The closeness or distance of relationships was vividly displayed in these few sentences.
Jiayu had no idea about Jinnian’s situation in the Yun Family, but after only one day back, she could feel the turbulent undercurrents of the family. Among the sisters, only the second aunt seemed relatively kind, while the rest appeared amiable on the surface, but who knew what they were really thinking.
They were not good people.
She could also feel that ever since Jinnian returned to the Capital City, his entire demeanor had changed, let alone his words and actions.
Regarding his return, she seemed to have no expectations whatsoever.
Once Hemei went back with the reply, the young servant who brought the invitation left happily to claim his reward.
Zhuangyong Marquis Residence
As soon as Dai Hanmi learned that Yun Jinnian would be visiting shortly, she joyfully instructed the kitchen to prepare delicious food, while Mrs. Qu, despite being heavily pregnant, was in the small courtyard directing the making of pastries. The Marchioness was accompanying old Madam Dai in conversation.
"Now that Jinnian is back, you should first test the waters with her, and have Bobo go out more often. Prepare a few sets of clothes for him; they don’t have to be too extravagant, but they should at least be dignified. They should look neat and clean as well, and you need to tell him, if he likes her, he must go and fight for her himself—a mutual affection is best!" old Madam Dai instructed leisurely.
The Marchioness listened intently, "Yes, mother, you’re right. I will make sure everything is prepared, but I’m just worried that..."
"Worried about what?" old Madam Dai asked, puzzled.
"Mother, during this trip outside, it was said that Prince Rui and the seventh son of the Princess of the Nation were also there. Both are considered outstanding among their peers, and I’m just afraid that..."
In over a year, though not living together day and night, meeting a few times a day was still likely, and outside there weren’t as many restrictions.
Whether it was Prince Rui or the seventh son Yuwen, both were considered extraordinary and distinguished. It was within reason for Jinnian, who was of the age when one’s feelings first blossom, to develop an interest in one of them.
Upon hearing this, old Madam Dai also paused, "I hadn’t considered that!"
"So, mother, we shouldn’t be in a hurry. Let’s just wait and see. Whether or not it works out depends on fate. It’s just that regarding Bobo..." said the Marchioness, her worry evident.
Dai Hanmi was too decisive. Although she appeared gentle and weak, that was merely superficial. She knew well that her son, Hanbo, was not only skilled in martial arts but also full of knowledge. Had it not been for the Empress’s sake, he might have long since gone to seek official recognition for his abilities.
Having yearned for a well-educated wife who could add fragrance to his sleeve and stand shoulder to shoulder with him in managing household affairs, Hanbo was moved by Jinnian’s poetry "As the north wind brings understanding, let not the fragile be ruthlessly broken," and after seeing her beauty, he understood love even more.
Now, even though he did not speak of it, his heart probably harbored great expectations already.
"Alas!" the Marchioness sighed.
Old Madam Dai also felt uneasy.
"Regardless, we should still help them along. If wishes come true, that would be ideal, but if it’s not meant to be, we must leave Bobo with a lasting memory, rather than let him become disheartened!"
The Marchioness quickly nodded in agreement.
If only they had known, they would have had Dai Hanbo accompany them from the start.
Her son was not lacking either.
Mrs. Han was a considerate mother. Knowing that Yun Jinnian had returned and would undoubtedly need to go out, she had specifically prepared a solid carriage in advance. Two horses pulled the carriage, which was spacious. Its interior was neatly arranged, and it was equipped with all the necessary items. The coachman, about forty years old, was steady and trustworthy.
He called himself Old Capital, and Jinnian referred to him as Uncle Capital.
Upon hearing this, Uncle Capital’s eyes crinkled with a smile.
"Where does the young miss wish to go? There’s no place in the Capital City that Old Capital doesn’t know about!"
In Jinnian’s absence during the past year, Old Capital had wandered every day throughout the city, traversing every main street and alley, all for the sake of being able to continue driving a carriage for Jinnian long-term.