Throughout the entire Duke Qiguo’s residence, entering through the main path, one first encountered a building bearing a plaque inscribed with “Precious Forest Hall.” This was the reception hall used by successive generations of Dukes Qiguo to receive the most distinguished guests, though it was normally kept closed. To enter the inner residence, Li Weiyang had to pass by Precious Forest Hall. Through the layers upon layers of rockery formations, she glimpsed that the reception hall resembled a treasure pavilion, filled with precious blue and white porcelain vases as well as red and white coral, agate, Tianhuang stones, and other valuable objects. Around Precious Forest Hall were regularly scattered several courtyards, provided for ordinary guests or the Duke Qiguo’s advisors to reside in. Passing through this area of courtyards, ahead stood a large gate inscribed with the words “Nurturing Excellence Place.”

Nanny Song smiled and said, “Miss, passing through this gate of Nurturing Excellence Place marks the boundary between the outer and inner courtyards. Every night, this gate is locked and only opened again at dawn the next day.”

Li Weiyang nodded. The Li family had already had many rules before, but at Duke Qiguo’s residence, the distinction between inner and outer courtyards appeared even more pronounced. Nanny Song’s purpose in specifically reminding her was to inform her that once she entered the inner courtyard, she should not approach this gate lightly.

Passing through Nurturing Excellence Place, they proceeded through countless more courtyards. Along the way, they encountered many maidservants, all of whom held their breath and lowered their gazes, not daring to even raise their heads. They passed through a garden and saw the courtyard planted full of peonies and Chinese peonies. Li Weiyang stood upon a curved bridge, gazing at the small river flowing below with its red brocade-colored stones interwoven throughout, listening to the orioles’ calls rising and falling in the distance, and became somewhat lost in thought. But at that moment, she heard a rush of hurried footsteps. Before she could react, she was already pulled into someone’s embrace. Li Weiyang was startled and instinctively tried to break free, but heard that gentle female voice urgently say, “Jia’er! Mother has finally waited for you to return!”

Before her eyes stood Madam Guo, her face filled with infinite joy. She tightly embraced Li Weiyang, completely losing her composure. The maidservants nearby were all shocked to hear the madam call this young lady “Jia’er.” Nanny Song quickly smiled and said, “Madam, hasn’t the young miss returned now? Could you please let go first?”

“Yes! Yes!” Madam Guo hastily wiped away her tears, overjoyed beyond measure, and pulled Li Weiyang along saying, “Come, Jia’er, Mother will take you to see your room!” With that, she pulled Li Weiyang along as they walked. They finally arrived before a courtyard called Zhongling Court. Originally, three or four young maidservants had been sweeping at the entrance, but upon seeing the madam suddenly arrive, they immediately lowered their heads in greeting. Madam Guo pulled Li Weiyang inside. Within the courtyard grew a pond full of luxuriant peonies, with an extremely precious ink-colored peony standing gracefully in the very center. A wisteria trellis stood in the middle of the courtyard. As it was currently flowering season, it emitted waves of floral fragrance that could be smelled from a great distance, its refreshing scent permeating the air. On the eastern wall of the courtyard, ivy grew abundantly, covering the entire wall surface, draping downward in heavy layers. When a breeze blew through, all the branches and leaves swayed with the wind, appearing like waves of green. The entire small courtyard brimmed with vitality.

“Miss, the madam personally arranged all this for you. Over all these years, she has had it cleaned every day. The madam said you would return one day.” Nanny Song carefully observed Madam Guo while speaking to Li Weiyang.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly without speaking. Madam Guo had already impatiently pulled her into the house. Once inside, Li Weiyang discovered that all the furnishings in the entire room were brand new. There was a dressing table inlaid with tortoiseshell and colorful shells, upon which sat a diamond-patterned bronze mirror covered with a brocade case and a bright red lacquered jewelry box carved with plum blossoms. The three rooms were separated only by a person-height peony silk embroidered screen. Bright sunlight streamed through the diamond-shaped flower windows, making the plain silk on the rosewood and marble writing desk shimmer. Beside it were stacked various famous calligraphers’ works and dozens of precious inkstones, various brush holders and wolf-hair brushes. On a nearby zither stand rested an ancient zither, and in a blue and white porcelain vase was inserted an extremely elegant white peony.

