"Thank you for your kindness, Sister Yang. I'd like to see that little courtyard," Jiang Huaiyu replied with a smile, though she felt a little uneasy.
The carriage arrived at Hanyi Lane, where everyone disembarked and walked to the small courtyard mentioned by Yang. It was a typical Jiangnan courtyard, with white walls, black tiles, and lush greenery. The courtyard was filled with various flowers and plants, filling the air with fragrance.
As Yang led everyone into the courtyard, she introduced, "I really like this little courtyard, especially this century-old tree. It's so pleasant to sit under it in the summer."
Looking at the scene before her, Jiang Huaiyu was indeed somewhat tempted. She turned to Tu Wenying and asked, "Sister Wenying, what do you think?"
Tu Wenying smiled slightly and said softly, "If Huaiyu likes it, then she can move in with you."
Hearing Tu Wenying's words, Madam Yang felt even more displeased. She glared at Tu Wenying, then turned to Jiang Huaiyu and said, "Huaiyu, I have a favor to ask."
Jiang Huaiyu was taken aback and looked at Madam Yang: "Please speak, Sister Yang."
“I hope you can stay in the courtyard and run this home with us. I know about your marriage to Bai Jinxiao, but I believe you still can’t let go of me.” Madam Yang’s tone was firm, her gaze fixed on Jiang Huaiyu.
Jiang Huaiyu was stunned by Yang's words. She looked at Yang, her heart filled with mixed feelings. She turned to look at Bai Jinxiao, who frowned slightly, clearly dissatisfied with Yang's suggestion.
“Sister Yang, you’ve misunderstood. I married Bai Jinxiao because we love each other. I’ve already let go of the past, so you don’t need to worry about me.” Jiang Huaiyu’s tone was calm, but a hint of determination flashed in her eyes.
Upon hearing this, Madam Yang's expression changed. She glanced at Bai Jinxiao, then at Tu Wenying, her dissatisfaction growing stronger. She gave a cold laugh, turned, and left, leaving everyone else looking embarrassed.
"Huaiyu, are you alright?" Tu Wenying asked with concern.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly: "It's nothing, Sister Wenying. I was just feeling a bit emotional. I didn't expect Sister Yang to misunderstand like this."
Jiang Huaiyu stared at Yang Shi, her eyes wide with surprise. She gently bit her lip, trying to understand what Yang Shi meant. At this moment, Bai Jinxiao also walked over from the side, a gentle smile on his face.
Bai Jinxiao said, "Huaiyu, what Yang said is true. My husband and I have discussed it and decided that this small courtyard is our way of repaying you."
Jiang Huaiyu looked at Bai Jinxiao with a puzzled expression and said, "Brother Bai, I don't understand what I have done to deserve such kindness from you?"
Madam Yang smiled and said, "Huaiyu, do you remember that day at the inn? If it weren't for your quick thinking, my husband and I would probably be in jail by now. That night, the inn caught fire, and you almost lost your life to protect us. We are extremely grateful, so we wanted to provide you with a safe place to stay."
A hint of emotion flashed in Jiang Huaiyu's eyes. She lowered her head, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly said, "I did do it to protect you, but that was my duty. Brother Bai, Sister Yang, you have treated me so kindly, I really feel uneasy."
Bai Jinxiao patted Jiang Huaiyu on the shoulder and said, "Huaiyu, you're a smart person, you should know our intentions. We're not giving you this little courtyard because you saved us, but because we feel you deserve a home of your own. In this world, you're all alone, and we want you to feel the warmth of home."
Jiang Huaiyu's eyes were slightly red. She looked up at Bai Jinxiao and said, "Brother Bai, Sister Yang, thank you. I understand. I will cherish this gift."
Madam Yang said, “Huaiyu, we are very happy that you are willing to accept our kindness. However, although this courtyard is small, there are still some rules. You must abide by the local order and not cause trouble. My husband and I will also come over from time to time to check on you and help you solve any problems.”
Jiang Huaiyu nodded and said, "I understand, Sister Yang, I will follow the rules."
As they spoke, the three entered the courtyard. The courtyard wasn't large, but it was arranged in a neat and orderly fashion. Flowers, plants, and trees were arranged in a pleasing manner, and a path led to an exquisite pavilion. Looking at all this, Jiang Huaiyu felt a surge of warmth in her heart.
Bai Jinxiao said, "Huaiyu, this courtyard was originally our property. Later, we felt that you should have a better place to live, so we gave it to you. Although it is not big, it is enough for you to live comfortably here."
Madam Yang said, “Yes, Huaiyu. This place isn’t far from our house, so we can keep an eye on things from time to time. If you have any difficulties, just let us know.”
With tears in her eyes, Jiang Huaiyu said, "Thank you all. I will cherish this little courtyard."
Tu Wenying patted Jiang Huaiyu on the shoulder and laughed heartily, "Look how much Grandfather likes you! I suggest you become my mother's goddaughter, so you can live in the Tu family with peace of mind."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes: "Miss Tu, I appreciate your kindness. But this is no small matter, and it cannot be decided lightly."
Tu Wenying's eyes widened, somewhat puzzled: "Why? You have such a good relationship with our Tu family, what's wrong with becoming my mother's adopted daughter?"
Jiang Huaiyu sighed softly, looking at Tu Wenying: "If I become your mother's adopted daughter, it means I will become a member of the Tu family. I am grateful for the Tu family's care, but my identity is awkward. If the outside world finds out, it may cause unnecessary trouble."
Tu Wenying frowned, feeling that Jiang Huaiyu's words made some sense. She turned to look at Madam Yang, hoping she could offer some advice.
After a moment of contemplation, Madam Yang slowly spoke: "Huaiyu, Wenying's suggestion isn't entirely without merit. If you become a member of the Tu family, then you'll have a legitimate claim to the family. However, there are indeed many concerns involved. What do you think?"
Jiang Huaiyu looked at Madam Yang, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes: "Sister Yang, I understand your good intentions. However, I think this matter needs to be reconsidered. I don't want to cause trouble for the Tu family because of my identity."
The three fell silent, unsure of what to do.
Suddenly, Tu Wenying's eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands, saying, "I've got it! How about this, we won't mention the matter of the adopted daughter for now, but you can stay at the Tu family for a while, and we'll make plans when the time is right. This way, we can solve your accommodation problem without arousing suspicion from outsiders."
Yang's eyes lit up; she thought it was a good idea, so she looked at Jiang Huaiyu and asked, "Huaiyu, what do you think?"
Jiang Huaiyu pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, "Alright, let's do as Wenying says. I'll stay at the Tu family's house for a while, and we'll see what happens after that."
Tu Wenying clapped her hands happily: "Great! It's settled then! I'll go tell Grandfather right away and put his mind at ease."
After Tu Wenying finished speaking, she happily ran out of the room. Madam Yang looked at Jiang Huaiyu and smiled, "Huaiyu, don't worry, we will do everything we can to protect you."
Jiang Huaiyu nodded, a determined look flashing in her eyes: "Thank you. I know I am not alone."
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