The legitimate daughter returns to the capital and embarks on a splendid life, tearing apart the fak

Yun Jin knew Chen Mengyao was joking, so she didn't take it to heart and took her hand as they entered the warm pavilion together.

Upon entering, he saw that Madam Wang and Madam Li were also present, chatting with Old Madam Zheng. He quickly stepped forward and greeted them, saying, "Greetings, Grandmother, Godmother, and Second Aunt."

When Old Master Zheng saw Yun Jin enter, he quickly smiled and waved to her, saying, "Get up quickly, no need for formalities."

As she spoke, she pulled Yun Jin to sit down beside her, patted her hand and said, "You are a lucky girl. The other day when we heard that Your Majesty had bestowed upon you the title of County Princess, your godmother, your second aunt, and I prepared a congratulatory gift for you."

However, that day happened to be the day Yunxiu was to present her betrothal gifts, so we didn't go to join in the commotion. Later, we heard that your grandmother had returned to the capital, and I thought that if we sent the gifts to the Yun residence in a grand manner, it might displease your grandmother and make things difficult for you in the household. That's why I had Mengyao send a message, inviting you to come to the residence to give them to you in person."

Yun Jin quickly waved her hand to decline, "Grandmother, I appreciate your and my godmother's kindness, but there's really no need for the gift."

Madam Zheng immediately put on a stern face and feigned anger, saying, "What, are you complaining that my gift is too small?"

Yun Jin quickly shook her head, her tone urgent, "No, Grandmother, how could Jin'er dare to complain? Jin'er remembers all the kindness you've shown her. I just didn't want you to spend money; you, my godmother, and my second aunt have already done so much for Jin'er."

Madam Zheng's expression softened, and she patted the back of her hand, saying gently, "Alright, we're all family. I treat you like my own granddaughter, so don't be so polite with your grandmother."

Madam Wang chimed in with a smile, "Yes, Jin'er, I treat you like my own daughter. You mustn't be so formal with your godmother. If you refuse again, your godmother will get angry."

Li was straightforward and spoke very directly: "Jin'er, don't refuse. We only gave you small items, nothing big, just so you can carry them back easily without attracting attention. This gift is for you to know about; there's no need for others to know."

As they spoke, the three elders had their maids bring out their respective gifts.

As expected, none of the gifts were large items; the three of them gave jewelry, which was all contained in a sandalwood box.

Looking at the carefully selected gifts, Yun Jin quickly stood up and bowed solemnly to the three elders: "Grandmother, Godmother, Second Aunt, you have thought of me so thoughtfully, I really don't know how to repay you."

Old Madam Zheng quickly had Wang help her up: "What's there to repay? We're all family, isn't this just being polite?"

Once Yun Li sat down next to her again, she smiled and said, "Since Jin'er is here, you're not allowed to leave today. You must have lunch with me."

Yun Jin smiled and said, "Grandmother, Jin'er really wanted to come and freeload a meal. The first meal I had when I came to the capital was at your residence, and I still crave it now."

Madam Zheng was delighted by her words and clapped her hand, then smiled at Madam Wang and Madam Li, saying, "Look at this girl, she really has a sweet tongue, sweet enough to melt the heart of an old lady."

Chen Mengyao pouted deliberately and said sourly, "Grandmother, no wonder you kept talking about Jin-meimei all the time. Sure enough, now that you have a granddaughter, your granddaughter has to take a backseat. Yao'er is jealous, Yao'er is unhappy."

Old Madam Zheng pointed at her and scolded with a laugh, "You silly girl, who was it that kept talking about Jin'er, Jin'er in my ear every day before? Why didn't you say you were jealous then? Now you're acting all dramatic!"

Chen Mengyao sidled up to the old lady, took her arm, and said coquettishly, "Grandmother, why do you have to expose me? I still have face in front of Jin-mei."

Yun Jin smiled and took her hand, changing the subject, "Sister Mengyao, Jin'er brought you some dried fruit, would you like to try some?"

Chen Mengyao quickly asked, "What dried fruit? Where is it?"

Yun Jin beckoned Chunxi to bring up the several brocade boxes she had brought. She opened them one by one and placed them on the table, saying to everyone, "These are dried fruits that Jin'er made herself, including dried apples, dried pears, dried peaches, and a few kinds of candied fruits. I brought them for Grandmother, Godmother, Second Aunt, and Sister Mengyao to try. If you like them, Jin'er will bring more next time."

She made these herself using the fruit from her spatial storage. There was no reason to take out the spatial fruit for the time being, but dried fruit was an option.

Chen Mengyao eagerly opened a box, picked up a slice of dried apple, put it in her mouth, chewed it a couple of times, and her eyes lit up: "Delicious! It's sweet and sour, chewy but not hard, much better than the candied fruit sold in shops!"

She picked up another piece and handed it to Madam Zheng, saying, "Grandmother, please try some too."

Madam Zheng took it and tasted it, nodding in approval: "It's really good, not hard at all; even my old teeth can chew it. It's sweet but not cloying, and the original aroma of the fruit is preserved. Jin'er, where did you learn this skill?"

Yun Jin smiled and said, "There's nothing fancy in the countryside. We can't finish all the fruit, so we just dry it and store it. I'm just copying what they've made. If Grandmother likes it, I'll make it for you often in the future."

Both Wang and Li tried a few dishes and praised them highly.

As the room was filled with laughter and conversation, a maid's voice suddenly came from outside the door: "Old Madam, Lord Chen has come to pay his respects and says he has brought you New Year's gifts."

The laughter in the warm room stopped abruptly.

Chen Mengyao's face immediately darkened. She bit her lip, wanting to say something, but ultimately held back.

Madam Zheng snorted coldly and said, "What is he doing here again? When did Chen Qinghe become so polite? Just say that I am not feeling well and will not receive guests."

Madam Wang hesitated for a moment, glanced at Chen Mengyao, and seeing her pale face, sighed inwardly. She then turned to Old Madam Zheng and gently advised her:

"Please calm down, Madam. No matter what, he is Yao'er's biological father. He has come to the capital several times to report on his duties, but he has been turned away at the door each time. It won't sound good if word gets out. Why not let him in for a brief meeting, say a few words, and then send him on his way? That would be the proper way to conduct yourself."

Li nodded in agreement: "Sister-in-law is right. If we meet him, we'll know why he's here, and we'll have a better understanding of the situation. If we don't meet him, his constant comings here will only be more annoying."

Madam Zheng glanced at Yun Jin, then at Chen Mengyao.

She hesitated for a moment, then said to Chen Mengyao and Yun Jin, "You two go hide in the back first, there's no need to see him. I want to see what he's up to."

Chen Mengyao immediately stood up, took Yun Jin's hand, and walked into the inner room.

The two entered the inner room, and Yun Jin took her hand and sat her on the couch, asking in a low voice, "Sister Mengyao, when did your father come to the capital? Why haven't you mentioned it?"

Chen Mengyao pursed her lips, shaking her head with a hint of bitterness: "Why bring him up? Does he still consider me his daughter?"