Leading Auntie Xi, Yun Qi walked in front.
Mrs. Han and Yun Jinnian exchanged a glance, silently following them to Cixin Academy.
Wang Yanran walked beside Mrs. He, somewhat at a loss about Yun Qi’s thoughts.
Ming Liu had been waiting at the entrance for quite a while. Seeing Yun Qi and Auntie Xi approaching, she hurriedly turned and entered the small hall, "Great Lady, the Second Master has arrived with the Second Lady and the Fourth Miss!"
Upon hearing this, the elderly lady quickly sat up straighter.
She also adjusted her clothes.
Ming Liu exited the small hall, "This servant greets the Second Master, the Lady, the Second Lady. The Great Lady invites you inside!"
Almost twenty people entered the small hall together, making the spacious room seem a bit crowded.
"Mother, Mrs. Han and Jinnian have returned!" Yun Qi released Auntie Xi’s hand.
The elderly lady pursed her lips with a smile and looked at Mrs. Han and Yun Jinnian.
Mrs. Han and Yun Jinnian stepped forward, "Greetings, Mother (Grandmother)!"
"It’s good that you’re back. I won’t keep you for long today; go back to your respective courtyards. We’ll dine together in the dining hall tonight!" Turning to Mrs. He, she added, "Head of the household, give the monthly allowance from Qingjue Academy and Niannian Garden from the past year to the Second Daughter-in-law and Jinnian!"
Mrs. He felt a twinge of pain at the thought.
Yet, she still steeled herself to respond, "Yes!"
"Everyone, go back now!" the elderly lady waved her hand.
They all left Qingjue Academy. Outside the gates, after exchanging a few words, Mrs. He claimed she had matters to attend to and left first.
Yun Qi then departed with Auntie Xi.
Wang Yanran also bowed slightly to Mrs. Han, "Second Aunt, I’m with child and will not keep you company any longer!" Turning to Yun Jinnian, she added, "Fourth Sister, do come and visit my courtyard when you’re free!"
Mrs. Han and Yun Jinnian returned a gentle smile.
Their smiles were strikingly similar.
Wang Yanran left with her maids.
Aunt Su and Aunt Hua also hastily bowed, "Lady, Fourth Miss, we shall take our leave now!"
Looking at them, Mrs. Han sighed with resignation, then turned to Aunt Rou and Aunt Lian, "It’s so cold; you should go back too. Look, the children’s noses are freezing!"
The aunts responded, each returning to their quarters.
Mrs. Han, seeing Yun Musi, Yun Mulan, Xu Xinmo, Yun Zuomo, Yun Qingzhi, and Yun Qingqing reluctant to leave, said with a smile, "You should all go visit Jinnian’s courtyard. You haven’t seen each other in so long; I’m sure there’s much to catch up on!"
"Yes, Second Aunt (Aunt, Mother)!"
Mrs. Han smiled, leaving with Bai Que to return to Qingjue Academy.
Yun Jinnian led a group of girls to Niannian Garden.
"Cousin, you’re finally back!"
Yun Jinnian smiled, "Home is indeed best, after all!"
"Exactly, no matter how good it is outside, it can’t compare to being at home!"
They had not yet reached Niannian Garden.
Yun Jinnian saw Shi Jiayu and Ru Yue standing not far away, their eyes red.
Beside them, Hongdou, Hongxiu, Hongye, the wet nurse, and Yaniang all had faces full of joy.
Yun Jinnian smiled, "All of you, rise. There’s no need for such formality!"
Looking at Shi Jiayu and Ru Yue, they seemed to have grown into the image of young ladies of noble families, and even Hongdou, Hongye, and Hongxiu had matured a lot in appearance.
"Miss, knowing you were returning, Yaniang prepared many pastries early on!" Shi Jiayu said, her eyes crinkling with a smile.
However, seeing those few people beside Yun Jinnian, she felt displeasure in her heart.
But since Yun Jinnian, the miss, had not spoken, it was not her place as a maid to say much.
Yun Jinnian nodded and turned to Xu Xinmo and the others, "Yaniang’s cooking skills are quite remarkable. Let’s go in and have a taste!"