Marrying Wife and Concubine Together: After Rebirth, I Remarried the Scumbag's Father on the Sp

She knew that in this deep mansion and amidst the court intrigues, protecting her family's safety required not only utmost caution but also sufficient confidence.

Zhan Yan holds military power and is trusted by the Emperor; this is their greatest reliance.

The afternoon sun was shining brightly, and the crabapple blossoms in the backyard were in full bloom.

Zhan Miao and Mo Ziyu, holding kites, ran around under the watchful eyes of the guards, their laughter echoing throughout the entire Marquis's residence.

Lin Yiwan felt a surge of warmth as she watched this heartwarming scene. The greatest happiness is simply for her family to be healthy and well.

As evening fell, the steward came to report that the Liu family had sent apologies, including fine silks and jewelry, as well as several exquisite kites. Lord Liu had also personally written a letter of apology, promising to severely discipline Liu Chengze and the others and ensure that they would never repeat their mistakes.

Zhan Yan glanced at the letter of apology and said indifferently, "Take the things, leave the letter, and tell Lord Liu to keep a good eye on his disciples from now on."

The butler acknowledged and withdrew. Lin Yiwan said, "The Liu family is quite sensible; they know it's not a good time to cause trouble."

"Zhan Yan said, "If they don't know what's good for them, His Majesty will handle it. From now on, we just need to keep a close eye on the children, act cautiously, and not give the Liu family any opportunity to take advantage."

During dinner, Zhan Miao took the initiative to apologize to Lin Yiwan and Zhan Yan, saying that he would always remember their instructions, always bring guards when going out, never act alone, and never meet with the Liu family again.

Seeing her sincere attitude, Lin Yiwan and Zhan Yan didn't say anything more, only reminding her to be careful in everything.

That night, Lin Yiwan sat under the lamp applying ointment to Zhan Miao's arm. The swelling had gone down a bit, but it was still a little red. "Mother, thanks to you and Father for arriving in time today, otherwise I would have had to fight those spoiled brats from the Liu family with Ziyu!"

Lin Yiwan said softly, "Silly child, your mother and father will naturally protect you. But you must remember, don't act impulsively when things happen. First, find a way to protect yourself, and then send someone back to the manor to report the news, understand? We don't cause trouble, but we are absolutely not afraid of trouble either. We just can't let ourselves be wronged for nothing."

Zhan Miao nodded: "I understand, Mother. I will definitely be more composed in the future and won't let you worry anymore."

After applying the ointment, Lin Yiwan watched Zhan Miao fall asleep before returning to her own room.

Zhan Yan was sitting under the lamp reading official documents. When he saw her come in, he put down the documents and asked, "Is Miao'er asleep?"

Lin Yiwan sat down beside him: "Yes, he's fast asleep. Today's events should serve as a wake-up call. We need to be more careful about the children's outings in the future."

Zhan Yan held her hand to comfort her: "Don't worry, I've made arrangements. We've increased the number of guards outside the manor. When the children go out, they'll be followed both openly and secretly. Something like today will never happen again."

Looking into the tenderness in his eyes, Lin Yiwan felt at ease.

The bright moonlight outside the window streamed into the room, creating a gentle and tranquil atmosphere.

She threw herself into his arms and murmured, "Ah Yan, I really wish we could live a peaceful and tranquil life!"

Zhan Yan hugged her tightly; how could he not want that too?

However, with the border unstable and their children still unmarried and in a high position, he and Lin Yiwan would never have a peaceful life if they stayed in the capital.

Just a short time before he received a secret report that Grand Secretary Liu was unwilling to accept his son's punishment and was trying to contact some civil officials in the court to gather evidence against him.

Throughout his many years as an official, he considered himself to be selfless and devoted to public service, and he had never done anything that would give others cause for criticism.

However, there is also the fear that others might take advantage of the situation.

But these worries only remained in his mind; he would never bring them up and cause Lin Yiwan any headaches.

The children already gave her enough to worry about; he absolutely couldn't add to her troubles.

The next day, Princess Youyi heard from Mo Ziyu about Zhan Miao and how he had been bullied by the Liu family.

Her face turned ashen with anger. She approached Lin Yiwan and said, "Aunt Wan, the Liu family is far too arrogant. Do they not even respect this princess?"

Lin Yiwan said softly, "The Liu family's children have been punished. I heard that the eldest son, Liu Chengze, was beaten so badly by the family law that his skin was torn and bleeding. If we keep pressing the issue, it will seem like we're being aggressive!"

Princess Youyi couldn't say anything more, after all, the Marquis of Zhanyi's mansion was indeed in the eye of the storm.

She quickly changed the subject, saying, "Aunt Wan, Ziyu's birthday is coming up soon, and I'm thinking of holding a birthday banquet for him at the Marquis's residence. What do you think?"

Lin Yiwan was stunned at first, then patted her forehead: "Look at me, I completely forgot about such a big thing. This is great! What are you planning to do? Do you want to make it a grand affair? Or just a small event? Invite only close relatives?"

Princess Youyi's eyes were gentle as she rubbed the jade bracelet on her wrist with her fingertips: "Ziyu is six years old this year, which is the perfect age for him to get to know some old friends and relatives. Too shabby would be unfair to him, while too extravagant would invite gossip. I'm thinking of inviting children of the right age from noble families in the capital, close relatives of the imperial family, and some noble families that are on good terms with the Marquis's family. About a hundred people will be fine. The banquet will be held in Qinfang Garden, which is spacious and the children can play freely there."

"Your Highness has thought things through very well." Lin Yiwan nodded in approval. "Yu'er is about to begin her studies. Using the birthday banquet to build good relationships will make her entry into the academy smoother in the future. However, since the Marquis's mansion has just quelled the turmoil caused by the Liu family, we must be even more cautious in our actions. We must give her proper instructions in advance regarding the etiquette during the banquet and the rules for the servants. We must not make any mistakes."

Princess Youyi nodded repeatedly, "Auntie is right. I have already asked Qingdai to prepare a guest list. Among the imperial family, we will invite the Dongping Prince and Yongning Marquis and their close relatives. Among the noble families, we will invite the Gu, Su and Lu families. We absolutely cannot invite the Liu family, so as not to disturb the peace. By the way, Ziyu is most craving your osmanthus pastries. On his birthday, Auntie must show off her skills."

Lin Yiwan smiled and agreed: "What's so difficult about that? I'll prepare the osmanthus cakes, jujube paste cakes, and yam rolls three days in advance. I also need to instruct the kitchen to make less oily and sweet dishes and more light dishes that children like. I also need to avoid choosing noisy plays for the meal and instead select auspicious excerpts like 'Magu Presents Longevity,' and have a musician play some elegant tunes so as not to disturb the children."

As the two were discussing, a maidservant called softly from outside the door: "Madam, Princess, Young Master Mo has arrived."

Before the words were finished, Mo Ziyu, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, came running in with his short legs. A green ribbon was tied in his hair. He had handsome features and resembled Princess Youyi, but with a softer and more gentle appearance.

Clutching a cloth rabbit, he first bowed to Princess Youyi, saying, "Mother." Then he turned to Lin Yiwan and sweetly called out, "Great-Grandmother."

Princess Youyi quickly pulled him to her lap and smoothed the wrinkles in his clothes: "Have you finished your studies? What are you doing here?"

Mo Ziyu shook her little head, her bright, black grape-like eyes sparkling. "I'm done! I heard the maid say that Mother and Aunt were talking about my birthday. Are they going to throw me a banquet?"

Lin Yiwan ruffled his hair: "Yes, the princess specially hosted a banquet for you and invited many young masters and ladies to play with you. Are you happy?"