"Indeed, ever since they left Ms. Yang, the young masters have been listless. If it hadn't been for the lady and the eldest young miss repeatedly telling them that they'd soon return and meet Ms. Yang, the young masters might have been languishing all this time," Sister Ke said as she walked with the crying Anan to Yang Mengchen's side.

Yang Mengchen hurriedly took the two children, and looking at their visibly thinner selves, her eyes filled with affection and self-reproach.

Feeling the familiar scent, Pingping and Anan immediately stopped crying and turned to low sobs, their eyes fixed on Yang Mengchen with an accusatory displeasure.

Seeing this only made Yang Mengchen more heartbroken. If only she had known, it might have been better to keep Pingping and Anan with her. Not only would they have been spared from Old Lady Xiao's malicious actions, but she also wouldn't have had such worries weighing on her mind.

However, she could only entertain these thoughts, knowing that the inclusion of Pingping and Anan into the family registry was a serious matter. A delay would harm Pingping and Anan's entire future.

"Pingping and Anan, be good. In the future, your sister will be with you," she said.

It took great effort before Pingping and Anan could manage a smile. Not only did Yang Mengchen feel relieved, but the others also let out a sigh of relief. The power of the children's crying was earth-shattering, and strangely enough, aside from Yang Mengchen, no one could calm them down.

After calming Pingping and Anan with some milk and putting them to sleep, Yang Mengchen and Xiao Hongtao headed to the study, accompanied only by Sister Jin and Hai Tang.

"Thank you, Chenchen. If it weren't for you, we might not have been able to return," Xiao Hongtao said, still alarmed by those harrowing experiences.

Yang Mengchen smiled and waved her hand dismissively. "We are family, there's no need for thanks."

"I won't say it anymore, I won't say it in the future," Xiao Hongtao said, his voice tinged with a chill as he compared Mengchen's wholehearted protection with his father's indifference, his stepmother's poison, and his relatives' schemes. He had already grown despondent about that family. "Chenchen, I'd like Xuexue and Rongrong to get married soon."

"But Sister Wanxue hasn't come of age yet," Yang Mengchen said, touched by Uncle Xiao's paternal affection.

Sister Jin opened her mouth to say something but ultimately remained silent.

In principle, such matters should not concern a young lady, but Ms. Yang was the pillar of support for Yang family and many others. Her wise and mature demeanor often led them to overlook her actual age.

"They can marry first and then..." Xiao Hongtao said, his expression awkward but his eyes and brows filled with pain and outrage, "Father and stepmother forcibly canceled Xuexue and Rongrong's engagement, intending to send Xuexue as a concubine to Prince Su.

Although I firmly refused and clarified that it was Prince Chen who had arranged the match, with father and stepmother's nature, they definitely won't let matters rest and may even come here to pressure you... Never mind, I should just send Xuexue to the nunnery to become a nun."

Ever since he learned of his father and stepmother's intentions, he thought the only way to thwart their schemes was to have the children marry soon. Moreover, after days of constant tension, he had forgotten that the Xiao family held official status, Prince Su's power was unbounded, and the Yang family were merely commoners.

If Xuexue married into the Yang family, it would undoubtedly bring disaster upon them.

If it were not a situation of utter necessity, he would not consider sending Xuexue to the nunnery, hoping she could forgive his helpless decision.

Bowing slightly, Sister Jin whispered in Yang Mengchen's ear, "Prince Su might appear kind and gentle, but he's actually ruthless. He's the sort who would stop at nothing to acquire whatever or whoever he desires."

A glint flickered in Yang Mengchen's eyes. "Once grandfather and the others return, I'll speak to them. Uncle Xiao, rest assured, although we have to act according to the circumstances, we won't let Sister Wanxue suffer the slightest grievance." Now that Sister Wanxue had become part of the Yang family, they had every right to protect her.

"Chenchen..." Xiao Hongtao looked at Yang Mengchen in wide-eyed amazement.

"I understand Uncle Xiao's concerns," said Yang Mengchen, her expression resolute and cold. "Uncle Xiao seems to have forgotten that none who live in my house are ordinary. My family is certainly no pushover, to be manipulated by others. If the Xiao family and Prince Su dare bully us by using their power, I have plenty of ways to tarnish their reputation.

Uncle Xiao, just focus on preparing for Sister Wanxue's wedding, with peace of mind."

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