When Yining returned to the main room, Luo Yihui was indeed waiting for her with a stern face.
She obediently stood and listened to her elder sister’s scolding. After lecturing for a while, Luo Yihui finally said, “Enough. What’s the use of scolding you? You’ve always been bold since childhood. I thought you’d be more restrained as you grew up, but it seems you’re still the same.”
A maid brought a bowl of soup for Luo Yihui to drink. After finishing the nourishing soup, Luo Yihui waved her hand to dismiss the maid, saying, “Go and rest. We need to send Miss Mingzhu back tomorrow morning.”
Yining smiled sweetly and shook her sister’s hand, coaxing, “Elder Sister, I know I was wrong. You’re not angry with me anymore, are you?”
Luo Yihui couldn’t help but burst into laughter. As a mother now, her temperament had become gentler than before. She hugged Yining’s shoulders and patted her back. She noticed that the little girl had indeed grown taller. The sweet milk scent that used to cling to her had now been replaced by a faint, fresh fragrance.
“How could I be angry with you? If I am angry, it’s because you don’t cherish your own life,” Luo Yihui said softly. “Do you know who Lu Jiaxue is? How could anyone dare to act so rashly in front of him? Fortunately, he didn’t take offense today. Otherwise, I would have had to go back and kneel before the Marquis of Dingbei, begging him to intercede with General Lu.”
Yining knew her elder sister feared Lu Jiaxue. Who didn’t? Did she not fear him as well?
After returning to her room, Yining leaned against the window, lost in thought. In the night, she could only see the lanterns that the maids had just lit under the eaves, their soft light spilling onto the corridor pillars and window lattices. Crickets chirped in the summer night. Mama Xu brought her some watermelon chilled in well water. The sweet and cool juice of the watermelon was delicious, alleviating some of the summer heat.
She suddenly recalled the first summer after her marriage, which had also been very hot. Lu Jiaxue had been fanning her while she read a book and ate watermelon. Lu Jiaxue, sweating profusely, watched her as she seemingly ignored him. Finally, as she was about to eat another piece of melon, he quickly snatched it with his mouth. While chewing, he said, “It’s indeed quite sweet. No wonder you didn’t want to share!”
She looked at Lu Jiaxue, and he asked, “What? After fanning you for so long, I can’t even have a piece of melon?”
She thought for a moment, put down her book, and said to him, “Fourth Young Master, why don’t you ask the Marquis to find you a position as a Zhihuishi Jingli (an official post)?”
His gaze was unreadable at the time, but his expression was smiling as he said, “Do you also think I’m uneducated and incompetent?”
Among the concubine-born sons in the Ningyuan Marquis’s household, only he seemed to lack ambition, yet he got along well with everyone. Lu Jiaran treated him the best among his half-brothers but often said he spent his days riding horses and hunting falcons without any seriousness. Lu Jiaxue wasn’t ashamed of this; rather, he seemed proud of it. After marrying Yining, he became even less ambitious.
Yining couldn’t quite remember how she had answered him then. Lu Jiaxue had only placated her without saying anything substantial. At that time, she had comforted herself, thinking that although he wasn’t career-oriented, at least he didn’t keep mistresses outside like the son of the Fuguo General, nor did he squander the family fortune. At most, he would gamble at cards with other young nobles.
It wasn’t until after her death, when she saw how ruthlessly Lu Jiaxue purged the Ningyuan Marquis’s household, that she realized the truth. No one in the entire household, including Lu Jiaran, had ever been wary of him, which was why he succeeded in one fell swoop. He had never told her any truth, and he was never the person she thought she saw. His apparent lack of ambition, his pursuits of horsemanship and falconry – it was all an act he put on for others.
It was chilling to the bone.
Later, when Lu Jiaxue passed by her memorial tablet, he never once looked directly at the words inscribed on it. As time went on, few in the Ningyuan Marquis’s household remembered that Lu Jiaxue once had a wife. Perhaps he had forgotten that his reason for attacking Xie Min was that Xie Min had caused the death of his first wife.
