It was their first ti entering the Imperial Palace. Upon seeing the magnificent architecture and the resplendent palace, both mother and daughter were so excited that their palms were sweating.
"Is that Sister Yuxian?" As Xiao Yuxian and her mother were admiring everything, Xiao Yuling, assisted by Nanny Fu, erged from the bedchamber and imdiately recognized Xiao Yuxian in the main hall.
Xiao Yuxian and her mother quickly averted their gazes and respectfully curtsied to Xiao Yuling. "This humble woman (this humble girl) pays her respects to the Empress Mother and wishes Your Highness well!"
Today, Xiao Yuling wore a purple brocade robe, layered with a small shawl of the sa color. A phoenix hairpin adorned her hair, and her peach-blossom-like face was wreathed in smiles as she looked at Xiao Yuxian and her mother. Xiao Yuling had been a natural beauty since childhood; however, her personality wasn’t quiet and demure like that of other young ladies but was, instead, quite lively and cheerful. Her attire today lent her an air of nobility, adding a touch of composure.
Xiao Yuling stepped forward and helped Xiao Yuxian up. "Sister Yuxian, please rise."
Nanny Fu also moved to help Mu Wan’er up.
Once the mother and daughter were standing, they finally looked at Xiao Yuling. Xiao Yuxian was taken aback; she couldn’t believe that after so many years, Xiao Yuling had barely changed, only appearing a bit more mature than when they were girls. Her exquisite features and delicate, seemingly flawless skin made her look as if she were only twenty-five or twenty-six years old. Xiao Yuxian then thought of herself; she was only a year older than Xiao Yuling, yet the relentless knife of ti had rcilessly carved its marks upon her face.
Upon seeing such a radiant Xiao Yuling, Mu Wan’er thought, How beautiful! Her eyes were fixed on Xiao Yuling, admiring her luxurious clothes. She dread that one day, she too would wear such gorgeous and noble attire and live in such a magnificent palace. Who said that entering the palace gates is like stepping into a deep sea? Who claid the palace devours people whole, leaving not even bones behind? How could that possibly be true? With such wonderful days to live, why create trouble for oneself? Why not just enjoy life to the fullest?
Xiao Yuling felt Mu Wan’er’s ardent gaze and simply smiled at her before turning to Xiao Yuxian. Xiao Yuxian was not yet forty, but she looked like a woman in her forties. A pang of distress hit Xiao Yuling’s heart. Without the protection of her maternal family, with an ineffectual husband, and oppressed by the main branch of the family, it’s only natural that her life hasn’t been easy.
Xiao Yuling looked at Xiao Yuxian’s sallow face and asked, "Have you been well all these years?"
Xiao Yuxian lowered her eyelids, took a deep breath, and said, "I’ve been fine, just missing you terribly. I never thought we would see each other again; it feels like a dream. And you? How have you been all these years?"
Xiao Yuling smiled faintly. "Co, let’s go inside to talk. We shouldn’t just stand here." Speaking, she took Xiao Yuxian’s arm and led her to her personal lounge, which connected to a small garden. Xiao Yuling loved to co here for monts of quiet repose.
After the three of them were seated, Nanny Fu imdiately instructed the palace maids to serve tea.
While the maids were pouring tea, Xiao Yuxian pulled Mu Wan’er to Xiao Yuling’s side. "Wan’er, co and greet your Empress Mother Aunt."
Mu Wan’er curtsied gracefully and called out sweetly, "Wan’er greets Empress Mother Aunt."
Seeing such a well-behaved and lovely Mu Wan’er, Xiao Yuling was overjoyed. She had only glanced at her briefly before, but looking closely now, she saw that the girl was indeed as beautiful as a flower, charming and delightful—just her type. She stood up, helped Mu Wan’er to her feet, and playfully chided Xiao Yuxian, "Sister Yuxian, why are you being so formal? Didn’t the child just greet ?"
Then, Xiao Yuling turned to Mu Wan’er and said, "Co, get up quickly. There’s no need for so many formalities with your Aunt in the future."
