I relied on a system to prolong my life in ancient times.

Chapter 390 Returning to the Capital

"Yue'er, may we go take a look?" Ji Yunxi was very interested in the two estates.

"Of course."

After she finished speaking, Xiao Siyue took her sisters-in-law to visit the village.

Time flew by and it was almost New Year's Eve. During this time, many of Xiao's relatives and friends came to visit, and of course, Xiao's family also visited some of their relatives.

On New Year's Eve, the Xiao Clan Ancestral Hall was opened to the public. This year's ancestral worship ceremony was even more grand because of the presence of the Xiao family.

The Xiao clan members also learned that Xiao Siyue had been granted the title of princess. This time, an exception was made for Xiao Siyue to stand at the front of the ancestral worship ceremony and offer incense to the ancestors.

Xiao Siyue had participated in ancestral worship ceremonies before, but this time was different, and she was filled with emotion.

After the ancestral worship ceremony, the group spent the New Year in Xiaojia Village. In mid-February, they set off to return to the capital.

Upon arriving at the Xiao residence, Xiao Qinian and the others excitedly greeted them at the entrance, especially Xiao Siyu.

"Grandpa, Grandma, little sister, you're finally back!" Before, when everyone was home, it didn't feel so bad. But this time, with the whole family going back, only a few of them were left. The huge courtyard felt especially deserted, especially during the Lunar New Year. It felt like there was no festive atmosphere at all. Now that everyone is finally back.

"Siyu, it's been months since I last saw you, and you're still as lively as ever." Old Mrs. Xiao looked at her youngest grandson, her heart filled with longing.

"Father, Mother, how was your journey?" Xiao Qinian greeted the two elders, his emotions slightly restrained.

"Okay, all is well." Old Mrs. Xiao nodded.

The group entered the gate while talking.

Once in the hall, everyone chatted about what had happened to them over the past few months, and Xiao Siyue listened attentively.

Nothing particularly unusual happened to them, but a major event occurred in the capital.

Grand Commandant Yu is dead.

This powerful and influential Grand Commandant Yu, who stirred up trouble in the imperial court, is dead.

Although Grand Commandant Yu was not young, his sudden death left people feeling bewildered.

"Father, how exactly did Grand Commandant Yu die?"

“Died of illness.” Xiao Qinian said succinctly, but a subtle glint flashed in his eyes.

How could he have died of illness? Grand Commandant Yu was in good health. Just a few days ago, he was making outrageous remarks in court. He knew perfectly well what the real reason was.

However, he was happy to see Grand Commandant Yu's plan succeed, since they had different political views and Grand Commandant Yu had done such a thing, so he deserved to die.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Siyue believed it to be true and actually thought that Grand Commandant Yu had died of illness. After all, unexpected events can happen, and even in modern times, some people can suddenly die from illness, let alone in ancient times when medical conditions were poor.

However, as the pillar of the Yu family, it is unknown how the Yu family will fare now that Grand Commandant Yu has died.

"The Yu family has become much more sensible and low-key these days." But they have no choice but to keep a low profile. In recent years, Emperor Zhou has not been idle. With the capital he has, Emperor Zhou has been suppressing the four major families, both openly and secretly. Although he has not directly suppressed them, they have lost their former glory.

The Yu family was better off than the other families because they had Grand Commandant Yu in the court. But now that Grand Commandant Yu is dead, they have lost their backer. If they don't keep a low profile, are they just waiting to be dealt with by Emperor Zhou?

"By the way, Yue'er, now that you're back, why don't you go and visit your Grandpa Shen?" Xiao Qinian suddenly said to Xiao Siyue.

“Okay, but what’s wrong with Grandpa Shen?” Xiao Siyue was puzzled, but she agreed. Shen Junru had always treated her like his own granddaughter, and she had originally planned to go and see him. In the past, he would often visit her.

"Your grandfather Shen has resigned from his official post and is now living a lonely life at home."

So that's how it is. However, Grandpa Shen had wanted to resign from his post for a long time, but because Emperor Zhou needed him, and because he had to contend with Grand Commandant Yu in the court, he persisted until now. Now that Grand Commandant Yu is dead, there is indeed no need for him to serve in the court anymore.

After chatting for a while, the family members went their separate ways.

Xiao Sizhe and Xiao Siyuan hadn't seen their wives for several months and were missing them terribly. After leaving the hall, they immediately pulled each other back to their room and poured out their longing for each other.

The elders smiled knowingly upon seeing this; they were naturally happy to see the younger generation's couples living in harmony.

Xiao Siyue went to the main courtyard with Xiao Qinian and the others.

Looking at her brother, Xiao Siyue thought about how the spring imperial examination was in less than a month and wondered how his preparations were going. So she asked him with concern.

"Little sister, don't worry, your brother is very capable. I'll definitely be the top scorer this time. Just wait and see if you become the top scorer's sister." Xiao Siyu was extremely confident.

Xiao Siyue burst out laughing when she heard these bold words. Her brother was really something.

Before Xiao Siyu could finish feeling smug, he was slapped on the head.

"Don't get cocky. You'd better finish all the homework I assigned you during this time." Xiao Qinian said to his twenty-year-old son, who was still not mature enough, with a hint of annoyance.

They're all grown up, yet they act like children.

"I understand, Dad." Xiao Siyu looked pained. Heaven knows how much homework his father had assigned him. He had hardly had any rest during this period and was almost becoming a bookworm.

"Haha, brother, study hard, your little sister is cheering you on." Xiao Siyue said with a hint of schadenfreude.

Xiao Siyu glared at Xiao Siyue, then roughly ruffled her hair, making it all messy.

Xiao Siyue angrily complained to Lin Qin, "Mother, look at my brother."

"Alright, alright, you two siblings, stop fooling around." Lin Qin covered her mouth and chuckled. Seeing the way the two siblings were looking at her, she said to Xiao Siyu, "Siyu, you are the older brother, you can't bully your sister anymore, you know? Your sister is a grown woman now, she should pay attention to her image."

"And Yue'er, you can't tease your brother. He's been working really hard studying lately."

The two siblings nodded in unison and chuckled.

Lin Qin looked at the brother and sister who seemed like fools and shook her head.

"Little sister, you'd better prepare some more instant noodles for your brother's exam this time."

"Don't worry, brother, I'll definitely prepare it for you." Xiao Siyue naturally wouldn't forget, and she also planned to do something else to ensure that her brother wouldn't let external factors affect his exam.

"Hehe, thank you, little sister. I knew you were the best to your brother." Xiao Siyu smiled obsequiously.

"Hmph, you know that's good. If you dare to mess up my hairstyle again next time, I won't be polite." Xiao Siyue said, glancing at Xiao Siyu's meticulously combed hair.

Xiao Siyu quickly shook his head.

Xiao Siyue was finally satisfied and followed Lin Qin to her room to re-comb her hair.