Yining pushed aside the small plate that had held the watermelon and said quietly, “Mama Xu, you can take this away.”
Perhaps because seeing Lu Jiaxue had somewhat relaxed her, Yining slept very well that night. Her sleep was sweet and deep. Qingqu, who was on night duty, gently fanned the burning pomelo peels in a basin to repel mosquitoes, keeping the room quiet throughout the night.
The next day, when Zhao Mingzhu was to leave, Yining and the others went to see her off. However, when they reached the screen wall, they found that Zhao Mingzhu had not yet risen.
It wasn’t until the sun was higher that Zhao Mingzhu finally appeared with her maids, fashionably late. Even with parasols, the girls were already sweating in the heat. Zhao Mingzhu seemed to have just woken up, a cool, fragrant breeze wafting from her. As she was about to leave, she smiled at Yining and the others, saying, “I’ve kept you waiting today. If you ever come to the capital, do visit me at the Yingguo Duke’s mansion. I’ll invite you to stay for a few days and see the splendor of the capital city.”
A matron was urging her, “Miss Mingzhu, if we don’t set off soon, the Old Madam will worry!”
Zhao Mingzhu bid farewell to them and boarded her carriage. Then, several maids came forward carrying boxes. The lead maid, dressed in a blue-green jacket, bowed and smiled, saying, “Young ladies, these are gifts from our Miss Mingzhu. It’s just a small token of appreciation for your care these past days.”
Hearing this, Luo Yiyu’s face darkened.
They were of equal status, yet Zhao Mingzhu was bestowing gifts upon them as if they were inferiors. Who did she think they were? Did they need her patronage?
Yining took the lead in expressing thanks. Upon opening the box, she found an exquisitely carved jade hairpin, its craftsmanship impeccable and the jade pure white and translucent. This didn’t seem like something Zhao Mingzhu would typically give; last time, she had only given Yining two gold bracelets, not daring to be so generous. Yining suddenly thought of Lu Jiaxue – this must have been his instruction. He knew Zhao Mingzhu’s proud nature and was compensating them for taking care of her. The other box he had sent that day also contained a fine piece of jade.
Yining had her maid put the jade away.
Luo Yihui ended up staying with the Luo family until September before returning home. When she left, it was the time of fragrant osmanthus and moon cakes.
Yining’s twelfth birthday fell a few days before the Mid-Autumn Festival. Earlier, due to the family’s mourning period, it hadn’t been celebrated. This time, Lin Hairu properly organized a birthday celebration for her. Concubine Qiao sat at the far end of the banquet, staring absent-mindedly at Xuan’er, who was beside Concubine Guo. Later, when everyone went into the western side room to eat moon cakes, she finally found an opportunity to see Xuan’er.
However, Xuan’er was busy playing with his new tangram set alongside his study companion, completely oblivious to Concubine Qiao’s presence.
Concubine Qiao’s eyes welled up with tears as she called out softly, “Xuan’er, don’t you recognize your mother?”
Xuan’er turned around, and saw Concubine Qiao, but hesitated, “Aunt…”
This pained Concubine Qiao even more. She crouched down, grasping the child’s small shoulders, and asked, “Xuan’er, why aren’t you calling me Mother anymore?”
Xuan’er spoke slowly, “Seventh Sister said that I’m now registered under Madam’s name, so Madam is my mother. I can only call you Aunt. Aunt, I want to go inside to eat mooncakes now. Are you coming in?”
His attitude was distant yet polite, less warm than when he had been talking to his study companion earlier.
