With a heavy weight finally lifted from her heart, Yuan Wanru felt that the days that followed flew by.

The marriages of Cao Lanxin and Cao Lanzhi, the sisters, went very smoothly.

They married into the capital and became legitimate wives of officials.

On this day, the two women visited together. The Cao sisters, now married, were more adept at handling interpersonal relationships. When they met Yuan Wanru, their words conveyed closeness and gratitude.

Upon learning that Yuan Wanru would be leaving the capital after the New Year, both of them expressed genuine reluctance to part.

Cao Lanxin bowed deeply to Yuan Wanru with a serious and embarrassed expression.

“Sister-in-law, Lanxin was ignorant and short-sighted in the past, and did many foolish things that offended you. Now that I think about it, I am really ashamed.”

She paused, then said sincerely, "Thanks to your great kindness, sister-in-law, you have forgiven me and helped me in every way. I am extremely grateful."

He looked at her with a smile.

Cao Lanxin, standing before me, had rosy cheeks and relaxed brows, clearly enjoying a comfortable and pleasant married life.

Yuan Wanru urged Cao Lanxin to get up quickly: "You were very sincere back then, sending over a lot of money. Since I accepted the money, of course I have to do the job."

When it comes to 100,000 taels of silver, Cao Lanxin doesn't think that way.

The Cao family are merchants; they have money, but without connections, they can't make a difference.

Yuan Wanru suddenly became serious and said, "Seeing your sincere attitude today, I have something I want to say."

She lowered her voice slightly: "After the Emperor ascended the throne, he dealt with the treason case with swift and decisive action. Although Murong Jun and his mother, Lady Chen (Lady Zhaohua), were spared their lives, they were imprisoned for life. As for the Chen family..."

Yuan Wanru said calmly, "He's dead, about to be beheaded."

She looked at Cao Lanxin and pointed out the key point: "Chen Zhengxuan's businesses, including shops, estates, and trade routes, are spread all over the north and south, with deep roots. Now is the time to reshuffle the deck."

"If your Cao family can seize this opportunity, you might be able to get a share of the profits."

Upon hearing this, Cao Lanxin was slightly taken aback at first, but then her eyes lit up with immense surprise and admiration!

"Cousin!"

Her voice trembled with excitement, "You are so thoughtful and far-sighted! Lanxin will write home right away to tell them about this!"

The advantage of living in the capital is that you are always better informed than others.

When leaving the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence, Cao Lanxin and Cao Lanzhi rode in the same carriage.

Recalling the past, Cao Lanxin sighed, "Looking back now, it was really a close call. If we hadn't realized our mistake in time, I'm afraid..."

She didn't say anything more, but both of them knew perfectly well that if they had continued to oppose Yuan Wanru back then, how could they have such a good life today?

Cao Lanxin's tone became increasingly firm: "From now on, during holidays and festivals, we must not forget to show proper courtesy and thoughtfulness, and we should visit each other often to maintain this friendship."

“I understand now. If you are sincere, your cousin-in-law will not scheme against you.”

Cao Lanzhi nodded vigorously: "Third sister is right. I will listen to third sister. The family is very satisfied with our marriage. It is all thanks to third sister's wise decision."

She lacked Cao Lanxin's decisiveness and vision; following her third sister would have been the right choice.

-

As the year draws to a close, the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence is becoming increasingly busy.

As the matriarch of the household, Wang Min was constantly on the go, preparing for ancestral worship, managing the New Year's gift list, and arranging the New Year's expenses and rewards for everyone in the household.

Yuan Wanru stayed at home during this time, keeping Wang Min by her side.

She took the initiative to handle many trivial and complicated tasks, such as helping to check accounts or arranging for servants to clean and decorate, thus relieving Wang Min of a lot of burden.

Zhou Fang has now changed her previous tendency to shirk responsibility and become diligent and capable.

She not only managed her duties meticulously, but also proactively consulted and reported to Wang Min on everything, practically following Wang Min's lead without question.

