Chapter 620

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Upon hearing this news, the two Noble Consorts could not help but feel worried: once they followed Shangguan Peilin's entire household to the Dachang Kingdom's capital, they would likely never be able to return to their homeland to visit relatives and friends again... Thinking of this, the two women naturally felt unwilling.

Not only that, but each of them also had a child of their own! Now these children had all grown into adults, sensible and understanding. So they were unwilling to travel such a long distance to the capital to spend their remaining years.

Shangguan Peilin respected their wishes, and so decided to divide the assets in his private treasury into three parts: one part was naturally kept for himself;

the other two portions were respectively bestowed upon those two Noble Consorts. Thus, Shangguan Peilin and these three women parted ways amicably.

However, although everyone was dismissed, Li Defu was unwilling to leave just like that. Although he knew very well in his heart — Shangguan Peilin was no longer the lofty Emperor, he still willingly continued to serve this former master of his.

Seeing this situation, Shangguan Peilin felt pity, and ultimately chose to keep Li Defu by his side.

It is worth mentioning that Shangguan Xingyan had established quite a few enterprises within the Dongying Kingdom, and also possessed a spacious mansion. Thus, the group temporarily settled in this estate.

And after Shangguan Peilin received the letter sent by Shangguan Xingyan, the heavy stone hanging in his heart finally dropped — he learned that the mansion in the capital was being prepared in full swing.

With this news as a reassurance, Shangguan Peilin's mood became much more cheerful and at ease, and he began to silently look forward to Shangguan Xingyan's subsequent letters.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye over a month had passed. Just as Shangguan Peilin could barely contain his inner excitement, a letter from Shangguan Xingyan arrived gracefully!

The letter read: "The residence has been fully repaired and is ready for occupancy at any time." This good news was like a spring breeze brushing the face, making everyone overjoyed and eager to set off.

In fact, as early as several days ago, everyone had already arranged all matters properly.

Not only that, but even the gifts to be given to everyone at the An Wangfu had long been prepared. Therefore, after Shangguan Peilin finished reading that long-awaited letter, everyone took merely two short days to pack up and set off on the journey.

However, this journey spanned ten thousand li; the distance was far beyond imagination. If they rushed blindly for speed, everyone would likely be exhausted to the point of unbearable suffering.

Thinking of this, the group simply slowed their pace, leisurely walking while admiring the scenery along the way, treating it as a carefree journey.

Fortunately, the heavens smiled upon them, and the trip was peaceful throughout; moreover, with many highly skilled dark guards protecting Shangguan Peilin on both sides, this long journey full of variables ultimately turned danger into safety, and they smoothly reached their destination — the Dachang Kingdom.

Although they were travel-worn all the way, when Shangguan Peilin chatted with everyone, he did not mention a single word about the hardships and dangers encountered on the road.

In truth, no words were needed; others naturally understood the reason in their hearts. Recalling the initial trip to the An Wangfu to propose marriage, to show sincerity and respect, both the An Wang and his wife had personally made the arduous journey despite the hardship. At that time, the roads were rugged and the carriages and horses toiled — the length and exhaustion of that journey, how could ordinary people endure it?

The meal was eaten to about seven or eight parts full, the wine also drunk dry; Shangguan Peilin then proposed setting off for home.

The An Wang naturally would not stop them; given the long journey, the eagerness to return to the nest and rest was only human nature.

Thus the An Wang said: "Since it is so, this King will not force you to stay. The furnishings and utensils in the new residence were all handled by Xingyan; one expects they will suit your habits well. Moreover, this estate is only a street away from this King's An Wangfu; if you need anything, you may come find this King at any time." Hearing this, Shangguan Peilin repeatedly expressed his thanks.

Just at this moment, Shangguan Xingyu spoke up: "Father King, this daughter-in-law has not yet set foot in that new residence, and is truly curious; I wish to go take a look."

The An Wang nodded in agreement: "Good! Then you go together. Si'er, accompany them; whatever is needed, make sure to arrange it properly. This King is a bit tired today, so I will not accompany you."

Yan Si nodded slightly, indicating for the An Wang to set his mind at ease. Seeing this, the An Wang said no more, but the An Wangfei and Liu Jin still chatted with Shangguan Peilin and the others for a good while about family matters, until they saw them out the An Wangfu gate, watching the carriage carrying Shangguan Peilin grow distant until it completely disappeared from sight, only then did the two turn and return to the residence.

Time flew; in a flash it was New Year's Eve. Yan Shuang'er heard that on New Year's Day, Qianqian's beloved would come to the An Wangfu to dine together; additionally, the Second Sister-in-law's natal family would also visit.

This news aroused Yan Shuang'er's curiosity; she could not suppress the urge to go see for herself and join the bustle.

Thus, on New Year's Eve, Yan Shuang'er enthusiastically sought out Yan Xiner, proposing they return to the An Wangfu together the next day to celebrate the Spring Festival.

Yan Xiner was originally quite interested in this matter; unable to withstand her younger sister's persistent coaxing, her heart grew increasingly itchy with curiosity, and she decided on the spot to find Guo Lanxin to discuss it.

Guo Lanxin had always doted on Yan Xiner, so naturally she had no objections; not only did she agree wholeheartedly, she even specially instructed that Ai Chun must also go along. Upon receiving this good news, the An Wangfei was overjoyed and immediately began preparing all matters, busy and delighted.

The originally exquisite and delicate large red lanterns were forcibly replaced with giant lanterns a full two sizes larger than before!

Not only that, but even the Spring Festival couplets and "Fu" characters in the courtyard were pasted densely, leaving almost not a sliver of blank space.

This series of arrangements made the entire An Wangfu appear exceptionally festive and lively, but at the same time made the many servants in the residence busy to the point of exhaustion.

However, what was reassuring was that despite the heavy workload, not a single person uttered a word of complaint. The reason was none other than that the masters of the An Wangfu had always been generous.

Learning that today would be extremely busy, the An Wangfei specially instructed the Steward to give each servant two taels of silver as hardship pay. Receiving such a generous reward, the servants' morale soared, and they worked with even greater vigor.

After the courtyard inside and out was tidied up properly, the An Wangfei did not stop, and immediately set about preparing the evening banquet menu.

Simultaneously, the An Wang, having finished the morning court, went straight to the Yudi to face the Emperor, and reported that he could not attend the family banquet held in the palace tonight — because the household would be receiving distinguished guests this year.

Faced with his own younger brother's request, the Emperor naturally agreed wholeheartedly. After finishing his business, the An Wang immediately returned to the An Wangfu Di.

At this time, Qianqian's menstrual period had reached the third day; the flow had noticeably decreased considerably, basically not affecting daily activities much.

Therefore, she could not suppress her inner excitement, and eagerly pulled Shangguan Xingyu and Xiao Jing'er along to the streets, thoroughly enjoying the pleasure of shopping.