Though the medicine was bitter, she inexplicably felt a bit more at ease. She knew that while Chun Nuan appeared indifferent, she didn’t truly neglect her. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have gone out of her way to prescribe medicine and arrange such a nice place for her.

"Alright, I got it." Mrs. Huang handed the medicine bowl to the maid, her tone much more relaxed, "You all don’t have to stand around. Go do whatever needs doing. I just want to rest by myself for a while."

Granny Zhong saw her attitude improve and breathed a sigh of relief, quickly replying, "Yes, take care and rest well. If you need anything, just call us. We’ll be waiting outside." With that, she and Nanny Yu quietly retreated, gently closing the door behind them.

The room now quieted down, Mrs. Huang lay on the soft bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind filled with conflicting emotions.

She thought about her antics at Chun Shu’s wedding, the silver needle Chun Nuan had placed at the back of her neck, and the tranquility and attentive care in this manor, and her lips curled up unintentionally. Perhaps, this wasn’t so bad, not having to worry about those trivial matters, peacefully recuperating here, waiting for Chun Shu to visit her, waiting for Chun Nuan’s follow-up visit. Life wasn’t too bad.

Meanwhile, at the Xiao Mansion, Mrs. Xu was talking to Chun Nuan, her face full of satisfaction, "You always have good ideas, sending your third aunt to the manor. This way, Chun Shu doesn’t get a bad reputation for being unfilial, and we get some peace in the mansion. Make sure the medicine you prescribed for your third aunt is sent to her on time. Don’t let her treatment get delayed."

Chun Nuan nodded, speaking calmly, "Aunt, don’t worry. I’ve arranged everything. The maids looking after her are attentive people. They’ll give the medicine to the third aunt on time. After some time, I’ll go to the manor to check on her and adjust her prescription. After all, she’s Chun Shu’s mother and a part of us, the Xiao family. We can’t neglect her."

Seeing Chun Nuan’s steady demeanor, Mrs. Xu felt even more reassured. The child was young, but more thoughtful than anyone. With her around, it was like having a reliable anchor. With such a child in the Xiao family, the future was bound to be brighter.

Next, she still had to oversee Chun Ning’s marriage.

Each of these tasks was really exhausting! 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

In contrast, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Xu, seemed overly relaxed every day.

"Truly..."

Mrs. Xu chuckled in exasperation, "Who really is Kung Ning’s mother here?"

"Elder sister-in-law, you are, you are."

"You mischievous one, you’re a grandmother now and still so unruly."

Why do people live their lives so burdened?

Mrs. Xu and Mrs. Huang were two extremes.

One cared about nothing, while the other constantly thought someone was out to harm her children.

Truly...

The Xiao Mansion was abuzz with joy!

The street in front of the Xiao Mansion was already adorned in jubilation from early on. Bright red lanterns hung from the mansion gate all the way to the end of the street, swaying gently in the breeze and bathing the entire street in a festive red.

On either side of the mansion gate, there were gilded "Happiness" characters displayed, with bright red silk draping over the doorframe. Even the stone lions in front of the gate were adorned with red silk flowers, exuding a thick atmosphere of joy.

Although the auspicious hour had not yet arrived, the entrance of the Xiao Mansion was already crowded with guests who came to congratulate.

Carriages lined up along the street, with people stepping out in elegant attire, carrying exquisite gifts in their hands, smiling and exchanging polite greetings with the Xiao Mansion’s servants who came to welcome them.

"Congratulations! Mr. Xiao is marrying the girl from the Zhong family and has the honor of being a second-place scholar. Truly a double blessing!"

"Indeed! We must soak in all this joy!"

The guests’ chatter and laughter intertwined, creating a lively atmosphere.

The mansion was even more festive inside.

In the courtyard, a red wedding canopy was set up, filled with tables and chairs, with refreshments and tea already prepared on them. Maids and servants bustled around, swiftly serving tea and snacks to the guests, their faces carrying warm smiles.

On stage, the opera troupe performed the lively "The Dragon and Phoenix Bring Prosperity," with drumbeats, string music, and the singer’s melodies echoing, prompting cheers from the guests below.

Mrs. Xu wore a brand-new sapphire embroidered robe with the character for fortune, her hair impeccably styled, held in place with a gold and pearl hairpin.

She stood at the entrance of the main hall, watching the comings and goings, the laughter and chatter, with her eyes glistening with tears. She raised her hand to gently wipe the corner of her eye, yet her mouth curving upwards unconsciously.

A maid beside her noticed, quickly handing her a clean handkerchief, softly saying, "Great Madam, today is a joyous occasion, you should be happy."

Mrs. Xu accepted the handkerchief, gently patting the maid’s hand, her voice tinged with emotion.

"Happy, truly happy. I remember when the Elder Master and Madam were wronged, and overnight, the Xiao Mansion faced disaster. Even those close friends, who were usually in frequent contact with us, couldn’t avoid us fast enough, and even the stone lions at the gate seemed covered in dust."

But now, with Chun Ning’s success as a top scholar and marrying such a fine girl from the Zhong family, the Xiao Mansion has finally regained its liveliness.

"The Elder Master, from the heavens, can finally rest in peace."

As she spoke, her gaze fell on the figure in the courtyard, dressed in a bright red wedding robe, busy greeting guests. Chun Ning was the hope of the Xiao family, and seeing him so vibrant and energetic now, Mrs. Xu’s heart was full of contentment.

Chun Nuan stood not far from Mrs. Xu, dressed in a sky-blue ruqun, with a delicate jade hairpin in her hair. She looked at the bustling scene in front of her, her eyes carrying a hint of complexity.

She recalled the time when the Xiao family fell into hardship, the whole mansion was in a panic, even keeping warm and fed became an issue.

Upon first arriving in Shu City, the family gritted their teeth and endured. It was only through their unity that they got through those toughest of times.

Now, the Xiao family had finally come through the storm, but those who had distanced themselves during the family’s fall were now flocking back. The fickleness of these human relationships was laid bare.

"Second sister, what are you thinking about?"

Chunyu walked over to Chun Nuan’s side, following her gaze, and smiled as she spoke.

"Look at Chun Ning, how spirited he looks today, and the bride is someone he truly admires. They truly are a perfect match."

Chun Nuan snapped out of it, smiled at Chunyu, and softly said, "Yes, it’s wonderful that they ended up with such a good outcome. Yet, remembering the past days, one can’t help but feel a bit wistful. But it’s all behind us now, and the Xiao family will only get better in the future."

She looked back at the courtyard, at all the faces brimming with smiles, thinking to herself, no matter what the future holds, as long as the family stays together, working as one, the Xiao family will remain lively like this, never returning to the cold and deserted days of the past.

At that moment, a festive sound of suona music came from outside, and someone shouted out loud.

"The bride is here!"

Instantly, the atmosphere inside the mansion grew even warmer, as guests rushed to the gate to catch a glimpse of the bride’s appearance.

Mrs. Xu hurriedly had Mrs. Xu adjust her attire, a bright smile on her face.

Chun Nuan also moved forward with the crowd, watching the flower sedan chair slowly approach, the wistfulness in her heart gradually replaced by joy, knowing that the Xiao family’s good days were just beginning.