I was a stepmother in ancient times, and I led my whole family to wealth.

Chapter 361 Having fun

She quickly wiped her eyes gently with a handkerchief, her voice slightly choked with emotion: "Sister Dongfang, your words are so heartwarming."

It is a blessing that Xian'er will have a mother-in-law like you in the future.

I... I had planned for her to live a lonely life until the end..."

She didn't say what came next: her daughter had tried to commit suicide several times because of her.

If it weren't for her and Rui-ge'er keeping a close eye on him, this child would probably already be gone.

Dongfang Yuan patted Jun Qixian's hand, her eyes firm, and secretly made up her mind: "You, don't dwell on the past. It's fate that these two children fell in love at first sight."

It's a destiny ordained by heaven; perhaps your Xian'er was sent to our family by God."

She thought to herself: She must not let this child suffer in the future. She already knows everything about what happened to the three of them.

Because of this incident, her youngest son even used the power of the secret service to crush the family that had rejected Xian'er's marriage, leaving them with nothing.

There's also the Chen family in Ningguta, especially Xian'er's biological father. His youngest son even had Cang Qiong personally go there to make arrangements.

I imagine the Chen family isn't having an easy time over there either.

However, there was one more thing: her eldest son found out that this Jun Wenhui seemed to have some connection with the Duke of Jin's family.

However, the men in her family always believed that it was best not to talk about this.

She thought so too; the children who came into her family didn't need any background, the simpler the better.

Dongfang Yuan straightened her back and said firmly, "Don't worry, Wenhui, with me here, I'll protect Qi Xian as my daughter-in-law!"

From now on, I will never let her suffer the slightest grievance; even my own son cannot bully her.

As he spoke, he reached out and pulled Jun Qixian closer to him: "Although she is going to be my daughter-in-law, I will treat her like my own daughter from now on."

Hearing this, Jun Qixian blushed, lowered her head slightly, and shyly called out, "Auntie..." Her heart was filled with sweetness and warmth, and she was secretly delighted to have a mother-in-law who truly loved her.

She must not be ungrateful or arrogant in the future, and she will definitely be filial to her parents-in-law.

Dongfang Yuan smiled and agreed, then gently squeezed Jun Qixian's fingers and said, "Qixian, I know you love doing business, and it's a good thing you have this idea. I don't object to you showing your face in public."

At this point, she looked at Jun Qixian earnestly, her eyes full of concern: "But you must take care of your health and not overwork yourself. If you encounter any difficulties, you cannot bear them alone."

"Remember, you have the entire Prince Dun's Mansion behind you," he whispered in Jun Qixian's ear.

Jun Wenhui heard these words and laughed and cried at the same time. She nodded hurriedly and said excitedly, "See, I told you that Xian'er is lucky to have met such a good mother-in-law like you."

From now on, Xian'er must be filial to you. If she is not, I, as her mother, will be the first to object.

She was filled with emotion, now that Xian'er's future was secured, with such a mother-in-law protecting her, she could finally rest easy.

Next up is Rui Ge'er.

She also hopes that her son can find his own happiness, just like her daughter.

Over here, Cang Nanxi was also very satisfied with the wife his youngest son had found. In his joy, he drank quite a bit with everyone.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Yang Zhu and Lin Min helped Cui Dahong and the others clear away the dishes.

Dusk, like a soft veil, quietly enveloped the courtyard.

The lanterns in the courtyard swayed gently, their light filtering through the thin paper and casting warm yellow halos, outlining dappled shadows on the ground.

The Dragon Boat Festival patterns painted on the lanterns appear and disappear amidst the interplay of light and shadow.

The kitchen was piled with emerald green bamboo leaves, large bowls of plump red dates, and glutinous rice, each grain full and round, like warm, smooth white jade. Under the light, they radiated a soft luster, pure white and flawless, as clean as snowflakes just picked from the clouds.

The evening breeze, carrying wisps of moisture, stirred the tassels of the lanterns, causing them to sway gently as if welcoming the arrival of the Dragon Boat Festival in May.