A trace of anxiety showed in Madam Guo’s crystalline eyes: “Mother doesn’t know what you like, so I prepared a little of everything.”

Li Weiyang looked at her, her heart slightly aching. She knew all this should have been prepared for Little Barbarian, but she no longer had the chance to see it, would never again experience Madam Guo’s loving heart for her daughter: “I understand. Thank you… Mother.” Seeing her smile, Madam Guo became as happy as a child receiving praise and said joyfully, “Jia’er, come look!”

“The jewelry in this box is what Mother has prepared for you over these years. Mother always thought that when you returned, you would look so beautiful wearing them!”

“This is calligraphy by Liu Mingyuan. His calligraphy is most suitable for young ladies to practice!”

“Mother has the room cleaned every day. Isn’t it very clean?!”

No matter what was said, Li Weiyang only nodded and smiled. But Madam Guo was very nervous, constantly clutching her sleeve with her hands, gripping so tightly, unwilling to relax even slightly. Seeing the madam like this, Nanny Song’s heart ached. She secretly turned her face away to wipe her tears before saying, “Madam, the young miss has already returned. You should feel at ease now. Shouldn’t you take your medicine first?”

Madam Guo frowned and said, “Jia’er has returned, what medicine do I need to take? My illness is already cured! Stop disturbing us here!”

Hearing these words, Li Weiyang felt her heart trembling, filled with compassion.

Duke Qiguo, Guo Su, had not yet entered when he heard his wife’s words, and his heart immediately shattered. His wife missed their daughter so much, hoping day and night, yet their Jia’er could never return. He turned to look at Li Weiyang. This young lady was beautiful and gentle, poised and graceful, her temperament so noble. She truly resembled his wife somewhat from her younger days. If Jia’er hadn’t died, she should have been like this too… Thinking this, he only felt his heart ache even more, yet also felt a kind of comfort. After thinking, he entered and said, “Xianglan, our daughter has returned. You should put your mind at ease and stop being so anxious about gains and losses. Jia’er should go now!”

“Go?! Where? Jia’er isn’t going anywhere!” Madam Guo’s expression immediately changed.

“No! Listen clearly! Mother has been waiting since morning until now, her eyes nearly worn out from watching, waiting for Jia’er to go see her! You should also consider Mother’s feelings!” Guo Su couldn’t bear it and persuaded her.

Duke Qiguo’s mother was Princess Imperial Chenliu, the sixth younger sister of the late emperor, and also the paternal aunt of the current emperor. Throughout the entire history of Yuexi, she was a figure whose name was recorded in history, though this was not because of her noble status, but rather her strong personality and unconventional conduct. Back then, the late emperor’s arrogant and domineering Consort Liu had hoped the late emperor would marry Princess Chenliu to her own younger brother Liu Su. The late emperor had also agreed, but the princess looked down upon Liu Su. Not only did she refuse the marriage, she also publicly rebuked Consort Liu for being arrogant and domineering and persecuting loyal subjects, nearly infuriating Consort Liu to death. This also led to Consort Liu, after ascending to the empress throne, making things difficult for Princess Chenliu everywhere and even obstructing her marriage prospects. But despite this, Princess Chenliu never once yielded, frequently making Consort Liu stamp her feet in rage. Had it been anyone else, they would have long been dealt with by her, but Princess Chenliu was deeply respected by the imperial clan, and later married Guo Xiang, leaving Consort Liu utterly helpless against her.

Speaking of Princess Chenliu and Guo Xiang’s marriage, it was actually quite legendary. The deceased Duke Qiguo, Guo Xiang, had actually previously married a wife, Ren Shi. However, when Guo Xiang went to war, a false report came from the front lines that he had died in battle. At that time, the political struggles were extremely complex. Having lost their pillar of support, the Guo family was suddenly in turmoil. Fearing persecution from the Liu clan, Ren Shi was willing to sever relations with the Guo family entirely, even abandoning her own three children to return to her natal family, the Ren residence. Who knew Guo Xiang would return safely? Not only that, he was even enfeoffed as Duke Qiguo, and Princess Chenliu even condescended to marry him. For a time, the Guo family was reinvigorated and their prestige unmatched. Hearing this news, Ren Shi couldn’t wait to rush back and rebuke Guo Xiang for how wrong it was to cast aside his wife and remarry. Guo Xiang was angry, but after all, they were married as youngsters, and he couldn’t bear to drive her away.

