"You must be tired after your long journey. Go and rest for a while. Your father will be back soon."
"Okay, sure."
She was indeed exhausted; the journey by carriage had nearly broken her bones. But now, she was finally home, and she felt a sense of belonging here.
Upon hearing that she had no objections, Ji Shaocheng instructed Steward Ning: "Immediately take the guests to Xiangwu Courtyard."
Xiangwu Courtyard is the most beautiful courtyard in the Ji family mansion, where flowers bloom in all four seasons. In spring, several peach trees stand in front of the gate, their blossoms creating a dazzling display. In summer, a lotus pond sits in the courtyard, its leaves swaying in the breeze, filling the air with the fresh scent of lotus. In autumn, chrysanthemums of various kinds bloom in profusion, each vying for attention. And in winter, the back of the courtyard is filled with winter plum blossoms, their vibrant red petals releasing a captivating fragrance that is truly enchanting.
This Xiangling Courtyard used to be where Hailing's biological mother lived. After she left, no one lived in the courtyard anymore, but it was always kept clean without ever stopping.
However, this place is forbidden by the Ji family. People are not allowed to enter Xiangwu Courtyard under normal circumstances. Unexpectedly, the young general arranged for people to go to Xiangwu Courtyard this time.
Steward Ning and the servants were astonished. Ji Shaocheng knew that others were surprised, but he did not intend to say anything. He would wait until his father returned to discuss everything.
"Please, sir."
Even though Steward Ning was surprised, he didn't dare to be careless in front of Ji Shaocheng. The young general was an upright and unyielding person who couldn't stand people questioning him, so it was best for him to say less. However, he could see Hai Ling's importance and respectfully invited her to rest at Xiangwu Courtyard.
"Um/"
Hai Ling got up and led Shi Mei and Shi Lan, following behind Steward Ning, to the Xiangwu Courtyard of the Ji residence to rest.
In the main hall, Ji Shaocheng sat in a chair, extremely excited. He could hardly believe it and couldn't help but pinch himself hard until he winced in pain. Only then did he realize that it was all real, and his sister, Xiaoling'er, had finally returned.
Ji Shaocheng stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, his deep eyes flashing. It seemed that the Ji family should have a lively celebration. He would hold a banquet, invite people of high standing from Beilu, and formally announce Xiaoling'er's identity to everyone. She was the daughter of the Ji family's general, a precious young lady. From now on, she would be her father's and his precious treasure.
Outside the door, a figure burst in as if she had lost her mind, her shrill voice revealing just how terrible her mood was.
"Cousin, cousin, why, why did you let that person move into Xiangwu Courtyard? Who is he? Why did I ask for him so many times but I couldn't get him, yet you let him move in?"
Xiangwu Courtyard is a courtyard that every woman would love. It is the place in the entire Ji Mansion where the most money was spent. Every brick, stone, flower, and blade of grass inside is the most precious. Flowers and plants bloom in all four seasons, making it a beautiful sight.
That place had always been Ye Liushuang's favorite place, so she had been begging her cousin to let her live there, but her cousin had refused. Now, he had actually let someone of unknown origin live in Xiangwu Courtyard. How could she not be angry and furious?
Ji Shaocheng's face darkened, his aura turning somber as he coldly stared at Ye Liushuang.
"Ye Liushuang, remember your place, and stop thinking nonsense."
After saying that, he ignored Ye Liushuang's dark face and strode out. He had to go see his mother and tell her that his sister had returned.
In the Fragrant Grass Courtyard.
Hailin felt much better after taking a nap.
The two maids, Shi Mei and Shi Lan, looked extremely excited. When they saw her open her eyes, they both rushed to her side.
“Miss, this Fragrant Grass Courtyard is so beautiful. Behind the courtyard is a small plum grove. It’s the season when the plum blossoms are in full bloom. As far as the eye can see, it’s a fiery red.”
After Shi Mei finished speaking, Shi Lan took the opportunity to open the window at the back of the room. Although a cold breeze came in, she could see the plum grove behind the house at a glance. It was indeed fiery red, like a field of fiery red fireworks. In the cold winter, it was like a warm sun that warmed people's hearts and lungs.
Hai Ling thought of Ji Shaocheng and the old General Ji whom she hadn't met yet, and suddenly smiled. This place would be her home from now on.
Mother, I will live a good life, and I will remember you.
Footsteps sounded outside the door, quite noisy, but it indicated that very few people had come.
Shilan immediately closed the window and helped her mistress get up. Just then, a maid rushed in and respectfully said, "Young master, our old general has returned."
General Ji?
Before Hai Ling could react, she saw a tall, robust middle-aged man stride in from outside the door. He walked with great speed and his features were very similar to those of the young general Ji Shaocheng. With bright eyebrows and starry eyes, it was easy to see that he was also a handsome man when he was young.
Although he is now quite old, he remains robust and exudes the composure and wisdom of a middle-aged man.
As soon as he walked in, he stared at Hailin, and then tears welled up in his slightly thickened eyes.
Others might not recognize her, but he recognized her at a glance. She was his daughter, Xiao Ling'er. She looked so much like her mother, Lei Jing. General Ji could no longer contain himself and rushed over, excitedly pulling Hai Ling into his arms and speaking through choked sobs.
"Little Ling'er, you're finally back! Father is so sorry, so sorry!"
A hero who had killed countless enemies on the battlefield and struck fear into the hearts of his foe burst into tears in front of everyone.
At the door of the room, the servants of the Ji family suddenly realized that this handsome young master was not a man at all. He was a woman, which was why he had such beautiful features and was so stunning. She was Xiao Ling'er, the eldest daughter of the Ji family, the daughter of the general.
All the servants' eyes reddened. Many knew that there was a missing young lady in the Ji family. Now that the young lady had returned, they were happy for their masters. However, seeing the old general, who never returned to the mansion and had made countless contributions to the country, crying, they couldn't help but shed tears as well.
"Little Ling'er, I'm sorry, Father has made you suffer."
General Ji was overjoyed with this daughter from the moment he learned of her existence, and he had been looking forward to it all. He always believed that having a daughter would make her just like Lei Jing, and that he would cherish both of them. But who knew that such a thing would happen later?
"Father."
Nestled in General Ji's broad embrace, Hai Ling couldn't help but blurt out "Father!" It was a physical instinct, because he possessed the deep paternal love she craved. Although she had received Du Caiyue's maternal love, she had never received a father's love. Now, General Ji was radiating this profound paternal love, which made her recognize him as her father from the bottom of her heart.
Inside the room, Ji Shaocheng, standing behind General Ji, was also excited. His father had finally returned, and their family was finally reunited.
"Father, my little sister is back. Don't scare her."
General Ji Cong finally realized he was too excited. He quickly stopped his tears, calmed himself down, released Hai Ling, and carefully examined her. The more he looked at her, the more she resembled Lei Jing, almost like they were cut from the same mold. However, thinking of Lei Jing, his heart ached.
Ji Shaocheng had already informed his father of his second mother's death, so Ji Cong already knew that the woman he loved was dead.
Over the years, he had come to believe that she was dead. So when he heard his son's words, he felt a pang of pain but did not go mad. Instead, he was overjoyed to have this daughter. As long as his daughter was alive, that was enough.
"Little Ling'er, Father has lost his composure."
Hai Ling shook her head. She didn't blame him at all. On the contrary, she could tell from his excitement that he and Ji Shaocheng liked her very much, and they moved her.