The two little ones wanted to sleep in the main house, Ji Mingzhu had no objections.

As always, Princess An He might target her, but she would never harm Xie Yunzhen’s children.

It was true in the past.

And probably won’t change in the future either.

Besides her and Xie Yunzhen, the only one who could unconditionally favor Zimu and Zishan is Princess An He.

She had their luggage moved to the main house.

"Whenever you want to move back, I’ll send someone to help you retrieve your things."

Even though the two little ones were quite independent, Ji Mingzhu wasn’t sure if they could manage living in the main house for an extended period.

So she didn’t force them.

Instead, she let them choose for themselves.

When they wanted to accompany Princess An He, she sent their things to the main house.

When they wanted to come back, she would send someone to fetch them.

It’s a trivial matter, no need to overthink it.

Princess An He was very satisfied, as long as Ji Mingzhu didn’t interfere too much, she was confident that she could keep her grandchildren living in the main house.

It’s often said that affection skips a generation; Ji Mingzhu was also worried that Princess An He might spoil them too much, letting them eat indiscriminately.

As they were leaving the courtyard, she couldn’t help but remind her, "Mother-in-law, don’t let them eat sweets."

Understanding it was out of goodwill, Princess An He didn’t take offense.

If Ji Mingzhu couldn’t manage her children well and let them fall sick often, that would be truly frustrating.

"Is there anything else they can’t eat? Tell me all at once to avoid well-intentioned misunderstandings."

"There’s nothing they can’t eat, just don’t let them eat excessively."

Even though Princess An He had raised a child, Xie Yunzhen was brought up by a nanny when he was little.

In terms of taking care of children, Princess An He was also somewhat inexperienced.

She suddenly felt unsure.

While she dearly loved Zimu and Zishan, she also worried about something happening to them and being unable to face her daughter-in-law and son.

She said, "Who usually takes care of them? Let them come with me to the main house."

Since Princess An He said so, Ji Mingzhu sent Jade without hesitation.

Initially, she wanted Jade to follow, but feared that Princess An He would be displeased.

Now it was legitimate.

Knowing she was a close maid by Ji Mingzhu’s side and that Zimu Zishan liked her very much, Princess An He found Jade particularly pleasant to look at.

"Take good care of Zimu and Zishan. Once you’re of age, let Ji Mingzhu help you change your status. If she disagrees, write to me, and I’ll make the decision for you."

Jade was both honored and shocked but didn’t want her mistress to be misunderstood.

"Mistress is kind-hearted and treats her maids very well."

Princess An He was well aware of how Ji Mingzhu treated her trusted maids.

Back in the day, Gold was also given her freedom and a sum of Silver by Ji Mingzhu.

Later, she reportedly married a blacksmith, a simple and honest man who listened to Gold in everything.

They weren’t rich and powerful, but Gold was more fortunate than many women.

As long as Jade was smart enough not to overstep her bounds, Ji Mingzhu wouldn’t treat her poorly.

Ji Mingzhu instructed Zimu, "It’s getting late. After washing up, go to sleep obediently and don’t play around."

This little one had so much energy that sometimes both she and Xie Yunzhen were left overwhelmed.

They’d fall asleep and the little one would still be sitting up in bed playing.

Princess An He had been seriously ill before and needed proper rest daily; she couldn’t stay up late.

Ji Mingzhu worried her daughter wouldn’t sleep, causing Princess An He to stay up with her.

That would leave her exhausted and sick, which was undesirable.

Princess An He hadn’t experienced Zimu’s high energy levels and glared at Ji Mingzhu.

"She can sleep whenever she wants. Zimu isn’t even three years old; why do you have so many demands?"

Ji Mingzhu: "..."

Zimu didn’t want her mom to be scolded.

She furrowed her brow, "Mom is worried I won’t grow tall. Uncle Xi Yu said that you need to sleep and eat well to grow tall."

When facing her granddaughter and Ji Mingzhu, Princess An He had two different tones.

Smiling, she pinched the little one’s chubby cheeks, "Zimu knows so much, Granny didn’t know that. Thank you for teaching me."

The little girl’s furrowed brow relaxed immediately, magnanimously stating, "It’s fine not knowing. You can learn slowly."

Seeing her adult-like demeanor, Princess An He was extremely fond of her.

In her heart, she thought that previously Ji Mingzhu only had a pretty face and no other qualities.

Now she had found another one.

She was good at having children.

Zimu and Zishan were so clever and sensible, proving the Ji Family’s roots hadn’t held them back.

Princess An He lifted her chin slightly, "I’ll take them now."

Ji Mingzhu didn’t say much more.

With so many people watching over the siblings, nothing serious should happen.

A few steps away, Zishan suddenly turned back and said to Ji Mingzhu, "I’ll remind sister."

Ji Mingzhu chuckled softly, "Be good; your father and I will come to the main house for breakfast with you in the morning."

The two little ones were even happier.

They originally thought they’d wake up and return to find their parents.

"Mom, you and dad also have to sleep well. Don’t fight."

That wasn’t enough; he further reminded the person standing in the shadow, "Dad, no bullying my mom. If you make her cry again, we’ll take her and run away from home!"

With a stiff expression, Xie Yunzhen, who hadn’t spoken, scolded, "You spend all day talking nonsense; hurry up and go."

The little one huffed and turned to leave.

Deliberately stomping his feet loudly, expressing his dissatisfaction.

Princess An He was a bit embarrassed as well.

She had long known that Ah Zhen cared about Ji Mingzhu and clung to her whenever he had the chance.

But she hadn’t expected that after so many years, with two grown children, he was still the same as before.

She inexplicably felt somewhat fortunate.

She was glad she understood the situation earlier and didn’t force Ah Zhen into anything he didn’t want to do.

Nor did she place other women in his room.

Otherwise, today’s happy days might not exist.

She quickened her pace, catching up with the two little ones.

Princess An He kept murmuring, "Walk slowly, don’t fall."

Two rows of maids holding lanterns followed alongside, with the light gradually fading into the distance.

Previously, though Zimu and Zishan had moved out of the main building, they were still in the courtyard.

This was the first time they were so far away.

Ji Mingzhu suddenly felt a bit melancholy, rooted at the entrance of the courtyard, reluctant to leave.

A strong arm wrapped around Ji Mingzhu’s slim waist.

"They’re still in the estate, no need to be reluctant."

Ji Mingzhu was still feeling a bit down, "They’re growing up too fast. In the blink of an eye, they might leave us."

The scene from when the two little ones were born was still fresh in her memory, as if it happened yesterday.

In a blink of an eye, they could now run and jump, speaking many words like little adults.

Ji Mingzhu felt that before long, they’d be off traveling on their own adventures.

When the kids were around and making a fuss, at times it was overwhelming, making her yearn for a quiet place to be alone.

But when the children weren’t there, everything felt off, and she’d find herself worrying about them.

Ji Mingzhu lamented, "Being a parent is really not easy."

Xie Yunzhen completely agreed.

Sometimes, he also felt the children were too mischievous and considered spanking them.

But most of the time, he found Zimu and Zishan thoughtful and adorable, the joy of their family.

He loved them because he loved their mother.

He knew why he cherished those two children.

Bending down, he kissed the end of Ji Mingzhu’s brow, "If they want to leave, let them. As long as I’m here, it’s all right."

Ji Mingzhu smiled, "You’re different from them."

Xie Yunzhen played along, "Of course, I’m your favorite."

Ji Mingzhu: "..."