Chapter 70 Jin He Returns Home

Chapter 70 Jin He Returns Home

The Second Young Master’s letter promised his return in a few days, yet five or six days passed after its arrival with no sign of him.

Madam Li, growing anxious, fumed at home, convinced that Jin He’s monstrous in-laws were once again stirring up trouble.

Her children tried to console her. Jian Ru remarked, “The Second Young Master is sharp-witted; he won’t be taken advantage of.”

Madam Li sighed. “I ask for nothing more than Jin He’s safe return. We want nothing—not even a thread—from her in-laws’ household.”

Jin Hui added, “I recall Third Sister mentioning that her father-in-law has a nephew, said to be quite shrewd. I suspect he’s the one behind all this mischief, having duped the old couple. If they drive Third Sister away, they’ll likely face consequences later.”

Madam Li’s eyes blazed. “I don’t care what happens to them. But if Jin He returns with so much as a scratch, I’ll return to the escort agency, gather our men, and raze that heartless, wretched family’s home to the ground!”

Jin Hui quickly rubbed her mother’s back. “Alright, alright, you’re formidable. But please don’t get so angry; Jin He will be heartbroken if she returns to find you unwell.”

Jian Ru poured a cup of warm tea and offered it to his mother-in-law.

After finishing the tea, Madam Li let out a relieved sigh. As her gaze inadvertently fell upon her youngest son’s husband, she frowned and asked, “Xiao Ru, you don’t look well. Are you feeling unwell?”

Jian Ru touched his face. “I just haven’t been sleeping well.”

Elder Sister Jin Hui reached out. “Come, let me take a look.”

Jian Ru subtly recoiled. “No need, Elder Sister, I’m truly fine.”

Seeing that although his complexion was a bit pale, his spirits were high and his eyes bright—hardly the look of someone ill—Jin Hui didn’t press. Covering her mouth, she chuckled, “Xiao Ru must be missing our little brother.”

Jian Ru’s cheeks flushed, but he offered no rebuttal.

Madam Li noticed, took his hand, and reassured him, “In three days, it will be their father’s memorial day. Our youngest son knows what’s important; he should be back within the next couple of days.”

Jian Ru nodded.

Returning to his small courtyard from the main house, Jian Ru looked in the mirror and felt his face had lost some of its former plumpness. In truth, Jian Ru sensed something was amiss with his health, but having lost both parents at a young age, he had no one to guide him on such matters. Though Jin Hui often teased him and the Second Young Master, she had forgotten to remind him about these things, so he didn’t dwell on it.

Moreover, with so much happening at home lately—Madam Li either weeping or erupting in anger—he didn’t want to burden his mother-in-law with his own concerns.

Still, Jian Ru valued his health. He planned to discreetly ask his elder sister to check his pulse that evening. If anything was wrong, he would quietly ask her for some medicine, take it, and recover without alarming anyone.

His plan was sound, but upon entering his room, he felt an ache in his back and decided to lie down for a while. He ended up sleeping until late into the night.

Everything was quiet now, with only the chirping of crickets audible. His elder sister must have long since gone to bed, so he resolved to find time the next day.

Having slept too early, he found himself wide awake when it was time to sleep.

Jian Ru picked up a book to read, expecting to read until the early hours before falling asleep. To his surprise, after just two or three pages, he began yawning repeatedly.

He set the book aside, stood up to blow out the candle on the desk, lay down, turned over a couple of times, and fell sound asleep.

After a good night’s rest, Jian Ru felt much more energetic, though he still couldn’t eat much for breakfast. He finished a bowl of plain congee but could only manage a few bites of the side dishes.

Today, they began preparing offerings for Old Dr. Li’s memorial ceremony. Elder Sister Jin Hui was in charge of the arrangements. Since their sister-in-law was pregnant and couldn’t overexert herself, Jian Ru intended to help with more tasks.

He decided not to go to the clinic that morning and instead stayed home to assist his elder sister.

However, with one glance at him, Jin Hui assigned him the lightest task: folding paper ingots.

Sitting on a low stool, Jian Ru worked deftly and efficiently, folding the gold ingots quickly and neatly.

Jin Hui pinched his cheek. “Look how thin you’ve gotten—I can’t bear to make you do anything.”

