388 Settling Down (Part 1)

“I’ll stay with you and take care of Zhao Nian tonight.”

Zhao Zhan had no reason not to listen to his lover’s request.

The horse carriage slowly passed by the tavern. The lady standing at the entrance of the tavern had a long veil wrapped around her arm, and it almost swept over Yue Jiaojiao, who was sitting on the outside.

Zhao Zhan pulled his lover to his side. “This lady’s method of attracting customers is very bold.”

Not only was Yue Jiaojiao not afraid, she even winked at the lady.

“We have wine from the western regions in our shop. You can come over with your husband to have a taste later.”

The carriage slowly moved away. Zhao Zhan looked back. “Wine?”

“Yes, wine.”

“I managed to stop Zhao Nian from breastfeeding on the way here. I can finally eat anything I want to my heart’s content.” Yue Jiaojiao leaned on Zhao Zhan’s shoulder. “It’s been a long time since I’ve tasted wine. I’m going to have a few good glasses tonight.”

She wasn’t a glutton.

However, the bustling Shangjing and the familiar sights made her feel a little more familiar with this place that should have been very strange.

The house that Zhang Lingzhen had given them was located in a slightly more remote part of Shangjing.

They turned into East Street, went around a residential area, and then came to a stop.

Zhang Lingzhen helped Madam Zhang off the carriage and went to see Grandma Zhang. Then, he walked to Zhao Zhan, who was at the front. “Zhao Zhan, take a good look at this manor. After the long street at the back, you’ll see where the officials live. I’ve been to this place six years ago, but it’s no different from before.”

The house was located at the entrance of an alley. There was a separate alley near the main street, so there was no need to go around the long alley or walk past other people’s doors. It was very convenient.

“Let’s go in and settle down first. I’ll take this opportunity to see how the house has been renovated.”

Zhao Zhan took the key and opened the door.

There was a date tree in the courtyard with lush green leaves. A pavilion was built under it, and there were tables and chairs in the pavilion, creating a cool corner in the courtyard.

The house was much smaller than the one in Willow Village.

“Oh, Zhao Zhan, this was done by Master Sun. He’s pretty good at his craft. This house was originally a lonely courtyard, but after he changed it, even the small place can look so neat and tidy. It doesn’t seem to be crowded, and it looks very neat.”

“It’s a good thing that there is this house in Shangjing, so that we can avoid having to eat and sleep in the inn.”

“This house was originally divided into a front hall and a back hall. I asked Master Sun to change this place into an independent small courtyard.”

Zhao Zhan led them around the shadow wall. “Behind closed doors, each room has an independent courtyard. Although the space is not big, it’s more comfortable to move around in your own courtyard. However, each courtyard only has one main room and one side room. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”

“What are you apologizing for?” Zhang Lingzhen patted Zhao Zhan’s shoulder. “It’s more than enough for me.”

“That’s enough, you two.” Madam Zhang walked up to them with a smile. “We’re a family, so there’s no need to be so formal.”

Yue Jiaojiao walked up to them, “We can leave the room in the South to Grandma. She’s old, living in a shady place would not be good for her health. You two can live on the East side. Zhao Zhan and I will live on the West side. We can leave the other to Tianliu and Xiangjun.”

“There’s a large and a small courtyard behind these courtyards. One is for Doctor Sun, and the other is for Madam Qin.”

Madam Zhang nodded her head repeatedly. “We’ll do as you say. You’ve arranged it well. Now that there are no servants around, my relationship with my husband has gotten better. It’s all thanks to the both of you taking care of us well.”

Zhao Zhan and Madam Qin took care of their three meals a day, and she stayed in the courtyard all day to do some embroidery work. She also took care of Zhang Lingzhen along the way, which made her heart feel more at ease than before.

“It is something we want to do, I’ll get Madam Qin to help you clean up the yard.”

They had only brought one servant with them this time, who was in charge of taking care of Grandma Zhang.

As a daughter-in-law, Madam Zhang had to go to Grandma Zhang’s courtyard to help. It would take a long time for her to clean up her own courtyard.

“There’s no need. Your grandmother’s courtyard is easy to clean up. The servants are familiar with taking care of her.” Madam Zhang shook her head and refused. “I’ll go and help her settle down first. It’ll be better for you to go back and clean up your own courtyard.”