The day for Chu Jiading's betrothal is approaching, and Jiang Shuyun's family will be returning to Jiangjia Village ahead of schedule.

"Steward Li, check the west wing again. After the young lady's betrothal gifts arrive, you and Sister Fang should check them together and make sure they are properly registered and settled."

Butler Li, entrusted with this important task, bowed and said, "Master, Madam, rest assured, I will definitely handle this matter well."

Weddings and funerals are of paramount importance in any family.

With everything arranged at home, Mu Yi'an and her family, along with Sister Li, Li Qiang, Li Li, and Fang Mianhua, returned to Jiangjia Village.

The houses in the village had been cleaned in advance. After Mu Yi'an and her group arrived and rested for a while, they went to the old house.

"Shuyun is back?"

"Mom, you're really feeling better! You look great!"

"Alright, everything's alright, all thanks to Yi'an."

Jiang's mother was truly grateful to her second daughter-in-law, and after returning from the county town, life went smoothly for her.

She was healthy and had Granny Xing to take care of her. Aside from washing her own and her husband's clothes, she did nothing else.

Because she insisted on soaking her feet every day, not only her but also Shuheng's father's complexion improved a lot, and he no longer complained of leg pain on rainy days.

"Yi'an is indeed good. With her around, I feel very safe in the prefectural city."

Jiang Shuyun also understood that Yi'an was good in every way.

"Shuyun is back?"

"Big brother, when did you get back?"

I got home last night.

Brother Jiang also received the news from home that his younger sister was engaged and the groom's family was coming to deliver the betrothal gifts, so he rushed back with Jiang Shaoqin.

"Where's Shuwen? Hasn't he arrived yet?"

"They haven't arrived yet; they're probably busy with business matters."

Brother Jiang was unaware that Jiang Shuwen had already resigned and was preparing to open a shop with Yi'an.

If he hasn't returned by now, it's possible that he hasn't finished handing over his work.

He hadn't had mala tang (a spicy hot pot dish) in a long time; he'd almost forgotten that numbing and spicy flavor.

Since the betrothal gifts are coming tomorrow, the bride's family needs to prepare a feast.

Jiang's mother had arranged with the chef who prepared the banquet in advance to come over in the afternoon to taste the dishes.

There will be aunties and grandmothers in the clan who can help, plus relatives by marriage, so there are enough people to help.

There were many people in the old house, so Mu Yi'an asked Li Li and Fang Mianhua to take care of the children.

"Second sister-in-law, you've arrived."

Li Qiu's younger sibling wet his pants just now, and she has just cleaned him up.

"I just arrived a little while ago. Where's Shuwen? Is he back yet?"

"No, he'll arrive this afternoon. He sent a message yesterday saying that the business matters will be settled this morning and he'll be back this afternoon."

Li Qiuniang was overjoyed, as the two had spent very little time together in the years since they got married.

"Do your parents know about your plans?" Mu Yi'an was very curious about how her family would react.

"I don't know, Shuwen didn't say. He said he'll talk to our parents after the business is settled and my eldest sister's matter is resolved."

"That's fine, so that my parents won't have to worry."

The two sisters-in-law stood at the door of the west wing, talking quietly.

What are you going to do about this house?

"I think we should just leave the books there. They'll have a place to stay when we come back for holidays. If we sell them to my older brother and his family, it won't be convenient for them to stay in the future."

Mu Yi'an felt that Jiang Shuwen had thought things through quite clearly; the houses in the village wouldn't sell for much money.

My parents are still alive, and they will always come back for holidays. By then, the house will belong to the head of the household, and it won't be fair for them to live there.

Jiang Da Sao watched Mu Yi'an and Li Qiu Niang chatting and laughing together, and felt very depressed.

Jiang Lan stood at the door of the east wing, wanting to talk to her second sister-in-law and also wanting to ask her sister about the betrothal gifts.

He looked hesitant and indecisive.

Jiang Qi was chatting with the elders of her clan, and her heart was filled with mixed feelings.

"Jiang Qi has been well-behaved since she was little; she's definitely blessed!"

"Absolutely, doctor! It's so great to have a skilled doctor in the family. I feel so at ease."

"That's right. In the future, we won't have to worry about getting sick or facing any disasters."

...

As Jiang Qi listened to these flattering words, the words these people had said to her when she had just returned from her divorce still lingered in her mind.

"Oh dear, our Jiang family actually has a divorced girl. How are the other girls supposed to find husbands now?"

"You can't have children yourself, yet you won't let others have them. How petty!"

"That's right, Scholar Jiang is really something, how could he let his daughter get a divorce?"

...

Just like my second sister-in-law said, people really can lose their sense of right and wrong when faced with absolute power.

"Mother, I'm going to find my second sister-in-law."

"Go."

Jiang's mother was aware of what these people were thinking. There was nothing she could do; they were all from the same clan, and sometimes they had to consider appearances.

In the afternoon, the chefs arrived, and everyone started getting busy, washing and preparing vegetables, moving tables... to get ready for tomorrow.

After dinner, Mu Yi'an and the others prepared to go home.

"Sister, the betrothal party will be here tomorrow. Why don't you stay overnight? We can chat for a while."

Jiang Lan's voice was abrupt, startling everyone.

"No need, Chuyue is used to sleeping with me."

Jiang Qi really didn't know what to say to her sister. Logically speaking, they were biological sisters and should have a very good relationship.

However, after her divorce, Jiang Lan's actions created a distance between Jiang Qi and her, and their relationship became strained.

Everyone understood that this was just an excuse Jiang Qi made up. But what could they do? Jiang Lan, you've already shown mercy by not going too far.

"Auntie, hug me."

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