Chu Qingge arrived at Bianjing with the child. Just as they reached the city gate, the Second Princess, accompanied by her retinue, came out to meet them.
Chu Qingge noticed that the welcoming party was in casual attire, yet the fabric of their clothes was of the finest brocade, indicating that their status was undoubtedly noble. The maids by Sha Man's side were all raised like young ladies, adorned with excellent attire, but Chu Qingge had never seen this particular person before.
"Sister-in-law, you must have had a tiring journey. His Majesty has prepared a welcoming banquet for you in the palace."
"Thank you for your trouble." Chu Qingge asked with a smile, "May I inquire your esteemed name?"
"I am Lan Bing, Sister-in-law can call me Xiao Bing."
"You are the Second Princess of Lan Yue." Chu Qingge was somewhat surprised. The five princesses of Lan Yue were rumored to be extraordinary, none of them easy to deal with. This Second Princess of Lan Yue was so enthusiastic towards her upon their first meeting, which immediately put her on guard. "It is truly overwhelming that the Second Princess would personally come to greet me."
"His Majesty had intended to come herself, but due to her condition, she sent me to welcome Sister-in-law and nephew in her stead." The Second Princess looked at the child in Chu Qingge's arms, her eyes filled with joy. "This must be Zi Yang."
Seeing the undisguised affection on the Second Princess's face, Chu Qingge hesitated for a moment before offering the child forward. "Yes, this is my child, Xiao Zi Yang."
The Second Princess reached out to stroke the child's face but withdrew her hand halfway. "May I touch him?"
"Certainly." Chu Qingge watched as the Second Princess delicately touched the child's face, her expression as delighted as a child's. "He's so soft and smooth, even more so than the finest silk."
Chu Qingge immediately smiled. "Children are like this, their skin so tender. When they are first born, their faces are wrinkled, and then they change day by day, their appearance altering within days."
"How marvelous," the Second Princess exclaimed, gazing at Zi Yang. "He looks so much like his father."
"Yes, everyone says he resembles his father." Chu Qingge said with a smile. They boarded a carriage and headed for the palace. They chatted about the child throughout the journey, and by the time they reached the palace, the two women had become quite familiar, as if they were long-lost family members, interacting with complete ease.
Xiao Man stood on the stone steps, watching the two women laughing and chatting, her smile growing ever gentler. "This thing called blood relation is truly wondrous."
Bai Ling looked at Xiao Man. "Your Majesty, I have carefully studied the herb you gave me, but I am still unclear about its properties. It is not poisonous and appears to be a tonic. However, bringing someone back from the dead seems rather far-fetched."
A slight curve formed on Xiao Man's lips. "He sent me a Silver Frost Flower and took my husband's life; I shall repay him with a Resurrection Grass. Whether it can be used, and whether he dares to use it, will be his choice."
"Your Majesty intends to give the Resurrection Grass to him?"
"Yes, why not?" Xiao Man's voice was very gentle, but Bai Ling detected a hint of coldness within her words. Xiao Man always smiled, but her smiles varied. The more enraged she was, the gentler her smile became. Only those who knew her intimately understood that the gentler her smile, the more dangerous she was.
"Shall I spread the news?"
"There is no hurry. Since I have provided a clue to the treasure trove, I must first allow them to search for it. This will buy us some time to settle everything as quickly as possible. I have a feeling things will not be as simple as I imagine." Xiao Man said softly. "There are still some mysteries to be solved, and I need time."
As they spoke, Chu Qingge and the other woman entered, carrying the child. Xiao Man descended the steps to greet them. "Sister-in-law, I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival."
Chu Qingge stopped before Xiao Man and was about to curtsy when Xiao Man steadied her. "We are family, there's no need for such formality. Sister-in-law, you are being too distant with me."
"Aman, I'm here."
"It's good that you're here." Xiao Man placed the Longevity Lock, which she had prepared long ago, onto the child. "Zi Yang has grown so well."
"He takes after your brother."
"Indeed, his face shape is like my brother's, and his eyes are like yours. He will surely be a handsome young man when he grows up, and I wonder how many young ladies will fall for him." Xiao Man said gently. "You must have been tired on your journey, Sister-in-law. I have ordered a welcoming banquet to be prepared; it will be a small gathering."
"Fewer people are better. You know I dislike all those tedious rituals." Chu Qingge brought the child to Xiao Man. "Would you like to hold him?"
Xiao Man nodded and reached out to take the child. He was a soft, small bundle, with a pair of big, dark eyes that blinked and stared at her. He reached out and grabbed the tassels hanging from the headdress, giggling.
Xiao Man felt utterly enchanted. "Do you like it, Zi Yang? Do you like what your auntie is giving you?"
"Oh no, this won't do." Chu Qingge said quickly, then tickled Xiao Zi Yang's hand with a strand of her hair. Xiao Zi Yang immediately let go, chuckling happily.
The group entered the main hall and sat down according to rank. The wet nurse took the child away to be fed, allowing the others to eat, drink, and chat freely.
"Oh, right, Sister-in-law, I haven't introduced you yet." Xiao Man pointed at Lan Bing. "This is..."
"I know, the Second Princess of Lan Yue, Lan Bing. We've already met."
"Sister-in-law, if she were merely the Second Princess of Lan Yue, why would I introduce her to you with such solemnity?" Xiao Man said softly. "She is also my brother's sister, his full sister."
Chu Qingge was shocked. "The Second Princess is your father's illegitimate daughter?"
The Second Princess, who was drinking, choked on her words, coughing uncontrollably until her face turned red. Xiao Man looked helpless. "My father only has me as a daughter; how could he have an illegitimate daughter?"
"Then why is she my brother's full sister?" Chu Qingge asked, puzzled.
"My brother and I are not biological siblings. My brother was adopted, and the Second Princess is my brother's long-lost full sister." Xiao Man explained.
Chu Qingge finally understood. "That's wonderful. Zi Yang has gained another aunt to dote on him."
Hearing this, the Second Princess's eyes immediately welled up with tears. She had imagined many scenarios, even considering how she would win Chu Qingge over if she were not accepted. To her surprise, Chu Qingge believed her so easily.
"Sister-in-law, aren't you afraid I'm lying?"
"No." Chu Qingge said softly. "Look at the way you look at Zi Yang; that affection cannot be faked. You truly love Zi Yang."
"Thank you, Sister-in-law."
"Why are you crying? We are reunited as a family; we should be happy." Chu Qingge immediately poured a cup of wine for the Second Princess. "Sister, Sister-in-law cannot drink alcohol, so I'll use tea as a substitute. Welcome home."
The Second Princess was choked with emotion. She raised the cup and drank it down in one go. "Thank you, Sister-in-law."