My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 59: Life Experience.

　　Xie Jue took the two letters and opened one. On it, there was only a single line written by Chen Zhan: “Lin Ling, the biological mother of Xiao Qibai, passed away fifteen years ago.”

　　Lin Ling was… Xiao Qibai's biological mother? The late Madam Xiao!

　　Yun Ling's eyes widened slightly. A thought flashed through her mind, but when she saw the words ‘died of illness’, her heart ached sharply.

　　When she learned from Lin Yihai that Lin Ling had been hunted and lost, she had thought that since the Lin family had not found her for so many years, it was very likely that something unfortunate had happened to her.

　　She just hoped it wasn't true. Whether or not she was her mother, she hoped she was alive and well.

　　But... she had passed away.

　　She had been searching for her origins for so long, and now she was just a step away from uncovering the truth, only to receive this news.

　　While she had never expected anything from her parents, she had never imagined hearing about their deaths.

　　Staring blankly at those three words, she was speechless for a moment, not knowing what to do.

　　Xie Jue closed the letter. “I didn't expect her to be Xiao Qibai's biological mother. Then—” He turned to look at Yun Ling and said firmly, “You are very likely Xiao Qibai's biological sister, the granddaughter of Grand Tutor Xiao who went missing sixteen years ago.”

　　Upon seeing this letter, Xie Jue finally understood why he found Lin Ling's name somewhat familiar.

　　Yun Ling shook her head, feeling confused. “But according to what I know, the granddaughter of Grand Tutor Xiao passed away at a young age, not missing.”

　　When she investigated the Xiao family, she learned that Grand Tutor Xiao had a granddaughter, but she had died young, a fact she had regretted. Therefore, she had never connected her own identity to this.

　　Xie Jue, however, knew some inside information. “They say she died young, but it's because Grand Tutor Xiao's granddaughter was returning from a temple with her mother when they were attacked by rebels. Their carriage fell off a cliff, and Grand Tutor Xiao's granddaughter was in the carriage. She fell and her body was not found. Therefore, everyone assumed she was dead.”

　　So that's how it was?

　　Yun Ling was completely stunned.

　　Xie Jue: “But what if Grand Tutor Xiao's granddaughter didn't die?”

　　Yun Ling quickly recovered, understanding his meaning.

　　What if she didn't die, but simply went missing and lost her memory?

　　Considering she possesses Lin Ling's amulet, and the timing coincides with the death of Grand Tutor Xiao's granddaughter, it's almost certain that she is Grand Tutor Xiao's granddaughter who was presumed dead sixteen years ago, and Xiao Qibai's younger sister.

　　This sudden and unexpected news was far beyond her imagination and never within her realm of consideration.

　　She had met Xiao Qibai many times, but she had never thought that there might be a blood relationship between them.

　　The impact of this news was overwhelming; her mind was flooded with countless thoughts, creating a sense of confusion.

　　What was even harder for her to accept was that Lin Ling had already passed away—just in the second year after her disappearance.(T/N: This sentence means that Yun Ling's mother died of illness after Yun Ling's disappearance.)

　　The origins she had been desperately searching for had turned out like this.

　　So close, yet so far.

　　Seeing her numb face and vacant, dazed stare, Xie Jue understood she was lost in thought. He didn't rush her, letting her have time to process everything on her own.

　　It wasn't until Yun Ling had gathered her thoughts and calmed down somewhat that she asked, “Does the Xiao family know about this?”

　　Xie Jue nodded. “Chen Zhan went to investigate Lin Ling's background, and Xiao Qibai also knows about this. It's quite a coincidence; Lin Ling is his mother's name. So Xiao Qibai knows the whole story.”

　　Xie Jue handed her the second letter, which Chen Zhan had delivered along with the first. “He wrote that he's already told the Grand Tutor Xiao, and the whole Xiao family is waiting for you to return to the Capital.”

　　Waiting for her to return to the Capital…

　　Yun Ling took the letter from Xiao Qibai. His words were earnest yet cautious, revealing his excitement and nervousness. He carefully added at the end that his whole family was very happy and, if possible, hoped to meet Yun Ling as soon as possible.

　　After reading the letter, Yun Ling's emotions became even more complex. “Could it be that the Xiao family has already decided that I am their missing daughter?”

