Chapter 1376

The old master didn’t know what to say. Was her son really that bad? At least in all of Kyoto, many unmarried women from noble families wanted to catch Yan Aohan’s eye. But Yan Aohan never cared. Now that he finally found someone he liked, they were worried she might dump their son.

“I don’t think the Little Divine Doctor is like that,” the old master argued, though he sounded unsure. Eighteen against thirty… the age gap was real. In that sense, his son was indeed a bit old.

“Look at you. You know your own words aren’t convincing,” the old madam said, looking at him with understanding. “So, how can I not be nervous? If we lose this daughter-in-law, your youngest son is doomed to be a bachelor forever. I must leave the best impression on her.”

She walked to the mirror nearby and checked her reflection. “Old man, is there anything wrong with my outfit today?”

The old madam was well-preserved. Thanks to the health pills specially made by Zhu Yanyi over the years, she looked like a beautiful woman in her forties. Her purple qipao today highlighted her figure perfectly.

“It looks very nice,” the old master evaluated seriously. “Old wife, to be honest, seeing you dressed like this reminds me of when I met you over forty years ago. You were just as beautiful then as you are now.”

“What are you saying? We’re old. Don’t you fear people will laugh at us?” The old madam glared at her, but her eyes were full of smiles.

She had followed this man through wind and rain for over forty years. From a female bandit to a noble matriarch, this change was due to her own efforts, but also because she always protected her. Although there were occasional small frictions, their love grew deeper with each conflict, like wine, becoming richer and more fragrant with every year.

“I’m telling the truth. If you don’t believe me, ask people outside. Everyone knows I’m lucky to have met you,” the old master smiled. With her by her side, her life had no regrets.

“Alright, let’s stop talking about this. It won’t be good if the children hear us,” the old madam said, feeling sweet inside but keeping a bit of reserve.

“The children haven’t arrived yet, so don’t worry. Even if they do, I’m not afraid with them here.” The old master’s sweet words seemed endless. The old madam felt warm and comfortable inside.

She smiled but deliberately glared at her. “You’re too improper for your age.”

Just then, they heard a car stop at the door.

“They’re here,” the old madam laughed.

But when she looked out, it was Yan Hongyi and her wife, Dora, with their twin sons.

“Grandpa, Grandma, hello!” The two twelve-year-old twins ran in, each grabbing one of them.

“Oh, Grandpa and Grandma’s good grandsons are back. Come in, we bought snacks,” the old madam said, looking satisfied.

Yan Hongyi and Dora smiled at each other and walked in. Dora went to the kitchen, saw the nanny busy, and came out. “Mom, should I help make some pastries later?”

The old madam thought for a moment. Her daughter-in-law’s pastry skills were excellent. “Then you do it. It’s rare for your third sister-in-law to visit for the first time. We need to leave a good impression.”

“Understood.” Dora smiled and went back to the kitchen to make pastries.

A while later, another car stopped. The old madam looked out again. It was Yan Zhaoxia and Hua Yaohui. She looked disappointed. “Why is it just the two of you? Where is Xiaoyue?”

“They have an event to attend, so they went. That’s why they didn’t bring her,” Yan Zhaoxia answered with a smile. “Mom, why do I feel like you don’t like me?”

“I really don’t like you,” the old madam said directly. “I’ve watched you for so many years. I’m tired of seeing your face.”

Hua Yaohui ignored their mother-daughter banter and walked over to Yan Hongyi. “Second Brother, can Fourth Sister finally get married this time?”

“I think it’s unlikely,” Yan Hongyi said, looking pessimistic. “Fourth Sister is too old. The Little Divine Doctor is in her prime. Deceiving someone like that is risky.”

“Risky my foot!” The old madam heard this and threw an apple at her. “Is that how a brother should talk? You never helped arrange anything for her. Now that she found someone herself, you say it’s unlikely?”

“Mother, I’m just stating facts,” Yan Hongyi said, looking aggrieved. “That boy is thirty. He’s dating an eighteen-year-old girl. Isn’t he embarrassed? Besides, I didn’t refuse to help. He refused himself.”

Yan Aohan and Zhu Yanyi entered just as the old madam was scolding Yan Hongyi.

“What’s going on? Family war?” Yan Aohan put his gifts on the coffee table. He turned to Zhu Yanyi. “Ani, let me introduce you. That stiff old man is your father-in-law. That elegant beautiful woman is your mother-in-law. The one being scolded by your mother-in-law is Second Brother, Yan Hongyi. Just call him Second Brother. The one next to him is Brother-in-law Hua Yaohui. Just call him Brother-in-law. The one watching the fight is Third Sister, Yan Zhaoxia. Just call her Third Sister. Those two twelve-year-old boys are my second brother’s twins, Yan Xinan and Yan Xixi. You can call them Little Nan and Little Xi.”

Yan Aohan looked around. “It seems my second sister-in-law is in the kitchen. The eldest brother’s family hasn’t arrived yet. They’re later than us.”

Then she pointed to Zhu Yanyi and introduced her. “My wife. You all know her. The Little Divine Doctor, Zhu Yanyi. You can call her Yanyi.”

Everyone, including Zhu Yanyi, was amused by Yan Aohan’s quirky introduction. Zhu Yanyi glared at Yan Aohan, then greeted everyone. “Old Master Yan, Old Madam, Second Brother Yan, Sister Zhaoxia, Mr. Hua, hello. I am Zhu Yanyi.”

“Don’t call them Old Master and Old Madam,” the old madam said directly. She walked over and pulled Zhu Yanyi. “Call me Mom.”

Zhu Yanyi finally understood where Yan Aohan learned this unconventional style.

Yan Aohan saw Zhu Yanyi’s amused expression and shrugged. “I told you. Just call them Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, Second Brother, Third Sister, and Brother-in-law. Being polite won’t make them feel honored.”

Zhu Yanyi almost facepalmed, but she changed her address. “Uncle Yan, Aunt Yan, let’s call you that for now. I’ll change it later.” After all, they weren’t engaged yet. Calling them Mom and Dad was still too hard.