light sigh of relief, admitting that he felt rather awkward.He felt like there was a layer of window paper between him and the Li family. He knew they should be his family, but after so many years apa...The next morning, Old Lady Li, sporting two dark circles under her eyes, nevertheless set to work with her daughters-in-law packing their grandsons' belongings.

Jia Yin also took this opportunity to gather her brothers together for a second round of training.

Last time was a martial arts theme, this time it's an overseas theme.

From Jia Ren to Mao Ge'er, everyone was fascinated by those strange customs overseas.

Of course, they were more worried about the risks they might encounter at sea.

Even though only Jiaxi and Jian'an needed them, everyone else learned diligently and seriously as well. They studied things like how to save themselves at sea and how to tell directions...

This evening, Jiayin unusually didn't go into her room but insisted on sleeping with grandma.

She snuggled in her grandmother's arms, listening to the old woman sigh, listening to her talk about old times, listening to her lament that her children were growing up and she couldn't keep them close…

In short, she listens to everything Grandma says and acts as a qualified listener.

The greatest fear of the elderly is loneliness. Even though their children and grandchildren are doing well, they may still feel empty when surrounded by silence.

At this time, her unwavering companionship, like a little cotton-padded jacket, was Grandma's last sense of security...

The whole family couldn't bear to part with the two boys, and Tao Hongying and Zhao Yuru shed tears privately as well.

But no matter what, the 13th day of the first lunar month still arrived.

Jiāxǐ and Jiā'ān brought a lot of luggage and got into the carriage.

As there were too many people at home to see him off, only Li Zhensheng and Li Lao'er followed him into the city.

Although he had the Houye's protection, Li Zhensheng still went through everyone in the External Affairs Division.

Knowing that his grandmother, aunt, and mother would be sad to stay at home alone, Jia Yin persuaded them to go to the city for two days. He wanted them to enjoy the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month before returning home.

Li Lao San and Li Lao Si also did their best to encourage him.

Li Zhensheng and Jia Ren both had small courtyards in the city, especially Jia Ren's. Ever since Mr. Wen moved out, it had been empty.

An abandoned courtyard, devoid of human life and energy, inevitably falls into disrepair.

It would be best if someone at home could tidy up a bit.

Li Laotai perked up and, accompanied by her daughter-in-law and grandchildren, went into town.

On the fourteenth day of the first lunar month, after sending a message to the Jia family in advance, Li Lao Tai went to visit Jia Lao Fu and have a chat.

It so happened that Jia Xu and Lu Cong were also at home.

So, Jia Ren's several brothers also came to pay a visit.

The young boys gathered in Jia Xu's courtyard, laughing and playing. The older girls congregated by Lady Jia's side.

Li Laotai, guided by her elder sisters, had a smile on her face and even learned to play cards from Jia Laofu.

While the mistress of Jia Er was occupied, she took Tao Hongying and Zhao Yuru to her own courtyard, then produced a piece of paper.

Tao Hongying and Zhao Yuru were curious and took a closer look. It turned out to be an invitation from the Chang Princess's Mansion for a flower-viewing event.

Jia Er Fu ren's expression held no joy whatsoever, only worry. "I had originally planned to take a car to Suijin Tan," she said, "but I didn't expect you all to come today. It's truly wonderful."

"Look at this post, it's really strange. Logically speaking, our family and the Bao family have nothing to do with each other, and we haven't even spoken to the Princess Consort."

But yesterday, the maidservant from the Princess's residence suddenly sent an invitation, specifically requesting Baozhu to attend a banquet and forbidding me from accompanying her. It's truly baffling and eerie.

"I wonder if the county princess has received the notice If she has, that would be wonderful. Baozhu will finally have a companion!"

Tao Hongying thought for a moment, then shook her head and said: "Jia Yin is very busy these days, taking care of the Hou Mansion's affairs. I rarely inquire about her comings and goings."

"So, let's have her called over. We'll ask her some questions."

It's best if two children go together, so they can look after each other.

Mrs. Jia Er was overjoyed and immediately ordered someone to call for Jiayin.

Jiayin and Baozhu were playing in Baozhu's room. The two sisters ate snacks, talked about the New Year's festivities, threw sachets, and picked up agate pebbles. They were very happy.

Suddenly hearing that her mother had something to ask them, the two of them walked over hand-in-hand.

