Chapter 207: Protecting Mother
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
As the day progressed, Old Madam Xu led Shi Yun back to their quarters, while the elderly tutor accompanied Rong Che to the study for some tea.
A maid slipped into the room, retrieved a small box from a cabinet, and quickly exited. The key to this box was held by Old Madam Xu, who handed it to Shi Yun with a warm smile. “Go ahead, open it. Take a look inside.”
“I’ve always believed it was destiny that brought you into my life. The luckiest day for me was when I found you,” Old Madam Xu expressed, her eyes tender and gleaming.
With a soft click, the box unlocked. Old Madam Xu carefully raised the lid of the sandalwood container. Within, a swaddling cloth, aged and yellowed, was neatly folded. She gently stroked the fabric, her face shadowed by a hint of sorrow.
“That particular night, I was restless, unable to sleep. My dreams were haunted by the sound of a baby crying,” she recounted. “Driven by a strange impulse, I felt compelled to go outside. Who could have imagined that I would actually find you?”
“Wrapped in this very swaddle, with a jade pendant tucked inside. I’ve told you before, in the Xu family, these pendants are given to daughters, not sons, to safeguard them,” she chuckled softly. “When I found you, the nurse beside you had succumbed to the cold. Her belongings were stolen, probably for the silver she carried. The only clues to your identity were this pendant and the swaddle.”
“I’m entrusting these back to you now. Should your birth mother ever come looking for you…”
“I am, and will always be, a daughter of the Xu family,” Shi Yun declared, kneeling before the Old Madam and resting her head on her lap, her face alight with loyalty. “The me from that snowy night has vanished. It was you and Father who granted me a new life. Shi Yun will remain a Xu, always. Even if you tried to send me away, I wouldn’t go,” she added playfully, a light smile touching her lips.
Relief washed over the Old Madam as she stroked Shi Yun’s hair, reminiscing about the fragile baby she had nurtured into a strong woman. It had not been an easy journey.
“The… royal family of the Southern Kingdom,” Shi Yun muttered thoughtfully.
The Old Madam’s hand stilled.
“The Southern royal family is entangled in complexities. I hope it doesn’t involve you. Your children must rise to higher ranks to safeguard you,” she expressed, her voice tinged with sorrow yet thankful that her children were capable.
After the meal, Xu Yi Ting summoned the Lu brothers to the study, instilling a renewed sense of urgency in them. They felt a desperate need to elevate their positions, to become vital to North Zhao, to shield their mother.
Chao Chao, lying by the door, pouted and pointed inside. “Why can’t I listen?”
Her aunt, gently rubbing her slightly swollen belly, replied softly, “You’re too little for this, dear. It’s not meant for children.”
“But my doggy can go in?” Chao Chao attempted to nudge her dog, Chasing Wind, through the door.
Her aunt shook her head firmly. “No, neither Chao Chao nor your dog can go in.”
Frustrated, Chao Chao stomped her foot.
Later that evening, when the brothers left the study, their expressions were laden with concern. They shielded young Chao Chao from the discussions, fearing the emotional toll it might take on her.
“It’s not proper for you all to stay at General Rong’s any longer. Return to the family home. It’s been years since we all lived together,” the Old Madam suggested, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.
Rong Che felt a twinge of jealousy but said nothing.
Shi Yun smiled at him, then turned back to agree, “Yes, I’ve missed Mother as well.”
Ultimately, only Rong Che departed from the Xu household, his heart heavy with loneliness. Before leaving, Shi Yun teased him, “Why not make a door in the wall instead of always climbing over it like a thief?” She quickly blushed and covered her face.
Rong Che’s face brightened. “Sure, sure, sure!” he agreed, leaving with a foolish grin.
The next morning, before the sun even rose, the king summoned Chao Chao to the palace. Still shaken by the previous day’s events, he had paced around until now, fearful of jeopardizing North Zhao’s treasure. “How dare they threaten my beloved sunshine!”
Rong Che had been forthcoming with the king, who seemed unusually fond of Chao Chao, accepting even the most fantastical tales about her without doubt.
Relieved to see Chao Chao safe, the king planned, “Tonight, accompany me to comfort the queen.”
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
“She’s upset with me, probably over Concubine Hui. She’s never liked her, always holding a grudge,” he sighed. Though a king, he was human, with his preferences. He cherished the queen and favored Concubine Hui, raising the crown prince with warmth and teaching the elder prince with honor.
One had his heart, the other his duty.
“Concubine Hui is a kind soul. If you knew her better, you’d like her too. She seems cold, but her heart is warm,” he explained.
[She’s trying too hard, and that’s why the queen is wary.]
“Last night, after our family dinner, Concubine Hui went to pay her respects but was left outside. The queen refused her entry, humiliating her. Even when I tried to console her, she wouldn’t listen,” the king lamented, feeling that the queen was being unreasonable.
[Your favorite is always trying to get close; it’s no wonder she’s upset!]
Holding Chao Chao’s hand, the king walked, reminiscing about past incidents.
“Concubine Hui has been consistent for ten years. She hasn’t sought to flatter me, not then, not now. Unlike everyone else in the harem, she’s genuine,” he praised.
The crown prince looked uneasy, his thoughts mirroring Chao Chao’s.
They arrived at the queen’s palace just as Concubine Hui’s palanquin halted outside.
“Hui’er, if the queen doesn’t appreciate your efforts, why persist? And you, servants, why haven’t you let Concubine Hui inside? If she falls ill, it’s on you!” the king said, his heart aching as he saw her standing in the cold, unsure how long she had been there.
“Your Majesty, please don’t scold the queen!” pleaded Concubine Hui earnestly.
“Fine, but you always defend her. It’s not right for the queen to deny you your daily greetings,” the king argued, puzzled by the queen’s harsh treatment of Concubine Hui.
“Come, I’ll escort you in myself!” He glared at a nurse blocking the way, forcing her to step aside.
[This is going to end badly. I’ve never seen someone so adept at courting disaster!]
“What are you carrying there?” the king inquired casually.
Concubine Hui held up a food box, smiling. “I made the queen’s favorite chestnut and eight-treasure cakes myself.”
“How thoughtful of you. You never bring me treats, but always make them for her. She doesn’t value your kindness,” the king remarked.
The crown prince covered his face, unable to bear the scene.
The queen’s reaction was swift and cold. “Why have you come uninvited, Concubine Hui? And why are you bringing me food as if I can’t have my own?”
“Sister, I only wished to show my respect and affection,” Concubine Hui said softly, bowing her head.
The king intervened, “My queen, you have been feeling unwell. Hui’er just wanted to help.”
“I don’t need her help. And I certainly don’t need you bringing her here to bother me,” the queen snapped, her gaze icy.
Chao Chao, sensing the tension, tugged at the king’s sleeve. “King Daddy, let’s go.”
The king sighed. “Very well. But we will talk later, my queen.”
As they left, Chao Chao looked back at Concubine Hui, who stood alone, looking forlorn. [She tries so hard, but she never wins.]
Back at the palace, the king held Chao Chao close. “You have a good heart, my little sunshine. One day, you’ll understand the complexities of the palace.”
Chao Chao nodded, her eyes wide with understanding far beyond her years.