Er Yin move back to her parents home. Nothing have change. Except that she have make a wooden frame, Trellis that is now growing some grapes fruits. Underneath she have place a rocking chair and a small table. Her father enjoys the days where he sits on it and watch the outside of his home. The moment he hear children screaming, he will hurry to get off to see his grandchildren. Besides that Er Yin also have asked the carpenters to rebuilt the bathhouse. The wood are old and looks like the roof is going to collapse anytime. Also she too request for new beds. Her mother scold her for spending money.
"Mother, i have earn enough money while in the army. If i don't use the money now, when should i use them? After i die? In hell, i don't think they accept the money from the living land."
In turn she gets beating and more scolding from her mother. Even though the older lady is weak, she is still wanting to beat her daughter. Er Yin begins to slowly walk around the yard occasionally stop to look back and her mother slowly move around, chasing her daughter with every breath she takes. Old Mrs Xie only stops when her little grandchildren comes walking into the front yard.
Because of her parents age and Er Yin is not wanting to go into the fields to work, their land is loan out to the neighbours who needed more land to grow their crops. Er Yin have the contract written out on papers with an official to bare witness. Her family's land is finally put in use again. She watch from far those workers who are busy working on the fields. That reminded her of her own childhood from when her brother carry her to the field and when she is older, she brings the twins along with her. She smile to herself recalling those days when her brother brings her to catch frogs at the edge of the field. So that their mother can cook frog legs porridge for them. Later, she brings the twins to go catch fish with her as fishes are easier to catch compare to jumping frogs.
Er Yin take her time to walk around the nearby towns and visit her brother San Cai who is still sleeping in his office. She constantly turns up and nag at him. In the end of a month, he returns home. While in his office, Er Yin overhear that the Dowager is dead. There will be a mourning period for the grand dame. The officials are to wear black and white to show their respect. Her thoughts immediate goes to the Duke. The old lady which have been his rock that support him from his birth till now is gone. How sad he will be. No matter how mean her words that comes out from her mouth, she did everything in the name and pride for the royal family and her beloved man's family. Er Yin remember everything the Dowager said to her. The old lady who keep reminding her that in society where she and the Duke stands. Er Yin half agree and half regret. If she is as brave as how she fights in the battlefield, she probably have get together with the Duke even if they don't get marry. Now at this age of nearly sixty, she doesn't see the need to physically be with him. Thus she keep him close in her heart and buried him inside.
After three months walking by the river bear her house, she see a deer drinking water at the opposite side of the river. Behind the deer is those Plum Blossoms that she love. Those vivi red color petals seems to be dancing with the wind. She smile as she watch. The deer suddenly look up and walk off. She continue to watch it disappear behind those tall trees. At that moment, she hear foot steps, Er Yin turn around to see the Duke stands before her. A soft halo surrounds him. His phoenix eyes shows sign of sadness. His hair is bun up high with a gold holder and pin. They are no longer all black and shining but white streaks running from the side. His moustache shows black and white. Today he is wearing a black and white garment with golden threads and an embroidery of an eagle is behind his garment.
"Your highness."
She bows with respect.
"Yin'er ... your hair is turning all white soon."
"Your highness... I'm older ..."
"I know. I am too the same..."
Er Yin look over to see a group of soldiers. They are all getting off their horses. Including a small boy. He is looking at the direction of both the Duke and Er Yin.
"Your highness... is that your son?"
"Hmm... i am travelling to the other county and thought that i should sop by to see you. I ... really miss you."
Er Yin clamp tight her lips however she cannot help but to tear when she hear that. She wanted to say she miss him too but her mind tells her that she shouldn't. The Duke takes out a pouch.
"For you. I wanted to give you on your birthday but ... i was caught up with funeral. Hope you like it."
Humbly she takes it and bow. He smile and said that he is leaving now. He turn around and walk away. She hear his son call for him. He ask who Er Yin is. She watch the group mount on their horses. The group soon gallop away. Er Yin open the pouch to see a jade bangle with gold inlay of her family name on it. The inner side had the seal of Yan on it. She put it on and smile. She raise her arm to the sky and look at the jade bangle. It is the best gift she have received.