But there was only one master in the Prince Rui Residence.
One not married, the other not wed, rumors would inevitably arise, tarnishing Chu Yu’s reputation.
If Qu Mianke adamantly claimed that there was something between her and Chu Yu, even a plunge into the Yellow River wouldn’t cleanse Chu Yu’s name.
Han Tianci took a deep breath, "Sister, I will help you vent your anger!"
Yun Jinnian smiled faintly, "I am angry, but not to the point of losing my wits!"
She believed in Chu Yu’s sincerity towards her.
That’s why she hadn’t lost her wits.
Han Tianci pursed his lips.
Yun Jinnian tapped his nose, "Don’t overthink it, I’m not that kind of delicate flower that can’t withstand any setback. After we get back, don’t tell mother either, lest she starts overthinking!"
"I’ll listen to everything sister says!"
The carriage stopped at the entrance of the Han Residence, and a young servant immediately greeted them, "Cousin Miss, young master!"
Yun Jinnian smiled lightly, "Give my greetings to Uncle Cheng and ask him for a little token of appreciation!"
"Thank you, cousin miss!"
The pastries were bought from Xufuji, delicious regardless of one’s status.
So many had been purchased.
Once Yun Jinnian and Han Tianci entered, the butler came over.
"Butler, where are grandfather and mother?"
"The eldest miss is in her courtyard, and the master is in the study!"
Yun Jinnian nodded and headed toward Mrs. Han’s courtyard.
As she approached the door, she saw Bai Que coming to meet her.
After more than a year, Bai Que had aged a lot, but also become much steadier.
"Auntie Que!" Yun Jinnian bowed slightly.
Bai Que looked at Yun Jinnian and took a deep breath, "Miss!"
Han Tianci bowed slightly with his fists, "Auntie Que!"
Reflecting over a year, Bai Que had come to understand a lot.
She no longer insisted on certain formalities and had decided to stay by Mrs. Han’s side for life, serving her with all her heart and effort.
"Madam is inside working on her embroidery!"
Yun Jinnian nodded, took a brocade box from Hemei, and tiptoed into the room.
Mrs. Han was sitting by the stove, earnestly embroidering a sachet, a pink one likely for her, and another azure one for Tianci.
"Mother!" Yun Jinnian called softly.
Upon hearing her voice, Mrs. Han looked up and smiled tenderly at Yun Jinnian, "You’re back!"
"My beautiful and virtuous mother, your precious son has returned!" Han Tianci said as he rushed to Mrs. Han’s side and hugged her, planting a kiss on her.
Mrs. Han’s smile grew even warmer, "It’s good that you’re back, come sit by the fire. I asked Bai Que to bake some sweet potatoes, can you smell them?"
Han Tianci said as he picked up the fire tongs and began to search, and sure enough, he found a sweet potato.
He held it, blowing on it, and began to peel.
Yun Jinnian sat next to Mrs. Han with a smile, opened the brocade box, and presented a jade hairpin to Mrs. Han, "Mother, this is for you. Tianci and I took a long time to pick it out, do you like it?"
The jade hairpin was lustrous and exquisitely delicate.
One look and it was endearing, "I like it!"
"Then let me put it on for you."
Yun Jinnian put the jade hairpin on for Mrs. Han, got up to bring a mirror, "Mother, have a look!"
Mrs. Han gazed at her reflection in the mirror, "This hairpin is really beautiful!"
Whether something was good or valuable wasn’t so important, what mattered was the thoughtfulness of her daughter and son.
"Since you gave mother a gift, I’ll cook dinner myself tonight. What would you like to eat? I’ll make whatever you wish!"
Han Tianci rattled off a list of dishes.
Yun Jinnian laughed out loud, "I’ll have the same as Tianci!"
"You two slick ones, how can you eat so much? I’ll pick and choose what to make!"
"Mother, I’ll help you!"