"Slow down, don't rush," Xu Han called out as she walked quickly forward.
He led the two children closer and caught them as they ran towards him.
Perhaps the two children were running too fast and the impact was too great, or perhaps the two children had grown taller and heavier, but Xu Han almost couldn't catch them and stumbled before regaining her footing.
Seeing this, Lu Chuan glared at Mu'er and Ze'er, as if blaming them for being reckless and almost hurting their mother.
The two children felt the gaze from above and buried their faces in Xu Han's arms guiltily.
Before Xu Han could speak, Grandpa Zhao's cheerful voice came from behind the children. Just from his laughter, you could tell he was really happy.
"Haha, you're finally back. Have you had breakfast yet? Should I prepare some food for you?"
Zhao Yunyun affectionately took Grandpa Zhao's arm. "Grandpa, I'm so glad to finally see you. You have no idea how much I've missed you while I was away from home, I couldn't sleep at night."
Xu Han answered Grandpa Zhao's question, "Grandpa Zhao, we're back from breakfast. We'll have lunch with you later."
"Alright, alright, that's fine as long as you eat it." After saying that, he tapped Zhao Yunyun's forehead with his hand. "You little rascal, you're still so childish."
She said she missed me, but all these years she hasn't come back to see me even once.
Zhao Yunyun said coquettishly, "Oh, Grandpa, please don't scold me."
Yunhua then spoke up at the opportune moment, "Alright, alright, everyone, let's go inside and talk. Let's not stand here at the gate, it's getting cold."
The Taoist priest glanced at Yunhua and yelled, "Neither of the two children complained of being cold, but you complain? How can you be so shameless?"
Yunhua rubbed her nose, annoyed by the yelling, and thought to herself, "I was just trying to ease the tension. Besides, it doesn't look good for everyone to be standing outside the door."
But he only dared to mutter it to himself; it was absolutely impossible for him to say it out loud.
Xu Han smiled and took over the conversation, "Let's go inside first. It's still early, let's have some tea and chat."
Upon hearing this, the group entered the courtyard one after another. After everyone was seated, Xu Han called Dan Niang over to add tea.
Then she followed Dan Niang to the kitchen. "There are a lot of people for lunch today, so we'll add a few more dishes. There's some meat and vegetables in the basket. Go get them, and we'll cook together."
Upon hearing this, Dan Niang immediately went out to fetch the ingredients, fearing that Xu Han wouldn't cook if she was even a little slow.
They had naturally heard some of what was happening in the county town, and the people deep in the mountains also knew a little about how their wives had been personally appointed by the emperor as agricultural commissioners of the third rank.
Dan Niang originally thought that Xu Han would definitely be different after being granted an official position.
I didn't expect her to still be so approachable and down-to-earth.
Seeing Xu Han like this, Dan Niang's anxiety gradually subsided. They still preferred the original lady, who was easygoing and unpretentious.
Although that's what they thought, things were different after all, and they all knew what was important. They couldn't help but have more respect for Xu Han.
Dan Niang thought to herself, "Although Madam is still the same as before, she is different from before."
Everything is slowly changing, and everyone is well aware of that.
With Dan Niang's help, Xu Han prepared a very sumptuous meal for lunch today.
It's rare for everyone to get together like this, so let's have a reunion dinner.
Everyone chatted and laughed at the dinner table, sharing interesting stories from their lives over the past few years.
During the conversation, Zhao Yunyun was inevitably asked about her marriage. Without any hesitation, she openly told everyone, "Li Lin said we'll get married after the New Year. The reason I came back this time is actually to invite everyone to our wedding in Nancheng."
I had already discussed this with my grandfather when I wrote the letter before, and he agreed to it.
So I thought I'd take advantage of this Chinese New Year holiday to take everyone to the south of the city, so they could get familiar with the area and come visit me later.
After hearing what Zhao Yunyun said, Grandpa Zhao's wrinkles deepened into a smile.
"Haha, yes, I agreed."
You've been in the county town all this time, and I haven't had a chance to tell you both.
Yunyun is getting married to Li Lin after the New Year. After the wedding, they will settle down in Nancheng.
Upon hearing this, Xu Han and Lu Chuan said nothing more. Since Grandpa Zhao had agreed, what could they say?
"Really? Has the date been set? We need to make some preparations. As your family, we'll have to support you." Xu Han laughed as she spoke.
Hearing Xu Han's teasing, Zhao Yunyun blushed and became shy.
"Oh dear, Sister Xiaohan always teases me. What do you mean by 'entertainment venue'? As long as you guys can come, that's all that matters. I don't need anything else."
Lu Chuan smiled and replied, "Since you call Xiao Han 'sister,' then we are your family. You still need a dowry, and we'll take care of that."
Over the years, although they haven't seen each other often, Lu Chuan has long regarded Zhao Yunyun as a younger sister.
Grandpa Zhao quickly interrupted, saying, "There's no need for you to prepare a dowry."
Don't worry, I'll take care of Yunyun's dowry. I'll definitely not mistreat my own granddaughter.
I know you two are having some financial difficulties lately.
You should all keep your money for yourselves; you'll need it more often in the future!
Xu Han smiled slightly, "Grandpa Zhao, what you prepared is what you prepared. What Lu Chuan and I prepared is what we prepared, so they are different."
As for money, you don't need to worry. His Majesty has rewarded me with another hundred taels of gold, and with the shop's revenue before the New Year, there's still enough money to prepare a dowry for Yunyun.
This is our token of appreciation, please don't refuse it.
Grandpa Zhao wanted to say something more, but the Taoist priest interrupted him, "I say, old man Zhao, if the girl wants to prepare, just let her prepare."
This was her way of showing her love as the older sister, and Yunyun hadn't even said anything yet, but you refused.
Zhao Yunyun, who was eating with her head down, quickly said, "Sister Xiaohan, Li Lin's family is rich, I don't lack money."
"If you really want to prepare a dowry for me, then prepare some canned fruit and mushroom sauce! That would be good."
Xu Han was both amused and exasperated upon hearing this, "Have you ever heard of a dowry consisting of food?!"
People usually give jewelry and headdresses, or shops and land; who gives food as a dowry?
Yunhua teased, "Yunyun, you really are a foodie. I'm impressed that you could even think of this."
Lu Chuan chimed in, "Don't worry, you'll have a dowry, and you won't be short of food."
Your sister Xiaohan prepared everything for you a long time ago; it's all stored in the storeroom!
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yunyun's eyes lit up. "Brother-in-law, is it true? Are you really prepared?"
Perhaps because she didn't believe it, Zhao Yunyun asked twice.
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