Chun Ning found the escort agency and hired an escort master.

The Xiao family’s return to the Capital was put on the agenda.

What puzzled Mrs. Xu and others was that Chun Nuan did not plan to go with them.

"After the spring exams open up, Second Young Master Zhao has a high chance of passing. At that time, the Zhao family will move to the Capital as a whole. By then the child will be a bit older, returning to the Capital won’t be too late."

"That makes sense."

Mrs. Xu nodded, "You’ve thought it through."

Indeed, they were all swept up in joy, forgetting that Nuannuan’s child was still young.

"Second Aunt, Muyang will miss Auntie."

When they first arrived in Shu City, Xiao Muyang was still in Mrs. Zhu’s belly; now he stood in front of Chun Nuan looking every inch a young gentleman.

"Auntie will miss you too, young man."

Chun Nuan patted his shoulder, "Once back in the Capital, you must not slack off. Your mother will hire a tutor for you, and as for your future path, whether it be studying, medicine, or even business, it’s up to you. But remember, no path is easy. They all require effort and perseverance, and it’s a hard journey."

The Xiao family must not produce a wastrel.

Of course, Xiao Chunnuan believed that Xiao Muyang, who grew up in Shu City, would be an outstanding heir in the Xiao family.

"Yes, Auntie, Muyang will remember your teachings!"

This child is truly lovable!

"When you return to the Capital, your father will also be back."

"Yes, Muyang will be filial to Grandfather and Father. They’ve worked hard."

"Good child."

Chun Nuan nodded.

All have worked hard!

For all of the Xiao family to endure until today, they were truly steeped in hardships, but fortunately, they persevered to see the day of returning to the Capital!

Aunt Luo, upon hearing that the Xiao family would return to the Capital, was very happy for them, but also reluctant.

"Chun Nuan, I’m afraid I won’t see you again in the future."

"Aunt Luo, you can always come to the Capital to visit us!"

"Oh, I can’t do that," Aunt Luo laughed, "If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t even have set foot in Changzhou."

With Chun Nuan’s assistance, the Luo family thrived in recent years. Not only did they upgrade from a few dilapidated houses to eight tile-roofed ones, but they also transitioned from tenants to owners of over twenty acres; they bought small courtyards in town and Changzhou.

Eight years ago, Aunt Luo wouldn’t have dared to even dream of such a life.

"Chun Nuan, now that your family is returning to the Capital, is there anything I can help with?"

"All family businesses will stay and be managed; Nanny Wu will watch over them."

Nanny Wu and the gentleman sent by the Marquis’s family became part of the family; Chun Nuan didn’t think she’d be bullied, but still entrusted the Luo family to help look after things.

After all, the Luo family is native here, and Uncle Luo became a well-known Doctor Luo, renowned for his massage skills.

"No problem, we’ll definitely look after it, no one should dare touch anything."

Aunt Luo asked, "Will the Zhao family also move to the Capital?"

Aunt Luo knew that Second Young Master Zhao would take the imperial exams, and Third Young Master Zhao became an Imperial Merchant.

When one man attains the truth, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven; naturally, the Zhao family’s status also rose accordingly.

"No," Chun Nuan said, "Elder Brother’s family will stay in Changzhou to manage the ancestral business."

"Yes, yes, generally large families have ancestral businesses, with someone to manage them."

Aunt Luo felt she’d gained knowledge; before, she only knew about cooking, laundry, and mending; now she’s familiar with matters of big families.

Hmm, if all goes well, the Luo family will also become a large household in the future!

While Chun Nuan was chatting with Aunt Luo, a maid came to report: Old Master Zhang and Mrs. Zhang had arrived.

Old Master Zhang and Mrs. Zhang also heard the Xiao family was leaving Shu City and came specially to bid farewell.

"These are some preserved meats and sausages made by our family," Mrs. Zhang said to Mrs. Xu, "Knowing that you’re returning to the Capital soon, my husband pondered over what to give, and finally decided on these as they last long, and you can eat them on your journey to the Capital."

"Old Master Zhang and Mrs. Zhang are so considerate."

Not only Old Master Zhang and Mrs. Zhang, but Aunt Luo’s family also prepared gifts, deciding to give sausages and preserved meats.

As a result, the Xiao family’s carriage had to add another one, filled with sausages and preserved meats, not leaving a single piece behind, taking them all.

Simply put, they’re excellent gifts to present when back in the Capital.

Besides, aren’t these specialties of Shu City?

Moreover, after living in Shu City for so long, the Xiao family truly grew fond of this flavor.

Even if not gifted away, keeping them to eat themselves would be wonderful.

When seeing the Xiao family off, Chun Nuan’s eyes turned red.

It wasn’t due to reluctance but thinking of the Xiao family finally embarking on their journey back to the Capital that reminded her of her grandmother!

Oh, how wonderful it would be if grandmother could return to the Capital with them!

Her grandmother’s tablet, however, was carried onto the carriage by Chun Ning.

Back then... truly, the events of those years can’t even be thought about.

Meanwhile, in the Northern Desert, the men of the Xiao family donned fresh clothing, looking at each other, their eyes turning red!

Seven years, a whole seven years, they endured in the Northern Desert.

The spirited young men of those days now had graying temples.

"Elder Brother, we can return to the Capital."

"Yes, we can return to the Capital."

"We finally made it through."

"Most importantly, we’re all returning to the Capital, none missing."

"But in the Capital, there’s no longer Father or Mother."

Each one felt a tightening in their nose and redness in their eyes!

Thinking of Father back then, thinking of the catastrophe that befell the Xiao family, they dared not even harbor resentment!

So innocent!

Upon returning to the Capital, the family’s first priority was to marry off and start families for the grown children.

There were also several grown daughters at home, long past the age for marriage, and they didn’t even know which prospects would be suitable.

Throughout the journey, Mrs. Xu, Mrs. Xu, and Mrs. Huang were worried, discussing these matters.

"Seven years, it’s been too long."

Forcing the children to become old maidens.

Mrs. Huang, thinking of her family’s requests back then, and her own foolishness, felt quite ironic.

She almost ruined her daughter’s life!

Now returning to the Capital, she hoped her daughter could find a good family.

In the Capital, Xiao Chunyu returned with servants to the Xiao residence, directing them to clean and arrange things.

"Miss, there seemed to be a desk here back then, which Old Master and Second Miss used for chatting." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"Set it up."

"Yes."

"Miss, the study is short of some books. Back then, when the Imperial Physician was here, medical books filled the shelves; now they can’t all be found."

"Grandfather and Nuannuan loved medical books. Have someone buy whatever medical books they can find to fill the shelves, leave no gaps."

"Yes."

"Miss, the ladies are arriving in a few days; should the main kitchen start preparations?"

"Prepare everything, and also send for a broker to bring people; I need to buy a few maids."

Just as they spoke, a commotion arose outside.

"Good news, good news, urgent report in from the border, 800-mile express!"