Tong Guogang is generous in everything, except when it comes to tea, he is very stingy.

If he were a connoisseur of tea, that would be one thing, but he himself drank it in large quantities and wasted it, which made Consort Tong very angry.

A while later, around lunchtime, the brothers Orondai and Kuadai returned one after the other.

As expected of the three sons, when they learned that Tong Wanyan was at the mansion but no one had informed them, their reactions were exactly the same: they all rushed over angrily, and then gave Tong Wanyan a friendly smile.

"Does Consort like this courtyard? The osmanthus and pomegranate trees in the courtyard were planted by me and Kuadai. We used to plant other fruit trees, but Mother said that Consort should grow up, so we replaced them with these two trees." Orondai smiled at Tong Wanyan, seeking praise.

Tong Wanyan said, "Mother has already said that my eldest and second brothers have taken good care of this courtyard."

Kua Dai gripped the teacup tightly with a shy expression; the force of his fingers was so great that he could almost crush it.

Kua Dai was overjoyed to receive praise and thanks from his younger sister.

His eyes gleamed with excitement as he said, "Does my sister like it? When the pomegranates ripen this year, I'll have someone send some to Yuqing Palace so you can have a taste."

Fearing that Tong Wanyan might not like the pomegranates he had grown, he added, "I tasted the pomegranates from last year; they were red, plump, and very sweet."

Tong Wanyan smiled and said, "I will definitely accept Second Brother's kindness. Putting aside everything else, the fruit from the trees planted by Eldest Brother and Second Brother will surely taste extraordinary."

Orondai seized the opportunity and said, "Of course. This is my whole family's love for Consort."

His exaggerated tone prompted Orondai's wife to secretly kick him under the table.

I've never seen him so talkative before. He's as dumb as a saw-off gourd in front of her, but he's full of brotherly love in front of his sister-in-law.

It's not that this is bad. Lady Orondai is over thirty years old. She wouldn't be jealous of her own sister-in-law who is under twenty.

Yinreng's face was so dark that she was afraid her foolish husband would hold a grudge.

Orondai's wife guessed correctly. Yinreng had already begun to think about how to arrange things for Orondai after he returned, putting him in the busiest place for official duties so he wouldn't have time to think about picking pomegranates.

Yuqing Palace also has pomegranate trees, and various fruit trees are planted in the estates on the outskirts of Beijing. Can this kind of pomegranate tree, which looks like it has a crooked neck, compete with his pomegranate tree for favor?

A hint of pride and sarcasm appeared on Yinreng's lips. Yintang noticed it and silently looked up at the sky.

The Crown Prince's second brother is outstanding in every way, but his jealousy is the only thing that makes him fall from his pedestal, which is like that of an immortal.

The courtyard that the Tong family left for Tong Wanyan was kept very clean, and the small kitchen and living room were fully prepared.

There's a place to dine here, so there's no need to go around to the main hall.

The family sat around the round table. Tong Wanyan's taste was similar to that of the Tong family members, and there was no dish that didn't suit anyone's palate.

Yinzhen is no longer a picky eater, and besides, the chef hired by the Tong family is indeed very skilled, so he buried himself in his food and ate heartily.

In half a day, how much can one say and how much can one reminisce about?

It's simply another memory to recall, something to remember occasionally, something to keep in mind.

The fact that Yinreng was able to bring Tong Wanyan back to her parents' home was an unexpected joy for the Tong family.

During their midday rest, Yinreng and Tong Wanyan rested in the courtyard, where their pillows and bedding were clean and tidy.

When Orondai led Yintang to rest in the outer courtyard, his brows were furrowed the whole way.

Yinzhen patted his round belly, and, adhering to the principle that one is obligated to help others, said, "Lord Tong, is something weighing on your mind? Although I am young, I am quite intelligent. If it is convenient for you, Lord Tong, we can discuss and resolve this together."

When Orondai heard Yinzhen praising himself, he clapped his hands and suddenly realized what was going on.

"I knew I'd forgotten something! It was clearly me who begged the Emperor for the reward when the concubine returned to her parents' home. How did it all become the Crown Prince's favor?" Orondai said angrily.