Ren Shi pressed her advantage, writing a poem: “Originally a silkworm on the mat, now become silk on the loom. When finding a path, chase after victory, how could I recall the time of entanglement.” She begged Princess Chenliu to let her remain in the Guo residence to serve the same husband. Princess Chenliu was even more decisive, replying with a poem: “The needle is an object for threading, its eye always accommodates silk. When sewing new cloth, naturally one changes to new thread. How can one always use that old thread?” The meaning was: A needle eye always needs thread, but when sewing new cloth, naturally one must change to a new thread. How can one always use that old thread? She mercilessly refused her request, nearly infuriating Ren Shi to death. However, the three children begged their father bitterly to keep their mother, and besides, Ren Shi also came from an aristocratic family. It was only because of momentary confusion that she abandoned her husband and children. Afterward, she deeply regretted it. So Guo Xiang built a temple within the residence and had Ren Shi live there, officially becoming a nun.

Princess Chenliu and Guo Xiang later gave birth to their eldest son Guo Su, the current Duke Qiguo; their second daughter Guo Qiao, who was now Imperial Consort Guo; and their youngest son Guo Ying, who was enfeoffed as Marquis Nanming. As for the three children Ren Shi left behind—Guo Ping, Guo Qin, and Guo Teng—they were also raised by Princess Chenliu and each established their own households.

This was Li Weiyang’s first time hearing about the Guo family’s circumstances, and she too was shocked. She hadn’t expected the Guo family to be so complex as well.

“Look at me, I’ve become muddled with happiness!” Madam Guo laughed joyfully. “Right, we should first go pay respects to Mother!” As she spoke, she took Li Weiyang’s hand, as if afraid she would run away. “Come with me, I’ll take you! Don’t worry, Mother is a very amiable person.”

They walked through the garden and arrived at Siqian Hall where Princess Chenliu resided. When she met Princess Chenliu, Li Weiyang was somewhat surprised. Although this princess was already quite elderly, her face remained plump and round, with a pair of bright eyes. Her head full of silver hair, she was still vigorous in spirit. One could easily imagine she must have been an absolutely stunning beauty in her youth. Because of those previous rumors, Li Weiyang had thought Princess Chenliu would certainly be a very imposing old madam. Who knew that upon seeing Li Weiyang, tears immediately fell from her eyes as she called out, “Jia’er, come here!”

Li Weiyang glanced at Madam Guo. The other nodded at her, so Li Weiyang walked over. Princess Chenliu’s aged hands tightly grasped hers. She seemed very moved and kept nodding, “It’s good to be home! It’s good to be home!” Beyond this, she seemed unable to say anything else.

Li Weiyang immediately understood that Duke Qiguo had not told this old madam the entire truth. She had already accepted her as her biological granddaughter—Li Weiyang looked back at Guo Su somewhat surprised, but he gently nodded at her, confirming her guess.

Duke Qiguo had decided to keep Li Weiyang’s identity a secret. From now on, he would treat her as the real Guo Jia.

Princess Chenliu quickly said to a nearby maidservant, “Coral, go fetch the gold-threaded fragrant medicine, ginger-threaded plums, pine nut paste, poria cakes… bring them all!” Before the maidservant could move, two gorgeously dressed young women standing nearby had already taken action. The one with the longer face smiled warmly as she went to fetch the ginger-threaded plums, while the other with an oval face had already delivered the poria cakes into Princess Chenliu’s hands.

Li Weiyang was surprised, but saw Princess Chenliu stuff an entire plate of pastries into her arms, smiling very warmly: “Jia’er, eat!” Li Weiyang was now nineteen years old. Even if she were the real Guo Jia, she would already be eighteen. Yet Princess Imperial Chenliu was completely treating her like a child, which shocked her immensely.