Inside and outside the mansion, a rare atmosphere of unity and cooperation was on display.

The three of them would gather together every day to discuss holiday arrangements, and in their spare time they would inevitably chat about everyday matters.

One day, Zhou Fang's gaze fell on Yuan Wanru, and she took the initiative to start a conversation: "Wanru, your second aunt has noticed that you've been married into the family for quite some time now. You don't know, Jiang Xun's wife seems to be pregnant, but you..."

She paused, carefully choosing her words, "Second Aunt knows an old doctor in the capital who is quite skilled in treating women's health and helping with fertility. Would you like to go and see him? It would be good to take care of your health."

She looked completely sincere, and it was all for Yuan Wanru's sake.

Wang Min couldn't help but chuckle to herself.

My second sister-in-law has really changed her ways; she's even become enthusiastic about things like this.

She didn't know that Wanru herself was a hidden master of traditional Chinese medicine, so why would she need to seek treatment from other doctors?

Wang Min wasn't in a hurry. Wanru and Jiang Nian were still young and had plenty of time. Why put more pressure on them?

The fate of children is determined by heaven and cannot be forced.

With a smile, Wang Min politely declined the offer on behalf of her daughter-in-law: "Second sister-in-law, you are very kind, but this matter really cannot be rushed."

"Good things come to those who wait. It's time for them to relax. I'm not in a hurry to have a grandchild, so you don't need to worry about them."

Yuan Wanru smiled gracefully at Zhou Fang and sincerely thanked her, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Second Aunt."

Zhou Fang wasn't angry and changed the subject again.

After Zhou Fang left, Wang Min looked at Yuan Wanru with a reassuring look in her eyes: "Your second aunt is genuinely good to you now, and what she said just now was well-intentioned. Don't take it to heart, and don't feel pressured because of it."

Yuan Wanru smiled and said, "Mother, don't worry. As long as you're not in a hurry, I'm even less in a hurry. Let nature take its course."

New Year's Eve.

Festive lanterns were hung throughout the mansion, and servants bustled about. Looking at the brightly lit and peaceful mansion, Wang Min was filled with emotion.

This year has been full of ups and downs, and I've been on tenterhooks.

Fortunately, all the storms have passed.

That annoying mother-in-law is no longer in the capital, and she always feels that everything is going smoothly and to her liking.

Except for Lu Wei...

After Wanru and the others leave the capital, she should go to Anzhou.

Forget about it. From now on, the Lu family will only get better and better.

-

Time flies, and the Lantern Festival is just around the corner.

This means that the year is almost over, and the day of parting is finally approaching.

Before setting off south, Yuan Wanru specially arranged a small gathering with Sun Haining to say a final goodbye before her departure.

Sun Haining was in high spirits, brimming with vitality and fighting spirit.

Upon meeting, she took Yuan Wanru's hand and excitedly recounted her recent busy schedule and aspirations.

"I get up before dawn every day to practice my skills, never slacking off in archery, horsemanship, swordsmanship, or spear fighting! And my brother too,"

Her tone was filled with admiration for her brother, "He taught me how to deploy troops, read maps, and analyze situations. I learned so much that my brain is almost overwhelmed!"

"My mother prepared a chest protector and warm clothes for me, and I can't wait to get started!"

Yuan Wanru listened with a smile, and after she finished speaking, she handed her a heavy bundle.

I've also prepared quite a few things for you.

"Haining, the journey ahead is long and arduous, with unknown difficulties and dangers ahead."

"You must keep these pills safe."

She told Sun Haining one by one, "The celadon bottle contains an antidote pill, which is absolutely effective against common poisons; the white porcelain bottle contains a wound medicine, which is quite effective in stopping bleeding and promoting tissue regeneration."

"And these small jars contain pills that strengthen the body and regulate qi and blood. The border region is bitter and cold, so remember to take them often and take good care of yourself."

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