There were a lot of people today, and the Du Familyâs nanny couldnât make enough food for everyone, so the women moved to the kitchen, chatting and helping to prepare the dishes.
Wang Rong, the eldest sister-in-law, leaned over to Xinyan: "Youâve been married for a while now, any signs of a baby?"
Xinyan knew her sister-in-law meant well, so she didnât mind: "We initially planned to consider it after graduating from university, but seeing that Jinxuan quite likes children, weâre planning to just let things happen naturally."
The eldest sister-in-law nodded with a smile upon hearing Xinyanâs words: "Thatâs the right way to think. Having a child sooner rather than later also brings peace of mind. I recently heard some talk that theyâre going to implement family planning soon. I was just about to remind you."
Xinyan was aware that family planning would be implemented next year, so no matter when it happens, she could only have one child.
However, her uncles are twins, and she wondered if that could skip a generation and she might have twins herself, a boy and a girl, fulfilling both desires.
Mrs. Du overheard their conversation and smiled as she joined them: "Now that both your master and I are semi-retired, whether itâs you or your senior sister, if you need someone to take care of the child in the future, you can send them to us. We might struggle with a toddler, but we should be able to handle one in a cradle."
The eldest sister-in-law spoke candidly: "Madame, is it that you hadnât had the chance to take care of grandchildren before and now want to indulge in childcare?"
Everyone burst into laughter at her words.
Mrs. Du sighed with a smile: "Youâre not wrong. I havenât really had a hand in raising any grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Now, being at home, I truly envy those friends who get to enjoy this with their family."
Shen Guqing laughed: "Madame, you said it, donât find us annoying then."
Mrs. Duâs face was full of smiles: "Not at all, Iâm just afraid your mother-in-law might not want me helping out."
Xinyan put down the vegetables in her hand: "No worries, there are seven days in a week, surely we can spare you a few."
The kitchen was filled with continuous laughter.
With many hands, and amidst laughter and chatter, the meal was quickly prepared.
There were enough people for two full tables, and with new members joining this year, the table was filled with the clinking of glasses and laughter, making it very lively.
After the meal, they handed out red envelopes to the younger generation, and then the senior and junior apprentices followed their master into the study, a longstanding tradition at these gatherings.
After the senior apprentices shared about their work and plans for the new year, it was Xinyanâs turn.
Xinyan looked around at everyone: "You all know that I have some talent in my studies. I originally planned to take the courses step by step, but I have a lot to do next, so Iâm thinking of completing all my subjects in the new semester."
Mr. Du nodded: "With your current capabilities, whether in medicine or foreign languages, youâre more than capable on your own, so thereâs no need to linger at school."
Shen Guqing also mentioned that on the seventh of the month, they were hosting a gathering in Beijing and everyone was invited.
They chatted in the study for a long time before dispersing.
Since her uncleâs partner was visiting in the evening, Xinyan didnât stay longer at her masterâs place.
She distributed the gifts she brought, then asked He Jinxuan to load the gifts from the senior apprentices onto the car, and called out to Han Chaojun, who was having a great time playing with the senior brotherâs two young grandsons: "Junjun, time for us to go."
The little guy was reluctant to leave.
Xinyan smiled and patted his head: "Next time, weâll bring you here again. Did you forget we have guests at home today? Grandma wants us to go back early to receive them."
Though he was reluctant, he was sensible enough to wave goodbye to the two older nephews who were playing with him, saying: "Goodbye."
The senior brotherâs two grandsons waved back to the little one: "Goodbye, little uncle."
Everyone laughed; despite his young age, his seniority in the family was quite high.
By the time they returned, Gu Yize had already brought his partner home.
Xinyan led the little one, skipping into the courtyard, where they saw a poised lady standing. The lady looked over and smiled at them: "Hello, you must be Yanyan and Junjun?"
Just hearing this greeting, they knew that their uncleâs good news was about to happen soon.