Concubine Qiao felt as if a hole had been torn in her heart, with the cold wind rushing in. It was all their doing, teaching him to be so distant from her. It was all their fault! Her crimson nails dug into her palms. She had schemed endlessly to ensure that Luo Chengzhang wouldn’t tire of her, but he never budged on matters concerning Xuan’er, refusing to even discuss it. She didn’t know when she would be able to get Xuan’er back…
Concubine Guo’s matron came out of the room, calling Xuan’er to come to eat moon cakes, saying they had saved his favorite ham and pine nut moon cake for him. Excited, Xuan’er immediately bid farewell and went inside.
Upon returning to her quarters, Concubine Qiao remained silent. Luo Yiling guessed that she must have gone to see her brother again. She sighed and personally wrung out a hot cloth to place on Concubine Qiao’s forehead. Her mother was so preoccupied with thoughts of her brother that she couldn’t eat or sleep, neglecting even her daughter. In her heart, her brother was still the most important.
Standing in the corridor outside the room, Luo Yiling was suddenly overwhelmed by a deep sense of coldness. At least Luo Yining had Lin Hairu’s love, but who truly loved her? Her father raised her, but it was like keeping a caged bird, amusing when he was in a good mood. When he disliked her, he was capable of any punishment.
She looked into the distance and saw a man wearing a cyan-colored straight robe walking by the lake. He seemed to notice her too, turning back to nod and smile at her.
It was Liu Jing, Luo Yiyu’s fiancé, who had also come to attend the banquet.
Seeing her standing there, Liu Jing hesitated before walking over. He stopped at a respectful distance and bowed, saying, “You must be the Sixth Young Miss. The mansion is so lively, why are you standing here alone?”
Luo Yiling recalled meeting him briefly in her childhood. He had matured significantly since then. She had heard that he was nearing the end of his three-year observership in the Ministry of Works and could soon take up a position as a Supervising Secretary or similar. Liu Jing had always been known for his earnestness and sincerity, with a gentle demeanor that put people at ease. Perhaps due to his reticent nature, he always gave an impression of reliability. Luo Yiling simply smiled and asked, “Isn’t Young Master Liu accompanying Fourth Sister?”
Liu Jing smiled, but his tone was somewhat gloomy, “She… doesn’t much enjoy my company.” He was well aware that Luo Yiyu didn’t particularly like him, and he felt as if he was imposing himself on her.
Luo Yiling knew that Luo Yiyu had high standards, and Liu Jing barely met her approval. Seeing this tall man hunched over in humility, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of sympathy. She said softly, “If you’re good to her, she’ll eventually recognize it.”
Liu Jing smiled slowly. All he could do was be good to Luo Yiyu, knowing full well that he wasn’t truly worthy of her. He looked up and noticed that the Luo family’s Sixth Young Miss had grown into the most beautiful of the sisters. Her beauty carried a pride that even Luo Yiyu lacked, an illusion created purely by her exceptional beauty. He paused before saying, “Sixth Young Miss, there’s no need for melancholy. My mother often tells me that all difficulties in this world will eventually pass.”
Without any hint of impropriety, he bowed again and left.
Luo Yiling watched his tall yet humble figure retreat, suddenly feeling a bit dazed. The straight robe he wore was neither new nor old, always giving a somewhat shabby impression.
She shook her head and walked back into the room. There, she saw Concubine Qiao receiving the manager of one of her shops, speaking in a weak voice, “…It doesn’t matter if that shop’s profits are poor, but Xu Si definitely can’t stay. Did he dare to gamble after stealing money from the shop? Beat him until he’s crippled and throw him out. Why are you even asking me about this?”
A maid was kneeling nearby, massaging Concubine Qiao’s legs with a ‘beauty hammer’. Having lost weight, Concubine Qiao was lounging crookedly on the chaise longue, exuding a particularly sickly beauty.
The matron sighed inwardly, thinking that with such beauty, it was no wonder the Second Master insisted on keeping her by his side. She smiled and said, “Aunt, you’ve misunderstood. Xu Si stole the money to treat his wife’s illness… His wife, you see, was originally a maid from our household who married out. She used to serve the former Second Madam. I don’t know what illness she has, but they’re burning through money using ginseng just to keep her alive! Xu Si had no choice but to steal from the shop; they had nothing left at home. We discussed it privately and thought it might be better to just dismiss him rather than beat him to disability.”
