The next day, a whole crowd from the Xiao Household, led by Yang Xiyue, went to bid farewell to Xiao Lin, the household's former patriarch.
They had spent more than three months at the ancestral residence, and that was about enough for them.
Back in Wutan City, the Xiao Household still had plenty of matters they needed to return and help handle.
Yang Xiyue, in particular, was the mistress of the Xiao Household. It was clearly inappropriate for her to be away for so long.
The younger members of the household wore reluctant expressions, though they were excited to go home, too.
To them, both places were home.
One was the old home, the other the new. That was the only difference.
The elders at the Xiao Household Ancestral Residence also looked saddened to see their descendants leave once again.
But they knew they could not stop the younger generation from going out to make their way in the world!
All they could do was quietly wish them well.
"Father, we're leaving. You and everyone else must take care! If anything comes up, or if you miss us, write to us anytime. We'll come back to visit!"
Yang Xiyue spoke to Xiao Lin before they parted.
"Don't worry. I eat well and sleep well. I'm delighted you could come back this time! I know you have a lot to do, so I won't trouble you without good reason.
"When you have time, bring Ding'er and the others back for a visit in a few years. That'll be enough."
To keep his daughter-in-law from worrying needlessly, Xiao Lin waved a hand as though it were nothing.
By then, the others from the Xiao Household had each said their goodbyes to the elders staying at the ancestral residence.
"Grandpa, take good care