CHAPTER 205: CHAPTER 196: THEY MUST HAVE COLLUDED! (THIRD UPDATE)

The Duke’s estate spans over a hundred acres. The tall hallways and majestic doors, the rounded arch windows, and the corner stone masonry all exude an air of opulence and grandeur.

The car slowly drove through the main gates and towards the grand courtyard. Yi Luowa looked curiously at the scenery outside: gardens flanked both sides of the road, along with outdoor swimming pools, soccer fields, basketball courts, and training grounds. Yet, though the main residence seemed close, walking from the gates to the mansion would still take at least ten minutes.

Bert raised a hand, pointing at Yi Luowa. "Why guess? The one sitting beside Great-Aunt must be her!"

Tong Yao pulled the two children closer, feigning anger. "Did you two mess up your father’s clothes again?"

Prince Charles smiled graciously. "I’ve long grown used to it. Feel free to say whatever’s on your mind."

Madam Jing Ya also sternly admonished, "Your fourth brother isn’t home, so no bullying Luowa!"

Seeing Yi Luowa’s face flush crimson, Mi Chenxuan stormed over indignantly. "Leon, if you and my fourth brother have unresolved issues, deal with them directly. Don’t drag little girls into it!"

Yi Luowa smiled and glanced at her. "Grandma loves all of us equally."

"So many unfamiliar faces—let me guess, which one’s the wife of the fourth brother?" Leon joked.

Just as they were talking, Tong Yao’s phone rang. Long Che glanced sideways at the screen, noticing it was a call from the Soia side. He snorted but said nothing.

Madam Jing Ya playfully tapped him. "Stop intimidating others. Come inside quickly; the sun is strong outside."

Long Che turned to look at Prince Charles, offering an apologetic smile. "Third Uncle, my mistake. I almost forgot they are your great-grandchildren."

Yi Luowa silently thanked Auntie Li in her heart; without her help, she wouldn’t have known how to prepare such thoughtful gifts.

"Ahem, ahem..." Long Che coughed lightly from his seat on the sofa.

"Aunt brought back lots of toys for me and Duoduo."

Madam Jing Ya pulled Yi Luowa down to sit beside her, while the children gathered around. Ai Ni playfully nudged Yi Luowa’s arm. "Grandma dotes on you so much—it makes me jealous!"

"No need to thank me. Go ahead. If you don’t find any you like, I’ll get more for you next time." Yi Luowa smiled warmly.

"Thank you, Grandma!" Little Bao tugged Big Bao towards the door. As Big Bao paused and turned back, he looked towards Yi Luowa. "Thank you, Aunt!"

"It must have been a joint effort!" Tong Yao smiled, planting a kiss on each of their foreheads. "You’re not feeling hot anymore, so you’re definitely better now."

Yi Luowa supported Madam Jing Ya as they stepped out of the car, only to be greeted by Mi Chenxuan, who ran over and enveloped Madam Jing Ya in a big hug. "My dearest Grandma! Your Xuanxuan is back!"

Madam Jing Ya lovingly patted his head. "You’re already such a grown-up; aren’t you afraid of being laughed at for still acting so spoiled?"

Yi Luowa stood gracefully, offering a slight curtsy as a gesture of respect to the two princes.

Others gradually joined them, their faces all bearing smiles. This was an amiable, harmonious family, making Yi Luowa marvel at how lovely it was.

Leon looked crestfallen and directed a pleading gaze at Long Che. "Uncle, Shen Ying belongs to Airui."

The children surrounded Madam Jing Ya as they entered the hall, where the central air conditioning sent a cooling breeze, making everyone feel very comfortable.

Mi Chenxuan shot a sharp glance at the nearby servants. "Anyone who dares laugh at me—sew their mouths shut!"

"Stop spewing nonsense! Wait until your fourth brother returns to deal with you—I won’t protect you."

"No wonder Duoduo clings to Luowa. With this personality, she really gets along well with kids!" Madam Jing Ya remarked to Tong Yao with a laugh. "I see you, the mother-in-law, are just as fond of her!"

"Mom, I’ll go greet them myself."

The two seven- or eight-year-old boys instantly directed their gaze at Yi Luowa, then immediately performed a gentlemanly deep bow. "Hello, Fourth Aunt!"

Yi Luowa smiled faintly, neither nodding nor shaking her head. After spending time with Tong Airui’s father, she had started to catch on to his predictable ways.

At that moment, the butler entered, bowing politely. "Madam, PCW delivered a shipment of model cars. Where would you like them placed?"

Yi Luowa curiously observed them. Judging by their appearance, they were undoubtedly twins. Yet, one had dark skin while the other was fair-skinned—an amusing contrast.

"Next time you dare to exploit me and my son, I’ll make you pay for it!" Long Che gestured towards the sofa across from him, signalling them to sit. "Since Rui’er is back this time, for the following year, you’ll be handling all of Shen Ying’s affairs."

Qiqi walked over, smiling. "Luowa, you’ve had a tiring journey."

The couple had spoken simultaneously, but their messages were completely out of sync.

"Tong Airui may not excel at much, but when it comes to picking a wife, he has impeccable taste," Leon joked with a shake of his head. "But alas, it’s such a pity—it’s a waste for such a great girl!"

Yi Luowa and Mi Chenxuan helped Madam Jing Ya walk ahead, while Long Che, Tong Yao, and the rest followed behind.

Young mistress? For a moment, Yi Luowa didn’t quite understand. But as everyone turned to face her, realization dawned.

The butler hesitantly explained, "The eldest prince and second prince have brought gifts from King Muta for the young mistress."

