Jin Daya arrived in Daling Village three days after marrying Wu Dazhu. Early in the morning, the villagers gathered at Liang Shuyan's new house.
Liang Shuyan instructed her daughter-in-law to prepare a table full of delicious food. Everyone gathered together, happily watching Jin Daya and Wu Dazhu return to their parents' home with their two children.
Grandma Jin, dressed in a crimson dress, came to the center of the hall. At everyone's invitation, she sat down in a brown-red chair and let out a long sigh: "Actually, today is just our eldest daughter's homecoming, it's not a big deal, there's no need to make such a fuss. Now that the New Year is coming soon, everyone has a lot to do, I'm really sorry."
Liang Shuyan gently tugged at Grandma Jin and said, "Mother, don't say that. Since everyone is here, let's eat and drink happily. There's nothing to worry about, right?"
Seeing Liang Shuyan constantly squinting, Grandma Jin finally stopped talking. She turned her eyes to the group standing to the side and greeted them with a smile, "Alright, everyone, sit down. Eat and drink well, don't be shy."
Aunt Liu was the most amusing. She went up and sat down next to Grandma Jin, whispering, "Grandma, look at this assistant, isn't he quite clever?"
Grandma Jin nodded: "Yes, I think Dazhu is a very simple-minded child. He's good to my Daya, and especially good to my two grandsons. I like him very much."
The plump aunt whispered in the crowd, "I heard that Da Zhu and his mother are often bullied at home by that Aunt Zhao. But now things are better. If Da Ya goes there, Aunt Zhao won't dare to be so presumptuous."
"Isn't that right? No matter how capable Aunt Zhao is, she wouldn't dare to bully Jin Daya. Putting aside everything else, Daya is Madam's sister-in-law. Anyone who dares to bully Daya is going against Madam. Who would be so foolish?"
The conversation was fragmented. Liang Shuyan looked at Jin Daya, who was standing to the side, and called her over: "Daya, you haven't caused any trouble at the Wu family these past two days, have you? If it weren't for Aunt Zhao causing trouble, we wouldn't have dared to bully others. Otherwise, if word got out, it would damage the reputation of our Jin family, you understand?"
Jin Daya smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, don't worry, I won't cause trouble for no reason. As long as Aunt Zhao stops bullying Dazhu and my mother-in-law, I'll pretend nothing happened. But if she comes to cause trouble like that day, I won't tolerate that kind of woman."
Liang Shuyan nodded. Actually, she wasn't afraid that Jin Daya would ruin the Jin family's reputation. The important thing was that she was afraid some people would say that Jin Daya did this because she had a sister-in-law named Ruren. She didn't want anyone to talk about her sister-in-law like that, and she didn't want Ruren's status to bring unnecessary trouble to her family.
As everyone was chatting animatedly, the sound of horses' hooves echoed along the path in Daling Village. Soon after, a large procession of people arrived outside Liang Shuyan's new house.
Sanwang's announcement of the good news was like a gust of wind, instantly igniting the enthusiasm of the crowd. His voice echoed in the courtyard, each word like a leaping spark, lighting up people's hearts.
"Princess! It really is a princess!" Sanwang waved his arms excitedly, as if to announce the good news to the whole world.
"Princess? Could it be that Niu Niu is back?" someone asked curiously, their voice filled with undisguised excitement.
The news was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples. The once quiet courtyard instantly became bustling with activity, and people came out of their houses, their faces beaming with rare smiles.
Liang Shuyan strode out of the house and immediately spotted Niu Niu playing with the children. Niu Niu's laughter was clear and melodious; she skipped around joyfully, as if she had found her best playmate. The adults exchanged glances, their eyes filled with pride and joy.
Liang Shuyan's heart sank instantly, her steps became heavy, each step felt like struggling in a quagmire. She felt a fire burning within her, and a strong sense of unease surged within her.
The scene before her was different from what she had expected. Niu Niu did not look wronged; instead, she happily played among the crowd.
However, Liang Shuyan knew that a deeper secret might be hidden behind the laughter and joy. The fire in her heart burned even brighter, and she strode towards the door, determined to find out the truth.
The woman in the pink dress appeared to be in her early twenties, with striking beauty and an air of nobility. She smiled slightly, her eyes carrying a hint of authority and arrogance, and calmly walked into the courtyard.
The maids following behind her were all young and beautiful, carrying various utensils, appearing well-trained. Their movements were fluid and natural, neither servile nor arrogant, perfectly complementing the princess's demeanor.
As the crowd knelt to greet her, the princess raised her hand, gesturing for everyone to rise. Her voice was gentle yet powerful, possessing a magical quality that instilled in those kneeling a profound sense of comfort and peace.
Liang Shuyan and the others quickly stood up and stepped aside. The princess walked to the center of the courtyard, looked around, and nodded in satisfaction. She seemed to sense the unusual atmosphere here, but didn't say anything, just smiled faintly, and then turned and walked towards the inner room.
As soon as she entered, Niu Niu looked around and saw that everyone was staring at her in surprise, clearly startled by her arrival. She said calmly, "Everyone, please step back. Leave only Madam Cha and Old Madam Jin. I have something important to tell them."
As soon as the words were spoken, everyone bowed and took their leave, except for Lady Cha and Old Lady Jin. Both were senior members of the palace and deeply trusted by Niu Niu. Suddenly, only the three of them remained in the hall, and the atmosphere became solemn.
Niu Niu looked at the two of them and said in a deep voice, "I have come here today to discuss an important matter with you. This matter is of great importance and can only be handled by the two of you."
Liang Shuyan and Grandma Jin knelt on the ground, their emotions becoming serious.
The princess quickly stepped forward and helped the two of them up. A hint of panic flickered in her eyes, yet she tried her best to remain calm. She said softly, "Mother, Grandmother, I just wanted to get rid of these maids so we could have some time together. Niu Niu has been in the palace for too long; she needs some fresh air and freedom."
The princess's words were filled with maternal love, and they warmed the hearts of the two women. They looked at her with eyes full of trust and reliance. The three of them nestled together, as if they had found a warm haven in this cold palace.
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