"Thank you, Aunt. This is what Wan’er ought to do," Mu Wan’er replied, also smiling sweetly.
"Alright, alright, I can’t win an argunt against you," Xiao Yuling said, patting Mu Wan’er’s hand. The more she looked at the child, the more she liked her. "Co, sit down and have so tea. Let’s chat. It’s been so many years since we’ve seen each other; we have so much to talk about."
Xiao Yuling led Mu Wan’er to sit right beside her. She then asked, "Sister Yuxian, have these years been difficult for you and your daughter? If there’s anything you need my help with, please don’t hesitate to tell ." Looking at the clothes they were wearing now, the material was good, but they didn’t fit well. It was obvious they were wearing soone else’s hand--downs.
She had always been one to champion the underdog and despise bullies. Now that her own cousin was being mistreated, how could she stand idly by? Moreover, she was now the most respected Empress Dowager in Daqian, and her son was the Emperor. She would not allow those who bullied others by relying on borrowed power to stir up trouble.
Xiao Yuxian pursed her lips. Thinking of the past twenty-odd years, a wave of bitterness washed over her, her eyes reddened, and tears began to stream down her face.
Seeing this, Mu Wan’er imdiately took out a handkerchief to wipe her mother’s tears, whispering, "Mother, Empress Mother Aunt is asking you a question. Why are you crying? Don’t let Empress Mother Aunt think ill of us."
"It’s alright, let your mother cry," Xiao Yuling said, her own temper flaring upon seeing Xiao Yuxian’s tears. "Your mother is crying because she has been wronged. In the future, with your Aunt here, no one will bully you. If anyone dares to bully you again, Aunt will make them pay."
Xiao Yuxian took the handkerchief and dabbed at her own tears. She looked up at Xiao Yuling. "Sister, I am fine. But you, how have you managed all these years?"
Xiao Yuxian was no fool. She knew that playing hard to get would be effective with Xiao Yuling; the less she said about her troubles, the more curious Xiao Yuling would beco and the more she would want to know and help. By not directly voicing her grievances, she could ignite Xiao Yuling’s protective anger. The issues within their Mu family were common occurrences in large households, nothing exceptionally grave. To gain the most benefit from Xiao Yuling, she had to appear wronged and indignant, yet too afraid to speak out. That would be enough to provoke Xiao Yuling’s fury. Moreover, Xiao Yuling had faked her death years ago and wouldn’t have been living openly or extravagantly. Regardless of whether Xiao Yuling’s life had been good or bad, showing concern was essential. Xiao Yuling had been doted upon since childhood. After such upheavals and with her maternal family gone, appropriate concern from Xiao Yuxian now could make Xiao Yuling feel their bond was as strong as when they were young. People change; it’s impossible to remain unchanged after so many experiences. As the saying goes, ’Every man for himself, or Heaven and Earth will strike him down.’ This was her only chance, and she had to seize it.
Sure enough, hearing Xiao Yuxian’s concern ward Xiao Yuling’s heart. After more than twenty years apart, her cousin was still the sa, always thinking of her first. Blinking, she said, "It’s been fine. I was in poor health back then and spent so ti recuperating in one place before returning to the Imperial Palace with Yunjing." Moved as she was, she wasn’t foolish enough to tell Xiao Yuxian the specifics.
Xiao Yuxian sighed. "That’s good. To tell you the truth, sister, I’ve thought about you constantly all these years, wondering how soone with your temperant could have been so overwheld by despair. Luckily, both you and your son are safe."
"Yes, we’ve finally seen the clouds part to reveal the moon," Xiao Yuling replied. "What about you, Sister Yuxian? Is there sothing you’re not telling ? Is it that your husband isn’t treating you well?" She had made inquiries but had only managed to learn superficial details.
Xiao Yuxian quickly waved her hand. "No, it’s not that. It’s nothing major. My husband treats well enough, actually." After speaking, Xiao Yuxian gave a bitter smile.
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