Hearing that the maid had served the former Second Madam, Concubine Qiao was reminded of Luo Yining, which in turn made her think of her son, Xuan’er. She was furious. Sitting up, she said, “What excuses are there for stealing money? I don’t care who he was treating! I said beat him until he’s crippled, so do it! If anyone dares to show mercy, they’ll be thrown out too.”
Luo Yiling, overhearing this, couldn’t help but advise, “Mother, he is pitiful after all. Why don’t we let it go?”
But Concubine Qiao coldly replied, “What’s there to pity about him? The one who deserves pity is your brother! Raised by others, not even recognizing his birth mother.” She lay back on the chaise longue and added, “No one is to show any mercy. If he dies, he dies. He deserves it.”
Seeing there was no room for negotiation, the manager reluctantly withdrew. Luo Yiling sighed. Her mother now harbored such deep hatred for those people that she wouldn’t relent upon hearing their stories.
She had a maid bring medicine for her mother to drink and said no more.
As Yining’s birthday approached, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival, she hadn’t planned to celebrate. In her mind, there was little point in meticulously tracking a child’s age. However, Lin Hairu grasped her hand earnestly and said, “Yining, after this birthday, I can start looking for a suitable marriage for you.”
Yining was startled by this declaration, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
Lin Hairu observed Yining’s now evident feminine figure. The young girl had finally stopped growing outwards and instead had grown taller. Her delicate wrist could be encircled easily by one hand, and the small red mole at the end of her eyebrow on her jade-white face added a touch of allure. Lin Hairu mused that when Yining fully matured, she would undoubtedly be a stunning beauty. While they couldn’t match the nobility in status, finding a wealthy and leisurely family for Yining seemed within reach.
Lin Hairu was seriously considering her nephew, Lin Mao, as a potential match.
The day after Yining’s birthday, she received a gift from Lin Mao – a pair of golden cicada hairpins beautifully arranged in a silk-lined box. It was both pretty and interesting. Given her nephew’s typically flamboyant nature, it was surprising that he hadn’t even left a note with the gift.
Yining didn’t think much of it. Lin Mao had sent a birthday gift, as had Gu Jingming and her third brother. Comparatively, Lin Mao’s gift wasn’t particularly extravagant.
But Lin Hairu knew her nephew well. Upon seeing the box, her heart skipped a beat, realizing he had made it himself. While not immediately apparent, Lin Mao always carved his name in seal script on items he crafted – it was his signature.
He was seriously waiting.
Lin Hairu felt her palms grow sweaty, acutely aware of how much of her previous words to Lin Mao had been mere placation.
Recently, Chen Shi had been frantically searching for a suitable match for Luo Yixiu. Yixiu fancied her sister-in-law’s younger brother, which Chen Shi promptly vetoed. Eventually, through Chen Shi’s brother, they found a promising match in the capital. The prospective groom’s family boasted a history of producing Grand Secretaries, with three jinshi degree holders in the previous generation, and he was an excellent eldest son. Hearing of this pedigree, Chen Shi gleefully engaged matchmakers to discuss the marriage.
When the appearance-conscious Luo Yixiu learned of this, she returned home and wept in Yining’s arms. It wasn’t until she discreetly learned from the matchmaker that the young man was also handsome that she finally stopped objecting.
If Luo Yixiu were to marry into such a prestigious family, it wouldn’t be fitting for Yining to marry someone of lower status. Chen Shi would undoubtedly use this to her advantage. No matter how much Old Madam Luo favored Yining or how much she inherited, it wouldn’t compare to Yixiu’s advantageous marriage.