Princess Chenliu chuckled and said, “Jia’er, your father and I have been discussing making offerings of gratitude. After so many years, we’ve finally found you. Even if I were to pass away now, I would have the face to meet your grandfather!”

“Mother! What are you saying!” Duke Qiguo smiled unnaturally. “You will live to be a hundred years old!”

“Foolish child, I’ve lived to such a great age, I’ve seen all the great dangers and shocks, I’ve enjoyed all the wealth and honor. What is there to be unsatisfied about?” Princess Chenliu smiled. Her teeth were already sparse, and her eyes still held some tears. “Jia’er, don’t look at your father’s stern appearance. For you, he has spent so much effort. He has never believed in Buddhism, yet for you, he was willing to build mountain gates and Buddhist temples, donating money every year to build who knows how many temples and bridges. And your mother nearly cried her eyes blind…”

Madam Guo quickly said, “Mother, the child has just returned. Don’t frighten her!”

From beginning to end, Li Weiyang hadn’t even been able to say a single word. This family was truly too enthusiastic, leaving her not knowing what to say.

“Good! Good! I won’t say anymore!” Princess Chenliu turned back again, leaning close to look at Li Weiyang, smiling and saying, “This child is truly wonderful—so beautiful and well-behaved—” In fact, both Madam Guo and Princess Chenliu had been first-rate beauties in their youth. Compared to them, Li Weiyang still fell somewhat short, but in the eyes of family members, no matter how they looked, they felt their own child was the best.

Madam Guo was obviously very pleased, her expression becoming radiant: “This is natural. Jia’er had clear features from birth. She’s a child blessed with good fortune.”

“Mother, you’re saying that again. I saw my sister when she was just born—she was all wrinkled, like a little monkey!” Suddenly, a male voice interjected. Then the curtain moved, and a young man walked into the room. This young man wore a moon-white solid gauze jacket with a pair of brand-new black boots on his feet. On his handsome face were set two black gem-like pupils that sparkled when he glanced about. His graceful and elegant bearing was exactly like a jade tree facing the wind, making people forget worldly cares at first sight.

Seeing who it was, Madam Guo said reproachfully, “You’re the one who loves to make trouble! How much could you remember back when you were that small? Jia’er, look, this is your third elder brother. He loves to joke the most. Don’t pay attention to him. You were the most beautiful when you were little!”

Duke Qiguo and Madam Guo were a devoted couple who had depended on each other for many years, never taking concubines. Together they gave birth to four sons: their eldest son Guo Rong served as General Who Guards the Nation; their second son Guo Yan served as General Who Supports the Nation. These two were at their posts and rarely in the capital. Their third son Guo Cheng was the current Third Place Scholar. Their fourth son Guo Dun served as Assistant Commander. Their fifth son Guo Dao was a very famous romantic talent in the capital. After giving birth to five sons, they finally had Guo Jia, a daughter. How could they not treasure her like a pearl?

Before her stood Guo Jia’s third elder brother, Guo Cheng, the current Third Place Scholar.

Guo Cheng looked at Li Weiyang with smiling eyes and said, “When I heard my little sister had returned, I rushed back without stopping, yet Mother welcomes me so coldly. Fine, I’ll just leave then!”

The two young women nearby laughed along. Only then did Madam Guo suddenly remember. She exclaimed, “Oh my, look at me! I’m becoming more and more confused. Jia’er, these are your two sisters-in-law. You haven’t met them yet, have you!”

The one with the longer face and handsome eyebrows was the eldest brother’s wife, Jiang Shi. The one with an oval face and almond eyes was the second sister-in-law, Chen Shi. Seeing that their mother-in-law finally remembered them, neither minded. They exchanged smiles, and Chen Shi spoke up, “I’ve been married into the family for so long, and this is the first time I’ve seen Mother so happy!”

Jiang Shi’s personality was clearly more reserved. She only quietly observed Li Weiyang while smiling without speaking.

