After a day of going around in circles, the group finally returned laden with spoils.
A full horse-drawn carriage of goods required several trips for the servants to unload everything.
Feng Jin frowned, looking at the packed room. "How could there be so much? It didn't seem like this much when we were buying. Now that it's all here, it really is a lot."
"Ling Wan, Chu Qing, you two go pick through it. Take your belongings away quickly; don't leave them here."
If it piled up any further, she wouldn't even have a place to stand.
"Eldest sister-in-law, I'll move mine right away."
Ling Wan busied herself, diving in and picking through the items, taking out everything that belonged to her.
"This seems to be mine too... and this one..." Ling Wan suddenly found herself spoilt for choice, feeling that this item and that item were familiar, as if they were all hers, yet also not.
She decided to pick whatever caught her eye. After much deliberation, she finally managed to sort them out.
"Chu Qing, this one seems to be yours." Ling Wan took out a pink box from her pile. She didn't recall buying this, so it must belong to Chu Qing.
"Second Miss, are you sure you haven't mistaken? This maidservant doesn't remember buying this..."
Chu Qing's tone was clearly lacking in confidence, as she too couldn't remember due to the sheer volume of items purchased.
To prevent the two from arguing over such trivial matters, Feng Jin stepped forward and took the indistinguishable pink box.
"Since no one wants it, it's mine now. I'll keep it here for now. If you remember who it belongs to later, you can come and claim it from me."
Ling Wan and Chu Qing tacitly accepted Feng Jin's distribution, as they truly didn't know who it belonged to. They went along with Feng Jin's suggestion.
"Alright, alright, we've been out all day. You should all go get some rest. I'm going to check on Da Bao and Er Bao."
Worried that the two little ones might cause a scene when taken out, Feng Jin had specifically left them at home. Now, she needed to see how they were doing.
After dismissing Ling Wan and Chu Qing, Feng Jin got up to check on the children.
Upon arriving at their room, she did not see the two darlings' smiling faces as expected. The room was empty. Feng Jin's heart immediately sank.
She rushed out to look for the children and happened to run into Nanny Lin, who was just about to enter.
"Young Madam, why are you in such a rush? What has happened?"
Seeing Feng Jin's flustered expression, Nanny Lin grabbed her hand and asked anxiously.
"Nanny Lin, where are Da Bao and Er Bao? They're not in the room."
Knowing that Feng Jin was flustered about this matter, Nanny Lin immediately relaxed.
"The Old Master learned that Young Madam had brought the young masters back, so he personally came to pick them up. Since Young Madam was not in the manor, he didn't inform you."
Nanny Lin quickly explained. Feng Jin, reassured that the children were safe, finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"It's also my oversight. I didn't bring the children to pay respects to Grandfather immediately after returning. I'll go to Grandfather's place now and bring the children back."
"The sky is getting dark, and the dew is getting heavier. This old servant will accompany Young Madam. I can also help carry the young masters."
Feng Jin did not refuse Nanny Lin's kind offer. It was already dark, and carrying both children back alone would be quite strenuous. She was happy to have someone help.
When Feng Jin arrived, Elder Master Ling was sitting on the ground, doting on Da Bao and Er Bao. He was completely unlike his usual stern self, appearing now as a loving elder in his twilight years.
"Grandfather..." Feng Jin called out.
Elder Master Ling seemed not to have heard her, continuing to play with the children.
This was the first time Feng Jin had been treated with such indifference. She felt utterly awkward standing there.
She patiently called out again in a gentle tone, "Grandfather?"
Nanny Lin also chimed in from the side, "Old Master, Young Madam is here..."
"I heard you. I'm not deaf, you don't need to remind me."
Elder Master Ling's voice carried a hint of anger. He raised his eyes to glance at Feng Jin and said with a slightly displeased tone, "You still know to come and see this old man. You didn't even bring the children to see me after you got home. I thought you had forgotten about this old man!"
Hearing Elder Master Ling's words, Feng Jin clearly felt embarrassed. She coughed lightly. She had indeed put this matter out of her mind and felt truly remiss towards Elder Master Ling.
"Grandfather, it was my fault this time. I didn't bring the children to see you immediately."
"It's good that you know!" Elder Master Ling snorted coldly and said irritably, "Do you really think I miss you? I just miss the children..."
Speaking of this matter, he was filled with anger. And that rascal Ling Mohan, he had been back for two days and hadn't shown his face at all.
It was as if he completely disregarded him. As one gets older, all they want is to be surrounded by their descendants. But here he was, having worked his whole life, with no one to talk to.
"Grandfather, I..."
Before Feng Jin could finish her explanation, Elder Master Ling raised his hand to interrupt her.
"Alright, you don't need to explain anymore. Come and see me whenever you wish from now on; I won't force you. But you must let me see the children every day. This request is not excessive, is it?"
"Not excessive, not excessive..."
Feng Jin, fearing she might anger Elder Master Ling with another word, quickly agreed with him, daring not to object in the slightest.
"Then it's settled."
"Yes, we'll do as Grandfather says."
Feng Jin felt helpless. If she objected further, she might be branded as unfilial.
"Then Grandfather, I'll take Da Bao and Er Bao back now."
Upon hearing that she was taking the children away, Elder Master Ling's expression immediately dimmed. He cast an unhappy glance at Feng Jin.
"Old Master, it's dark now, and the young masters need to rest early. Tomorrow morning, this old servant will bring the young masters to see you, is that alright?"
Nanny Lin, being as sharp as a needle, had served Elder Master Ling for many years and understood his moods. Her words were articulate and perfectly struck a chord with Elder Master Ling.
"Alright then, take them back for now. Don't forget to bring the children over tomorrow morning."
There was still a long time ahead, and he wasn't in a hurry for this moment. He agreed to let Feng Jin take the children back.
With permission granted, Feng Jin quickly picked up the children, fearing Elder Master Ling might change his mind again. After a hasty farewell, she left quickly.
"Look at her, making it seem like I'm fighting her for the children."