Lin Hairu wrote to Luo Yihui, asking her opinion on Yining’s marriage prospects. Yihui’s cryptic response simply stated: “Shen Yuan’s future is uncertain; there’s no rush for Yining’s marriage.”
Perplexed by this ambiguous message, Lin Hairu pondered its meaning for a long time. Was Yihui suggesting that Luo Shen Yuan should decide on Yining’s marriage? Or was she simply advising against overthinking the matter? After much deliberation, Lin Hairu decided to consult Luo Shen Yuan directly.
After reading the message, Luo Shen Yuan remained silent for a while before asking, “You don’t understand Elder Sister’s meaning?”
Lin Hairu smiled, “If I did, I wouldn’t be troubling you.”
Shen Yuan was preparing for the upcoming spring imperial examinations, a matter of utmost importance. Luo Huaiyuan was also preparing for the exams. Chen Shi, determined to ensure Huaiyuan’s success, had even gone so far as to have all the cicadas in the surrounding trees removed to prevent them from disturbing his studies. She firmly believed in her son’s abilities and was certain he would achieve the jinshi degree. At the very least, he would compete with Luo Shen Yuan in the metropolitan examination.
Luo Shen Yuan had already earned the title of jieyuan (top scorer in the provincial exam). What if it had been mere luck? There were cases of jieyuan holders failing the metropolitan examination. The metropolitan and palace examinations were truly crucial – success meant fame throughout the land, perhaps even a place in the historical records. The parade of the top three scorers – zhuangyuan, bangyan, and tanhua – was a grand spectacle of family honor!
Luo Shen Yuan was, of course, engrossed in his studies. He remained calm when his stepmother approached him with this question about Yining’s marriage prospects.
After sipping his tea, he decided to explain to Lin Hairu, “Elder Sister wants you to ensure I can focus on my studies without worrying about Yining’s marriage. Please don’t overthink it; Yining is still young.” With that, he left, leaving Lin Hairu to ponder his words.
Yining, however, was aware that Lin Hairu had spoken with Luo Shen Yuan, albeit briefly. When she visited Lin Hairu, she gently advised, “Third Brother is very busy now. If you need anything, please come to me instead.”
Lin Hairu then asked her, “Your eldest aunt has found a wealthy family in the capital for Yixiu. What do you think about that?”
Unsure why Lin Hairu was asking this, Yining assumed she was simply bored due to her pregnancy. She replied, “Of course, I’m happy for her. Mother, if you’re feeling bored, shall we go play mahjong with Madam Gao?”
It seemed best not to disturb Luo Shen Yuan. The future Grand Secretary was at a critical juncture in his preparations.
Looking at Yining’s still somewhat childish face, Lin Hairu suddenly thought about how happy Yining’s birth mother and grandmother would be if they could see her now. What a wonderful child she had become. She gently stroked Yining’s hair and smiled, “I was just asking. How could I be bored?”
Yining was relieved that Lin Hairu wasn’t bored. As for her marriage prospects… she was still young, there was no rush. Moreover, Luo Shen Yuan was about to take the metropolitan examination, and she was preoccupied with her third brother’s upcoming test.
She wondered what rank he would achieve.
Meanwhile, in the capital’s Yujing Hutong, autumn’s chill had set in.
Cheng Lang came to pay his respects to Old Madam Zheng.
Years ago, when the heir of the Marquis of Ying, Wei Ling, was childless and away at war, he adopted the then-young Cheng Lang as his nephew. This led to Cheng Lang’s mother being elevated to the position of principal wife. Two years later, Wei Ling brought back Zhao Mingzhu for Old Madam Zheng to raise, which improved the old lady’s spirits. As Cheng Lang approached, he heard laughter from within.
Upon entering, he saw Zhao Mingzhu laughing as she recounted a story to Old Madam Zheng: “…Their family is from the countryside, yet their Seventh Miss offered me lotus seeds to eat. I rewarded her with a pair of gold bracelets, so it wasn’t for nothing!”