Jian Ru smiled. “Elder Sister, I may be thin, but I’m strong. I can handle any task.”

Jin Hui shook her head. “Oh, come on. If you lose any more weight, our little brother will hold me accountable when he returns.”

Granny Jin and Old Lady Wang were also there, and their sister-in-law came to help fold ingots as well. Everyone chatted and laughed, and the morning passed quickly amidst the busyness.

After lunch, Jian Ru took a nap and then prepared to leave for the clinic.

Just as he finished dressing, he faintly heard commotion from the main house in the front courtyard—it sounded like many people talking, and he even thought he heard the snort of a horse.

Puzzled, Jian Ru stepped out into the courtyard, hesitating whether to go to the front yard to check, when he heard the sound of hoofbeats approaching.

A thought struck him, and his heart trembled. He hurriedly ran to open the courtyard gate and saw Xiao Ning riding closer on horseback. Spotting Jian Ru, Xiao Ning grinned and called out loudly, “Brother Jian! I just came from the front courtyard where Madam is. The Second Young Master and the others sent me ahead on horseback to deliver the news—they should be home in an hour at most!”

Jian Ru’s smile widened instantly. Not daring to ride too close, Xiao Ning tightened the reins before reaching the gate, dismounted with a “Whoa,” and jumped down.

The boy’s face was tanned from the sun, and his teeth gleamed brightly when he smiled.

Though only half a month had passed, Xiao Ning’s baby fat had faded slightly, revealing hints of a more mature young man’s features.

Jian Ru pinched his cheek. “You’ve grown up, kid!”

Xiao Ning chuckled. Jian Ru asked anxiously, “Is everyone alright?”

Xiao Ning replied, “Everyone’s fine.” Knowing who Brother Jian most wanted to ask about, he added, “On the way back, we bought another horse. The Second Young Master rode horseback for the return journey. If Third Young Lady hadn’t been worried about him riding too fast, he would have come back with me ahead of time.”

Jian Ru nodded. “Third Sister is right. The Second Young Master doesn’t ride often—it’s safer to take it slow.” He stepped aside from the gate. “Have you eaten lunch yet? Let me make you a bowl of noodles. You should rest properly.”

Xiao Ning said, “I’m not tired. I had some flatbread on the road at noon to fill my stomach. Madam said I should go to the clinic first to fetch the Eldest Young Master and the others. I’ll rest after I return from the clinic.”

Xiao Ning was the fastest runner in the household. The clinic was only a short distance away—the time it takes to drink a cup of tea—and on horseback, it would take even less time. Jian Ru nodded. “Go ahead, then. I’ll prepare the noodles and leave them on the stove. You can cook them yourself when you return.”

Touched that the family still cared whether he had eaten, Xiao Ning beamed. “Alright!” He saluted, mounted his horse, and rode off.

Jian Ru was overjoyed. He hardly remembered how he made it back into the house—when he came to his senses, he was already in the kitchen, kneading dough in a large basin.

He worked efficiently, his mind preoccupied, and before he knew it, he had rolled out the dough and cut it into noodles.

He set water to boil in the pot.

He didn’t prepare a portion for the Second Young Master—with the news delivered to the front courtyard, the main kitchen would surely already be bustling with activity.

Jian Ru tidied up the small kitchen, wiped his hands, and went to the front courtyard to help.

Sure enough, the courtyard was a hive of activity.

Madam Li stood in the yard directing several maids—some went out to buy groceries, others started cooking, and others cleaned—everyone was running around nonstop.

Jian Ru originally intended to help in the kitchen, but Jin Hui pulled him aside to Jin He’s room, where they tidied up the bedding and wardrobe together.

Before long, the Eldest Young Master Li Jinfeng and Second Sister Jin Rong also returned from the clinic. Qiao Zhi and Xian Yu, having finished their lessons, joined in the noisy bustle, running around and helping however they could.

When the meal was nearly ready, Jian Ru informed Madam Li, selected some meat dishes, and carried them on a tray back to his courtyard to add to Xiao Ning’s meal.

