Chapter 455 - Chapter 455: Chapter 451: Da He Returns_1 (1/2)

Chapter 455: Chapter 451: Da He Returns_1

As they were talking, Aunt Jiang Yunniang came in, followed by the pregnant Hong Xiao.

Hong Xiao was already married and had happened to be visiting her parents’ home for New Year’s festivities that day.

“Yingbao,” Jiang Yunniang sat down next to Yingbao and handed her the box she was carrying, “This is the wedding gift I’m giving you.”

“Thank you, Aunt Jiang.” Yingbao accepted the gift, showing no hesitation, and asked, “Where do you live, Aunt? I’ll make sure to visit when I get the chance.”

She had heard her father say that he, along with her brother Dacheng, had bought a house in the county town for Aunt Jiang. This house was meant to be for Zhang Yuying’s wife, but the couple moved in as well. They argued that they had never technically split from the family, thus they should all live together to care for their mother in her old age.

Aunt Jiang was frustrated by their actions but couldn’t make them leave, so she had to endure them.

When Jiang Yunniang heard her niece wanted to visit, she was overjoyed. “I live in Willow Branch Lane, your mother knows where. When are you coming, Baobao? I’ll prepare dumplings for you.”

“I suppose I could come the day after tomorrow. I’ll use that time to familiarize myself with the house.” replied Yingbao.

Jiang Yunniang was moved to tears, knowing her niece was coming to her aid. Holding Yingbao’s hand, she said, “Alright, I’ll chop some more chives first thing in the morning.”

At this time, Hong Xiao stepped forward to perform a courtesy towards Yingbao, but Yingbao stopped her, “Cousin, there’s no need for formalities, you’re pregnant, please sit.”

The maid, Hupo, brought over a stool for Hong Xiao to sit down.

Hong Xiao was a bit tense. She smiled at Yingbao and greeted the elders present, then sat down on the stool, stealing glances at Yingbao, who was seated at the head of the table.

Yingbao was wearing a red gown adorned with golden phoenix patterns and a blue cloud-patterned shawl. Her hair was neatly coiled up, secured with a phoenix-shaped golden hairpin, flanked by two golden phoenix hairpieces. Her sparkling eyes and radiant teeth, as well as her delicate features, were as beautiful as ever, but now she carried an aura of authority.

Hong Xiao, feeling intimidated, stopped looking and listened quietly to the conversation.

Shortly after, the servants set up a feast in the side hall and invited the women to take their seats.

The main hall also had two tables prepared, and the celebration began.

As for the guards and servants, a feast was being prepared for them in the big kitchen, and they could eat when the masters were finished.

…

The next day, Jiang Sanlang and his wife took Yingbao and her husband back to the Plum Blossom Lane.

Upon entering the courtyard, they saw Dani running over, surprised at Yingbao’s appearance, “How have you changed so much?”

“What’s changed?” Yingbao laughed, “You’ve changed.” She felt Dani’s stomach, “You’re about seven months along, aren’t you?”

Dani blushed and nodded, taking Yingbao over to their grandparents.

Wei Zhan also came over, paid respect to his grandparents alongside Yingbao, and then distributed the gifts they brought.

Jiang Liu, Yingbao’s grandmother, was all smiles. She pulled Yingbao and Wei Zhan into the house and gave each of them a red envelope, “This is your New Year’s money.”

Yingbao laughed, “Grandma, we’re married now, we don’t need New Year’s money.”

“Who says!” Jiang Liu retorted, “We will give you New Year’s money until you have children.”

Dani chimed in, “It’s true, grandma said the same thing to me.”

Jiang Liu nodded her head with a grin, “Once you have children, I will give them New Year’s money instead.”

Just then, a few children ran in.

“They are Dani’s children, and that little girl is from my older brother’s family.” Dani introduced.

Yingbao took out a small silver gourd from her bag and handed them to the children.