Old Madam Zheng, who doted on Zhao Mingzhu, burst into laughter at her tale. The desserts served to Mingzhu were exquisite, and her attire was of the finest quality – a gold-threaded jacket and a gold bracelet inlaid with turquoise. She was pampered like a delicate flower. The old lady held Mingzhu’s hand and said, “When you’re not here, I’m at my most bored. Fortunately, you’ve returned; no one else compares to you!”
Cheng Lang called out, “Grandmother.” Only then did Old Madam Zheng notice him, immediately smiling and gesturing for him to approach.
She had raised Cheng Lang and naturally favored him. Moreover, Cheng Lang had achieved the tanhua rank in the recent spring examinations and now held the position of Lang Zhong in the Ministry of Personnel, partly due to his uncle’s influence. But Cheng Lang’s capabilities were undeniable, and Old Madam Zheng knew that many young women in the capital admired him and wished to marry him.
“You’ve come at just the right time!” Old Madam Zheng exclaimed. “Your cousin Mingzhu has just returned. Come, join us.”
Old Madam Zheng wanted only the best for Zhao Mingzhu, and someone as accomplished as Cheng Lang seemed perfect. She had intentions of matchmaking between the two. Cheng Lang always maintained a charming and reserved demeanor towards everyone, making it difficult for Zhao Mingzhu to discern his true feelings. This left the old lady unsure.
“Cousin Cheng Lang,” Zhao Mingzhu stood and curtseyed, smiling as she asked, “Did you manage to buy the pearl hairpin I requested last time?”
Zhao Mingzhu, pampered from a young age by Old Madam Zheng, the Marquis of Ying, Cheng Lang, and even Lu Jiaxue, felt no hesitation in asking Cheng Lang for things. She had heard of a shop in Hangzhou known for its beautiful pearl hairpins and had asked Cheng Lang to buy one for her during his recent trip there.
Old Madam Zheng had even written a letter to remind Cheng Lang of this request.
Cheng Lang smiled slightly, his handsome profile gleaming like jade in the warm light. He replied, “Of course I bought it. I’ll have someone bring it to you shortly.”
“You should deliver it personally,” Old Madam Zheng couldn’t help but interject. “Since Mingzhu likes it so much, she should see it as soon as possible.”
Cheng Lang bowed, “I understand, Grandmother. Next time, I’ll bring it to cousin Mingzhu right away.”
Zhao Mingzhu sat down, observing Cheng Lang’s elegant figure. He was indeed the man every woman in the capital wished to marry, truly outstanding. But so what? Whether she married him or not depended entirely on her wishes. Even if others coveted what was readily available to her, she might not want it. The one she truly admired… was someone else entirely. Someone more exceptional and thrilling than anyone else, with unparalleled power and influence. She had watched him grow up since childhood; how could anyone else compare in her eyes?
“I need to visit Uncle Wei Ling now,” Cheng Lang said, taking his leave. “He mentioned having important matters to discuss with me, so I’m afraid I must go.”
“Come back later to discuss the ‘Spring and Autumn Annals’ with Mingzhu,” Old Madam Zheng instructed. “She’s currently reading it.”
Cheng Lang smiled and agreed. As he glanced at Zhao Mingzhu, he inwardly sneered. She was held in such high esteem now, but the higher she was raised, the harder she would fall. He felt nothing but contempt for Zhao Mingzhu; in his eyes, all women were the same. Old Madam Zheng’s desire to have Zhao Mingzhu marry him was truly overestimating her worth.
Zhao Mingzhu, however, never felt she was being overestimated. She probably wouldn’t decide to marry him anyway. Her disdain suited him fine; the thought of marrying Zhao Mingzhu made him deeply uncomfortable.
Leaving Old Madam Zheng’s quarters, Cheng Lang headed to see the Marquis of Ying.
