Upon receiving Xie Yunzhen’s response confirming he would bring the two children back to the capital, Princess An He began counting down the days, eagerly waiting for their return home.

Like waiting for the stars, like waiting for the moon.

Although the days seemed as long as years, with the day of their meeting approaching day by day, Princess An He was in excellent spirits as the wait yielded results.

"Zimu and Zishan like sweets, so prepare pine nut candy, dragon whisker candy, osmanthus candy, peanut brittle... for them."

The mother reminded, "The County Princess and the young prince are teething now, eating too much candy is not good and will cause toothache later."

Princess An He also knew that eating too much was not good, but she wanted to fulfill the children’s wishes as they liked it.

Yet she feared they would suffer from toothaches.

Raising her own son before was never this contradictory.

She said, "Then steam a few pastries for them without sugar, make them look appealing. Zimu and Zishan will be delighted and should eat more."

The mother agreed repeatedly, "Everything is prepared, surely both young masters will be happy."

Princess An He took out the portraits of her grandchildren, looking at them over and over again.

The kindness in her eyes was nearly overflowing.

Suddenly she was worried, "I wonder if Ji Mingzhu has spoken ill of me over the years, if Zimu and Zishan misunderstand and are unwilling to be close to me, what should I do?"

The mom felt the Commandery Princess was overthinking.

That person was not one to gossip or sow discord.

She comforted, "Your intentions are clear to anyone with eyes. The lady sending you a portrait every six months surely suggests she knows in her heart who truly is the best elder for them."

Princess An He snorted.

"Having been dependent on others since childhood, she is most adept at reading people. Though she sent back the portraits, only she knows what’s truly in her heart."

The mother felt helpless, earnestly persuading, "Regardless of what the lady thinks, just watch what she does. Caring too much about others’ thoughts is packing unnecessary baggage on yourself, and it’s too exhausting."

Over the years, Princess An He’s temper has improved significantly.

Unlike before, she no longer permits sand in her eyes, nor forbids others to contradict her.

While fondling the portraits, she said, "As long as she doesn’t incite Zimu and Zishan to avoid me, I’ll be grateful to heaven, everything else can go as they wish; I truly cannot manage Ah Zhen and Ji Mingzhu."

The mother felt it wouldn’t happen.

The Duchess was not a gossiping, long-tongued woman.

Back then, when the Commandery Princess gave her a hard time, she never complained to the Lord.

If not for the Lord cherishing her, treating her like the apple of his eye — fearing to break if held, melting if kept in the mouth — perhaps the Lord might never have known even if she suffered more grievances.

"Once the County Princess and the young prince return home, you will know. Rest assured, the lady wouldn’t do such foolish things."

Princess An He verbally contradicted her feelings, "If she hadn’t done foolish things, would she have charmed Ah Zhen back then?"

A clever person should understand what is called a good match and an equal standing match.

But what about her?

She insisted on getting involved with Ah Zhen.

Ji Mingzhu was just lucky that Ah Zhen happened to fall for her.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t even know how she’d die.

The more she thought, the more Princess An He felt Ji Mingzhu wasn’t clear-headed.

"In the future, Zimu shouldn’t be like her; avoid associating with those not on the same level. A lowly marriage leads to poverty and grievances; a perfectly fine noble lady must keep her wits about her."

The mother inwardly thought, if the lady were dumb, could she enjoy today’s good life?

She’s just too smart, knowing whom to strategize for to secure her status as a rightful wife.

Among the noble ladies in the capital, including royal women, no one is as formidable as the lady.

Not only keeping the man firmly by her side but not even a single concubine in the back garden.

If the County Princess can learn her mother’s skills, the elders won’t have to worry about her after she marries.

She flatteringly said, "The County Princess is truly a golden branch and jade leaf, the person she will marry in the future is bound to be extraordinarily noble."

Princess An He loved hearing these words.

But in her heart, she still worried, "She shouldn’t be like Yun Ling either, judging men solely by looks; though many years have passed, Lan Ci has just barely advanced one rank. Who knows how long until he achieves great success."

The mother refrained from commenting.

Promotion isn’t that easy, and the son-in-law is already impressive.

Had it been someone else, they might have been demoted if not for promotion...

"When Zimu returns, she mustn’t interact too much with Yun Ling, lest she learns nothing good and only bad, and then it won’t be easy to correct her."

The mother gently reminded, "This is the County Princess’s little aunt, and since the lady gets along well with the second chamber, some things cannot be avoided. Just teach her well when the County Princess is with you."

"That’s true, otherwise I’d be stuck between a rock and a hard place again, I surely can’t act the villain and have Zimu dislike me."

Counting the days day by day, finally, Xie Yunzhen and Ji Mingzhu returned to the capital.

They are the masters of the male and female houses of the Duke Mansion, even though they are not often in the capital, their status is unshakable.

Before they even entered the city, household servants were already sent to greet them along the way.

Meanwhile, others in the estate, including Xie Yunling and Lan Ci, were waiting at the mansion’s gate for the family of four.

Lan Ci had met the dragon and phoenix twins, but Xie Yunling hadn’t.

At this moment, she was very excited.

Grabbing Lan Ci’s arm, Xie Yunling asked, "How do I look today? I heard kids like to play with pretty people. What if Zimu and Zishan ignore me?"

Lan Ci’s eyes filled with a smile, he carefully examined his beloved wife’s attire.

Her eyebrows were as if painted, snowy skin and fragrant cheeks, a face like a silver platter, very beautiful indeed.

Being scrutinized closely, Xie Yunling suddenly blushed.

Pretending calmness, "Say something."

Lan Ci chuckled lightly, "Exceedingly beautiful, truly captivating."

His praise embarrassed Xie Yunling.

Yet her heart was filled with sweetness.

She knew others mocked her for marrying a man with poor family background and status.

But living life is like drinking water; only you know if it’s cold or warm.

She knew she was living happily.

Smoothing her hair, "Haven’t seen Sister Mingzhu in three years, I wonder if she can still recognize me."

During this time, Xie Yunling had gained quite a bit of weight.

For this, Mrs. Guan even reminded her to eat less, exercise more, and not neglect herself lest her figure changed.

Three years, neither too long nor too short.

But not enough to change drastically.

Lan Ci cooperated, "Your sister Mingzhu misses you most, surely she’ll recognize you at a glance."

Xie Yunling gave him an appreciative look, "Sister Mingzhu surely holds me in her heart."

Though she had an elder brother and now two children, Sister Mingzhu hadn’t forgotten to write her letters over the years.

Xie Yunling felt that her status could remain unshakable!

The young couple stood in the back, whispering incessantly. Mrs. Guan turned her head, helplessly saying, "Whatever needs saying, say it when we return home."

The new bride standing beside her wore a gentle smile, "The little sister-in-law and the elder sister-in-law share a good relationship, naturally they’re excited now. Mother, you needn’t restrain her too much."

Mrs. Guan agreed, "They’ve been close since they were young."