The thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month is the last day of the old year and the day before the new year.

The entire Jiang household was filled with joy.

Madam Jiang was generous to her servants, keeping the fire burning in the main kitchen so that she could prepare delicious meals for them. After finishing their tasks, they would go to the main kitchen for their New Year's Eve dinner.

Ye Yunniang's meals were brought back by Li'er and delivered to the small courtyard of Fanghua Courtyard.

Chunyao's child is sick.

During these last few days of the year, Jiang Tingjun was cared for by Ye Yunniang. Although there were maids serving him, bringing him food and water, it was Ye Yunniang who accompanied Jiang Tingjun from morning till night.

She felt very tired.

After having dinner before dark, Ye Yunniang carried Jiang Tingjun and followed behind Madam Jiang to Chunze Courtyard.

Chunze Courtyard is the main courtyard of the Jiang family, and it is generally only used for distinguished guests or important occasions such as the Lunar New Year.

Charcoal stoves were placed around Chunze Courtyard, making the room warm and cozy. A vase on the table was filled with blooming plum blossoms.

Upon seeing the plum blossoms, Ye Yunniang thought of Jiang Mingzhe, and her gaze unconsciously drifted towards Jiang's second wife—Zhuang Meixue.

Zhuang Meixue wore her hair in a round bun, with very few hair ornaments except for a single pearl hairpin. The hairpin was inlaid with five lustrous white pearls. On her ears were a pair of gold earrings inlaid with white pearls, the same size and color as the hairpin.

They look unassuming, but under the light, the pearls radiate a lustrous sheen, making Zhuang Meixue's skin appear even whiter.

Ye Yunniang was filled with confusion. How could Jiang Mingzhe, with such a gentle and beautiful wife, do something like sneaking into a widow's bed in the middle of the night?

She withdrew her gaze and looked down at Jiang Tingjun.

Madam Jiang and Grandpa Jiang were the last to arrive.

Upon arrival, Madam Jiang reached out to hug Jiang Tingjun.

Ye Yunniang carefully stepped forward, handed Jiang Tingjun to Old Madam Jiang, and stood aside, ready to take the child at any time.

After Grandma Jiang held him for a while, Jiang Tingjun dozed off.

This is usually Jiang Tingjun's bedtime.

Upon seeing this, Old Madam Jiang instructed Ye Yunniang, "Take Jun'er back to the courtyard. It's freezing cold; don't let my grandson get cold."

Ye Yunniang bowed and accepted Jiang Tingjun's hand before leaving Chunze Courtyard.

Hongcai led the way with a lantern, while Ye Yunniang carried the sleeping Jiang Tingjun back to Fanghua Courtyard.

After placing Jiang Tingjun on the bed, Ye Yunniang sat by the bedside and closed her eyes to rest.

I vaguely heard firecrackers outside.

"Sister Ye, Happy New Year." Hongcai brought over dumplings.

"Happy New Year." Ye Yunniang sat up and looked at Jiang Tingjun first.

"Sister, come and eat dumplings." Hongcai handed over chopsticks.

"Okay." Ye Yunniang ate two of them as appropriate, and Hongcai took the rest to eat.

Ye Yunniang stroked Jiang Tingjun's head, wondering if Pan'er was eating dumplings at this moment.

At this moment, Granny Cai was holding Pan'er, watching the fireworks in the night sky.

She was worried about Ye Yunniang, wondering how he was doing.

Pan'er stared intently at the fireworks in the sky, oblivious to Granny Cai's worry for Ye Yunniang.

Ye Yunniang held Jiang Tingjun, who had been awakened by the sound of fireworks.

I went to the window to watch the fireworks.

Silently, she hoped that her mother and son would be well, and that they would be reunited soon.

Jiang Tingjun was annoyed by Ye Yunniang's distraction, so he reached out and called out, as if he wanted Ye Yunniang to respond to him.

"Doesn't the young master like watching fireworks?"

Jiang Tingjun turned his head towards the house.

Ye Yunniang carried Jiang Tingjun back into the house.

Jiang Tingjun didn't look at the bed, but pointed with his finger.

Ye Yunniang understood; Jiang Tingjun wanted his doll.

The plush toy was brought by Chunyao; she made it for her son to play with. It's a plush toy of a little cat.

Jiang Tingjun liked it very much and held it tightly in his hand, refusing to let go.

Ye Yunniang played with Jiang Tingjun until dawn before he finally fell asleep.

