Yu Meng alighted from the horse, supporting Jin Li. From the carriage behind them, He Lian Zhicheng and Duan Yao also arrived. Following them were the brothers Fan Sen and Fan Yao. Seeing this, Zhang Cuihua chuckled with joy.
"It's wonderful, we'll be able to have a reunion dinner this year."
Yu Meng stepped forward and hugged Zhao Jiaqi, her voice filled with tenderness and a hint of playful coquetry, "Mother, I've brought Jin Li back."
Zhao Jiaqi's loving face broke into a warm smile as she nodded at her. "It's good that you're back, good that you're back."
She glanced behind Zhao Jiaqi, not seeing her father. Before she could ask, Zhao Jiaqi said proactively, "Your father knows you're returning in a few days and is personally cooking some of his signature dishes for you. He's busy in the kitchen right now."
Yu Meng's mouth widened in surprise. Her father's cooking wasn't exactly bad; at least it was filling. Now, her father had signature dishes? This was truly remarkable.
She supported her grandmother into the house and saw her father's figure busy in the kitchen. A warmth filled her chest.
With her parents here, home was home. Returning always meant seeing this heartwarming scene. Suddenly, Yu Meng felt incredibly happy.
Zhao Jiaqi smiled warmly at her elder brother and his wife, "I didn't expect you two to come along. But this is good, everyone celebrating the New Year together will be livelier."
Duan Yao held her hand and whispered, "We're not planning on leaving this time. We'll stay here in Xiushui Village with you. You have no idea how lonely our lives are without you."
This was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise for Zhao Jiaqi. She welcomed it with open arms. "That would be wonderful. I have plenty of rooms, but there's one thing – I have few servants, so some household chores still need to be done by ourselves."
Duan Yao was unfazed by this. She snorted, "What's the big deal? If we do it ourselves, we'll have plenty to eat and wear."
The in-laws chatted joyfully, completely ignoring He Lian Zhicheng. He didn't mind, though, and went inside to find Fan Zehao on his own.
Seeing that their wives had endless things to talk about, the two sons realized that if they didn't interrupt, they might chat outside all night.
Fan Sen and Fan Yao respectfully stepped forward and knelt on the ground, speaking in unison to greet Zhao Jiaqi, "Your sons greet you, Mother."
The sons had matured, lacking the childish look from three years ago. Calculating, they were now seventeen, and would turn eighteen after the New Year.
"Kneeling even when you're emperor and prince? If the servants saw this, wouldn't it detract from your status?" As she said this, she helped the two children up.
Fan Sen and Fan Yao rose with serene smiles. Fan Sen said, "No matter how old we are, no matter what our status, you will always be our mother. It is a son's duty to kowtow to his mother. Your kindness in raising us is greater than the heavens."
"My elder brother is right. In front of you, our status is that of sons, nothing else."
The brothers' words brought tears to Zhao Jiaqi's eyes. Her children had indeed grown up.
Duan Yao looked at the two boys' filial piety and also felt happy for Zhao Jiaqi. "Sister-in-law, you didn't dote on or educate these children in vain. You deserve to enjoy your blessings now."
Zhao Jiaqi didn't humble herself on this point. "Indeed. In my life, I have only one good husband, one good daughter, a pair of sensible sons, and this little bundle of joy. I am content with my life."
Amidst laughter and chatter, the group returned indoors.
For the New Year's Eve dinner, everyone sat at the same table, regardless of gender or age.
Even a few neighboring families joined in the excitement. Their noses seemed to have been led by the aroma. Over twenty people sat around a specially made round table, with a small pot of red broth in front of each person, clearly indicating a hot pot meal.
Fan Zehao stood up, raising his wine cup, and declared heartily, "This first cup of wine is for my parents. Without them, I would not be where I am today."
He finished the cup in one go and poured himself another. "This second cup of wine is for my wife. Without her, I would not have achieved my current success, nor would I have these good children. I thank her for accompanying me and for her silent support."
He drank it down and looked at Zhao Jiaqi with a gentle smile in his eyes.
Raising the third cup, he turned to Fan Guangping and Wang Zhaodi. "This third cup of wine is to thank my elder brother and sister-in-law. When my wife and I were away from the estate, it was you two who took care of our parents. If not for you two, my wife and I would not have been able to entrust all matters at home. I am very grateful to you both, elder brother and sister-in-law. This wine is for you."
Fan Guangping stood up, rubbing his hands awkwardly, and quickly said, "My brother, you're being too formal. We're all family, there's no need for such words. Sit down quickly and have some food to sober yourself up."
Fan Zehao helped his elder brother sit down. He was an honest man. Even living in the prince's mansion for these years hadn't changed his simple appearance.
This was why he and his wife were willing to bring their elder brother and sister-in-law along, and why they supported Fan Chen in his business endeavors. Having such family members was a blessing for them both.
After three cups of wine, Fan Zehao felt a pang of melancholy and sighed softly. Zhao Jiaqi heard the sigh and first looked at him. Seeing that his spirits were not high, she was puzzled.
A moment later, she understood and tugged his sleeve. "Are you missing Jun Jun?"
Fan Zehao nodded silently and whispered, "We have a full reunion this year. Although Jun Jun isn't my biological daughter, I treat her as my own child. This year, we are only missing her and her husband and child."
Zhao Jiaqi lowered her gaze. If Jun Jun hadn't been pregnant with her second child, perhaps she could have come this year. But where in the world could everything be perfect?
She forced a smile. "Next year, after Jun Jun gives birth, we'll be able to reunite for the New Year."
Fan Zehao dared not dwell on the thought. Who knew what next year would bring? As he was thinking, the door to the room was pushed open from the outside.
Everyone turned their heads in unison and saw a rosy-cheeked little girl, about five or six years old, run in. She was wearing a thick, peach-pink padded jacket, which further accentuated her fair and tender skin.
"Rui Rui greets her great-grandfather and great-grandmother, her grandfather and grandmother, her uncles, her aunt, and all the elders."
The little girl performed the proper etiquette, greeting each of them in turn. Fan Zehao excitedly stood up, pointing a trembling finger at the little girl. "Wife, am I seeing things? Isn't this my little granddaughter? Have Jun Jun and Zong Han returned?"