Chapter 106 - Return Home ◇

◎ Her mother wouldn't stop talking… ◎

Yu Sanlang and his wife sprang to their feet, both with tense expressions yet eyes gleaming with joy. "Did you see your elder sister?"

"It's been three years; who knows what that girl looks like now. Has she blossomed further? I wonder if she'll still be recognizable."

Yu Sanlang's lips twitched. Their daughter had already passed the age of maturity when she left. Even if she continued to mature, her appearance wouldn't change much. How could a mother not recognize her own daughter after four years?

She was truly desperate.

But the thought of his daughter's return made even Yu Sanlang, known for his calm demeanor and preference for keeping emotions to himself, pace nervously in place. With his hands behind his back, he muttered, "Now things will be better."

Indeed, they would… He knew that as long as her husband wasn't an unscrupulous man, he would treat her well based on her choice four years ago. Regardless of wealth or glory, she would at least enjoy a peaceful life, which was every father's greatest wish for his daughter.

But perhaps worry clouded his judgment, for another concern immediately surfaced… If her husband were just an ordinary man, even a general commanding troops, he would feel more at ease. However, he had suddenly become the founding emperor. Could there be an emperor who didn't indulge in the pleasures of the imperial harem?

Even if he abstained from women, how could those loyal subjects and powerful aristocrats, eager to curry favor with the new ruler, resist sending women into the palace?

It was obvious that it was impossible.

Since ancient times, the emperor's harem had been a means to balance the court. Those noble and influential families might currently be trying to please the new emperor, but it didn't mean they feared him. They were merely avoiding mutual destruction by adopting a conciliatory approach. If the new emperor remained unyielding, would they perceive it as a signal of his intention to suppress them, thus uniting to retaliate?

Even if these actions wouldn't significantly harm her son-in-law, these people held deep-rooted power, many descending from century-old aristocratic clans. Should they become unbalanced, the newly conquered realm would surely experience unrest.

Furthermore, there were the loyal ministers who had contributed to conquering the kingdom under her son-in-law's command. These individuals naturally had a close bond with the new emperor due to their shared goals. With their merits, they might offer their daughters or sisters as consorts. Refusing them would undoubtedly offend their pride...

Could her son-in-law truly withstand such pressure?

If the harem indeed expanded to include three palaces and six courtyards, wouldn't Lian'er, that devoted girl, inevitably get hurt upon entering that world?

At this thought, her joy dissipated, and Yu Sanlang's expression turned solemn; his brows furrowed once more.

All because... he, as a father, was useless.

Yu Niang, being a woman, hadn't considered the political factors that could impact her son-in-law's harem. She was simply overjoyed at her daughter's return and eagerly wanted to rush into the palace to see her, even mentioning that she needed to change her clothes first.

Yu Sanlang poured cold water on her enthusiasm. "When has a mother ever gone to meet her daughter? If she wishes to see us, she will come herself."

"But... Now that Lian'er is the Empress, how could she leave the palace so easily?"

"You're not allowed to go."

Yu Niang was unsure which nerve her husband had struck this time, but she knew her daughter well. After settling down, she would definitely come home to see her at the earliest opportunity.

Worried that her daughter might not know their new address after the separation and move, Yu Niang hurriedly instructed the young maid to wait at the palace gate. If she saw Lian'er's carriage leaving, she was to guide them back home.

Despite knowing that the palace attendants wouldn't mislead Lian'er, Yu Niang still gave these instructions, revealing her maternal concern.

The young maid eagerly went on her way, her mind filled with memories from four years ago...

Four years ago, although Miss's actions had moved many and earned her widespread praise, the young ladies of the Duke's household had grumbled behind her back, calling her a fool for leaping into a fire pit.

On that day, when Miss led the elderly, weak, and womenfolk of the East Yuan Marquis's residence out of the capital to the countryside, they were secretly ridiculed. Giving up her life as a noble lady and the pleasures of the capital, she chose to become a village girl.

Madam had cried in frustration, secretly wiping away tears. As a mother, even though she knew her daughter's choice was stubborn and foolish, how could she deny her intentions?

She could only swallow her concerns, constantly hoping for her daughter's well-being.

