The Marquis of Ying’s mansion was blanketed in silver after last night’s snowfall.
Outside Old Lady Wei’s Jing’an Hall, several servants were sweeping snow from the steps. After the heavy snow, the sky had cleared, with the sun climbing high. Each breath produced a white mist in the air.
Inside, the heated floor kept the room warm. Madam Song helped Old Lady Wei sit by the couch as a maid set down a cup of bird’s nest soup, kneeling. Another servant quietly replaced the plum blossoms in the room with fresh ones.
Old Lady Wei picked up the letter again. She had read it a few days ago but couldn’t resist opening it once more.
In her youth, Old Lady Wei had been a beauty, and even in her old age, she maintained a distinguished air. She wore a jade-inlaid forehead band and a dark brown robe with an endless swastika pattern. Her hair was neatly arranged. She had read the letter many times, growing angrier with each reading. “… He’s truly muddle-headed, forgetting his daughter outside and letting her suffer for so long!”
Madam Song smiled reassuringly, “Please don’t worry, My Lady. She’s been found now.”
“She’s a child of the Marquis of Ying’s household. How could we let another family raise her?” Old Lady Wei was still upset. “You should have told me earlier so I could have brought her back! Raising her by my side would have been far better than wherever she was.” Under her care, the girl would have been treasured. As a young lady of the Marquis of Ying’s household, she would command respect throughout the capital.
“The Marquis was afraid you wouldn’t accept the child’s background…” Madam Song, who had served Old Lady Wei for many years, explained. “He sent a letter before going to fetch her. They should arrive soon.”
Old Lady Wei sighed, “At my age, what is there to accept or not? Didn’t I raise Mingzhu? Though not our family’s child, she’s no less than a proper young lady. Moreover, this is our own flesh and blood granddaughter.” A maid offered her a spoonful of bird’s nest soup, but Old Lady Wei found it too sweet and refused more. She asked, “Is Mingzhu up yet?”
Madam Song helped Old Lady Wei stand. “She played with the Marquis of Zhongxian’s daughter for quite a while yesterday, so she’s sleeping in today. When the maid went to wake her, she was still in bed.”
“Wake her up,” Old Lady Wei said. “We haven’t told her about Yining yet. She should meet her sister.”
Madam Song acknowledged and went to give the order.
The clop of horse hooves and a flurry of snow dust brought a familiar scent to Yining.
She lifted the carriage curtain. After a day and night of travel, they were approaching Beijing. The wide stone-paved streets and alleys were still mostly closed, but some early tea shops had opened. Steaming pots boiled soy milk, its aroma filling the air. The area near Yujing Hutong was bustling, with most of it occupied by the Marquis of Ying’s mansion. The neighboring Huaishu Hutong housed the Marquis of Ningyuan’s residence. The old Marquis of Ying had been a founding minister, so their mansion was grand and imposing. Later enfeoffed nobles’ residences couldn’t compare.
At the entrance of Huaishu Hutong stood a locust tree, while Yujing Hutong had an ancient well. Vendors used its water to make sweet, fragrant soy milk. These once-dusty memories now seemed vivid and lively. Yining gazed out, lost in thought. She never imagined she’d return like this.
“Miss, be careful of the cold wind outside,” Zhenzhu, one of the maids assigned by Wei Ling, said softly.
Yining lowered the curtain. Wei Ling had assigned her two maids: the gentler Zhenzhu and the cooler Daimao, both chosen from his household. Perhaps considering his mother’s wishes, both maids were quite attractive, with Daimao slightly more so. Zhenzhu was eager to serve Yining, while Daimao was more reserved, only acting when instructed, otherwise standing silently or gazing at Wei Ling’s back.
Yining sighed, understanding such maids’ feelings. Spending time with a handsome, powerful master at their tender age, it was natural for them to develop feelings. Yining remained indifferent to both maids, entrusting personal matters to Songzhi and Qingqu.
Wei Ling rode ahead on horseback, with passersby making way. Some admired the procession, remarking on the Marquis of Ying’s prestigious status.
Wei Ling’s subordinates had already entered the mansion. The large black lacquered doors with bronze rings in qilin mouths slowly opened. Yining heard voices saying, “We’ve sent word. The Old Lady is waiting in the front hall.” Another said, “My Lord, breakfast is ready.” Yet another announced, “The young lady’s courtyard is prepared. The Old Lady personally inspected it!”
The entire mansion was bustling with activity, no doubt due to her arrival.
