As soon as Danxia and the others left, Niannian Garden became much quieter.
Apart from Ru Yue, they were all from the Han Family, and without going into detail, were at least trustworthy.
Yun Jinnian took a walk around Niannian Garden, and without thinking about Chu Yu, her mood improved significantly.
After a night of snowfall, the rooftops and ground were covered with thick snow.
Yun Jinnian remembered the snowman she had built with Momo in her dream and the snowball fights they had, and she began to smile, though tears slipped down her face.
Momo, how can I have you back?
But at least before I can have you back, I must have the qualifications to protect you well.
"Miss?" Hemei called softly.
Yun Jinnian shook her head, "It's nothing, nothing, I was just thinking of something, couldn't help myself!"
Hemei nodded, not saying anything.
But she always felt that Yun Jinnian was troubled, with a very sad and heavy heartache.
Back in the small hall, Mrs. Yuan had already prepared breakfast.
Porridge, pickles, small buns, and crystal dumplings, all were Yun Jinnian's favorites.
She had only taken a few bites when Yun Muyou arrived with Yun Musi and Yun Mulan. Yun Jinnian was taken aback for a moment, "Please invite Big Sister, Sister Seven, and Sister Eight in!"
The three sisters entered the small hall and looked at Yun Jinnian's food with slight disdain.
But they did not say it aloud, "Fourth Sister（Fourth Miss!"
"Have you all eaten?" asked Yun Jinnian.
"We have!"
"Then wait for me a moment, I'll be quick!"
Yun Jinnian said and went back to focusing on her breakfast.
However, her so-called quickness was not so speedy after all.
Hemei and Henuan brought tea and snacks early on, snacks that had been ordered from Xufuji, delivered early in the morning, fresh and steaming hot.
Yun Musi and Yun Mulan each ate a piece, "Delicious!"
Yun Jinnian smiled.
Of course, they were delicious.
Such a small piece cost nearly a tael of silver, it had to be delicious.
After breakfast, Yun Muyou requested Yun Jinnian to wait in the front hall for Dai Hanmi and the others. Yun Jinnian smiled and agreed.
Once in the front hall, Yun Zihan, Yun Zuomo, Yun Qingqing, and Yun Qingzhi also arrived by agreement. After the greetings, they realized Xu Xinmo was not there.
"The cousin is not feeling well!" said Yun Muyou.
As to whether Xu Xinmo was truly unwell or feigning it, no one knew except for Xu Xinmo herself.
However, Yun Jinnian felt a pang in her heart, knowing Xu Xinmo was up to mischief.
"Is it serious?" Yun Jinnian asked with feigned concern.
"I visited her this morning, her face was pale, and her hands and feet were ice-cold, seemed quite serious!"
"Oh…" Yun Jinnian responded indifferently.
She did not say more, nor did she offer to visit Xu Xinmo.
However, everyone knew Xu Xinmo disliked Yun Jinnian and always targeted her. The two had long been sworn enemies; Yun Jinnian visiting Xu Xinmo would be odd.
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn down, Dai Hanmi arrived.
Yun Muyou was even happier than Yun Jinnian and greeted Dai Hanmi with almost flattering laughter. Dai Hanmi smiled and took Yun Jinnian's hand, "Sister Jinnian, I brought you something nice!"
"What is it?"
"My third brother recently got a rare book; he loves it. I asked him to lend it to me to read, and I've brought it for you to copy first. I'll have to take it back later!"
"That's really wonderful!"
Seeing how chummy the two were talking, Yun Muyou became a bit anxious.
But Dai Hanmi said, "Aren't Sister Ruan and the others here yet?"
"They should be arriving soon!"
"The snow has fallen, there is snow accumulation on the ground, carriages are moving slowly, let's wait for them. Once they arrive, shall we go sit in the courtyard where you're staying?"
"I'd be delighted!" Yun Jinnian smiled brightly, inviting Dai Hanmi to have some snacks.
Dai Hanmi, being the legitimate second daughter of the Zhuangyong Marquis Residence and niece to the Empress, had tasted all sorts of fine snacks, but she still praised the snacks prepared by Yun Jinnian.