, warned Mrs. He, punished her two cousins, and sent Xu Xinmo back to the Xu Family.
Yun Jinnian smiled faintly.
Returning to Niannian Garden, Yun Jinnian informed Mrs. Yuan that they couldn’t depart until the sixteenth.
"What about the fifteenth, Miss? Can we go out to see the lanterns? Will we still make lanterns?"
Yun Jinnian was silent.
She had never seen the lanterns, not even in her dreams.
After a long time, she finally said, "I will not go, and there’s no need to make lanterns either!"
"And if the Lady sends someone to ask..." Mrs. Yuan tentatively asked.
"Just say I am not feeling well, or find some excuse to decline; anyway, no one will verify it!"
Yet, before long, the fifteenth day of the first month—the Lantern Festival—arrived.
Yun Zhen and his brothers took Yun Muyou, Yun Musi, Yun Mulan, and Xu Xinmo out to see the lanterns.
Yun Jinnian was not there, and Yun Zhen did not find it surprising; after all, they hadn’t spent it together for many years.
"Let’s go, quickly get on the carriage. Otherwise, later when it gets crowded, the carriage won’t be able to get through!"