Zhenzhu and Daimao seemed unfazed, being born and raised in the household. Qingqu was equally unimpressed, oblivious to the concept of noble families. Songzhi, however, grew nervous at the commotion. Yining noticed her tightly clenched hands.
The mansion was vast; the carriage took a long time to travel from the screen wall to the decorated gate. When it finally stopped, the curtain was lifted. Yining saw Wei Ling extend his hand, saying gently, “Meimei, come down with Father. I’ll take you to meet your grandmother.”
Yining peeked out, and Wei Ling lightly embraced her hand, helping her down. He led her forward.
Yining looked up at the wide path and stone-carved lotus lamp bases. Ahead were flying eaves and interlocking brackets, tall red-lacquered corridor pillars, and a plaque above the door reading “Jing’an” (Peaceful Tranquility). Four maids stood at attention by the door, bowing as Wei Ling and Yining approached.
For the 13-year-old Yining, the door frame seemed impossibly tall. As she gazed up, Wei Ling said, “Don’t be afraid. You’re the young lady of the Marquis of Ying’s household. This is your home now.” His hand holding hers was broad and strong as if reassuring her.
This must be what a real father feels like, Yining suddenly thought.
In her past life, her father had been preoccupied with concubines and younger brothers, barely noticing a secondary daughter from his first wife. As for little Yining’s birth father, Luo Chengzhang, the less said, the better.
Yining tightened her grip on Wei Ling’s hand.
Wei Ling, mistaking her gesture for nervousness, smiled slightly and led her inside.
There was truly nothing to be nervous about; the Marquis of Ying’s household should be where she felt most confident. He would have to teach her this in the future. Even if she became arrogant or spoiled, it wouldn’t matter. As Wei Ling’s daughter, she needn’t be timid. She could do as she pleased, and he’d like to see who dared stop her.
Passing through the first gate, Yining saw an elderly lady in a dark brown robe with silver hair, supported by others, waiting in the courtyard. Behind her stood a group of richly dressed women. Zhao Mingzhu stood beside the old lady, wearing a gold filigree hairpin inlaid with pearls and a gold necklace, looking more like a proper young lady of the Marquis’s household than Yining did.
Zhao Mingzhu stared at her in utter shock, as if seeing a ghost.
Old Lady Wei saw her son leading a small girl, delicate and lovely. Though not fully grown, her features were strikingly intelligent. The mole at the end of her eyebrow, identical to Wei Ling’s, immediately endeared her to the old lady. This child… was indeed of the Marquis’s bloodline!
Yining formally knelt and greeted her, “Yining pays respects to Grandmother. May Grandmother enjoy good health.”
“Quickly, stand up. The ground is too cold,” Old Lady Wei hurried to help Yining up, holding her hand. The child’s small hands were soft, with little dimples on the back. She found herself liking the girl more and more.
Seeing his mother lost in thought, Wei Ling approached and said, “Mother, let’s talk inside. After the long journey, I haven’t even had breakfast yet.”
“You’re right. We should have breakfast first,” Old Lady Wei smiled. She held Yining’s hand as they entered, asking gently, “Yining, what do you like for breakfast? Porridge or noodles? Grandmother will have it prepared for you.”
As they entered the room, the west side chamber was crowded with people. Lady Wei sat beside a small table and invited Yining to sit next to her.
Yining replied, “I like everything.”
Hearing this, Lady Wei felt a pang in her heart. The family’s pampered pearl, Mingzhu, could make a list of things she wouldn’t eat just for breakfast, yet her granddaughter was so obedient. She must have indeed lived a less comfortable life in her previous family than in the Duke’s mansion. Looking at Yining’s simple attire, which, while not poor, was certainly not up to the standards of the Wei family, Lady Wei couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness. Her gaze softened as she looked at the girl.
Realizing she hadn’t yet introduced the family members to Yining, Lady Wei continued, “This is your first time meeting your grandmother, but I already feel close to you. Don’t be afraid. Our Duke’s mansion doesn’t have any legitimate young ladies, so from now on, you’ll be the young lady of the Wei family. Let me introduce you to everyone.”
Lady Wei first pointed to Zhao Mingzhu: “This is your sister Mingzhu, who grew up by my side.”
Yining looked at Zhao Mingzhu, whose delicate face formed a faint smile as she said, “Hello, Sister Yining.”
Yining stood up to greet her, calling her “Sister Mingzhu.”
