Old Yun, carrying his hoe, returned from the fields, with Da Man, Er Man, and Jin Xiao Lou following behind.
The Yun family’s land was a bit larger than that of ordinary villagers, so the labor was more intense.
Although the seeds had been sown, the heavens hadn't brought rain, and the stream diverted by the waterwheel was also limited. Therefore, the family members took turns watering the fields with their horse-drawn cart every day. Often, after a bucket of water was poured, the dry soil would instantly absorb the moisture.
"Huh? Why is there a carriage parked in front of our house?" Yun Er Man asked curiously.
Jin Xiao Lou tilted her head, "Could it be a guest of Young Master Xiao?"
"Impossible..." Old Yun shook his head thoughtfully. "Young Master Xiao has cut ties with the capital. Who would come looking for him?"
"Dad, I'll go take a look!" Yun Da Man, carrying a bamboo basket, walked to the carriage. He lifted the curtain and saw it was empty inside.
Just then, a burst of laughter and conversation drifted from the courtyard.
Old Yun walked in and saw Prefect Qin's family chatting with his wife. They were so warm and friendly, as if they were relatives who had traveled from afar, showing no signs of estrangement.
"Well, Prefect, what wind brings you here today!" Old Yun quickly stepped forward and cupped his hands towards Prefect Qin.
Having not seen him for a long time, Prefect Qin had gained some weight. His face was plump, with a large head and big ears, exuding an air of nobility.
Madam Xue stood to the side with Qin Yi Yi and Qin Feng Lan. The twins had grown a bit taller and were becoming more and more beautiful.
Prefect Qin smiled and said, "I've heard about your family's affairs. The court was in rebellion, and rebels came to your home to capture the Crown Prince. I heard even Magistrate Chen was detained. Brother Yun, you were wise to flee to the capital in advance to seek refuge. Once you get past this hurdle, your family will surely prosper. Haha..."
Listening to Prefect Qin's hearty laughter, Old Yun's mood also lifted.
Madam Xue also smiled slightly, "He was just worried about you all and hadn't visited in a long time, so he wanted to come and see!"
Although that was what she said, the Prefect and his wife actually had other intentions.
They, like Magistrate Chen, were determined to marry their daughter into the Yun family.
Not for any other reason, but because their youngest daughter was capable and blessed with great fortune, bringing good luck to her family.
Take the incident of Xiao Xi Tian escorting the royal family, for example. In the face of a coup and rebellion, ordinary commoners would have been terrified and lost their wits. Yet, she managed to create a secret room that kept the Emperor and all the officials safe and sound.
Even Madam Xue's father, Xue Lu Hai, had hidden in the secret room, hadn't he?
Xiao Xi Tian had unknowingly saved so many people.
"Then let's not stand outside, come inside quickly!" Old Yun said with a beaming smile. He turned to Huai Hua and said, "Huai Hua, do we still have two pork knuckles at home? Stew them later, and I'll have a few drinks with the Prefect."
"No, Brother Yun, I can't eat and drink heavily anymore!" Prefect Qin stopped Old Yun and rubbed his belly. "The doctor told me I have to eat coarse grains from now on and can't indulge in rich food. It's not good for my health. Brother Yun, do you still have millet? It would be best to make some porridge, boil a few eggs, and bring out any pickled vegetables you have, alright?"
It was precisely because of his gluttony that Prefect Qin's blood pressure had soared, and sometimes he would even pass out while working.
Old Yun was stunned for a moment, then gave a dry laugh, "Look at what the Prefect is saying. He traveled all this way to our home and now wants to eat vegetarian!"
If others didn't know, they might think he was too stingy and not hospitable enough.
"It's alright, we'll have millet porridge today!" Prefect Qin patted Old Yun on the shoulder, showing no official airs.
Yun Jin Shan was napping in his room. For the past few days, he had been running to the village as soon as he finished school. Perhaps it was the academic pressure, combined with the fatigue from his frequent journeys, that often left him feeling sleepy.
"Second nephew, second nephew, hurry up and get up!" Xiao Xi Tian, with her short legs, rushed into the room and patted Yun Jin Shan's face. "Yi Yi is here, go and see her!"
"Hmm?" Yun Jin Shan opened his eyes and sat up with a jerk. "She's really here? Where is she?"
Xiao Xi Tian put her hand to her forehead and sighed, "They're chatting in the courtyard. I'll take you there."
Yun Jin Shan grunted and started putting on his shoes while tidying his hair and clothes.
"Oh dear, second nephew, you've put your shoes on the wrong feet!" Xiao Xi Tian said, half-amused, half-exasperated. She squatted down and helped him switch his shoes.
Yun Jin Shan chuckled foolishly, "It's... it's just that I'm too nervous!"
People are like this; they can say anything in letters, expressing longing and affection. But when they suddenly meet, they become so nervous that their hearts almost leap out of their chests.
Xiao Xi Tian: "..."
"Don't worry, I'm here!" Xiao Xi Tian said.
In the courtyard, Prefect Qin's family was about to be seated in the main hall. But as they turned, they noticed a strangely shaped building standing by the granary.
Four huge blades were slowly rotating in the wind, and a creaking sound came from within.
"That... that thing is?" Prefect Qin stood frozen in place.
Madam Xue and the twins were also surprised. They had never seen such a strange thing in the prefectural city.
Gu Shi smiled faintly, "That's a windmill designed by my little daughter. Don't let its clunky appearance fool you, it has many functions!"
"What is this thing used for?" Prefect Qin asked.
"It's for grinding grain!" a crisp, childish voice chimed in.
Prefect Qin's family turned around and saw Xiao Xi Tian walking over with a smile, followed by Yun Jin Shan with a blushing face.
"Sister Xi Tian!" Qin Yi Yi and Qin Feng Lan's faces lit up with joy, and they quickly rushed forward, hugging Xiao Xi Tian from either side.
"Hello, Sister Yi Yi, hello, Sister Feng Lan!" Xiao Xi Tian greeted them one by one.
Prefect Qin and his wife were also overjoyed, their smiles reaching their eyes.
The Yun family had a unique atmosphere of life. Compared to ordinary farming families, their home was more vibrant and energetic, which was why most people were willing to visit.
"Sister Xi Tian, you're still as cute as ever!" Qin Yi Yi pinched Xiao Xi Tian's cheek.
Xiao Xi Tian's eyes curved into a smile, "Sister Yi Yi is also becoming more beautiful..."
Upon hearing this, Qin Yi Yi couldn't help but glance at Yun Jin Shan, her cheeks flushing slightly.
After seeing the windmill, Prefect Qin lost the mood to even drink tea and quickly went inside to study its structure.
"Oh my, this design is simply brilliant, it's a stroke of genius!"
Prefect Qin praised it without reservation. He had been somewhat hesitant about whether to arrange a marriage with the Yun family.
But now, he realized that this marriage could not be delayed any further.