Pang Xiao’s information was extremely accurate. Within just a few days, someone from Mother’s side came ahead to report the news.

Qin Yining met the messenger boy in the front hall, her face unable to hide her delighted smile. “Where did you say my mother and the others have reached? When will they arrive?”

The boy smiled cheerfully, “Reporting to the Princess Consort, the Old Madam’s party has already passed Xihua City. This servant rushed here at full speed from Xihua City. Judging by the convoy’s speed, they should arrive tomorrow or the day after. The Old Madam said the Princess Consort needn’t prepare anything special – we’re all family, so any arrangements will do.”

Qin Yining nodded repeatedly, “I understand. Thank you for making this trip.”

“Not at all, not at all!” The boy waved his hands repeatedly, bowed to Qin Yining, and was led away by Qiu Lu to arrange food and lodging.

Qin Yining stood up, saying joyfully, “Although every part of the mansion is convenient for residence, it would be better to stay closer to Xueli Courtyard. If anything happens, it’s convenient to walk over immediately without delaying matters.”

She hadn’t forgotten their current circumstances.

Moreover, living in this residence would inevitably bring back memories of that catastrophe that had cost her many relatives. She still had some lingering shadows about this house.

Ji Yun and the others sighed inwardly, but since the Grand Madam and Old Madam were coming – a joyful occasion – they didn’t want to dampen Qin Yining’s spirits. So the maids all smiled brightly and busied themselves arranging Bizhu Courtyard next to Xueli Courtyard.

Bizhu Courtyard was named after the small bamboo grove planted in its back courtyard. Previously, when the family had many courtyards but few people, it had always remained empty. It was separated from Xueli Courtyard by only one wall, with a crabapple gate on the side. Passing through the crabapple gate led to the back door of Xueli Courtyard’s side rooms – very convenient for coming and going.

Qin Yining personally led people to clean out Bizhu Courtyard, lighting charcoal braziers in advance to warm the rooms. Neither the main rooms nor the side chambers were neglected. Since the small kitchen was now located in Xueli Courtyard, they arranged for two more cooks and even sought out a northern chef. Grandmother was from the north and probably wouldn’t be accustomed to southern flavors.

After a period of busy preparation, clothing, food, housing, and transportation were all arranged properly – they only waited for the arrivals.

Qin Yining felt these two days passed especially slowly, like wishing upon stars and moon. Finally, that afternoon, she received the news.

“Reporting to the Princess Consort, the Grand Madam and Old Madam’s carriages have entered the city.”

Qin Yining was overjoyed and quickly had Bingtang and Ji Yun help her change clothes. She also had the two children wrapped in bright red swaddling brought over and led everyone toward the mansion gates.

“Tell the servants in the mansion to prepare well. They’ll all come together to pay respects to the Grand Madam and Old Madam shortly.”

“Yes, Princess Consort, rest assured. Everything has been arranged.” Qian Yun smiled.

Qin Yining ordered the gatekeepers to open the main entrance. The master and servants all stood waiting on the steps below the gates. After about two incense sticks’ time, they finally saw a convoy of carriages approaching under the protection of several guards, dusty from travel. Among the guards were several that Qin Yining found familiar, and the guard leader was especially familiar – it was Cao Yuqing, dressed in riding attire and strikingly beautiful.

“Sister Cao!” Qin Yining joyfully hurried forward to greet her.

Cao Yuqing gracefully dismounted, smiling as she looked Qin Yining up and down. Seeing her good complexion and appearance more rounded than before pregnancy, knowing she was doing well, she felt much more at ease.

The carriage curtain lifted behind them, and Sun Shi first poked her head out, saying joyfully, “Sister Yi!”

Nanny Jin in the carriage first leaned out to assist Sun Shi down, followed by Ma Shi.

“Mother, Grandmother.” Qin Yining squeezed Cao Yuqing’s hand and smiled at her, then walked smiling toward Sun Shi and Ma Shi, curtsying in formal salute. Behind her, all the servants and the wet nurses holding Han Ge’er and Zhao Ge’er also bowed together.

“Good, good, safe and sound is what matters.” Sun Shi held Qin Yining’s hands and looked her up and down, saying distressedly, “Giving birth on the road back then – you must have suffered greatly?”

“It was nothing. We prepared thoroughly and brought sufficient people. I didn’t suffer at all. But what made Mother and Grandmother think to come out? Sleeping rough on the road must have been so difficult – did you encounter any dangers?”

Ma Shi smiled, “The journey was very smooth, thanks to Guard Cao’s excellent arrangements. Sister Yi, has your body recovered?”

“Grandmother, I’m completely well.” Qin Yining turned and had the two wet nurses come forward.

“The young masters pay respects to the Grand Madam and Old Madam.” The wet nurses holding the swaddled babies bowed.

Sun Shi looked joyfully at the two children, smiling so widely her crow’s feet deepened. “Wonderful! These two children are so handsome!”

“Oh my! The young master even has a beauty mark on his forehead!” Nanny Jin also smiled nearby.

Having traveled dusty roads without washing up, neither Ma Shi nor Sun Shi dared rashly hold the children. Both children were still very small – now only four months old. What if they accidentally passed on any illness?

However, these two children didn’t cry or fuss. Having eaten their fill and awakened from sleep, they opened their grape-like big eyes, curiously observing their surroundings – both beautiful and well-behaved.

Ma Shi was so delighted that tears welled up, “Sister Yi, you’ve worked so hard. You suffered for Da Fu’s sake. Having this pair of sons, Da Fu can face the Pang family ancestors, all thanks to you!”

