In the capital, there was no news from the North Gate yet, and the whole city was peaceful. Every household was busy preparing New Year's goods.
Rong Bowen was used to being busy, so he got up at dawn, washed up, and followed Rong Yi, Mo'er and Amu to run and practice boxing in the yard.
Linlang got up not long afterward, washed up, and joined the cooks in drying the sausages and bacon. They'd made more this year, with so many people to feed, and with each family sending some, there wasn't much left.
The Anchang Marquis' Mansion also made some, and the old lady and the others loved it. Last time the Song family sent New Year gifts to the Marquis' Mansion, the Song family gave them sausages and bacon in return, and everyone said they were delicious.
After breakfast, the family of five loaded the gifts onto the carriage and went to the Anchang Marquis Mansion.
The old lady looked down on Rong Bowen at first, but later Linlang was conferred the title of county lady and treated her very well. In addition, Rong Yi was well-behaved during his stay in the Marquis' Mansion, and was very hardworking in practicing martial arts. As a result, the old lady's attitude towards the Rong family changed.
Today, she and Mrs. Song received Rong Bowen together. After they sat down, the old lady said gratefully, "You have raised both children very well. It must have been very hard for you to be both a father and a mother all these years."
"It's all my fault that I was so focused on investigating the case that I neglected them. Later, I fled to Lu'er Town, and her mother was exhausted from taking care of the family. Only the three of us, father and son, were left to depend on each other. If it weren't for these two children, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to hold on."
Rong Bowen said guiltily, "These past few years, the two children have followed me and have suffered so much. Fortunately, the brother and sister are sensible and have not caused me much worry."
In a rural area like that, it is really not easy for a man to live with a son and a daughter.
The old lady said, "Now that you're in the capital, don't go back. Live in the capital with Linlang and Rongyi. When Rongyi passes the martial arts exam next year, you can enjoy your life."
"I won't go back for the time being. I'll wait until Linlang gives birth to a child and Rong Yi takes part in the martial arts exam, then we'll see." When talking about Rong Yi's marriage yesterday, Rong Bowen realized that he had failed in his duty. His son was so old, but he hadn't shown him a date yet.
When I have some free time next year, I will definitely decide on my son’s lifelong event.
The old lady and Mrs. Song praised Rong Yi, saying that he was able to endure hardships and work hard, and he would definitely succeed next year.
With gratitude towards Rong Bowen, they talked about the children, and the atmosphere was harmonious. Rong Bowen had never dared to mention Su Nanting and the four children. Now they were all in Beiguan, probably fighting fiercely with Beiqi. He hoped that they could win a great victory and return triumphantly.
After lunch at the Anchang Marquis's residence, Ah Mu, Rong Yi, and Mo Er took Rong Bowen on a tour of the mansion. Compared to their small courtyard, the mansion was much larger, with a front yard, an inner courtyard, and a backyard. But when it came to coziness, they preferred the Rong residence.
Rong Bowen said, "The wealth and splendor of the Marquis' Mansion were earned by the men in the mansion who fought bloody battles on the battlefield. Moreover, the generals guarding the border are not allowed to return to the capital without being summoned, and they are rarely with their families."
All three of them nodded, but protecting religion and defending the country is the mission of a military general, and only with a country can there be a home.
Rong Bowen asked Rong Yi, "After seeing and hearing so much in the capital, are you still as sincere as ever?"
"I have seen a lot in the capital, which has strengthened my determination. It is my honor to contribute a little." Especially when he saw the arrogance of Northern Qi, Rong Yi only hated himself for being incompetent and could only watch and do nothing.
Rong Bowen was very pleased that his son had a firm belief and said, "Follow the martial arts master carefully and do your best."
"yes."
Rong Bowen knew about Amu's abilities and had great confidence in him. Now that he knew Mo'er's true identity, he could only sigh in his heart that being a prince was not that easy.
Having not seen each other for a long time, Rong Bowen and the three children had endless things to talk about, so they simply went to the front yard to sit around the fire, drink tea and chat.
When Linlang, Mrs. Song and the old lady woke up from their lunch break, the servants of the old chief priest's family came and asked them to go over early as it would be more lively with more people.
Song smiled and said, "Old Master, you are so happy to see your daughter and son-in-law back. We haven't been there for a while, so let's go over soon."
Since their last separation, Mrs. Song and Mrs. Zhao had occasionally exchanged letters, and could be considered old friends. She also wanted to go see her soon and have a chat.
Since they had invited us, we didn't waste any time. We packed up, took the gifts and went to the old chief priest's house.
The old chief priest did not invite anyone else, but only this large family. Mrs. Zhao had not seen Mrs. Song for several months. The two held hands and had endless things to talk about.
Mrs. Zhao looked at Linlang's bulging belly and was filled with envy. "I wonder when my husband will be able to let me hold my grandchildren."
The old lady smiled and said, "Perhaps next year your son will pass the imperial examinations twice, which will bring double happiness to the family."
"Thank you for your good wishes, madam." Mrs. Zhao smiled happily.
Mrs. Zhao’s ideal is for her husband to stay in Beijing to work so that she can take care of her elderly father nearby. She will be satisfied if her son graduates from high school next year and then finds a good marriage.
The old chief priest, Amu and others were chatting animatedly in the next room. Lord Zhao, in particular, gave a thumbs up when he heard that it was Amu who discovered the Five Foods Powder and assisted the old chief priest in searching for evidence.
"The young are truly formidable."
Ah Mu said modestly, "I have to thank the teacher for intervening in this matter and mobilizing manpower and resources, as well as the help of several uncles from the Anchang Marquis' Mansion. I just discovered it and spoke up."
"Mr. Zhao has put in a lot of effort in this matter, and his contribution is also indispensable."
Zhao Yuning said hurriedly, "I'm just running errands for my grandfather, I dare not take credit for it."
When Lord Zhao saw his son this time, he found him much more mature and steady. His decision to let him come to the capital was absolutely correct. This was due to both his father-in-law and Amu.
Lord Zhao used tea instead of wine and first thanked the old chief priest and Amu.
The two families had a great time talking to each other and having a great time together.
Li Guangping was the first to know that Rong Yi had gone to pick up Rong Bowen and bring him to the capital. Now that he had some power in the princess's mansion, he wanted to teach Rong Yi and Rong Bowen a lesson.
"Get me a carriage. I want to go out later."
"yes."
It was just a carriage, so there was no need to report it to the princess. He also sent a servant to watch the old chief priest's door and come back to report if he saw anyone coming out.
Li Guangping touched his chin and said sinisterly, "Old father-in-law, I'm giving you a meeting gift. I'll see if you can live to enjoy it."
However, today the two families were so happy that they were reluctant to leave after meeting each other. They said goodbye reluctantly until curfew.
The old chief winemaker drank a little too much. "We'll all be in the capital from now on. It'll be easy to meet up. We can see each other every day. It's getting late. Let's go back quickly."
Song took Madam Zhao's hand and made an appointment to visit the Marquis' Mansion the next day, and the whole family would go.
"Of course, of course." Madam Zhao was a little tipsy. "I haven't been to the Marquis' Mansion yet. I want to see its wealth and splendor."
The old lady said, "Then it's settled. You must come."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com