In this life, Chu Yu appeared when she was at her lowest, pulling her out of the mire. This kind of affection was naturally different.
Beyond love, there was gratitude.
Because of gratitude, she was often more forgiving towards Chu Yu.
Otherwise, she feared she would have long retreated into her shell, sealing herself away from the world.
At dawn, Mrs. Yuan came to find Yun Jinnian sitting by the window which startled her, "Miss, did you wake up early? Or did you not sleep last night?"
"That’s good, that’s good!"
Mrs. Yuan immediately had someone prepare hot water and breakfast.
After washing up and changing into proper attire, Yun Jinnian paid her respects to Mrs. Han and Han Xuzi, and only then did she take Han Tianci out with her.
They headed straight for the Zhuangyong Marquis Residence.
Dai Hanmi was a year older than Yun Jinnian, and she had already come of age this year, soon turning sixteen. The Marchioness did not seem in a hurry about her marriage, as if she had plans of her own.
As soon as Yun Jinnian got out of the carriage, Dai Hanmi dashed over, "Jinnian, I’ve been eagerly awaiting your return!"
Yun Jinnian held Dai Hanmi’s hand, "Sister Hanmi!"
"Quick, let’s go inside. Grandmother and sister-in-law have been talking about you for a long time!" said Dai Hanmi as she turned to look at Han Tianci, "Tianci, feel free to wander!"
"Yes!" Han Tianci bowed with his hands clasped.
Dai Hanmi, pulling Yun Jinnian along, kept asking eagerly about her past year away.
"Everything has been fine!"
Old Madam Dai was still in good health. The second young madam was holding a baby boy in her arms, which Yun Jinnian immediately understood to be the second young madam’s son.
"He was born on the third day of the first lunar month, almost a year old now. You must come for his birthday!"
"I’ll definitely come!" Yun Jinnian said as she took a brocade box from Hemei and handed it to the second young madam, "Sister-in-law, this is for the little one!"
"Why give him so much? Don’t pamper him to the point of spoiling him!"
"He’s still young, it’s fine to spoil him a bit!"
After chatting for a while, Yun Jinnian took Old Madam Dai’s pulse.
"Grandmother, you are in good health. Keep it up, and you shall live to a ripe old age!"
Having aged and recently recovered from a serious illness, Old Madam Dai took her health more seriously than ever.
"You child, your words are sweeter than ever. Stay for lunch, won’t you? It would be nice to have a chat," said Old Madam Dai.
Although Dai Hanbo had left home disheartened, no one bore any grudge against Yun Jinnian.
Love in this world cannot be forced.
"No, I have to drop by my second sister’s place later. With the New Year approaching, I want to visit everyone so I can spend a peaceful holiday with my maternal grandfather. He’s been by himself at home for more than a year now, and it’s quite lonely!"
Hearing this, Old Madam Dai no longer insisted on keeping Yun Jinnian.
"That’s also good. Now that you’re back, and we are both in the Capital City, we’ll have more time to spend together!"
"Thank you for your understanding, Grandmother!"
Yun Jinnian was about to leave, but Dai Hanmi was reluctant to see her go.
She would be sixteen soon, and her marriage would likely be settled.
Whether she would marry within the Capital City or outside of it, her father and mother had not yet decided.
She didn’t really care, because she didn’t know who the other party was or what they looked like anyway, she only hoped they wouldn’t be too terrible.
Of course, if he had several concubines or mistresses, it wouldn’t bother her; they could forget about ever entering her room.
The best these concubines and mistresses could do was to stay out of her sight, otherwise, she wouldn’t hesitate to sell them off.
"How about we meet up properly at Huiquan Tower another day?" Dai Hanmi said, her eyes slightly reddening.
"Sure, we’ll also invite sister Ruan and sister Chen!"
"There’s snow on the roads now, so take your time. Don’t rush!"