Now, Lady's wish has come true.

With Miss returning as the Empress, who knows what those young misses of the former Marquis Manor must be thinking? They surely never imagined that Miss would have such a triumphant day!

To be the Mother of the Nation, it's the most daring dream for women everywhere!

And to think that her husband is so handsome; she was stunned when she first saw him.

Contemplating these thoughts... the young maid called out to the coachman to hasten the carriage, and a clear, boyish voice chimed in, "Faster, faster, even faster!"

Startled, the young maid asked, "Young Master, why are you here?"

The boy, not yet ten years old, lifted his chin proudly, "I secretly climbed into the carriage, and neither Father nor Mother knows! I want to see Sister Ajiu quickly!"

"How many years has it been... I almost forgot what Sister Ajiu looks like, except that she's the most beautiful woman in the capital!"

...

By coincidence, just before they reached the palace gates, their carriage brushed past another one emerging quietly from the palace. The carriage had no distinctive markings, no majestic horses; it was so inconspicuous that it could have been any ordinary carriage on the road. The only thing that caught people's attention was the darkly handsome young man driving it. With an amusing expression, he continually begged for mercy and tried to amuse the person inside with witty jokes.

The young boy and the servant girl hadn't paid much attention at first, only casting a glance at the carriage driver.

But as they passed by, they suddenly heard a delightful, teasing laugh from within the carriage: "Zhu Ying, no matter how cleverly you try to please me, you won't get my forgiveness..."

"Madam, please..."

"And being the Chief Eunuch of the palace isn't good enough? You've gotten a bargain; your colleagues will have to respectfully call you Eunuch Ying from now on, hahaha..."

The driver's face fell instantly, "...."

The young boy cried out in alarm, "Stop the carriage! I heard Sister's voice!"

Though the voice was faint and indistinct, he knew his sister's laughter all too well! She had always laughed like this when playfully teasing her younger brother, with a sweet yet mischievous tone.

The servant girl also found the voice strangely familiar... but she didn't connect it to her lady. Instead, she felt that she must have heard this young lady's voice somewhere before, and it indeed sounded beautiful.

She was surprised when the young master suddenly shouted, drawing the attention of passersby.

Yu Lian, too, had sharp hearing. She quickly ordered Zhu Ying to stop the carriage and lifted the curtain herself. Just then, she saw the little figure she remembered had grown significantly, standing on the opposite carriage, looking at her with surprise and delight. Yu Lian froze for a moment, then broke into a warm and joyful smile.

"Sister!"

"Brother!"

The young boy leaped from his own carriage and climbed onto his sister's without the driver's permission. Zhu Ying stroked her chin, could this be her master's brother-in-law? He seemed rather well-behaved.

...

Yu Sanlang sat in the main seat of the hall, with his wife by his side. However, she was fidgety and had already consumed several cups of tea out of anxiety, making multiple trips to the privy.

They were unsure if their daughter, who had just returned to the capital, would visit them amidst the many tasks at hand and her unsettled situation. Would she come now or wait a few days until everything was in order?

The latter was understandable but hardly uplifting. If she rushed to see them without resting after her long journey, it would evoke both worry and heartache. It seemed like neither option was ideal.

Yu Sanlang sighed, for love can cloud one's judgment.

Just as Yu Niang was about to sip her fifth cup of tea, a commotion echoed from outside the door.

Their courtyard was small, and upon entering through the gate, one would immediately see the main living room. Thus, with a mere glance, they spotted their beloved daughter, lifting her skirt, accompanied by her younger brother, both rushing towards the house...

The teacup in Yu Niang's hand slipped and shattered, jolting her back to reality. She hastily went to meet them.

The familiar greeting of "Mother" brought tears to her eyes before she could even speak. The mother and daughter embraced each other, weeping tears of joy.

"Lián'er... my sweet child."

"You're finally back. These past few years, I haven't been able to eat or sleep properly. Especially during those two years of war, I worried day and night, constantly in distress. I kept thinking, you folks in the countryside rely on farming to survive. Even if you have silver, how would you manage in times of famine and war?"

"I couldn't help but dream about you, emaciated from hunger. I dared not even imagine what might happen if you were in danger..."