Leon immediately dropped his hand and stepped crisply up to Long Che. "Uncle Che, you’ve worked so hard."

Madam Jing Ya gave her a warm smile. "Years ago, your mother-in-law was escorted in by your father-in-law. Now that Rui’er isn’t here, it’s only proper for Grandma to accompany you."

"Then I’ll mess with you later," Leon teased, pinching Mi Chenxuan’s cheek. "Haven’t seen you in half a year..."

Tong Yao paused in surprise. "You haven’t even met your aunt. What’s there to thank her for?"

Yi Luowa’s face instantly flushed bright red all the way to her ears, and she squinted warningly at him.

Long Che raised an eyebrow. "Just let them in—why bother announcing it!"

"I heard Big Bao and Little Bao were sick. Are they feeling better?"

Madam Jing Ya discreetly observed her. Noticing Yi Luowa’s rosy cheeks as she gazed out the window, Jing Ya chuckled softly and said, "Don’t be afraid; in a moment, Grandma will accompany you for a walk, so they can get to know you better. From now on, you’ll be the mistress of this place."

Little Bao covered his mouth and also laughed.

Tong Yao patted Big Bao and Little Bao on their behinds. "Each of you can pick two to play with in the hall. The rest will be sent to your playroom later."

Madam Jing Ya scanned the group, stopping her gaze on Connie’s face. "Connie is here too?"

"Madam, the eldest prince and second prince have arrived," the butler announced as he reentered, having left only moments earlier.

"Pretty much recovered." Qiqi smiled, then turned to Tong Yao. "Mom, Lance went to change his clothes. He should be here shortly."

"Don’t pay attention to her nonsense; she’s always exaggerating. If I’m even a little less kind to her, she rushes off to tell on me to Auntie." Madam Jing Ya laughed as she playfully patted Ai Ni’s shoulder.

Tong Yao laughed. "Please invite them in."

"Grandma, Dad says no one is as clever as you in this family—you always guess right. So, what do you think? Was it Little Black or Little White who caused the mess?" Big Bao asked with a giggle.

"Sister-in-law, I’m fine—I didn’t feel tired at all." The two hit it off quickly, chatting without any introductions.

Mi Chenxuan chuckled cheekily. "Grandma, you have no idea. My fourth sister-in-law treats me better than my fourth brother does."

"And you, on this entire trip, haven’t let go of my daughter-in-law’s hand. Are you also completely taken with her?"

A beautiful young woman entered from outside and gently scolded the children, "Big Bao and Little Bao, don’t be rude. We have guests at home. How should you greet them?"

People! Yi Luowa finally caught sight of the "people" that Jing Ya had mentioned earlier—hundreds of servants stood on both sides of the road. As the car passed by, each servant bent slightly and bowed in unison. Yi Luowa wasn’t unfamiliar with grandeur, but this was truly the first time she had witnessed such a sight.

While Madam Jing Ya spoke, the car gradually came to a halt, and a servant hurried over to open the car door.

"Oh my, my eldest grandson is so considerate!" Tong Yao praised Jack with a grin.

"Other people’s children? Their mother is your daughter!" Tong Yao snapped in mild irritation, then gestured towards where Prince Charles was seated.

"There’s no need to be so formal. It’s all family," came the cheerful voices of Leon and Bert as they entered together.

Upon hearing that their Fourth Aunt had brought so many model cars for them, the two children were ecstatic, nearly jumping for joy. In unison, they exclaimed, "Thank you, Fourth Aunt!"

"Thank you, Grandma!" Yi Luowa affectionately rubbed her cheek against Madam Jing Ya’s shoulder and chimed, "Tong Airui always says you’re the kindest and most adorable grandma. Today, I get it completely!"

"Yep, Grandma, I’m here." Connie smiled sweetly as she approached.

"Would you really?" Mi Chenxuan teased with a grin.

Yi Luowa kept smiling. The dynamics in Tong Airui’s family intertwined so deeply that one might inadvertently stumble into their web. Even the immensely clever father-in-law had misspoken.

Mi Chenxuan leaned forward, glancing at Yi Luowa. "With this whole grand scene, anyone who didn’t know better might think you were my wife!"

Jack’s laughter echoed through the phone. "Grandma, may I ask you to thank Auntie on my behalf?"

"Why wouldn’t I? We’ll gang up on you together later!" Ai Ni and the others came running over.

Tong Yao answered the phone with a smile, and the childish voice of Jack came from the speaker. "Grandma, Dad, Mom, and my little brother are home now. I’m calling to let you know they’ve arrived safely."

Yi Luowa stood up and cheerfully took their small hands in hers. "Big Bao, Little Bao! I’ve heard about you both from your Fourth Uncle. I also know you’re both really fond of model cars. This time, I’ve brought an entire shipment of model cars just for you. They should arrive shortly."

"Alright, Grandma will definitely convey your gratitude."

After putting down the phone, Long Che spoke up nearby. "Luowa, leave other people’s children alone moving forward!"

"That’s wonderful! Just wonderful!" Tong Yao beamed broadly.

Madam Jing Ya nodded contentedly. "You all kept calling me to sing Luowa’s praises, and I didn’t believe it. But now that I’ve met her, I do! You know the saying, ’One’s countenance mirrors their heart’? This girl has such kind features." Madam Jing Ya leaned in close to Tong Yao and whispered, "Even your third uncle calculated their horoscope match!"

"Great-grandma~ Grandma~" A childish voice came from outside. Following the voice, two chubby, tiger-headed little boys ran into the room.

"The nation belongs to you!" Long Che casually flicked an imaginary speck of dust off his pant leg and then refused to spare Leon another glance.