The eyes of Lady Qiao, Ji Qingwu’s biological mother and the First Lady of the household, lit up.

 

They’ve entered the city, so they must be close to home.

 

The one who had grown impatient and muttered a few complaints just moments ago was none other than Ji Qingyuan, the legitimate daughter of the second wife of the Ji household.

 

Madam Wu, the wife of the second branch, instructed the maidservant beside her, “Fuleng, go fetch an umbrella for the Fourth Young Lady.” She patted Ji Qingyuan’s hand soothingly and said, “Your eldest aunt has been waiting at the gate since early this morning. We’ve only been here for a short while; let’s wait a little longer.”

 

Ji Qingyuan linked her arm through Madam Wu’s and pouted, “You’re so kind to me, Mother. A young lady’s skin is delicate; it can’t withstand this scorching sun.”

 

Yet while all the other women of the household were basking in the sun, Ji Qingyuan alone stood sheltered beneath an umbrella.

 

Madam Qiao, the wife of the first branch, cast a glance at the mother and daughter before looking away.

 

She had no desire to argue with the pair and asked, her eyes straining with anticipation, “Why aren’t they here yet? Weren’t they supposed to have entered the city already?”

 

Madam Qiao was over forty years old. She had been waiting under the sun the longest; she had rushed to the estate gate almost as soon as dawn broke.

 

“Madam, please don’t worry.”

 

Madam Li tried to reassure her, but suddenly spotted a procession of horsemen and carriages. She pointed excitedly toward the distance.

 

“They’re coming! They’re coming!”

 

As the sound of hooves grew louder, the carriages and horses gradually came to a stop.

 

Ji Changlin dismounted first and bowed, saying, “I send my regards to Mother and Second Aunt.”

 

Everyone’s gaze fell on the slender, delicate hand behind him, lifting the curtain.

 

Madam Qiao was usually reserved and dignified, with impeccable manners, but at this moment, her heart was pounding so hard she could hardly stand still; she stepped forward to greet them.

 

But a delicate, porcelain-skinned little bundle of joy bounced out of the carriage and threw herself straight into Madam Qiao’s arms.

 

Aunt Li, standing nearby, gasped in surprise.

 

Where had this adorable, rosy-cheeked little bundle come from?

 

The moment Lady Qiao saw the child’s face and the jade pendant hanging from her chest, she lost all composure. Weeping uncontrollably, she clutched the child tightly to her bosom, her whole body trembling as if she might break into pieces.

 

 

“My little Fifth, Mother has finally waited for you to return, my darling.”

 

The hand holding the curtain of the carriage lifted gently.

 

From within emerged another young woman with delicate features and a gentle demeanor.

 

Ji Qingwu still did not reveal her true face, but since she was returning home to reunite with her family, she felt she could not disguise herself too heavily. Thus, she restored about seven or eight parts of her original appearance.

 

Ever since entering the city, a heavy weight had been on her heart, unsure whether the Ji family would truly accept her and her child.

 

But when her gaze met that of Lady Qiao, her heart couldn’t help but tremble.

 

The woman before her wore her hair in a coiled bun, clad in a magnificent brocade gown of dark green trimmed with gold. She held Jiu Jiu in her arms, her face streaked with tears. Her eyes held a complex mix of emotions, yet it was clear they were filled with tenderness and regret.

 

For some reason, Ji Qingwu felt her own eyes welling up with tears.

 

Upon seeing the person before her, Lady Qiao instantly regained her composure.

 

Although the child in her arms looked as if she had been carved from the same mold as her Little Five in her childhood, the ages didn’t match.

 

The young woman standing before her, she was her Little Five!

 

The small garden was lush with flowers and plants, and the servants were busily sweeping and pruning the branches in an orderly fashion.

 

Inside the main house, Jiu Jiu was nestled in Ji Qingwu’s arms, her little eyes already dull with drowsiness.

 

Aunt Li approached quietly and whispered, “Fifth Young Lady, you must be tired from driving the carriage. I’ll take the child downstairs so she can get a good night’s sleep, and you and the Lady can have a chat.”

 

Madam Qiao also explained softly to Ji Qingwu, “Madam Li once looked after all three of you siblings. She’s very experienced; you can trust her to take care of the child.”

 

Ji Qingwu had no reason to worry, so she handed Jiu Jiu over to her.

 

She paused for a moment, then took an old piece of fabric from her bosom, its pattern now barely discernible.

 

“Auntie, this is what Jiu Jiu likes to clutch in her hand when she sleeps. Just place it by her side.”

 

Auntie Li withdrew, leaving only the mother and daughter in the room.

As Ji Qingwu inhaled the scent of gardenias wafting from Qiao Shi, she felt her mind and body begin to relax, no longer as tense as before.

 

Seeing her daughter remain silent, looking calm and well-behaved,

 

Madam Qiao hesitated before asking, “Fifth Daughter, since you’re already married and have a child, where is your husband now? Why didn’t he come back to Lin’an with you?”

 

Ji Qingwu had long anticipated that her family would question her about Jiu Jiu’s father.

 

She lowered her eyes and pressed her lips together. “Ever since Jiu Jiu was born, her father has been stationed at a military camp in the north, guarding the border.”

 

Madam Qiao nodded and continued, “Did you inform your husband about your return home?”

 

“I haven’t heard from him in ages. I don’t even know if he’s alive or dead.” Ji Qingwu feigned a sigh. “Perhaps he’s long since forgotten the two of us, or maybe he’s fallen in battle.”

 

Madam Qiao frowned with concern.

 

All these years, Little Five has been wandering alone, without the support of her parents. Perhaps she married some careless man who never looked after her.

 

Her daughter’s clothes were plain and simple, and her hair was devoid of jewels or ornaments. Compared to other girls of the same age in the Ji family, she looked far too plain.

 

How could such a man be worthy of her Little Five?

 

Madam Qiao’s gaze shifted, and she said with a resolute expression, “Xiao Wu, he is dead.”

 

Ji Qingwu’s eyes widened:

Emperor Wusu: I hear I’m dead?

 

Ji Qingwu: A woman must be lovely, clad in mourning

(End of Chapter)