Wei Ling, watching from the side, felt somewhat uncomfortable. Usually, everyone in the mansion was willing to pamper Zhao Mingzhu. But upon first meeting Yining, Mingzhu didn’t even stand up. It was Yining who bowed to her! If they were to truly consider their status, Yining was his flesh and blood, while Zhao Mingzhu was merely a foster child. Yet now she acted so arrogantly, taking her favored position for granted.
Zhao Mingzhu was naturally uncomfortable. From the moment she saw Luo Yining appear in the Wei family, or rather when she heard that a true young lady of the Wei family had been found and brought back, she had been uneasy. Having grown up in the Duke’s mansion, she had always thought of herself as the young lady of the Wei family, favored by Lady Wei. Suddenly, the real young lady had been found and brought back. What would become of her?
If it weren’t for the presence of others, she wouldn’t have even managed to force a smile.
Lady Wei knew Mingzhu would be emotional, after all, the entire household had treated her as the only young lady before. Mingzhu had grown up by her side, and though not her flesh and blood, how could there be no affection after raising her for over a decade? Although she also liked Yining and found her obedient and pleasant, her heart still leaned towards Mingzhu. She chose to overlook Mingzhu’s spoiled behavior.
Lady Wei continued introducing Yining to the women present, who were from the Wei family’s maternal side. They naturally showed great respect to the true young lady of the Wei family. After all, she would be their mistress in the future. Yining smiled and responded without any trace of timidity, which pleased Lady Wei more and more. One of the women, whom Yining should address as her maternal aunt, smiled and said, “Finally, the true granddaughter has been found. I can see Lady Wei’s spirits have improved greatly.” Indeed, if a foster child was treated as a treasure, how much more would a blood relative be cherished?
Zhao Mingzhu, hearing this, found it even harder to smile.
At this moment, a maid came to announce that breakfast was ready, and the women left first. Lady Wei took this opportunity to have a private word with Yining, holding her hand and saying, “When I brought your sister Mingzhu back years ago, I had everyone give her gifts. Now that you’ve returned, this tradition can’t be neglected. This afternoon, we’ll open the ancestral hall and record your name in the family genealogy. You have a cousin named Cheng Lang who will also come this afternoon. The Northern Frontier Marquis’s mansion, the Peaceful Distance Marquis’s mansion…” At this point, Lady Wei turned to Wei Ling and asked, “Your daughter’s return is largely thanks to Commander Lu. Have you invited him?”
Wei Ling replied, “He’s a busy man. I don’t know if he’ll come!”
It seemed that the news of the Wei family finding their lost young lady would soon spread throughout the noble circles of the capital. The treatment Yining would receive might even surpass that of Zhao Mingzhu when she was brought back years ago.
Yining looked at her father, Wei Ling, standing behind her with his hands clasped behind his back, and suddenly felt incredibly secure.
“Mother, I’ll take Yining out for breakfast first. Then I’ll show her to her new courtyard. We’ll take our leave now,” Wei Ling said, worried that Yining might be hungry and wanting to take her away.
“What’s the rush?” Lady Wei smiled, noticing Zhao Mingzhu still sitting nearby. She then said, “You’re a grown man, how would you know what a young girl needs? Take Mingzhu along too.” She then turned to Zhao Mingzhu and said, “Your sister Yining has just returned. Keep her company for a while.”
Zhao Mingzhu stood up, bowed, and followed Wei Ling out of the west side chamber, her lips pressed tightly together.
Lady Wei picked up her teacup and took a sip. Song Mama, standing nearby, softly said, “No wonder you find her pleasant to look at, my lady. The young miss’s features somewhat resemble yours when you were young!”
Hearing this, Lady Wei sighed, “It’s fortunate that Wei Ling found this child. Who knows what kind of life she was living, dependent on the Luo family? As the young lady of the Wei family, she should be properly pampered… I see she’s obedient and sensible, but Mingzhu seems less lively than usual since Yining’s arrival.”
“Miss Mingzhu has always been spoiled by everyone. It’s natural for her to feel uncomfortable at first,” Song Mama said. “I see you want them to become close?”
Lady Wei shook her head, “Mingzhu has always been pampered by me in this household. With the arrival of the true young lady, she’s bound to feel uneasy. No matter how favored she is, she’s not Wei Ling’s daughter. If I were to pass away, Wei Ling would certainly not treat her well. That’s why I’ve arranged a good marriage for her, planning a future and status for her, to ensure she doesn’t have a difficult life… It all depends on whether this child can understand my intentions.”
