Jiangnan, Song Mansion.
Five wooden gates with fences stretched behind him, and two cloisonné enamel flower basket-style wall lamps with cloud and bat patterns hung under the eaves.
A group of servants and old women stood behind him, holding lanterns and with their hands hanging down.
As the New Year approaches, colorful lanterns are hung high throughout the house, and the golden windows and jade door sills are decorated with incense chips all over the floor.
Old Madam Song stood at the door, trembling, leaning on an agarwood crutch, looking eagerly.
The maids and old women following behind her were also wearing lilac cotton-padded jackets, and they gathered behind Old Madam Song with smiles on their faces.
The wind was freezing cold, whistling past her ears. Old Madam Song, wearing a bright red gorilla felt cloak, stood on tiptoe to look outside.
"Have you sent Dong Hai to check? Why is there no one here at this hour?"
Song Hanyuan carefully supported Old Madam Song. He said slowly, "Don't worry, mother. We arrived at the city gate half an hour ago. I'm afraid we'll be there soon."
Old Madam Song felt relieved: "That's good, that's good."
Thinking that there was someone beside Song Lingzhi, Mrs. Song's longing for her grandson turned into deep sorrow.
She frowned, patted the back of Song Hanyuan's hand lightly, and spoke in a solemn voice.
"Zhizhi wrote in the letter that His Majesty is here too."
Old Madam Song looked worried. "Why is he here for no reason?"
It is often said that a country cannot be without a ruler for a day. Although the previous emperor was incompetent and often traveled around, Shen Yan came to his own house.
Old Madam Song frowned and said, "Have you arranged everything at home? This is a big deal and we can't make any mistakes."
Song Hanyuan nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry, my son has already told everyone. The ones left in the mansion are all family-born children, they won't say anything nonsense."
Old Madam Song's brows never relaxed at all, she was only worried about Song Lingzhi.
The snowflakes fall gradually and silently.
In the vast expanse of white snow, the sound of reins was suddenly heard. A man riding a white horse came across the long street.
It was Dong Hai, the servant beside Song Hanyuan.
Jumping onto his horse, Dong Hai lowered his head and half-knelt at the foot of the platform. His lips were frozen white, but his eyes and brows could not hide his excitement.
"Replying to the old lady, the young lady is here!"
From far away in the air came the sound of eave bells ringing, and in sight, a fragrant carriage made of seven treasures passed through the snow curtain.
Old Madam Song stepped forward tremblingly.
The gorilla felt carriage curtain was rolled up, revealing Shen Yan, dressed in a dark cloak with sea-water patterns, with a stern face and a serious expression.
Old Madam Song and Song Hanyuan knelt down and saluted.
Before he could bow, a timid voice suddenly fell in his ear.
Song Lingzhi stepped over Shen Yan, stepped on the footstool and jumped off the carriage, and went straight into the arms of Old Madam Song.
Tears welled up in his eyes: "Grandma, father."
Old Madam Song held Song Lingzhi's hand with loving heart and couldn't stop looking at her.
After all, he was old, and after a moment, he immediately lowered his eyes and bowed respectfully to Shen Yan.
"I have seen..."
"No need to be so polite." Shen Yan said calmly, his eyebrows and eyes calm, "Just do it as before."
Shen Yan went south this time under an assumed name and did not advertise himself.
Madam Song was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized: "Mr. Yan, please come in."
The last time Shen Yan stayed at the Song Mansion, he stayed there as Song Lingzhi's teacher.
When he heard the word "Sir", Song Lingzhi's ears turned red for some reason.