The group followed Tong Fujin to the courtyard that the Tong family had reserved for Tong Wanyan.
If Tong Wanyan hadn't been switched at birth, this courtyard would be where she grew up.
As Tong Guogang's only legitimate daughter, the courtyard she chose was naturally the best location in the inner courtyard of the mansion.
Tong Fujin personally opened the courtyard door for Tong Wanyan, and the others consciously paused half a step to let the mother and daughter go in first.
The flowers and plants in the courtyard are quite unique, many of them the same as those planted in the south courtyard of Yuqing Palace, showing that a lot of care has been put into them.
Yinzhen couldn't help but exclaim, "Are the osmanthus and pomegranate trees planted along the courtyard wall a prayer for my second sister-in-law to have a son soon?"
Tong Fujin smiled gently and said, "It was planted three years ago. The pomegranates from that tree are very sweet, and the osmanthus flowers are also very beautiful when they bloom in September."
Tong Wanyan snuggled closer to Tong Fujin: "Back then, Mother and Father must have thought that if I were still alive, I would be married by now. For a woman who might have no one to rely on, having a son early is the best way to make a living."
The exquisite inner courtyard, from every plant and tree to the furnishings inside the house, is meticulously designed.
When Tong Guogang returned from his business at the yamen, he had just entered through the side gate when he heard a servant report that the concubine had arrived. He immediately ran over.
His daughter, my precious Yuanbao!
The inner courtyard is deep within the mansion. The Duke of Tong's mansion occupies a vast area, which Tong Guogang used to consider prestigious, but now he despises it.
Why build such a big house? It makes him have to walk 15 minutes to see his daughter.
As Tong Guogang walked, he questioned, "Why didn't anyone inform the Crown Prince and his concubine when they came to the mansion?"
The servant wiped the sweat from his brow in alarm and said in a trembling voice, "The Lady said that Your Excellency has important business to attend to and cannot let family matters delay your work."
Tong Guogang snorted, "I'm not a commander without troops. Things will fall apart if I leave for a while. My wife is truly a female Zhuge Liang, with exceptional wisdom. As long as I don't come back, she can monopolize the position of the secondary consort."
Actually, what Tong Guogang really wanted to say was that his wife was too scheming; in order to steal time with their daughter, she actually kept it from him. Indeed, it's true that only petty people and women are difficult to deal with.
When Tong Guogang returned to his residence, the commotion and noise quickly spread, and Tong Wanyan and the others found out.
Filled with resentment towards Tong Fujin, Tong Guogang hurried to the courtyard, where Tong Wanyan had already personally prepared tea and was waiting for him with a smile.
"Father, you're back from the yamen? You must be tired from your journey. Have some tea to cool off," Tong Wanyan said filially.
Tong Guogang's face immediately broke into a silly father's smile. Yuanbao'er is so good, she knows how to care for her father.
Consort Tong feigned interest: "When Consort Tong knew that Your Highness had returned, she specially had tea and teaware brought to you. The tea was from the tea canister in the shelf on the ceiling of Your Highness's study; it should taste quite good, right?"
Tong Guogang stared at the seven teacups on the table, and his heart suddenly ached.
The tea that he could place on the top shelf of his study must naturally be a priceless gem.
He usually wouldn't drink it, but today, his wife took the opportunity to bring it out and let the whole family taste it.
Tong Guogang felt a mix of pain and joy, a truly complex emotion.
Looking into Tong Wanyan's expectant eyes, Tong Guogang was ultimately filled with joy.
Nothing makes him happier than his daughter's filial piety.
Even in his dreams, he would wake up laughing several times.
"The Emperor bestowed this tea; the Princess Consort has excellent taste." Tong Guogang retorted to Tong Fujin's comment, feeling resentful if he didn't retort.
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