When Li Lanzhen returned to her courtyard, she saw a whole yard full of people.
She had just stood still, smiling as she looked at her children and grandchildren, and before she could even speak, a large group of people suddenly knelt down.
Han Mingxiang lifted her cotton robe and knelt at the front, followed by Han Shulan and her three-year-old son.
Xue Bao and Han Yuemei also knelt down.
Behind them were Han Yinan and Gou Dan Sanwang kneeling together.
"Mother, your son is unfilial. I have been away for more than three years and only now have I returned to see you," Han Mingxiang said, his eyes red.
Xiao Bao watched his father, Han Mingxiang, bow to Li Lanzhen, and then clenched his two little fists and said in a childish voice, "Grandmother, your grandson has come back to see you. May you be well, Grandmother."
Grandma, please don't blame Dad. He goes to court before dawn and doesn't come back until dark. He only says a few words to me before I fall asleep.
Sigh, I barely exchange three words with Bao'er each day.
When Mom gave birth to my sister, Dad wasn't home. Grandma, please don't hit Dad, okay?
Li Lanzhen, this kid, is afraid that she will blame her youngest son for not coming home for several years.
Go over and pick him up, then pinch his little nose.
Xue Bao and Han Yuemei also greeted her, saying, "Daughter and son-in-law greet Mother."
Han Yinan's children said, "Grandma, stay healthy. Your grandsons (Gou Dan and San Wang) are back."
"Get up, everyone. It's cold on the floor. Let's talk inside."
Seeing Xue Laohu and his wife holding their little grandson, they quickly went over and said, "You're all back. Is this the little leopard? Come inside quickly."
Dinner was cooked by Li Lanzhen herself in her kitchen. She didn't have to lift a finger. Tonghua was the head chef, and Han Yuemei, Han Shulan, and Lu Huahua assisted. Ten dishes, symbolizing perfection, were served.
Li Erhan's family, Xue Laohu's family, and Xuan Shen were all together. There were so many people that they set up three tables. They didn't talk while eating and chatted freely.
Li Lanzhen spoke little, mostly playing with her granddaughter and grandson, but her ears picked up every word of everyone's conversation.
Han Mingxiang's three years in the imperial court have not been easy.
The older generation of court officials were particularly hostile to the newly appointed officials, and the best time to weaken their power was before they had gained sufficient influence.
Therefore, they had to complete the tasks assigned by the emperor while also dealing with these old ministers who were making things difficult for them.
When Han Shulan was giving birth, the baby was in an abnormal position, making the delivery difficult. Even with Han Mingxiang's name on a plaque, they couldn't get into the palace to summon the imperial physician.
During that time, Han Mingxiang went to the county closest to Beijing to check on the planting of sweet potatoes and potatoes, while Xue Bao went to the Xijiao Grand Camp in Beijing for training.
Basins of bloody water were carried out of Han Shulan's room. Later, Han Yinan used a secret contact method given to him by the Crown Prince to invite the imperial physician.
Li Lanzhen sneered inwardly. This was an attempt to kill Han Shulan and her unborn child, create discord between Han Mingxiang and the Emperor, and sow discord between them.
Han Minghai was furious. "And then what happened? Did they find out who was behind it?"
"The Crown Prince reported this matter to the Emperor, and after investigation, it was found that it was the former Minister of Revenue who did it. In the end, the Emperor found out that he and his children and grandchildren had disregarded human life and embezzled disaster relief funds, so they confiscated their property and were exiled," Han Mingxiang said calmly, though his words were not entirely clear.
"Third brother, you must be an honest official, a good official who serves the common people. Don't eat what you shouldn't eat, don't take what you shouldn't take. Our family isn't short of money." Han Minghai patted his shoulder, earnestly admonishing him.
"Don't worry, brother, I know. Mother always said that if an official doesn't serve the people, he might as well go home and grow sweet potatoes. I also came from a poor family, so I know this principle."
Xuan Shen was about to leave after finishing her meal, but everyone persuaded her to stay.
No matter what the family talked about, they didn't avoid him. Xuan Shen felt a warm current flowing through his heart; they were treating him like family.
Having overheard the two brothers' conversation, Xuan Shen looked at Li Lanzhen with admiration.
Aunt Lanzhen is such a good mother, raising such righteous children. He looked at the Han brothers and envied them for having such a good mother.
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