Li Weiyang formally met them one by one. Her movements flowed like clouds and water, just like a daughter raised in a prestigious household. Watching this, Princess Chenliu and Madam Guo smiled so widely their mouths wouldn’t close. Guo Cheng, however, quietly observed Li Weiyang’s every move. Then he looked toward his father. Duke Qiguo’s eyes also fell upon Li Weiyang, clearly also not expecting her etiquette and demeanor to be so outstanding.

Young ladies raised in aristocratic families revealed their nobility with every gesture and movement. Guo Cheng’s eyes were very sharp. He could tell at a glance that Li Weiyang’s living environment over these years was probably not ordinary. But unable to get any response from his father, he just kept staring at Li Weiyang.

When Li Weiyang turned back, she met Guo Cheng’s probing gaze. She only smiled slightly. The women of the Guo family were obviously both welcoming and excited, but the men were each more sharp-eyed than the last. Before her, Guo Cheng was clearly a very intelligent person.

Madam Guo smiled and said, “Your sister has returned, of course I’m happy. From now on, our whole family will be together and will be even happier.”

Somehow, when Li Weiyang heard “the whole family together,” waves of sadness passed through her heart. What was wrong with her today? Clearly she had a cold heart and cold lungs and wouldn’t be moved by anyone, yet today, in just a few short hours, she had inexplicably softened her heart several times… Perhaps this kind of warm atmosphere truly could infect people. Li Weiyang suddenly understood somewhat where Little Barbarian’s personality had come from.

Li Xiaoran was so cold and so harsh, so his children each grew up calculating, naturally possessing cold hearts. But this Guo family was completely another world—a truly harmonious and happy one.

Li Weiyang was lost in her own thoughts when she suddenly heard rustling sounds coming from behind the room. She glanced over. Behind the opposite window stood a very large jujube tree, and it seemed someone was talking in the tree.

“Look, look! Hey, don’t push me!”

“Did you see? What does she look like?”

A young person called out softly, “Wait a moment, don’t push me! Let go quickly!”

Li Weiyang was just surprised when she saw two people fall from the tree. With two thuds, they startled everyone in the room. Jiang Shi looked back and immediately stood up, saying, “Oh my, what happened?”

But Guo Su darkened his face and said, “You two, what kind of behavior is this! Get in here right now!”

Very quickly, two young men walked in from outside, their heads and faces covered in dust. One was slightly older, with sword-like eyebrows and phoenix eyes, a robust and tall build, wearing a martial arts robe convenient for movement. The other had a face like jade with vermillion lips, possessing both the refinement of an aristocratic son and the carefree nature of a romantic youth. The corners of his mouth curved slightly upward with a lazy smile hanging on his lips, making people feel affection at first sight and find him extremely likeable.

The slightly older man had a pair of thick black eyebrows, beneath which grew a pair of phoenix eyes strikingly similar to Madam Guo’s. He stared unblinkingly at Li Weiyang for a long while before saying, “Mother, my sister’s face resembles yours, but her mouth resembles mine!”

Princess Chenliu laughed and said, “This fourth one is really talking nonsense. Your sister resembles your father! How does she resemble you? Jia’er, this is your fourth elder brother, Guo Dun. He’s about to take a wife, yet still has no proper bearing!”

Guo Dun just smiled, his face full of smiles, yet thoroughly honest. His name suited him perfectly—truly honest and sincere. That smile would look foolish on someone else’s face, but on his it was endearing, making a whole room of maidservants blush.

Not to be outdone, Madam Guo pulled over the other, slightly younger man and said, “This is your fifth elder brother, Guo Dao, the most mischievous person in the whole family! Dao’er, you used to rely on being the youngest to act recklessly. Now you have a younger sister, you must take good care of her!”

The fifth brother, Guo Dao, smiled just like the third brother Guo Cheng, but it was a completely different flavor. Guo Cheng’s intelligent smile on Guo Dao’s face took on a careless quality, as if nothing mattered. Yet it was precisely this lazy feeling that added a spellbinding charm.

These five sons of the Guo family each had their own characteristics, making them difficult to forget at first sight. Li Weiyang smiled slightly, as if bashful, but said little.