Dongfang Jin's cheeks were flushed, her eyes were hazy with drunkenness, and her steps were unsteady, yet she clung tightly to Dongfang Yuan's arm.

He nestled his head affectionately on her shoulder, his voice tinged with a mix of coquetry and wistfulness: "Mother, do you know?"

Everyone was chatting about their family matters, and I thought to myself, although our family also has its troubles, we are still generally harmonious and happy.

I have a family now, with parents and a brother, and I will have you all by my side from now on.

No matter what trouble I get into in the future, there will be someone to protect me. That's great.

Although Gu Chenglin was chatting with Sun Xing and the others, his gaze never left Dongfang Jin.

Listening to her slurred words, drunk, his heart ached.

The wife must also miss her family.

Dongfang Yuan smiled helplessly, raised her hand and gently tapped her forehead, scolding, "You, you're so old, yet you're still like a child."

When you were little, you were mischievous and naughty like a boy, which caused me a lot of worry.

But now that you're all grown up, and you're still getting married like that, your mother is resentful.

"My biggest regret is not finding you sooner and letting you marry someone like that."

Dongfang Jin straightened up, her eyes serious, and shook Dongfang Yuan's hand: "Mother, you don't need to regret it. Gu Chenglin is very good. He is very obedient and good to his daughter."

His two children are good to me, and I like them very much.

After saying that, he hugged Dongfang Yuan, looked at the stars in the sky, and muttered to himself.

Now she understands that her mother's nagging was all out of concern. She hopes her mother will be happy and healthy.

“Mother, don’t blame yourself. Gu Chenglin and I will definitely take good care of you and Father in the future, so that you can enjoy a peaceful and happy life.”

Dongfang Yuan's eyes reddened slightly. She reached out and touched his face, saying gently, "As long as you are safe and sound, I will be content."

"I'm already very happy that you have this thought."

Although it is not as bustling as the capital, it has a strong sense of everyday life and simple, honest human touch.

Gu Chenglin was indeed good to his daughter, and his two children were also good to her.

Hopefully, those two children won't turn out to be ungrateful.

However, she still has to advise her daughter to have a child of her own when she has time.

Gu Yumei came over with a bowl of hangover soup and followed, saying softly, "Today is really lively. It feels like only days like this are truly peaceful."

Dongfang Jin smiled and nodded: "The best days are yet to come."

Sister Yumei, Xiaojun and Xiaohui are here this time, you and Uncle Song..."

"Xiao Jin, I..."

Dongfang Yuan pulled her along, saying, "You're still young, it's time for you to have your own home."

Gu Yumei said shyly, "But, but what about Xiaojun and Xiaohui's marriage in the future..."

Dongfang Jin waved her hand: "You don't need to worry about that. They won't object. Your worries are unnecessary."

As the group was talking, Lin Ziyao ran over, his eyes sparkling as he stared at Dongfang Jin.

He tugged at her sleeve and said, "Auntie, I heard from Xiaojun that you're going to have a competition when we harvest wheat. Can I participate?"

Dongfang Jin patted his head: "If you like it, go for it. I heard Xiao Zhuang is also participating. You guys discuss it."

"Your aunt will allocate a separate plot of land to each of you, and whoever comes in first place will be rewarded with a gold ingot."

Lin Ziyao asked excitedly, "Really?"

Dongfang Jin nodded: "Of course."

Just then, Jun Qixian, who had left sometime earlier, came back carrying two small baskets of fruit.

One basket was placed on Aunt Gu's side, and the other on Dongfang Yuan's side: "Auntie, this is specially prepared by Sister Jin for my cousin-in-law."

Yang Zhu picked up a peach: "Look at her, our Xian'er is such a thoughtful girl!"

Jun Qixian said somewhat embarrassedly, "These were all brought back by Sister Jin. I just helped carry them over."

Lin Min smiled and said, "Xian'er is gentle and kind, and also skillful. Her embroidery skills are a true inheritance from Aunt Hui."