"Yes, Madam, this servant will go arrange it."
Huichun nodded and quickly went down to make arrangements according to Ling Changyi's instructions.
Ling Changyi stood in place. The cold north wind blew on her face, but she felt no chill. Instead, it was somewhat comfortable. The wind in the capital carried wealth and prosperity. Even if it was bone-chilling, she didn't feel the cold.
...
Two days later, Ling Changyi, filled with joy, went to the city gate early in the morning to wait. Every minute and second, she longed for the person to finally be brought here.
"Madam, it's Miss... it's Miss's carriage that has arrived."
Huichun recognized it as the Zhang family's carriage at a glance and shouted loudly.
The carriage stopped beside them, and a graceful woman alighted.
"Greetings, Miss," Huichun said with a slight bow to the woman.
"Daughter greets Mother."
"Miaor, you must be tired from the journey. Mother has been longing for your arrival day and night."
Ling Changyi stepped forward and clasped Zhang Miaor's hand, a wave of sadness surging within her. She reached up and wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye.
"Mother, your daughter was unharmed on the way. Seeing Mother finally has put my heart at ease."
"Everything will be fine once we are in the capital. Come, let's go back and pay your respects to your maternal grandfather."
Ling Changyi pulled Zhang Miaor's hand forward, but Zhang Miaor pulled her back. "Mother, your daughter has traveled a long distance. My hair is a little messy, and the hem of my clothes is stained with dirt. Daughter should change into fresh clothes before seeing maternal grandfather."
"No... Miaor, it's best for you to meet your maternal grandfather dressed like this."
Although Father appears cold on the surface, his heart is the softest. Seeing Miaor in such a pitiable state, he will surely be moved, and it will make things more convenient for them.
"Daughter understands, Mother."
Zhang Miaor nodded slightly, carefully remembering what Ling Changyi had told her.
As her foot crossed the threshold into the Ling residence, she understood what prosperity and wealth truly meant.
Their family was considered wealthy, but compared to the Ling residence, it was insignificant. A small courtyard here was larger than their entire mansion.
Before, when she heard her mother talk about the wealth of the Ling residence, she thought her mother was exaggerating. Now that she saw it with her own eyes, she understood what true wealth was.
Zhang Miaor didn't know where to look for a moment, her eyes darting around, finding everything novel.
"Mother, this courtyard is so big, and those flowers, there are so many that I've never seen before..."
"Silly child, this is the capital, and the Ling family is a century-old noble lineage. Some things here are naturally rare treasures. But you will live here in the future, so there's no rush to see everything now. You'll have plenty of time to look slowly."
"Yes, Mother."
The thought of staying here made the smile on Zhang Miaor's lips irrepressible.
"Do you still remember everything I taught you? When you meet your maternal grandfather later, do you know what to do and what to say?"
"Daughter remembers everything Mother taught her. Daughter knows what to say and will absolutely not disappoint Mother."
Ling Changyi looked at Zhang Miaor with affection. Her daughter was the most outstanding and would never disappoint her.
"Mother believes you. Let's go in."
Ling Changyi led Zhang Miaor inside and bowed slightly to the Ling family elder, who was playing with a bird. "Greetings, Father. Father, Miaor is here."
As soon as she spoke, Zhang Miaor stepped forward with great discernment and knelt before Elder Ling. "Miaor greets Maternal Grandfather. Miaor offers a kowtow and greetings to Maternal Grandfather."
Elder Ling turned around and looked at Zhang Miaor, who was kneeling before him. This was the first time he had seen this granddaughter. "Rise, let me have a look."
"Yes, Maternal Grandfather."
Zhang Miaor slowly stood up, her eyes smiling as she looked at Elder Ling.
"You..." Elder Ling was slightly stunned when he saw Zhang Miaor's appearance.
This child resembled her maternal grandmother in her features, but lacked the calculating shrewdness, possessing only bright and innocent beauty.
Elder Ling's mind couldn't help but recall that calculating and malicious woman. He lowered his gaze, concealing the expression on his brow. "How old are you this year?"
"Replying to Maternal Grandfather, I am sixteen this year."
"Sixteen... what a good age. Have you studied any books?"
"I have read 'The Guide for Women' and 'The Admonitions for Women'..."
Elder Ling nodded with satisfaction. "It is good for a girl to have read these books. For the next few days, live here with peace of mind. Remember, you must abide by the rules in the Ling residence, understand?"
"Miaor understands. Miaor will certainly be well-behaved in the Ling residence and will absolutely not cause any trouble."
Meticulously remembering her mother's admonitions before they came, Zhang Miaor acted very obediently. Her initial impression on Elder Ling was quite good.
"Later, I'll have a seamstress come to make you two new outfits. If you need anything, tell your elder sister-in-law. Your elder sister-in-law is currently in charge of the household affairs. You must listen to your elder sister-in-law in all matters and not defy her."
"Miaor understands."
Zhang Miaor respectfully listened to Elder Ling's instructions until he waved for them to leave, and then the two of them went out.
"Mother, who is this elder sister-in-law that Grandfather just mentioned? He even specifically instructed me to obey her. This elder sister-in-law must be very favored by Grandfather."
"She is currently in charge of the household affairs. She makes the decisions on all matters within the residence. You must not provoke her, do you understand?"
Zhang Miaor stuck out her tongue, but nonchalantly nodded. "I understand, Mother."
She had only just arrived at the Ling residence and was unfamiliar with the place. Moreover, she was not a legitimate daughter of the Ling family, so she naturally wouldn't intentionally cause trouble.
"It's good that you understand. Go back to your room, change your clothes, and wash up properly. I'll take you to meet that elder sister-in-law."
"Yes, Mother, I'll go now."
She deliberately chose a jade-green ruqun embroidered with plum blossoms and styled her hair into a coiled bun, with a silver hairpin adorned with four butterflies. This made her appear even more delicate and charming.
Zhang Miaor looked at herself in the mirror with satisfaction. She had always been confident in her appearance. Coupled with her mother's constant murmuring that her beauty was more than enough to be an imperial consort, her confidence grew even further.
"Miss is truly beautiful. This servant thinks you are even more beautiful than the noble ladies in the capital."
"Naturally. My looks have always been superior. Once I stay in the capital, all the women in the capital will be outshone by me."
Zhang Miaor's tone was extremely arrogant. After admiring her peerless beauty once more, she swayed her hips and walked out with satisfaction.
"Mother, do you think my attire is suitable?"
Walking up to Ling Changyi, she twirled around, a smile on her lips.
"You truly are my daughter, so beautiful."