“Mother, my sister hasn’t said a single word from beginning to end. Could she be mute?!” Guo Dun looked at Li Weiyang in shock. As soon as the words left his mouth, Madam Guo slapped him once. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

Li Weiyang smiled, but heard Guo Dun fearlessly say, “Then call me ‘fourth elder brother’ so I can hear!” As he spoke, he took out a phoenix jade pendant and waved it back and forth in front of Li Weiyang. “Call me ‘fourth elder brother’ once and this jade pendant is yours!”

Li Weiyang hadn’t expected that Guo Dun looked so mature yet would play tricks to coax a small child. But seeing Madam Guo beside her looking at her expectantly, she smiled and said, “Fourth elder brother.” Her voice was very soft, very light. It left Guo Dun, this honest young man who had waited over ten years for a sister, completely dazed. Guo Dun was momentarily excited and pushed his luck, waving it twice more: “Call me two more times!”

Before he could finish feeling pleased, the jade pendant had already been snatched away by the third brother Guo Cheng, who smiled and said, “That’s enough. Sister has just returned. There will be plenty of time to keep her company later. Don’t frighten her!” Though he said this, he couldn’t see any trace that Li Weiyang was frightened.

This young lady had delicate features, a composed expression, and eyes like an ancient well without ripples. Yet her every gesture revealed nobility and refinement. What kind of environment had she grown up in? Guo Cheng pondered this question in his heart while handing the jade pendant to Li Weiyang.

Li Weiyang accepted it, her smile blooming gently: “Thank you, third elder brother.”

“No need to be polite.” As soon as Guo Cheng finished speaking, another face had already squeezed over, wearing a lazy smile: “What about me?”

The fifth brother, Guo Dao, pointed at his own face with a tone like asking for a reward, then pulled out a fragrant fan from his bosom. It was obviously meant for a young lady. He opened it before Li Weiyang and said, “What about me?” His tone was like coaxing a little girl.

Guo Dun had already grabbed him by the neck and dragged him back, saying, “You still have the nerve to say anything! If it weren’t for you, how would I have lost face by climbing that tree!”

“Mother wouldn’t let you come, afraid you’d frighten our sister. But you insisted on looking, so I kindly guided you!” Guo Dao gave no quarter. “Who told you to be so clumsy? You’re supposed to command thousands of troops! If you’re this reckless in the future, you’d better just stay home obediently!”

The two scuffled without any regard for others. Jiang Shi covered her mouth with her hand, unable to suppress her laughter. Chen Shi also pressed her lips tightly together, desperately trying not to laugh. Li Weiyang couldn’t help but laugh along with them. Seeing this, Madam Guo was clearly relieved. She had been worried her daughter wouldn’t like her sons. Over these years, all her thoughts had been spent searching for Guo Jia. These children had been left completely to fend for themselves. Sometimes their manners were a bit lacking, and they each loved to act willfully, but they were all good children. Those gifts had all been quietly prepared… She understood all of this very clearly.

“You two, stop right now!” Guo Su had just finished scolding them, but seeing the two looking like roosters in a fight, he couldn’t help but laugh. Once he laughed, Princess Chenliu could no longer hold back and burst into laughter as well. When the princess laughed, everyone else laughed too. For a moment, the whole room filled with laughter—what a lively scene.

Watching this scene, Guo Cheng smiled. For how many, many years had Duke Qiguo’s residence not been filled with such joyful laughter? From the time their sister was lost, Mother had been melancholy and depressed, washing her face with tears daily, completely ignoring her five sons. Father deeply loved Mother. When she was unhappy, he accompanied her in unhappiness, neglecting government affairs and even neglecting the education of his sons. The five of them had each grown up according to their own temperaments, acquiring somewhat free and undisciplined airs. By the time Father realized this, he could only use strict methods to teach them, never showing even a trace of a smile. Maidservants in the residence didn’t dare speak loudly, and their faces showed no shadow of a smile. But now, with Guo Jia’s return, it was as if she had brought the laughter back with her.

