With two more children, the mansion bustles with activity every day.

After the New Year, Xie Yunzhen was busy with official duties, leaving early and returning late each day.

Mingzhu stayed in the mansion, playing and sleeping with the children daily, and did not feel bored.

After two months, Liu Xu finally arrived in Yanzhou.

Along her journey, news of her approached Yanzhou with each post she passed.

Thus, before she even entered the city, Mingzhu sent someone to wait at the city gate and invited her directly to the General Mansion for a visit.

She herself arranged a welcome banquet in the mansion, waiting for the guest to arrive.

Liu Xu was unsure how long she would stay in Yanzhou this time, planning to stay at an inn for a few days first.

If she didn’t leave Yanzhou soon, she would buy a small house to live in.

Unexpectedly, just as she entered the city, someone from the General Mansion came with a token to pick her up.

Liu Xu was not someone to be coy; knowing this was Mingzhu’s intention, she allowed the person to lead the way in a grand manner to the General Mansion.

Mingzhu awaited her at the mansion’s gate.

Once Liu Xu got off the carriage, she went up to her, "Madam Liu, it’s been a tiring journey, the mansion has prepared meals, come in for a meal and fill your stomach so you can rest in the courtyard." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

They had not seen each other for over a year.

Back then, Lan Ci was invited to a banquet at the Duke Mansion, giving Liu Xu the opportunity to meet Mingzhu.

They appreciated each other, but unfortunately, their acquaintance was short, and their friendship wasn’t very deep, making it feel a bit unfamiliar now.

Liu Xu handled matters diplomatically.

She could be low-key and cautious or free-spirited and unrestrained.

With Mingzhu, she chose the latter attitude.

Because she could tell that Mingzhu was different from the noblewomen of other families.

Even if their values didn’t completely align, they could still respect each other and get along amicably.

Liu Xu wanted to say that she was about ten years older than Mingzhu, and if Mingzhu didn’t mind, she could call her sister-in-law like Yun Ling did.

But thinking again, Mingzhu was the Duchess, with a prestigious position, and she might not bear the title of sister-in-law.

The words changed before being spoken.

She said instead, "Calling me Liu Xu directly is fine, Madam Liu...is too formal."

Mingzhu agreed without hesitation, "Then you can call me Mingzhu from now on."

It was obvious that she wasn’t just being polite, so Liu Xu laughed, "Alright, I’ll call you that when we’re alone."

Mingzhu instructed Uncle Wu, "Help the distinguished guest with her luggage to the courtyard."

Uncle Wu agreed and was about to order people to carry the luggage.

Liu Xu quickly pointed to one of the carts, "These are gifts from the Commandery Princess for the children, entrusted to me to deliver to you."

Mingzhu wasn’t surprised.

"Then send it directly to the main courtyard, so Zimu Zishan can open them when they wake up."

Uncle Wu nodded, personally overseeing the servants unloading the luggage.

He kept telling them to be careful and not damage anything.

Mingzhu gestured with her hand, indicating, "Let’s go inside before the food gets cold."

Liu Xu chuckled softly, "Then I’ll impose on you."

"We’re family, it’s no imposition."

The word ’family’ from Mingzhu made Liu Xu feel that their distance had lessened significantly.

"Yun Ling wanted to come to Yanzhou with me, saying she misses you and wants to see the children. If it weren’t for her and Lan Ci being newlyweds and reluctant to part, she might have really accompanied me to the frontier."

Mingzhu felt a bit regretful that she hadn’t gone back to attend Yun Ling’s wedding.

She asked Liu Xu, "How do Yun Ling and Lan Ci get along?"

"They are as intimate as glue and oil."

Liu Xu blinked as she said this.

This was also one reason she bought a house for the couple to live alone.

She, a single since birth, didn’t want to watch the young couple show off their love.

And her presence was awkward.

Whether as a widow’s sister-in-law or an elder sister, to the new wife, there was no difference from being a "mother-in-law."

Then Yun Ling would have to pay her respects, which was too troublesome.

It was better for each to live separately, not disturbing each other.

During festivities, they could gather for a meal and strengthen their ties.

Hearing that Xie Yunling’s marriage was happy, Mingzhu was happy for her.

She joked, "In a few years, Xie Yunzhen and I will take the children back to the capital, and they can meet then; she doesn’t need to make an extra trip."

Liu Xu teased, "She misses you, saying a day apart feels like three autumns."

Mingzhu was amused.

"I wonder if now with Lan Ci by her side, she’ll forget about me and Zimu Zishan."

Liu Xu thought back to the newlyweds’ condition before leaving the capital.

She nodded seriously, "That’s quite possible."

Getting distracted when dating is normal; if it were her, she might also prioritize love over friendship.

Liu Xu thought so.

Mingzhu only wished for Yun Ling’s happiness; being forgotten didn’t matter as long as she and Lan Ci lived well.

As they chatted, they passed through the drooping flower gate.

It was springtime, full of vitality; the yard was brimming with life with trees and plants lining the road, lush and verdant, making one feel good.

Even before reaching the garden, a fragrant aroma of flowers wafted, and Mingzhu pointed to a small courtyard nearby.

"That’s where I’ve arranged for you to stay. After the meal, you can rest, and once you’ve recovered, we can discuss serious matters."

Though she hadn’t seen the courtyard in detail yet, the surroundings were so pleasant that Liu Xu knew the small courtyard was meticulously arranged by Mingzhu.

Being well received, it was hard for Liu Xu to be in a bad mood.

This time, she brought many gifts for Mingzhu and the children, and it wouldn’t be too late to give them after unpacking.

Reciprocating graciousness is key to lasting relationships.

Being family, the welcome banquet wasn’t too formal.

Mingzhu directly led her to the main courtyard.

The courtyard was also lively with greenery and flowers.

Occasionally, butterflies danced among them, prompting Liu Xu to marvel, "Your family’s gardener is truly skilled; everything thrives."

Mingzhu agreed.

"Xie Yunzhen found him; I don’t know where he found such talent."

Liu Xu pondered, "I wonder if the flower and bird business thrives here."

Her immediate business talk reminded Mingzhu of Xie Yunzhen’s evaluation of Liu Xu.

It was both amusing and helpless, "Let’s not talk business today. If you’re interested, we can first research the market and the local soil. Delicate flowers are hard to maintain; if you want to venture into this, you’ll need skilled florists."

Liu Xu nodded, teasing, "You said no serious talk, but you’re pondering it now."

"Isn’t it just the conversation flowing naturally?"

With this chat, the sense of unfamiliarity between them completely vanished.

She invited her to the flower hall, instructed Jade to serve tea to the guest, and ordered the maid to serve the dishes.

Liu Xu didn’t see Xie Yunzhen, guessing he was out on business.

She was indeed tired from the journey and a bit hungry, making her a bit confused.

She asked, "Aren’t the children eating too?"

Mingzhu: "..."