Niannian Garden has not changed much since I left, only the trees have grown taller and the plants thicker, everywhere tidy and neat.
It looks very comforting.
We entered the small hall together, where the floor heating was very warm. The items on the Duobao Pavilion shelf were still those I didn’t particularly like but had no desire to move.
Yun Jinnian walked over to the Arhat bed and sat down, "You all sit down!"
Shi Jiayu immediately went to serve some refreshments and tea.
Xu Xinmo and the others were surprisingly well-behaved today, speaking and acting in a very endearing manner, absolutely without uttering a single displeasing word.
After sitting for a while, Xu Xinmo stood up, "Cousin, we’re going to head back now, we’ll come over to play with you in the afternoon!"
"Why not stay for lunch, Yaniang is a good cook, let her make a few delicious dishes. We sisters can sit down, eat and chat!" Yun Jinnian said gently.
If it had been before, she would definitely not have allowed Xu Xinmo and the others to stay.
However, after spending more than a year in Nanjiang, I had become more easy-going and better at hiding my thoughts.
Even though I hated Xu Xinmo, I would not show it.
I had always been waiting, waiting for Zhu Yan to come to the Capital City.
She was indeed my real enemy, and of course, Zhu Yan was about to appear.
Xu Xinmo and the others stayed.
Yun Jinnian kept them company, sharing amusing stories from her travels.
The girls, rarely venturing out and lacking experience, listened with great interest, even Xu Xinmo listened very attentively.
"Next time, I will take you to Huguo Temple to offer incense!"
"That sounds wonderful, cousin, but we need not wait for next time. The Lantern Festival is coming up, you should take us to enjoy the lanterns!" Xu Xinmo suggested.
Her thoughts shifted slightly.
During the Lantern Festival, with so many people around, as the elder sister, if someone were to get lost or kidnapped at the lantern fair, Yun Jinnian would surely be blamed.
"We can do that, but we need to ask Grandmother for her view, and we’ll also need to have the three brothers accompany us. It would be even better if we can invite big sister as well!"
She made no mention of Yun Zihan.
Whenever Xu Xinmo thought about Yun Muyou, she couldn’t help but think of Marquess Yuanshen’s brother, Weng Jianrui, who she had met a few times. He was eloquent and knew how to make people happy.
He showed some interest in her, but her sights were set on the princes. Teasing him occasionally was fine, but she was not willing to marry Weng Jianxun.
Still, she was certain that Weng Jianxun would like Yun Jinnian, the beautiful and wealthy Princess Yijia, even more.
Perhaps, it was time to get in touch with Weng Jianxun!
"Cousin, you’ve thought this through so well!"
Yun Jinnian chuckled.
Lunch was eaten in Niannian Garden.
A dozen dishes, the girls sitting around together.
Xu Xinmo lifted her cup, "Cousin, I was foolish in the past and made many mistakes. I hope you can forgive me. I will not dare to do it again!"
Yun Jinnian looked down.
A cold laugh in her heart, she raised her eyes to smile warmly, "We’re sisters. Let’s not talk about the past. Let’s get along well from now on!"
Xu Xinmo drank her wine first.
Yun Jinnian drank as well.
The wine was a fruity liquor, without much kick and particularly easy to drink, a favorite among young ladies in their boudoirs.
Mrs. He was surprised to learn that Xu Xinmo, Yun Musi, Yun Mulan, and the three daughters from the second branch were all having lunch in Niannian Garden.
It was quite unexpected.
"What is Xu Xinmo trying to sell with this act?"
"Whatever it is, it’s sure not to be anything good," Tianmi said lightly.
"Indeed, a dog can’t change its habit of eating feces. I’m curious to see how long Xu Xinmo can keep up this pretense!"