Watching his two younger brothers roughhousing, Guo Cheng instantly understood their intentions. Guo Jia had just returned and wasn’t familiar with the people and environment here. Facing this group of unfamiliar relatives, she would inevitably feel awkward. They deliberately played the clown and made jokes to make her happy, and also to make Mother happy. This painstaking effort was obviously seen by Father, which is why he didn’t scold them harshly. Poor them, performing in colorful clothes to please their parents… That sister seemed to have also seen through their act, her smile containing a perceptive calmness that saw through everything.

Princess Chenliu laughed until tears came out. With difficulty she stopped laughing and said, “Wait, I haven’t given my gift yet!” As she spoke, she picked up a heavy little box from the side and stuffed it all at once into Li Weiyang’s arms. Jiang Shi and Chen Shi nearby also quickly took out their own gifts, competing to curry favor with their sister-in-law. Li Weiyang was about to decline when she saw Duke Qiguo looking at her, his eyes revealing a pleading expression. Li Weiyang sighed softly and could only thank them one by one.

“Princess, it’s time for the meal,” a nearby maidservant said respectfully.

Princess Chenliu stood up. Madam Guo quickly supported her, saying, “Let’s go have our meal.”

Guo Cheng seemed to deliberately walk at the very back, just happening to walk side by side with Li Weiyang.

Crossing the threshold, Guo Cheng smiled and said, “Where has sister been living all this time?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “I was adopted by a wealthy merchant family. However, my adoptive parents passed away half a year ago. Having nowhere to go, I came to the capital to search for an aunt. Unfortunately, she had left the capital many years ago without a trace. So I could only stay in the capital, searching everywhere for news of her.” Duke Qiguo had already arranged this entire identity for her. Outsiders would absolutely be unable to investigate any flaws.

Guo Cheng glanced at her sideways: “Oh, is that so?”

Li Weiyang only smiled, appearing very sincere and well-behaved.

Seeing her like this, as if a fox were smiling at him, Guo Cheng himself was an extremely intelligent person. The hairs on his back couldn’t help but stand up. He immediately said, “You really are my sister…”

Li Weiyang said earnestly, “If I’m not your sister, then who would I be…”

Guo Cheng narrowed his eyes and laughed once: “How could an ordinary wealthy merchant raise a daughter this well?”

Li Weiyang lowered her head and said, “Third elder brother, you praise me too much. Jia’er doesn’t deserve such words.”

Guo Cheng smiled slightly: “Over these eighteen years, there have been quite a few people who came to impersonate her. One here, one there—I exposed every single one. Except for that fraud Father personally brought in himself, you’re the first one to gain Mother’s recognition.”

Li Weiyang looked at him with a half-smile, not speaking. If she were the real Guo Jia, she would probably be crying from his words by now. Her voice was without waves or fluctuation: “Third elder brother, you know best what kind of person Father is. Seeing the Guo family so illustrious, anyone would have crooked thoughts. Naturally there would be many imposters. But Duke Qiguo is His Majesty’s loyal minister, a pillar of the court. How could he allow outsiders to bring chaos to his own family and reputation? Do you think he would permit a fraudulent daughter to enter the Guo family?”

If it were for Mother’s sake, Father would do anything! Guo Cheng was silent for a moment. When he spoke again, his voice had softened: “I was just joking with some gossip. Just pretend you didn’t hear it.”

Li Weiyang then smiled: “Third elder brother.”

“Yes?”

“Whatever third elder brother says to me, I won’t be angry. Just please don’t say these things to Mother, lest it make her sad.”

This sister knew very clearly each person in their family’s weak points. Guo Cheng looked at her, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly: “Sister, you seem very clever. What should I do? The cleverest person in this family has always been me.”

Li Weiyang smiled and said, “Does third elder brother feel I’ve stolen away Father’s and Mother’s affection? How about this—I’ll share half my gifts with you. Is that acceptable?”

Before her, the sunlight was bright, illuminating her face until it was flawless white, her eyes pitch black. Guo Cheng felt his vision blur, and words had already escaped his lips: “Whether you’re real or fake, as long as you can make Mother happy, I’m willing to pay any price gladly.”

Li Weiyang smiled, but sighed in her heart. This family…