Chapter 287 - Chapter 287: Chapter 295: Encountering Indifference (2/2)
“Of course, the Third Child is now a Commander of the Imperial Court with the rank of sixth, ranking even higher than the magistrate of Xinye County. With such an honorable official visiting, we must provide a proper reception. We cannot be shabby and discredit our family. I heard he has more than ten followers with him, and that’s after he’s reduced his entourage. Such a grand entourage is truly imposing,” they discussed.
“Father and Mother, don’t worry. I won’t be stingy. I will make sure to offer the best we have to welcome them,” Mrs. Liu said in a rare display of generosity since the division of the household.
Old Man Han and Mrs. Yang were pleased with Mrs. Liu’s attitude today; it was only for Fourth son’s family that the eldest daughter-in-law was so magnanimous. After all, they had been benefiting greatly from the Fourth son’s generosity, and now that he had risen to a high rank, only a fool would neglect to curry favor.
“Eldest brother, go and inform the Second and Third brothers as well. Let them know the news too,” Old Man Han instructed.
“Really, are Fourth son and his wife coming back tomorrow? That’s marvelous. Fourth son has been gone for half a year; his return will surely fill Father and Mother with happiness. And what about the three nephews and niece; will Fourth son bring them along?”
“Yes, the whole family of five is coming back. Father and Mother are so excited they can’t even eat. They’re walking around the village, making sure everyone knows the good news,” said Han Hu, chuckling before turning to visit Third brother, Han Lin, only to be coldly received.
No matter past grudges or the different way Fourth son and his wife treated their house, Han Lin and his wife were not particularly interested in Han Yu and Su Wenyue’s return. After all, any benefits would unlikely reach them.
“Wife, wake up, we’re almost there!” Han Yu said softly to Su Wenyue and their four sleeping children in the horse carriage. Taking the opportunity, he helped Su Wenyue put on her heavy cloak and hat, wrapping her up tightly. The three nannies wrapped up the little ones in small blankets too.
“Are we there yet?” Su Wenyue asked, her face breaking into a smile upon hearing they had arrived. After all, she had lived in Xinhe Village for quite some time, including in her previous life, and she still felt a deep affection for the place.
“Soon, we’re almost at the entrance of the village. Get yourself and the children ready to avoid a sudden blast of cold air,” Han Yu suggested, adding some coals to the handwarmer and tucking it back into Su Wenyue’s hands.
Su Wenyue nodded. There wasn’t much to get ready; the nannies had packed the children snugly, and Han Yu had bundled her up like a ball. Actually, inside the cozy carriage, she was starting to feel a bit hot. She opened the carriage window and saw the familiar road and scenery, realizing they were indeed near the village entrance. She saw a crowd gathered there, though she couldn’t tell why, and as they drew closer, Su Wenyue heard the lively sound of gongs and drums.
“Husband, is someone having a celebration? It’s so lively, and we’ve arrived just in time,” Su Wenyue commented with a smile, pleased about returning to a joyful occasion—a good omen for their homecoming.
“Perhaps,” Han Yu remarked, as he too heard the commotion at the village entrance, speculating that someone might be getting married. Yet, it struck him as odd for a wedding to take place right at the entrance of the village without seeing a bridal sedan chair for the bride.