Yu Niang's tears and snot flowed uncontrollably as she stroked Yu Lian's head repeatedly. Yu Lian's eyes were also rimmed with red, but her tears fell more gently than her mother's. She took out a clean handkerchief and tenderly wiped away her mother's tears.

Through her tear-blurred vision, Yu Niang finally saw the appearance of her daughter clearly.

Having matured, she was even more beautiful than when she left, her skin remaining as fair and unblemished as ever. Her eyes were clear and bright, radiating an unwavering spirit. Her overall demeanor was excellent, far better than what she had anticipated.

She heaved a great sigh of relief.

"I was so worried that you would suffer in the countryside... Now, everything's alright... You're finally back. In the future, when I miss you, I can see you. No more endless, fruitless worrying day and night because I couldn't reach or see you."

Yu Sanlang replied with a hint of sarcasm, "Always expecting the worst, always imagining the most dire scenarios – you're just asking for trouble."

Yu Niang turned to give him a sharp glance. "Isn't that because I care too much? The more I cherish my daughter, the more afraid I am of losing her or something happening to her. Unlike you, acting like an emotionless deity, not even bothering to greet your daughter or show a hint of concern?"

Yu Sanlang appeared somewhat uneasy. Yu Lian lifted her gaze and met his eyes. A smile blossomed on her face as she called out, "Father..."

Her eyes were rimmed with red, filled with the joy of seeing her parents, yet she suddenly addressed him with a tender and admiring laugh, calling him "Father."

Yu Sanlang stiffened slightly but then softened, responding, "Yes, it's good that you're back."

He turned away, hands behind his back, not saying anything more.

But Yu Lian understood that this practical father, who had been busy since her arrival in this world trying to arrange a marriage for her to a humble scholar, believing it to be the best path for his daughter, likely held no less emotion within him at this moment than her mother. It was just that he was unaccustomed to revealing his feelings openly...

Yu Niang's emotions had somewhat subsided as she took her daughter's hand, examining her closely from head to toe, ensuring that there was no harm or distress. Only when she confirmed Yu Lian's well-being, with her lustrous black hair even more abundant than before and her appearance more beautiful and radiant than imagined, did she finally relax.

All the pent-up emotions surfaced after her concerns were alleviated. Before Yu Lian could even sit down for a sip of warm soup, her mother began to grumble, "Why did you come running to your parents as soon as you arrived in the capital?"

"Just a short while ago, we heard that your group had reached the capital, and not even an hour had passed before you rushed over. Are you always this impatient? You're still the same impulsive girl, how can I feel at ease? How much do you really know about your husband? Back then, after your engagement, it was always you sneaking peeks at him. But we've never seen how you two interact. Does he have the same feelings for you?"

"Now that you're in the palace... I know your husband is capable, and not only did he survive, but he has become the emperor, making you the Empress. Do you truly understand him? After your marriage, you were the one who would secretly watch him, but we've never witnessed your relationship. Will he treat you well as the founder of a dynasty, or will he have a harem of concubines? And how will you adapt to life in the palace?"

Yu Lian smiled at her mother's endless chatter, a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time... it felt like a lifetime ago.

Back then, shortly after her transmigration, her mother would often hold her hand and chatter incessantly, expressing both concern and frustration. Yet, beneath it all was a mother's unconditional love, which brought warmth and comfort. At the time, she didn't realize it, but it was precisely because her mother genuinely treated her as her daughter and loved her wholeheartedly that she didn't feel overwhelmed by the change in environment and world. Instead, she focused on adapting to her new situation...

As she pondered these thoughts, her mother started crying again.

Yu Lian: "..." The original owner's tendency to cry must have been inherited from her mother!

Through her tears, Yu Niang gritted her teeth, "If he truly treats you with such coldness and doesn't take care of you, I'll confront him myself!"

"Hmph, arriving in the capital yet not paying respects to his father-in-law and mother-in-law. It's evident that this fellow has little regard for propriety!"

"Indeed, to feign death and stage a rebellion, when you think about the depth of his schemes and cunning, it's truly terrifying..."

Yu Lian: "..." If this continues, her mother would start imagining that she's suffering from "paranoid delusions."