Gu shi expressed that she was not happy at all, but rather filled with confusion.
How did she suddenly gain a son?
When the old man married her, he never mentioned having a child outside!
"Old Madam, I have explained everything. My young master is blessed with a long life and has endured many hardships in his childhood. However, he survived a great calamity and met good people. Now, he has traveled a long distance to find his family, wishing to reunite with his biological father..."
Old Ma, spitting as he spoke, was more excited than the person concerned. "Young Master is currently hosting a banquet at Fu Xiang Ge in the county town, specifically inviting Old Madam and her family to dine. Everyone, please return to your rooms and put on warm clothes. We shall depart now!"
"Where is my daughter?" Gu shi frowned.
She hadn't returned home this late; what if she encountered danger?
And what about the old man, running around with their daughter outside, showing no semblance of an elder...
"Old Madam, please rest assured. Miss is with the Master, and the young masters of the family are all waiting at Fu Xiang Ge!" Old Ma explained with a smile.
Zhao Guihua exchanged a look with Du Tieshan upon hearing this, expressing surprise. "Why didn't Father tell us about such a big matter earlier?"
"Father probably didn't know either..." Du Tieshan murmured.
Xiao Jinheng was not particularly concerned about this matter. He was mainly agitated because the little village child hadn't returned home yet.
"Xiao Ying, Xiao Jun, prepare the carriage. Accompany me to the county town!" Xiao Jinheng instructed, then returned to his room to change.
Gu shi, also worried about her daughter, briefed Zhao Guihua on household matters, then put on a sheepskin cloak and set off in Xiao Jinheng's carriage...
Unexpectedly, before they could even leave the house, Yun Siman caught up. "Mother, I'll go with you!"
Since he had an older brother, he absolutely had to go and see him!
Following closely, Zhao Guihua and Du Tieshan also came out, wanting to go into town together...
Then Jin Shan, Jin He, Jing De, Yun Xiaobao, Jin Xiaolou, Yao Jinsheng, Sun Tianxiu, and Xiao Xinling also rushed to the carriage, vying to go along.
Farm life was inherently dull, especially after dinner, with almost no activities. Now, with such a big piece of gossip laid out before them, how could they not indulge?
Gu shi placed a hand on her forehead and sighed. "The carriage can't fit so many people!"
But where there's a will, there's a way. Moments later, two carriages stopped side-by-side at the main entrance, and the onlookers poured into them...
The Yun family was usually bustling and noisy, but today, only Jin Huaihua remained at home to take care of Xiao Zhuzi. The entire courtyard was empty and as quiet as a mouse.
Xiao Jinfeng and Gu Mingyan, staying in the guest rooms, got together, playing chess and drinking to pass the boring time...
"This Marquis has heard that the Yun family has gained another son?" Gu Mingyan said calmly.
Xiao Jinfeng chuckled. "What, Marquis Gu, are you envious?"
"Why would this Marquis envy such a thing?" Gu Mingyan placed a chess piece.
"Of course, I envy the life of the old Yun family!"
Xiao Jinfeng curved his lips, a playful smile appearing. "Marquis Gu, you've seen it too. The old Yun family has many descendants and is thriving. Their lives are more exciting than any storybook. Although there are quarrels and arguments, it doesn't affect the family's affection. But Marquis Gu is different; you are now alone, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call you an eternal bachelor. When night falls, Marquis Gu must feel very lonely..."
Gu Mingyan heard this and chuckled. "This Marquis doesn't think so. Only those who are overly sentimental will cry about being lonely all over the world. But speaking of which, as the second prince of the Great Prosperity dynasty, there should be no shortage of girls wanting to marry you. Why haven't you married yet?"
"That's because my mother consort doesn't allow it..." Xiao Jinfeng said with a bitter expression.
With the great cause not yet achieved, even if he married a princess into his mansion, she would be a burden.
The marriage alliance with Princess Fang'er was strongly pushed by Emperor Cheng. When Consort Xian learned of this, she was almost angered to death.
Later, the Chen Kingdom was destroyed, and Princess Fang'er disappeared without a trace. Consort Xian was almost overjoyed to death...
"Young Master Xiao, Young Master Gu, the frozen pears are ready!" Jin Huaihua walked in, carrying a small basin of frozen pears.
Seeing this, Xiao Jinfeng personally jumped down from the kang and took the frozen pears. "Your hands must be frozen. Come up to the kang and warm up. Oh my, look at your hands, they're so cold. It's clear no one dotes on you. Here, let me warm them for you!"
Gu Mingyan: "..."
Consort Xian doesn't allow you to marry, so you've come to the countryside to date?
Jin Huaihua's face turned as red as a ripe apple. After bowing to Gu Mingyan, she returned to take care of Xiao Zhuzi.
Meanwhile, in the county town, on the second floor of Fu Xiang Ge.
Chu Jiangtun stood by the window, craning his neck to look outside, anxiously rubbing his hands. "Oh dear, it's completely dark now. Why hasn't Old Ma returned yet?"
Could it be that his family didn't want to see him...
Er Ma gently advised, "Young Master, Dashui Village is too far from the county town, and the roads are covered in snow. Please don't worry, wait a little longer!"
Actually, it wouldn't matter if Chu Jiangtun waited until morning, but he was afraid his family wouldn't accept him.
Also, Father and his siblings had been busy all day and were now tired and weary. It wasn't good to just sit here like this...
If he had known this, he shouldn't have impulsively invited his family for drinks.
He had a whole day tomorrow to arrange this matter. Why drag everyone into staying up late in the dark?
Xiao Xitian was nestled in the armchair, her eyes too heavy to open. Her chubby little body was curled up, like a big meatball.
Yun Sanman took off his cloak and draped it over his sister, then looked at Chu Jiangtun. "Brother Jiangtun, why don't we call it a day? Tomorrow you can go to Dashui Village. We have plenty of game meat at home, and we can have a good meal then..."
Chu Jiangtun listened, looking embarrassed, and shot Er Ma a look. "Ride your horse and go out to meet them!"
If they didn't come, then they would have to talk about it tomorrow.
"Okay!"
Er Ma responded, pushed open the door, and was about to run downstairs when he heard Old Ma's voice. "They're here, they're here, everyone's here, haha..."
Upon hearing this, everyone's faces lit up, and they hurried to the private room door to greet the guests.
Even Xiao Xitian sat up from the armchair, her eyes wide open, looking towards the door.
Moments later, Old Ma led Gu shi and her family to the second floor. Under Chu Jiangtun's extremely enthusiastic hospitality, they entered the private room...
"Mother, you're here!" Xiao Xitian, like a little cannonball, rushed into Gu shi's arms.
Xiao Jinheng: "..."
I was clearly the first one to enter the room, so why didn't the little village child hug me?
Gu shi only breathed a sigh of relief after seeing her daughter safe and sound, then looked up, her gaze falling on Chu Jiangtun...