Qin Yining shook her head repeatedly, smiling, “Don’t say that, Grandmother. What hardship did I endure? Besides, they call the Prince father and must also call me mother. They’re equally the continuation of our Qin family bloodline.”

Ma Shi was startled at first, then nodded joyfully, “You’re right. But you’ve still been wronged.” Ma Shi touched Qin Yining’s cheek with some distress, “You child, always so understanding, yet always the one who suffers. Our Da Fu is blessed to have you.”

Ma Shi never spoke falsely – whatever she said was sincere. Qin Yining believed she truly liked her.

Sun Shi, having spent much time with Ma Shi, understood her character well. Compared to Yao Shi who always maintained a noble demeanor, Sun Shi preferred the sincere and genuine Ma Shi. Both were straightforward people who spoke plainly – getting along with her required no effort at all.

“It’s still cold outside. Let’s go into the mansion to talk,” Qin Yining smiled.

“Yes, yes, don’t let the two children get cold.” Ma Shi nodded repeatedly.

The group entered through the main gate, with servants on both sides coming forward to bow in unison.

Sun Shi was particularly moved by this sight. After all, this was the Qin family’s ancestral home where she had lived for many years – she had a sense of belonging here. However, the tragedy that occurred previously, which claimed several family members, still left Sun Shi with some emotional knots upon entering.

Everyone proceeded directly into the mansion. Sun Shi and Ma Shi first went to Bizhu Courtyard to freshen up.

Qin Yining here ordered the small kitchen to quickly prepare food and sent word to the Pingnan Army camp.

After Sun Shi and Ma Shi washed up, they weren’t in a hurry to eat but first went to the inner room to see Zhao Ge’er and Han Ge’er.

“So Zhao Ge’er is the older brother.”

“My, these two children are truly beautiful.”

“Sister Yi is beautiful, so both children are beautiful too.” Ma Shi joyfully held Zhao Ge’er. Seeing Zhao Ge’er looking at her curiously without crying or fussing, knowing this great-grandson felt close to her, she became even more delighted, “This child isn’t shy with strangers – he’s not afraid of me at all.”

Sun Shi held Han Ge’er, smiling, “We’re family – there’s a blood connection. How could they be afraid?”

“I was worried on my way here that this old woman’s ugly appearance might frighten the two boys.”

“How could you be frightening?” Qin Yining smiled, “Grandmother has kind eyebrows and gentle eyes. Even in your advanced years, you’re still a beautiful noble lady. Children naturally like seeing you.”

“You child, did you just eat honey?” Ma Shi smiled so widely her eyes disappeared.

The family was harmonious and happy, coaxing the two boys for quite a while before Qin Yining persuaded, “It’s getting late. Shall we have lunch first?”

As soon as she finished speaking, they heard Bingtang’s voice outside, “Reporting to the Princess Consort, Grand Madam, and Old Madam – the Prince has returned.”

“He must have received news and specially rushed back,” Qin Yining smiled, “He’s fortunate to arrive in time for the meal.”

As they spoke, several people moved to the side hall where food was served. Soon after, Pang Xiao strode through the door.

“Grandmother, Mother-in-law.” Pang Xiao bowed respectfully.

Sun Shi quickly smiled, “No need for such formality – we’re all family.” At this moment, Sun Shi looked at Pang Xiao like a mother-in-law viewing her son-in-law – the more she looked, the more satisfied she became. Her previous fear of Pang Xiao had dissipated with time. Now knowing that Pang Xiao wholeheartedly treated Qin Yining well, what could Sun Shi find unsatisfying?

Ma Shi stood up and walked around the table, smiling as she patted Pang Xiao’s shoulder, “Boy, you seem to have gotten much sturdier?”

“Does Grandmother have fiery golden eyes? These days I’ve been training with the Pingnan Army and suppressing bandits. When busy with affairs, naturally I become sturdier.”

After quickly washing his hands, Pang Xiao sat down beside Qin Yining with a smile.

The family didn’t stand on ceremony and happily shared lunch together.

After the meal, Qin Yining smiled, “Everything in Bizhu Courtyard has been arranged properly. Grandmother and Mother have traveled hard and long – would you like to rest a while?”

“No, I’m not tired. I still want to see my grandsons,” Sun Shi smiled with curved eyebrows.

Ma Shi also nodded, “Right, you young couple needn’t mind us. Just talk amongst yourselves – we’re going to see the children.”

Ma Shi and Sun Shi went chatting and laughing to the neighboring warm pavilion.

Qin Yining said with mixed laughter and tears, “With Zhao Ge’er and Han Ge’er here, I see Mother and Grandmother have suddenly become a dozen years younger.”

“People are refreshed by happy events. Seeing beloved younger generation naturally makes one appear younger.” Pang Xiao led Qin Yining to sit on the three-sided arhat bed by the window, saying, “I have something else to tell you.”

“What is it?” Seeing Pang Xiao’s serious expression, Qin Yining also became attentive.

Pang Xiao said, “It’s said that Sitong Trading House originated from Guinan Prefecture. I sent people to investigate, but even after nearly digging three feet deep in Guinan, they found nothing related to Sitong Trading House’s origins. I think the news that Sitong Trading House comes from wealth must have been deliberately misleading. Rumors truly cannot be trusted.”

Learning this news, Qin Yining wasn’t surprised at all, “Sitong Trading House rarely has its own shops – mostly they do behind-the-scenes investments and shareholding. Those shops conduct business openly but wouldn’t constantly advertise being Sitong Trading House’s, so such investigation would naturally find few useful clues.”