In the brief time it took Jian Ru to return from the small courtyard and head back toward the front yard, he saw a carriage stopped at the front courtyard gate. Pulling it was the family’s chestnut mare, and tied to the shaft was a tall, black horse with white hooves, shaking its head and snorting impatiently.

Jian Ru froze for a moment.

At that moment, someone stepped out from behind the carriage, unloading something, and was about to enter the courtyard. Just as he was about to step inside, he seemed to sense something and suddenly turned to look over.

When their eyes met, Jian Ru’s eyes welled up. The Second Young Master put down the luggage in his hands and strode over in just a few large steps, the hem of his robes fluttering as he quickly closed the distance, stopping right in front of Jian Ru.

Jian Ru’s lips moved slightly as he said, "You’re back."

The Second Young Master nodded, his eyes lowered as he carefully studied Jian Ru. "You’ve lost weight," he said.

Jian Ru pouted. "I missed you too much."

This response really got to the Second Young Master. Before Jian Ru could react, he was grabbed by the arm and led into their own courtyard.

Then, without even waiting to get inside, the Second Young Master pulled him into a tight hug.

Xiao Ning had just finished eating in the kitchen and stepped outside when he came upon this scene. He immediately covered his eyes, murmured a soft "Oh my," and hurried back into the kitchen.

Hearing the noise, Jian Ru pushed the Second Young Master away in embarrassment.

The Second Young Master loosened his hold slightly but kept an arm around Jian Ru’s waist.

From the front courtyard, Jin Hui’s voice called out, "Where’s little brother? Didn’t he just come out to unload the things?"

Jian Ru whispered, "This isn't proper behavior. We should go to the front courtyard and greet adoptive father's elder brother and Third Sister."

The Second Young Master said softly, "I’ll take a good look at you once we’re back in the room."

Jian Ru nodded, his face flushed, and gave him another gentle push. Only then did the Second Young Master reluctantly let him go.

The two walked into the front courtyard one after the other. The moment Jin Hui saw them, she teased them with two playful "Oh my’s."

The Second Young Master lowered his head and smiled, while Jian Ru went over and lightly tugged at his elder sister’s sleeve, begging her to stop. Jin Hui threw her head back and laughed heartily.

The door opened, and a slender, graceful young woman stepped out. Though she looked somewhat weary, her eyes were bright, and the usual trace of melancholy between her brows had faded noticeably.

She smiled warmly at Xiao Ru and reached out her hand. "Xiao Ru, come here and let Third Sister take a look at you."

Jian Ru hurried over, took her hand, and said, "Third Sister, Mother has been worrying about you every day. It’s so good to have you back."

Jin He nodded with a smile. "This time, I’m not leaving anymore."

Jian Ru was overjoyed. "That’s wonderful!"

Jin He looked his face over carefully. "Little brother told me, and I’ve been looking forward to seeing you. Xiao Ru’s face has indeed healed very well—you’re becoming more and more handsome."

Jian Ru blushed at the praise.

As the two were talking, Old Lady Wang emerged from the kitchen and asked Li Qinglan beside her, "Madam Li, the meal is all prepared and set. Shall we serve it now?"

Li Qinglan nodded. "Yes, serve it."

Seeing this, Jin Feng went inside to invite the others.

The whole big family, along with the eldest son of the second uncle’s household, gathered around the table. They hadn't been this complete, not even during last year’s Spring Festival.

Since it was a bit early for drinking, Madam Li still had everyone pour a cup. She stood up and said, "Today is a joyous occasion. Let’s all finish this one cup—except for the two children, everyone bottoms up!"

Everyone drank together. The wine, bought by Er Gongzi from a tavern on the road, was stronger than what they usually drank. After just one sip, Jian Ru started coughing and couldn't manage to drink any more.

Noticing Madam Li’s gaze, Jian Ru considered closing his eyes and forcing it down. But before he could raise the cup to his lips, it was gently taken from his hand. He looked up to see Er Gongzi beside him down it in one gulp.

Madam Li tutted twice, shook her head, and looked away from the two of them.

Jian Ru also avoided looking beside him, a slight smile tugging at his lips, his eyelashes fluttering slightly.

Under the table, his hand was held by Er Gongzi’s, his thumb gently stroking the back of his hand. It was only when it was time to pick up food and eat that he finally let go.