Mrs. Qu laughed and started nibbling on some pastries. Recalling the old lady Dai’s instructions to eat less, she reluctantly had the rest taken away after only a few bites.
Out of sight, out of mind.
"Grandmother wants you to eat less for your own good; eating too much is bad for your health. The baby might grow too well, making childbirth more difficult for you!" Mrs. Lu advised as well.
Having given birth to three children, she knew how hard childbirth could be.
Fortunately, the men in the residence stood tall and proud outside but were wholeheartedly devoted and considerate at home.
The sisters-in-law soon began talking about other matters.
The Crown Princess managed the household provisions, and the Marchioness helped out occasionally, spending more time taking care of the old lady Dai.
A mother-in-law like the Marchioness, uninterested in clinging to power, was rare. Ever since the Crown Princess married in, her days went smoothly. She became more amiable, strict but not harsh with the servants.
She also showed exceptional respect towards relatives, resulting in fewer troubles in the Zhuangyong Marquis Residence.
Even the maids did not dare to overstep; even if they did, whether the master would enjoy their company was a different issue, but they certainly wouldn’t survive the consequence.
By the Lotus Pond, Feifei began to sing a tune, with Yun Jinnian and Dai Hanmi keeping rhythm for her.
Yun Jinnian smiled, enjoying a moment’s leisure stolen from life.
On a leisurely boat ride, he picked a budding lotus flower and a fresh lotus pod, peeling out the seeds and tasting their pure, sweet fragrance.
Shi Jiayu, Hemei, and Henuan also came along. Just one look at Yun Jinnian, and Jiayu knew he was in good spirits.
To Yun Jinnian, Yun Residence didn’t quite feel like home; yet he seemed to have more genuine affection for the Zhuangyong Marquis Residence.
Looking at the Zhuangyong Marquis Residence, with its kind elders and filial juniors, everyone smiling warmly, they seemed to reciprocate genuine affection towards Yun Jinnian.
When the Marchioness sent someone to call them for a meal, Yun Jinnian and his companions had already picked a basket full of lotus pods and several lotus flowers.
Feifei even sported a lotus leaf on her head.
As the group headed ashore, Yun Jinnian thought about digging a lotus pond in his own residence in the future, planting lotus flowers, harvesting pods, and enjoying the edible roots.
He envisioned a pavilion over the water, where sitting in a cool breeze on summer nights, sipping tea, and playing the zither would be the epitome of leisure and elegance.
"Let’s wash up before heading to the dining room!"
Yun Jinnian followed Dai Hanmi to clean up before proceeding to the dining room.
The Marquess hadn’t returned, but the Crown Prince and the second young master were already back. After exchanging greetings, the old lady, assisted by the Marchioness, walked over at a leisurely pace.
"Let’s sit down and eat, shall we? We’re all family here; no need for formalities. Let’s all sit together," Old Lady Dai said, inviting everyone to take their seats.
Yun Jinnian sat next to Dai Hanmi, and Feifei wanted to sit next to Yun Jinnian. This seating arrangement was somewhat unusual; Dai Hanbo ended up sitting right next to Feifei, very close to Yun Jinnian.
At mealtime, Old Lady Dai cheerfully encouraged Yun Jinnian to eat more and had Dai Hanmi serve him extra dishes.
Dai Hanbo tenderly offered food to Feifei, who was young and had weak teeth. He showed great patience, carefully picking tender bites for her.
"Take your time eating, Feifei. Don’t choke!"
"Mmm, thank you, Uncle Dai!" Feifei replied, scooping up small mouthfuls with her silver spoon.
Yun Jinnian glanced at Dai Hanbo several times. She truly hadn’t expected a man to have such patience, to be so kind to his little niece. If she were his own daughter, he’d probably spoil her rotten.
He would certainly make a wonderful father.
Thinking this, Yun Jinnian paused.
Where did that thought come from?
The meal was very comfortable and enjoyable. The dishes, light and delicious, were complemented by a pleasant atmosphere. Everyone was harmonious and happy, without the rule of silence during meals. With the rotating table, whatever dish one wanted was easily within reach.