Wei Ling was in his study when his guard presented him with a portrait. Tall and imposing, with long eyebrows that extended to his temples and a mole at the end of his brow, Wei Ling remained handsome despite his age, the mole softening his features slightly. He held the portrait for a long time without speaking, then finally asked, “Is this truly the Luo family’s Seventh Miss?”
The guard replied, “I drew it myself, sir. There’s no mistake.”
“Is her mother still alive?” Wei Ling immediately inquired.
The guard shook his head, hesitating before answering, “I’ve inquired, sir. The Seventh Miss’s mother… passed away six months after giving birth to her. Before her death, she did indeed stay at that temple.”
Wei Ling’s expression was complex, a mix of excitement and hidden pain. Seated in his chair, he waved for the guard to leave.
Cheng Lang entered and asked, “Uncle, is there news of my cousin whom I’ve never met?”
Wei Ling nodded silently.
A month ago, Lu Jiaxue, while inspecting Baoding Prefecture, had mentioned a girl who resembled him, even having a mole at the end of her eyebrow, and whose age matched what he had been told. Lu Jiaxue, needing to continue his inspection tour to the Shanxi military camp, hadn’t investigated further but had someone inform Wei Ling. Upon hearing this, Wei Ling’s heart had raced… Could it be her, the result of that unexpected encounter so many years ago? This matter had weighed on his mind for over a decade. If it weren’t for thoughts of her, why would he have remained unmarried? He had sent people to investigate for a month, hoping to find her, yet fearing it might be a futile hope. Now, faced with the results, he found himself speechless.
Gu Minglan was dead, but she had left him a daughter.
This girl was now twelve years old. Just looking at the portrait, which bore a striking resemblance to Minglan but with a mole at the end of her eyebrow just like his own, filled him with affection. This was his daughter; though Minglan was gone, she had left him this child. The girl had grown up in an ordinary official family in Baoding, never having met her birth father.
Cheng Lang had also heard from Wei Ling’s subordinates about his search for a long-lost daughter. Hearing the guard’s words earlier, he had pieced most of the story together. Looking at the portrait, he found the face somewhat familiar. “Uncle, is the cousin you speak of… the Luo family’s Seventh Miss?”
Hearing this, Wei Ling looked up at him, “You… have you met her before?”
“I saw her once, a few years ago,” Cheng Lang said. “She was quite an adorable little girl. It’s a pity her father favored a concubine over his wife, causing her to suffer as well. I heard that after her grandmother died, she had no one to care for her. I wonder how she’s faring now. She should have grown up in luxury in the Marquis of Ying’s household… instead, she was raised in an ordinary official’s family, competing with a bunch of sisters.”
Wei Ling’s expression darkened as he listened. His daughter… should have been raised in luxury, pampered and cherished! How could she be in a place like Baoding, suffering such treatment? He had spent a lifetime campaigning and fighting alongside Lu Jiaxue; surely he could provide for his daughter!
Even though Minglan was gone, this girl must be brought back. She was the daughter Minglan had left him.
Wei Ling suddenly stood up, his face stern, and called for his guard. “Go to the Divine Machine Battalion and mobilize 500 elite soldiers. They will accompany me to Baoding!”
Cheng Lang had anticipated this outcome and was indifferent about whether this supposed cousin was brought back or not. However, if a true daughter of the Marquis of Ying returned, he wondered how Zhao Mingzhu would handle the situation. What he hadn’t expected was Wei Ling’s urgency and his decision to mobilize 500 elite soldiers from the Divine Machine Battalion – it seemed like an excessive show of force!
Cheng Lang hurriedly stepped forward and asked, “Uncle, are you going to Baoding now to bring her back?”
Wei Ling had already taken the portrait scroll and replied coolly, “A daughter of the Marquis of Ying’s household cannot be left adrift in the world.”
As a servant draped a cloak over his shoulders, he strode out the door. The heavily guarded Marquis of Ying’s household guards were already waiting outside for him.