The Yun Family’s siblings looked at each other, their faces a mix of confusion and anger.
They all turned to look at the eldest brother of the Yun Family, the legitimate eldest son and grandson, Xu Ximin.
Xu Ximin was twenty-one that year. His marriage had been arranged early, but his fiancée had passed away before they could wed. He observed three years of mourning for her, and now that the three years were over, his marriage was arranged once again, to his former fiancée’s legitimate cousin.
After thinking for a moment, Xu Ximin said, "Let’s also head back. Seeing her like that, it will probably lead to a disturbance if we return. Grandmother is getting old, and the third aunt’s condition isn’t convenient either. There’s always another year to go up the mountain; we can come back next year, right?"
The Xu Family placed great importance on the legitimate eldest line.
Therefore, the younger members of the Xu Family respected Xu Ximin deeply.
"Big brother, we’ll listen to you. Let’s go back!"
"Yes, big brother, let’s go back!"
They grew even more resentful towards Xu Xinmo in their hearts.
If she didn’t like the Xu Family, she should have just stayed with the Yun Family. Why come back and ruin their fun?
A troublemaker is truly a troublemaker. She had caused the third aunt to miscarry before and still hasn’t learned her lesson.
The group had only made it halfway when they decided to head back to the residence, feeling quite upset. The masters were uncomfortable, and the maids and nannies were also annoyed.
It was not easy to get a chance to go out, only to return halfway.
The belly of Lady Xu, the third wife, was very large. Several physicians had said she was carrying twins; even the Imperial Physician had visited and confirmed she was expecting two.
At that moment, she was being supported by a maid as she walked slowly in the garden.
In order to safely deliver these two children, Lady Xu, the third wife, was extremely cautious. Despite her swollen body making walking difficult, she still moved slowly with the support of two sturdy maids.
She had to preserve a line of descent for Lord Xu, the third, no matter what.
"Third sister-in-law!" Lady Xu, the first wife, came over with a smile, a maid following her carrying some pastries.
"How long have you been walking?"
"Just half an incense stick, with another half to go!"
Lady Xu, the first wife, laughed, "You’re sweating a lot. Why don’t you rest for a bit, have some pastries, and then continue walking?"
"No, I’m afraid once I sit down, I won’t feel like getting up again!"
"Alright then, I’ll keep you company for a while!" Lady Xu, the first wife, sat to the side and watched Lady Xu, the third wife, walk.
When it came to getting along with the sisters-in-law in the residence, it was this third sister-in-law who was dignified and generous, and she was also extremely good to the children.
That’s why the children remembered her kindness. As soon as she became pregnant, they sent over many things used for babies.
They were hopeful that their affection would help her keep the children safe.
It also seemed to work out well; this pregnancy was quite stable.
Lady Xu, the third wife, responded with an acknowledgment and continued to walk slowly, "Sister-in-law!"
"Since Min’er and the others have gone out, later could you instruct the kitchen to make some herbal tea and cool it down, so there’s no need to store it in the ice cellar? And do the same with the fruits. They will surely be very playful when they’re out and coming back to eat something chilled all at once is not good for their stomachs. I have some honeysuckle at my place; I’ll have my maid retrieve it. The rest I’ll leave to you, sister-in-law!"
Lady Xu, the third wife, said leisurely.
Lady Xu, the first wife, burst into laughter, "You’re just too worried about them!"
"They are my children’s elder brothers and sisters, and they are all good kids. It’s only right for me, as an elder, to be more concerned. In the future, my children will need their care even more!"
Upon hearing this, Lady Xu, the first wife, laughed.
"Then the amount of honeysuckle you have may not be enough!"
Upon hearing this, the maids and nannies covered their mouths and giggled softly.
Lady Yun, the Dowager, came slowly with the support of a maid, "What are you two talking about that’s making you laugh so heartily?"