Chapter 824: Going Home
Guihua’s wife looked Yun Jiao up and down, and tears welled up again, "I haven’t seen you for years, and you’ve grown more beautiful."
"Last year, when we heard that the capital was under siege, we were all worried sick. Thank goodness, thank goodness, the Bodhisattva blessed us, and you finally came back safely."
Guihua’s wife wiped away her tears, "Stay here for lunch, you’ve always loved the dishes I make. What do you want to eat? I’ll go buy it now."
Yun Jiao laughed, "Thank you, Guihua’s wife. I really crave hometown dishes, haven’t had anything that suits my taste along the way."
"I’m not picky; whatever Guihua’s wife cooks, I’ll eat."
Guihua’s wife said happily: "Alright, then I’ll go grab the ingredients." As she spoke, she untied her apron and stepped out.
Inside the back-room main house, Jiang Youzhi skillfully changed You Er’s diaper, and Gu Yuheng adored him, picking up You Er with a smile, "He looks like Jiao Jiao when she was little."
He glanced at Yun Jiao, "I’ll take care of You Er first; you two go wash up and change your clothes."
"We’ll have lunch soon." He said, carrying You Er out happily, eager to boast his grandson to the neighbors.
Yun Jiao held Jiang Youzhi’s hand and said softly, "Thank you."
Thank you for buying back Renxin Hall, thank you for bringing back these people.
Jiang Youzhi pulled her into his embrace, rubbing his chin against her head, "Silly, you don’t need to thank me."
He leaned down and kissed her, "I’ll go get you some hot water; you haven’t bathed for three days. I know, you’re uncomfortable without a daily bath."
Jiang Youzhi headed to the front yard kitchen, where Uncle was stoking the fire, chirping excitedly upon seeing Jiang Youzhi.
Jiang Youzhi smiled at him and took the water to the back yard.
After bathing, Yun Jiao felt completely refreshed. Sitting beside the warming stove, she suddenly asked, "By the way, where are Mom and the others?"
Jiang Youzhi took a towel to dry her hair, "They should be at the Duke Mansion."
"After lunch, we’ll head back there."
At noon, the family gathered in the main hall for lunch, Gu Chuan went to his private school and wouldn’t return for lunch.
Knowing Yun Jiao was breastfeeding, Guihua’s wife specially made stewed black chicken, steamed bass, and braised pork.
Yun Jiao hadn’t tasted such delicious food in a long time and ate two large bowls of rice in a row.
Jiang Youzhi had finished eating earlier and served food to Yun Jiao, then said to Gu Yuheng: "Father, in a few days, I’ll get a recommendation from the Imperial College for Xiao Chuan to study there; he shouldn’t go to private school anymore."
Yun Jiao was a bit surprised, "The Imperial College is already set up?"
Jiang Youzhi nodded, "Aspiring officials are plentiful; as long as there’s a position, anything can be done."
"But, the scholars at the Imperial College are truly talented; Xiao Chuan is gifted, and has been studying for several years. As long as he applies himself, he should be able to pass the scholar exam in a year or two."
Gu Yuheng thanked Jiang Youzhi and then turned to Yun Jiao, "Also, there’s another matter. The day after tomorrow, I plan to visit our hometown with your brother."
"I haven’t been home for several years. Although your grandparents have long passed, your second and third uncles are still there, and we should go back to assure them we’re safe."
He sighed, "It’s also time to visit your grandparents’ graves."
Yun Jiao thought for a moment, "I’ll go with you."
Gu Yuheng nodded, "Alright."
After lunch, the family of three left Renxin Hall, and the carriage headed to the Duke Mansion.
The Duke Mansion today is not what it used to be; it’s merely a five-courtyard residence.
This was a gift from the current emperor to the Duke.