Song Mama sighed inwardly upon hearing this. No wonder Zhao Mingzhu was acting this way; the difference in treatment would likely become even more pronounced in the future. The young lady of the Wei family had endured many hardships outside, so upon her return, both Lady Wei and the Duke would naturally shower her with even more affection. Moreover, despite coming from an ordinary official’s family, the young lady’s bearing was not lacking at all. Although Miss Mingzhu was adorned with gold and silver, she seemed overshadowed in the young lady’s presence.
Lady Wei felt an innate closeness to her blood-related granddaughter. However, a child raised for over a decade couldn’t be disregarded either. Miss Mingzhu had left her parents to come to Lady Wei’s side, and Lady Wei had always doted on her the most. Lady Wei would certainly prefer to protect Miss Mingzhu, as evidenced by her asking Mingzhu to accompany Yining, hoping they would develop a good relationship. She still loved Miss Mingzhu deeply.
Lady Wei was right; it all depended on whether Miss Mingzhu could understand. If she could comprehend Lady Wei’s intentions, the Wei family could ensure her a life of luxury, perhaps even allowing her to enjoy the treatment of a young lady of the Wei family. If she couldn’t understand, her fate would depend on Wei Ling’s attitude.
When Songzhi was with the Luo family, she thought Zhao Mingzhu’s pomp was already considerable, but she never imagined it would be even grander in the Duke’s mansion.
Surrounded by a large group of maids and servants, Mingzhu was truly treated like a pampered young lady. At breakfast in the front hall, there were maids specifically assigned to pass and select dishes for her.
She wouldn’t eat this, wouldn’t eat that. Certain dishes couldn’t be placed in front of her, as Lady Wei had instructed before.
Songzhi was astounded, while Zhao Mingzhu seemed completely accustomed to it, deftly commanding the maids and servants.
Songzhi then looked at her young lady, Yining… She suddenly felt that Yining was much better. Apart from preferring meat a bit more, she was extremely easy to serve.
Qingqu, on the other hand, was shocked by the Duke’s mansion’s breakfast for the first time.
Dishes were brought out in a constant stream. On the plate in front of Yining were plum and almond-filled pastries, date-paste layered rolls, and yogurt sprinkled with powdered sugar. Beside it was a small bowl of sliced pigeon eggs and a small bowl of sheep’s milk. Next to that was pigeon meat porridge with two thin slices of ham on top.
It was just breakfast, yet so much food was laid out. It seemed wasteful. With only three people eating, how much could they possibly consume? Qingqu thought with a bit of heartache at the wastefulness.
Not just Qingqu, but Luo Yining herself was somewhat shocked. When she was at the Peaceful Distance Marquis’s mansion years ago, even though the Marquis’s family wasn’t as prosperous as it is now, she had never experienced such extravagant dining. It was indeed incredibly luxurious.
Wei Ling glanced at Zhao Mingzhu. She was indeed spoiled excessively; anyone who didn’t know better might think she was the true young lady. Unfortunately, Lady Wei was too fond of this child she had raised herself and wouldn’t tolerate anyone speaking ill of her. Wei Ling turned his attention back to his daughter, having already piled many dishes into her small bowl. He encouraged Yining, “Eat more vegetables. This pigeon meat is very fresh.” He then added some yogurt to her bowl, “This yogurt is made from cow’s milk. It’s even more delicious than abalone… Only our family’s cook can make it.”
Looking at the food in her bowl, Yining suddenly remembered the days when she was young and Old Lady Luo and Lin Hairu desperately tried to fatten her up.
She was a young lady now and couldn’t return to being the little chubby girl she once was. Who knew that she would gain weight so easily if she ate a bit more? Father Wei, have you realized this?
Seeing that she wasn’t eating much, Wei Ling frowned slightly, “Why aren’t you eating? Don’t you like it?”
How could she not have eaten? She had already finished half a bowl of porridge, two pastries, and three pigeon eggs. Yining furrowed her brow and said, “I ate quite a few snacks on the way here, so I’m not very hungry. Didn’t you say you’d show me my new courtyard?”
Wei Ling hesitated, wondering if she was unhappy because he had been putting food in her bowl.
This man, who could make decisions affecting thousands of miles on the battlefield, was still unsure how to raise his precious daughter who had just come into his care. He was afraid of not taking good care of this delicate child. He decided he would have to ask the Northern Frontier Marquis about it when he came in the afternoon. Wei Ling made up his mind but only gave a slight nod outwardly. He stood up to take her hand, ready to show her to her new courtyard.
Yining finally breathed a sigh of relief.