Chapter 13: A Promising Future

Suddenly having a daughter who seemed like a celestial consort left the couple somewhat unaccustomed.

Before they returned, Wang Chengdai had spent a little more time with Xie Yun, and now she took on the role of enlivening the atmosphere. She ladled some nourishing soup for Xie You’an and smiled warmly, saying, “You’an, try this. Your sister made it.”

Xie You’an responded with a soft “Hmm,” his slender, well-defined fingers taking the bowl. He lowered his head and ate with a refined grace.

The clear, bright moonlight bathed the courtyard, casting a gentle, pale radiance over the bluestone tiles. The pomegranate tree in the corner swayed slightly in the breeze, and everything felt so tranquil.

Xie Yun’s heart was equally calm.

Sitting here with these three, she found herself less nervous than before.

Perhaps this was the strange bond of blood—an innate closeness.

Xie Wenyuan was the first to set down his chopsticks, pondering for a moment before looking at Xie Yun across the table. “Ahem, Junjun, did you have to learn to prepare meals when you were at the Prime Minister’s residence?”

Being a scholar and now teaching in Huaicheng Lane, his manner of speaking was gentle and deliberate, and his attempt at closeness only made him seem softer.

Xie Yun’s expression softened as well. Her delicate hands traced the rim of her bowl as she replied softly, “I didn’t have to learn such things at the residence before. But one year, for Grandma’s birthday, I wanted to make some food. Through that, I discovered it could be quite enjoyable.”

Xie Wenyuan nodded, exchanging a glance with Wang Chengdai. A trace of bittersweet emotion flickered in their hearts.

They had assumed that a young lady of noble birth would be pampered and spoiled. Yet, after this meal, they found Xie Yun remarkably sensible and composed, which inevitably made them wonder if her life had been less comfortable than they imagined.

Even Yuming, when she was at home before, had been livelier than the present Xie Yun.

“Father, mother, I’ve finished eating. I’ll go back to my room to study now.”

Xie You’an set down his chopsticks and then, lifting his robe, stood up.

“Ah, this child,” Wang Chengdai muttered, watching his tall, upright figure. “Not even a word to your sister?”

“It’s alright, Mother. Brother probably has a heavier workload. Please have some more to eat.”

At that remark, the couple fell silent simultaneously.

Sensing something amiss, Xie Yun looked up in slight surprise, her gaze settling thoughtfully on the brightly patterned window beside Xie You’an.

It was her first day here, so she refrained from probing too deeply. Wang Chengdai had clearly avoided the topic and busied herself with clearing the dishes. When Xie Yun tried to help, she smiled and gently declined, insisting that Xie Wenyuan stay and talk with her daughter.

Xie Yun had no choice but to sit back down, meeting Xie Wenyuan’s hesitant expression across from her. She smiled faintly and asked, “Father, is there something you wish to say to your daughter?”

With a heavy sigh, Xie Wenyuan’s tone grew solemn. “We’re truly glad you’ve returned, but please be honest with me. Were you unhappy at the Prime Minister’s residence? Has the matron of the household been informed of your coming back?”

Xie Yun paused, a warm current flowing through her heart. She lifted her eyes with resolve. “I truly wanted to come back. Life at the Prime Minister’s residence was good overall, except for my closeness with Grandma. She went to Wan’en Temple to pray for a few days this time, and I left her a letter—she understands.”

Hearing this, Xie Wenyuan’s expression shifted sharply.

If she was close only to the matron, that meant the Prime Minister and his wife were distant from her.

He recalled Yuming, who had lived in Huaicheng Lane for fifteen years.

Their family was not wealthy. He taught at a private school while Wang Chengdai ran a modest tavern. Their finances sufficed for a comfortable life, though not comparable to the grandeur of the Prime Minister’s residence. Nevertheless, their life was harmonious and joyful.

During all those years, the couple treated Yuming very well. They fulfilled her wishes for jewelry and fine clothes and even used their limited funds to buy her a maid named Hongxiu.

Yuming had envied others who had maids attending them, and Wang Chengdai had readily agreed.

In fairness, they had done their best and owed Yuming nothing.

But now, it seemed they had been unfair to Xie Yun!

Wang Chengdai lifted the curtain and stepped out from the kitchen, seeing the silent exchange between father and daughter. She frowned slightly.

Wiping her hands on her robe, she smiled and approached. “What are you two talking about? Junjun, you just came back today, and I haven’t had time to tidy up your room. Do you want to come with me and see? If there’s anything you want changed, just tell me—I’ll take care of it!”

Xie Yun rose, a smile glimmering in her almond-shaped eyes. “Mother, there’s no need to trouble yourself. I can live there just fine.”

Wang Chengdai pursed her lips softly, a hint of awkwardness crossing her gentle face. “But that’s… that’s where Yuming used to stay. I worry about you…”

Understanding her concern, Xie Yun took her arm affectionately and chuckled softly. “It’s late now, no need to go to such trouble. Mother, why don’t you show me first? If there’s anything, I’ll handle it myself.”