Upon hearing the reason, Jia Yin frowned, instinctively feeling that Baozhu received the invitation because of her.

During the Lunar New Year, she was busy and festive. She had already put aside the invitation from Princess Mansion.

Besides, grandma was in a bad mood and had no heart to attend any flower-viewing banquet.

But now, Baozhu received the invitation. With the Jia family's standing, they couldn't easily decline it. Therefore, Baozhu had to go.

If she couldn't bear to let Baozhu go to the banquet alone, she would have to visit the Princess's mansion...

But this was just her guess, she couldn't easily say it out loud, and let the Jia family worry for nothing. There was no way to do that either.

So, she laughed and said, "I also received an invitation. It just so happens that I can go with Baozhu. I'm not at ease leaving the house, so I'll bring along Grandma He and Shui Ling."

"Grandma He came from the palace and knows all the rules. Shui Ling is skilled in martial arts, whoever makes me and Bao Zhu unhappy, just let Shui Ling beat them!"

Jia Er Fu ren listened with amusement, but ultimately felt much more at ease.

Tao Hongying understood her daughter too well, noticing the odd look in her expression. But she didn't expose her, instead smiling and helping Jia Erfu feel reassured.

"It's best if Baozhu goes with Fu Niuer. Baozhu can also keep her company. Otherwise, Fu Niuer has a bad reputation and people probably wouldn't even dare to sit beside her, that would be embarrassing!"

Everyone laughed it off, and that was the end of it.

Jia Erfu was busy picking out clothes and jewelry for her daughter, putting a lot of thought into it.

Tao Hongying and Zhao Yuru also helped the staff officers, and for a time it was quite lively.

Jia Yin seized the opportunity and gave Shui Ling a few instructions, after which Shui Ling left the Jia family.

When they returned from Zhengjiazhuang on the eighth day of the lunar month, they had been eating and drinking well. Today, it seems they have finally received an assignment!

After having lunch at the Jia family, the Li family left after a short while.

Tao Hongying avoided the old woman and pulled her daughter aside to ask about it in detail.

Jia Yin didn't hide anything and told him everything that happened.

Tao Hongying had no good impression of the Chang Princess's mansion at all. Just thinking that the Chang Princess, over fifty years old, actually had the face to bully her own daughter who was only a few years younger, made her want to chop the Chang Princess up and braise her in red sauce!

But to say that the Chang Princess's Mansion went to such lengths, even involving Baozhu, just to force their daughter to attend the banquet and publicly humiliate her under everyone's gaze, she couldn't quite believe it.

After all, it's only been over a month since the incident where over a hundred people from the Chen family were almost buried alive. The terrifying reputation of this young woman hasn't been forgotten by the people of Xindu yet!

There shouldn't be anyone daring to seek death at this time...

At this time, Shui Ling just happened to return.

She immediately said, "Lady, the head nurse of the Marquis's mansion has inquired at all the embroidery shops and jewelry stores. She came back and told me that indeed many noble ladies have received invitations."

“For this reason, the embroidery workshops and jewelry stores have received a lot of business and are all working overtime.

But most of the basic orders were placed before last year, which means that the invitations from the Princess Mansion were also sent out before last year.

"Only the Jia family received the notice temporarily."

Tao Hongying immediately frowned and said angrily, "What does the Chang Princess's Mansion mean Are they really forcing you to attend the banquet by giving Baozhu an invitation"

"Well, that seems to be the case now." Jia Yin's face was also not good.

She wasn't afraid of the Princess' Mansion, but she didn't want Baozhu to be caught up in any danger because of her. If anything were to happen to her, she wouldn't be able to explain it to the Jia family.

She thought for a moment, then instructed: "Mother, don't tell the Jia family about this. On the day of the banquet, I'll bring Aunt Mei with me, and Uncle Da Shan will drive us."

"If anything happens, with Aunt Mei and Shui Ling around, they could protect me and Bao Zhu as well."

Tao Hongying thought that Ye Shan and Dongmei were both skilled and reliable, so she finally felt a little relieved.

But she still instructed, "On the eighteenth day, I will go to Xianke Lai. Please have someone report back to me as soon as possible if there's anything important!"

Here are three chapters for you~~~ve of my hair.”Tao Hongying giggled and took a silver comb from her head. She sat behind her grandmother and restyled her hair.Just as things were getting lively, the carriages returning to the city a...