Chapter 13: The Arrival
The peach blossoms on Qingcheng Mountain bloomed in profusion, and at their peak, they began to wither in large patches. Even the decaying petals seemed tinged with a peachy pink, which, combined with the recent rumors about the flamboyant monk from Helin Temple, added a touch of alluring color to the mountain.
The mountain was not as sweltering as the foot of the hill; it was refreshingly cool. Jiang Li and Tong'er no longer had to do endless chores as they once did. Before leaving, Madam Liu had left enough food and silver, and Yuxiang was also there to help. With the malicious nuns gone from the nunnery, Tong'er's laughter had grown much more carefree.
On the second day of the sixth lunar month, a clamor of voices suddenly arose outside the nunnery. Tong'er, who had been sitting by the window listening to Yuxiang recount the strange tales that had occurred in Yanjing City over the years, was startled by the noise and asked curiously, "What's happening outside?"
Jiang Li, who had been sitting beside Tong'er listening to Yuxiang, stirred slightly and said softly, "They're here."
"Who's here?" Tong'er asked, puzzled.
Jiang Li smiled faintly. "The people who have come to take us back."
Yuxiang pondered for a moment, then stood up and said, "This servant will go outside to take a look first. Second Miss, please wait here for a while."
"No need," Jiang Li said with a smile as she stood up. "I'll go with you." Without waiting for Yuxiang to respond, she led the way out of the room. Seeing this, Tong'er hurriedly got up and followed, calling out, "This servant will go too!"
After the incident involving Master Liaowu and Jing An Shitai, not to mention Helin Temple, the nunnery was practically abandoned. Its incense offerings had never been abundant, and after its reputation plummeted, no respectable family was willing to come here willingly. They would rather stay far away from such a tainted place to avoid being gossiped about.
Thus, after more than half a month of silence, the sudden arrival of people was particularly conspicuous.
As soon as they stepped out of the nunnery's main gate, they saw a group of about twenty people already gathered outside. Most were dressed as guards or servants, with a few maids among them. Leading them was a stout, dark-skinned woman wearing a silk blouse, with dazzling solid gold hairpins in her hair. Her triangular eyes, combined with her imposing stature, gave her a somewhat intimidating and condescending air.
These people looked utterly out of place standing there. The leading woman glanced at the three who had emerged from the nunnery, her gaze quickly settling on Jiang Li. She stepped forward and said, "This servant pays her respects to Second Miss."
Jiang Li did not respond but smiled slightly and inclined her head, accepting the greeting. She was not the real Second Miss of the Jiang family, so she did not know the woman's name, but there was no need to fear her.
Seeing that Jiang Li not only failed to reply but also calmly accepted her greeting, the woman was somewhat taken aback and couldn't help but look up to scrutinize Jiang Li.
In truth, six years had passed, and very few in the Jiang family still remembered the Second Miss. Even those who had seen Jiang Li before would likely have only a vague recollection of her appearance. Now, as the woman looked up, she found the young girl before her utterly unfamiliar. When Jiang Li was sent to the nunnery, she was still a young child. But now, the girl standing before her wore simple, clean clothes, her eyes clear and bright, and her graceful posture gave people an indescribable sense of comfort.
Truly worthy of being the legitimate daughter of Grand Secretary Jiang, her refined and noble demeanor was exactly like her father's. This thought inexplicably surfaced in the woman's mind.
Tong'er blinked and asked in a strange tone, "Sun Momo, why have you come?"
So this woman's surname was Sun, Jiang Li thought to herself. Sun Momo smiled and said, "Madam ordered this servant to bring Second Miss back to the mansion. Second Miss has been here for several years, and Madam has been deeply concerned, often mentioning to the Master her wish to bring Second Miss back. A few days ago, the Master finally agreed, and Madam immediately sent this servant to fetch Second Miss."
She only mentioned that Madam Ji Shuran wanted to bring Jiang Li back, while Grand Secretary Jiang Yuanbai had repeatedly obstructed the idea, making it sound as though Jiang Li's own father disliked her intensely. Whether this was the truth or an attempt to sow discord, Jiang Li could certainly see through it.
She smiled and nodded at Sun Momo, saying, "Thank you for Mother's concern. Jiang Li has also been thinking of Mother constantly while in the nunnery. Not being able to serve and show filial piety to Mother has been a source of deep regret and self-reproach. Now that I am finally returning to the mansion, I will never forget Mother's kindness. In this lifetime, I will find a way to repay her."
Her voice was gentle and submissive, but as Sun Momo listened, she felt goosebumps inexplicably rise on her arms. It was as if, even in the scorching heat of the sixth lunar month, a faint chill had silently swept over her heart.
Sun Momo was momentarily speechless.
It was Yuxiang who broke the silence. She smiled and said, "In that case, it is truly wonderful that Second Miss Jiang can return to the mansion. May I ask, Momo, when do you plan to set off with Second Miss?"
Only then did Sun Momo notice Yuxiang and inquired, "And you are..."
"This servant's mistress is Madam Liu from the Chengde Official's residence," Yuxiang replied with a smile. "My mistress felt sorry for Second Miss Jiang and originally intended to bring her back to Yanjing with her. However, Second Miss Jiang refused, so Madam ordered this servant to stay behind and take care of her."
The personal maid of Madam Liu from the Chengde Official's residence was actually left here to serve Jiang Li? When had Jiang Li become so close to the Chengde Official's wife? Sun Momo felt suspicious but replied, "Madam naturally hopes Second Miss will return to the mansion as soon as possible. Once Second Miss has packed her belongings, we will set off immediately."
"In that case," Jiang Li said with a slight smile, "it's perfect. Let's set off now."
Her words stunned everyone present, including the servants by the carriages. Sun Momo concealed the disdain in her eyes and said, "Second Miss need not be in such a hurry. Since Madam has said so, she will definitely bring Second Miss back to the mansion. Why..."
"It's not that I'm in a hurry," Jiang Li interrupted her, "but there's nothing to pack."
Sun Momo was taken aback.
"I have no luggage. Even the belongings I brought with me six years ago—surely you don't think anything is left after all this time? You must know I didn't bring any gold, silver, or jewelry, only some clothes. Now, those clothes no longer fit me. The only thing I have in this entire nunnery is Tong'er. Taking Tong'er back with me is enough. As for those wooden stools and bowls... surely the Grand Secretary's mansion doesn't need them? If they do, I can have Tong'er pack them up."
Sun Momo's face flushed bright red.
In front of Yuxiang, Jiang Li's words were practically saying that the Grand Secretary's mansion had mistreated its legitimate daughter, leaving her with nothing of value after six years in the mountains, penniless, and now, as she was about to leave, she couldn't even pack a single piece of luggage. Even she, a servant, had a few pieces of jewelry!
It was worth noting that the master of Yuxiang's household, Chengde Official Liu Yuanfeng, was at odds with Madam Ji's family. Who knew what he might do if he learned of these matters!
Sun Momo looked at Jiang Li, who was staring back at her with a serious expression, as if she didn't understand the deeper implications and sarcasm in her own words.
For a moment, Sun Momo felt that this was going to be troublesome.
This Second Miss, who had been away from the Jiang family for six years, was not as impulsive and foolish as the letters had described. She was gentle and polite, but not someone who could be easily taken advantage of.
Sun Momo forced a smile and said, "Very well, Second Miss. Allow these guards to rest and have some tea, and then we will set off."
Jiang Li smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Momo."
Ali: Let's go back to the capital and stir up some trouble.
Sun Momo: (:зゝ∠)
(End of Chapter)
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