Ye Yunniang yawned, feeling very sleepy and wanting to go to sleep.

He took a sip of hot tea to refresh himself. He dressed the sleeping Jiang Tingjun, picked him up, and followed the Fourth Madam to Zhongle Courtyard.

Grandpa Jiang sat solemnly in the head seat, next to Grandma Jiang, receiving New Year's greetings from the younger generation of the household.

First, Madam Jiang, the second wife, with her pregnant belly, came to wish the elders a Happy New Year. Jiang Mingzhe was out and had not returned.

Madam Jiang inquired about Zhuang Meixue's pregnancy in a very kind manner, and told her to rest well, etc. She then gave her a thick red envelope.

After the second wife finished paying her New Year's respects, it was the third wife's turn.

Jiang Mingyu, Bai Xiuxiu, and Jiang Fangrui knelt down to offer New Year's greetings.

Grandpa Jiang said a few more words to Jiang Mingyu, while Grandma Jiang's expression remained indifferent.

Next was the fourth wife, Ye Yunniang, who handed Jiang Tingjun, whom she was holding, to the fourth wife, Jiang Si.

Madam Jiang and Jiang Mingrui knelt down and kowtowed to their parents, saying, "Happy New Year, Father and Mother. We wish you both a prosperous and smooth-sailing New Year. May you live as long as the sea and as long as the Southern Mountain."

"Alright, alright, get up quickly." Old Madam Jiang happily took Jiang Mingrui's hand. "As long as you are well, I'm fine."

Old Master Jiang, who had been keeping a serious face, smiled slightly at his fourth son's antics. He took a red envelope from a tray carried by a maid and handed it to Jiang Mingrui.

"You'll get your share."

Jiang Mingrui accepted the gift with both hands and respectfully thanked him, "Thank you, Father."

Although Jiang Tingjun couldn't speak while in Madam Jiang's arms, he cried out "Ah ah ah..." as he looked at the red envelope in his father's hand, trying to reach out and take it.

"Jun'er also has a red envelope. Grandfather will give you a big one." Grandpa Jiang said, taking out a red envelope and handing it to Jiang Tingjun.

Jiang Tingjun has small hands, but he holds the red envelope very firmly.

Madam Jiang was all smiles and gave each of the three members of the fourth branch of the family a large red envelope.

Fifth Sister Jiang Mingyue, Sixth Master Jiang Mingshu

Next came the sixth room, where the couple offered New Year's greetings.

Finally, there's Jiang Mingyue, the fifth daughter of the Jiang family, who is to be engaged on the sixth day of the lunar new year.

Jiang Mingyue's voice is sweet and clear, making people happy to listen to it.

After paying New Year's visits, Grandpa Jiang led his family to the dining hall for breakfast.

Ye Yunniang followed Ziyuan away and arrived at the young master's resting room.

This time, Zi Yuan kept a close watch and dared not leave for even a moment.

Ye Yunniang was a little embarrassed as she breastfed Jiang Tingjun under Zi Yuan's watchful eyes.

Back at Fanghua Courtyard, Ye Yunniang put the child Jiang Tingjun on the bed before letting out a heavy sigh of relief.

My arms are so sore and tired from holding you.

While Jiang Tingjun was asleep, Ye Yunniang opened the red envelopes given by Old Madam Jiang, Old Master Jiang, and Fourth Madam Jiang.

Grandpa Jiang is a small goldfish, along with two gold beads and a gold leaf.

Madam Jiang's set consisted of six beautifully designed silver coins shaped like firecrackers.

The gold bracelet given to me by Madam Jiang Si was carved with orchids.

Ye Yunniang felt at first glance that it was suitable for Cai Damei.

The second day of the Lunar New Year is the day when young women return to their parents' home. Madam Jiang's family is in the capital, and she also has to manage the household, so she doesn't have time for that.

Chunyao was going back to her parents' home, and Ye Yunniang took care of her for a day.

On the third day of the Lunar New Year, Chunyao offered to take care of Ye Yunniang for one day so that Ye Yunniang could go back home for that day.

Ye Yunniang pleaded with Madam Jiang, who rewarded her with plenty of food and drink.

Ye Yunniang, accompanied by Li'er, arrived at Sunset Lane.

Cai Damei was pleasantly surprised and told Ye Yunniang to stay home and take care of the children while she went to buy groceries.

Today is the Little New Year.