Upon learning that Xiao Shuning and Mu Jinyuan intended to stay at the estate for a few days, the Old Madam immediately ordered the servants to prepare the courtyard Xiao Shuning had occupied before her marriage, ensuring every piece of furniture and decoration remained exactly as it had been.
Since her marriage into the Mu family, Xiao Shuning had only ever returned for matters involving Mu Bingwen or for brief holiday meals, never staying for any length of time. Now that she was to remain for a few days, the Old Madam and the grandfather were overjoyed, practically wishing to decorate the estate with lanterns and celebrate with drums and gongs.
Dinner was held at the Old Madam’s Huaqing Pavilion. With the exception of the uncle, nearly the entire household of the State Protector Estate was present, chatting and laughing in a lively atmosphere. It had been a long time since Mu Jinyuan had felt the warmth of a family gathered together.
Chapter 44