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Originally, with the arrival of Old Madam Yan and the third branch of the family, this should have been the most complete year for the Yan Family, but from the end of the year to the beginning of the New Year, a somber and oppressive atmosphere enveloped the household.

With Old Madam Yan holding the highest status in the family and Madam Li in charge of the finances feeling discontent, no one else could find it in themselves to be cheerful even if they wished to.

In dealing with outsiders, Madam Li paid close attention to keeping up appearances for the sake of the Yan Family’s reputation, and she prepared all sorts of New Year items thoroughly, but when it came to things for the Yan Family’s own use, she became perfunctory.

In previous years during the New Year, Madam Li would distribute gifts to each branch of the family, but this year, not to mention gifts, even food, necessities, and clothing were not prepared, with many items being bought by the servants on a daily basis.

However, during the New Year period, most shops were closed, so there was not much that could be bought.

It would be odd if they could have a pleasant celebration under these circumstances!

It was only then that everyone realized that the usually virtuous and compliant Madam Li could also be formidable, and that previously, nobody had crossed her bottom line, so she had not bothered.

Now that Daohua had arrived, she had drawn her line clearly.

By acting so blatantly and ungraciously this time, Madam Li was signaling to everyone in the Yan Family that her daughter was her bottom line, and if anyone caused her daughter any displeasure, they would all feel the consequences.

On New Year’s Eve.

The New Year’s Eve dinner prepared by the Yan Family was very ordinary, just some common chicken, duck, fish, and meat dishes.

In the past, no matter how busy she was, Madam Li would prepare a few special or delicate dishes, but this year, there was none of that.

Although nobody showed it outwardly, they were all disappointed in their hearts.

Even though the Yan Family was the family of the County Magistrate, their daily food, clothing, and expenses were only slightly better than the average household, so everyone, both adults and children, looked forward to having better meals during the New Year.

Shuangxin Courtyard.

Madam Lin stood alone at the entrance of the courtyard, her eyes unwilling to part from Yan Zhigao who was leaving with Yan Yishuang and Yan Wenbin.

“You should go back to your room, it’s very cold outside. After dinner, I’ll have someone bring Yishuang and Wenbin back to keep you company,” Yan Zhigao said, forcibly ignoring the forlorn look in Madam Lin’s eyes, and quickly led his two children away.

Yan Yishuang and Yan Wenbin turned their heads to look back at Madam Lin, standing all alone at the doorway, and couldn’t help but tear up.

Yan Wenbin pulled at Yan Zhigao, “Father, can’t we bring Auntie with us? In previous years, she also joined us for the New Year’s Eve dinner.”

Yan Zhigao rubbed his forehead, at a loss for words.

If he were to bring Madam Lin to Songhe Courtyard today, not to mention his mother, even his wife would likely explode in anger, and they could forget about having a peaceful New Year’s Eve dinner.

He had not expected that slapping his eldest daughter would provoke such a strong reaction from both his mother and his wife.

Yan Yishuang said weakly, “Father, is it because of Eldest Sister?”

Yan Zhigao rubbed Yan Yishuang’s head and sighed, “It has nothing to do with your elder sister. Let’s go, if we’re late, there’ll be nothing left to eat.”

At the entrance to Shuangxin Courtyard, seeing that Yan Zhigao did not return to call her, a trace of dejection crossed Madam Lin’s eyes.

She would have thought that, no matter how angry the Old Madam was, she would not want to embarrass her own son, but she had not expected that the Madam would be so decisive and unyielding this time.

The Yan Family’s finances were meager; the daily expenses and managing relationships with staff required Madam Li’s oversight. Thus, even if the master did favor her, once Madam Li took a firm stand, he would not want to shame her too much.

As a result, the one to suffer would be Madam Lin.

“No rush, we will take our time,” said Madam Lin, her eyes hardening with resolve. She did not believe a man could endure being oppressed by his wife indefinitely, the more evident Madam Li’s actions were, the more the master would grow to resent it in the future.

Just look, he did not hesitate to slap her eldest daughter, did he?

Meanwhile, in Songhe Courtyard.

The members of the second and third branches had arrived early and were now keeping Old Madam Yan company with idle chatter.

All the grandchildren were trying their best to please the Old Madam, but unfortunately, she was distractingly looking towards the courtyard entrance.

Yan Wenjie nudged Yan Wenxiu with his walking stick, whispering, “Big brother, why is our grandmother different from others? Aren’t other grandmothers more fond of their grandsons? Why does it seem like in our family, only granddaughters matter?”