But soon after, Xie Qingyun also came. As the eldest sister-in-law and current hostess of the Xiao family, she was warm and kind, chatting with Yan Qiushu to make her feel comfortable.

Then, two children joined. One was a seven-year-old girl, Xiao Huaiyu’s daughter, and the other was a five-year-old boy, the son of Xiao Huaiwu, Xiao Huaiting’s fourth sister. Xiao Huaiwu lost her husband in battle when she was pregnant, and after giving birth, she joined the military, vowing to avenge her husband.

However, she hadn’t succeeded yet. The emperor didn’t want to waste resources on war, so he stopped the troops. When Xiao Huaiting went to war this time, the enemy was different, so Xiao Huaiwu didn’t go.

As Xiao Huaiwu wasn’t home, the boy’s nanny brought him over. The nanny smiled and said, “I heard Madam is having a gathering, so I brought the young master.”

The Third Miss, Xiao Huaiyu, was quiet, and her child barely spoke. She just greeted “Mrs. Xiao” and sat quietly like a little ornament.

“Dongdong, come to Aunt!” Xie Qingyun called the boy over.

“Aunt, I missed you so much!” Dongdong ran over happily and hugged her.

Yan Qiushu watched quietly, unsure of how to react.

Then Xiao Huaiting appeared.

The young general wasn’t in armor today. He wore a light-colored robe, looking refined without his usual sternness. His features softened around his family.

This reminded Yan Qiushu of a memory from the original owner’s past when Xiao Huaiting won top honors in both civil and military exams. The original owner had even persuaded her sister to watch his parade.

At the time, the Yan family was upset, feeling it was shameful for a soldier to be at the top. They felt disgraced.

Later, the original owner’s brothers suffered for a month because of it.

Madam Xiao appeared last.

Yan Qiushu didn’t expect everyone to gather just because she came to see Madam Xiao. But her heart sank when she saw the elderly woman.

Madam Xiao was thinner than she imagined.

Madam Xiao was over fifty, which could be considered elderly in these times. Some could still look youthful at this age, but Madam Xiao’s time on the battlefield had taken a toll^[1]means it has caused harm or wear over time. In this case, battlefield has left her weak and tired.. She was thin and unsteady, with a pale face and lifeless eyes. 

The clothes were luxurious, but even though they were made to fit her size, they still felt too big, especially at the waist, which felt loose.

When she was serious, with her lips tightly pursed and deep lines around her mouth, being supported by someone, she looked like a stubborn old lady.

When they met for the first time, she glanced around, and her sharp eyes fell on Yan Qiushu’s face, making her feel uneasy.

“Mom!” Xiao Huaiting shouted, interrupting Mrs. Xiao’s gaze.

Mrs. Xiao seemed a little unhappy but didn’t say anything, just looked at him.

Xiao Huaiting was used to his mother’s serious demeanor. He smiled and said flatteringly, “This is my adopted sister, Miss Yan Shuyan. You can call her Ah Shu.”

Yan Qiushu obediently greeted, “Meet Madam Xiao.”

Madam Xiao looked at her son and then at the girl. The girl had big eyes, a clear gaze, and a chubby face, which looked pleasant but a little thin. She nodded and said, “Call me aunt.”

Xie Qingyun, who had been waiting for her to speak, immediately smiled and said, “Mother really likes Miss Yan. Miss Yan, mother may seem serious, but she is kind. Don’t be afraid.”

Yan Qiushu let out a sigh of relief. As long as Madam Xiao didn’t dislike her, she smiled sweetly and said in a clear voice, “Hello, Auntie!”

Madam Xiao tried to smile, but since she hadn’t done it for so long, it seemed stiff. She forced an odd smile and said, “Sit down, everyone.”

Everyone nodded and took their seats.

Since Yan Qiushu was brought back by him, Xiao Huaiting specially invited her to lunch. Madam Xiao slowly said, “I don’t eat at night, so let’s have a simple meal together now. Please don’t mind, Ah Shu.”

“Of course not.” Yan Qiushu stood up, looked at them, and said with a smile, “I don’t have anything fancy, and I thought you must be used to seeing good things, so I didn’t go overboard and prepared some simple food to show my appreciation.”

When she said this, the atmosphere became a bit tense. Just as Yan Qiushu was confused, Xie Qingyun quickly apologized, “It’s a good idea, but I’m sorry for the trouble.”

“It’s not tiring. I like doing this,” Yan Qiushu replied.

Xie Qingyun smiled, “Ah Shu, you don’t know that mother has lost her appetite in recent years and rarely eats. I’m afraid you might feel disheartened.”

Before Yan Qiushu could respond, the young man beside her said, “Sister-in-law, it’s okay. Miss Shu won’t mind. Besides, since mother is willing to come out, she’ll surely try what Miss Shu has prepared. What if she likes it? It’d be nice if she eats more.”

He spoke clearly and nervously looked at his mother, as if afraid she wouldn’t accept this.

Xie Qingyun shook her head, covering her mouth as she smiled and said to Madam Xiao, “Mother, since Sixth Elder said so, you have to try it, or your son will get upset, and your daughter-in-law won’t be able to stop you.”

Madam Xiao nodded calmly, “Yes.”

Xie Qingyun relaxed and looked at Yan Qiushu, “Then let’s have a look. I hope there’s a share for us?”

“Of course,” Yan Qiushu replied, signaling her maids Shui Yu and Shui Lu to bring the food boxes.

The first dish served was sour plum soup ^[2]is a traditional Chinese summer drink made from dried plums, known for its sweet and tangy flavor..

The pot was full, and after pouring a cup for each person, there was still plenty left. After serving, the maids stood aside.

Yan Qiushu explained in a clear voice, “This is sour plum soup, which is both sour and sweet. It helps with appetite before dinner.”

Xiao Huaiting picked up his cup and said, “Mom, sister-in-law, Ah Shu’s cooking skills are excellent. I was amazed the first time I tried it. You should all taste it, and you won’t be disappointed.”

He drank it in one gulp to prove his point.

However, he didn’t expect it to be so sour!

He rarely ate sour food and had never drunk anything so sour. The unexpected taste made his whole face scrunch up.

Yan Qiushu: “…”

The Xiao family, who had high expectations: “…”

The two children seemed to like the smell and were about to drink it, but when they saw Xiao Huaiting’s face, they stopped and didn’t dare to drink!