　　“I have no proof, only an amulet.”

　　Xie Jue said, “Since she went missing at the age of four, they must have ways to identify you. Plus, having Lin Ling's amulet is already enough proof.”

　　“What do you think? Are you willing to go to the Xiao family?”

　　Everything would depend on her wishes.

　　Yun Ling shook her head, feeling confused. “My thoughts are too chaotic right now.”

　　“That's fine,” Xie Jue reassured her. “We still have some time before returning to the capital. Take your time to think it over.”

　　Not only was her mind chaotic, but even he felt somewhat surprised.

　　First the Lin family, then the Xiao family; her background was not only complicated but also filled with coincidences, ultimately leading her to the Xiao family.

　　It was a possibility that no one had anticipated.

　　……

　　Things have progressed to this point; it's almost as if only one last step remains before she finds her family. How could Yun Ling possibly hesitate to meet them now?

　　It's just that she's feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment.

　　From a very young age, she had never experienced the love of parents and family, and didn't know what having parents felt like. Having only a Master who was kind to her was something she had been content with.

　　Once, Yáo Nǚshǐ returned home and brought back some sweets made by her family to share. Yun Ling couldn't explain the feeling, only that the sweets tasted exceptionally delicious.

　　Yáo Nǚshǐ always had someone to rely on, a place to return to, no matter when she went home.

　　But Yun Ling had nowhere to go after escaping the Palace, like a water lily drifting aimlessly.

　　She had no parents, no family, so she had never held any expectations.

　　Now she's being told she has relatives, and they're waiting for her to return home.

　　What's surging in her heart? Expectation, apprehension, hesitation. A fear that this is all a pipe dream, a fantasy about to shatter.

　　The last night in the inn before entering the Capital.

　　The room is lit by dim candlelight. Yun Ling sits at the table, embroidering a handkerchief. The straight, pale green bamboo design on the handkerchief has a strong character. On the other side, the Crown Prince leans against the bed, reading a book.

　　The atmosphere was originally harmonious and suitable.

　　But when he looked up, Yun Ling was lost in thought, her gaze fixed on a spot on the wall, her needle held in her hand for a long time without moving, her mind already wandering.

　　Suddenly, Xie Jue closed the book.

　　“Grand Tutor Xiao was once my teacher, so I know quite a bit about the Xiao family. He was upright and serious, with a strong sense of integrity. He had only one son, your father, Xiao Jujian, who currently holds a nominal position in the court. Your brother, Xiao Qibai, is now a junior official in the Zhan Shi Fu and has gained my trust and favor.”

　　“After your mother, Lin Ling, passed away, Lord Xiao remarried the second daughter of the Yongzhong Marquis' Mansion, and they had a daughter.”

　　Yun Ling slowly raised her head at the sound of his voice.

　　Xie Jue continued, “If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.”

　　“Whether you go to the Xiao family or not, I will follow your decision. If you decide to go, I will send you to the Xiao family tomorrow upon our return to the capital. If not, you can return to the East Palace with me.”

　　Her origins are essentially confirmed. Once she enters the Xiao residence, she will no longer be Yun Ling, the nameless palace maid or official. She will have found her family: the granddaughter of Grand Tutor Xiao, and Xiao Qibai's sister. She will have a father, a brother, grandparents—knowing her origins and her name.

　　Yun Ling looked at him for a long time before slowly nodding. “I understand.”

　　Once she returns to the Xiao family, she will finally have relatives.

　　The words ‘relatives’—both unfamiliar and familiar.

　　“I was just thinking about how I should face them and what I should say once I enter the Xiao family,” Yun Ling said. “As Your Highness's female official, I've interacted with Xiao Qibai and met Grand Tutor Xiao once. But I don't know how to face them as a daughter of the Xiao family.”

　　“And even if I am a Xiao family member, after more than ten years, I may not be able to get close to them immediately. How should I get along with them?”

　　For over a decade, she had been alone, even believing she had been sold into the palace by heartless parents. She had become independent, not understanding the meaning of family, and not needing one.

　　After more than a decade, will she be able to integrate into the Xiao family?

　　But Xie Jue said, “Why are you considering all this? It's the Xiao family who owe you; it's their responsibility to consider how to get along, not yours.”

　　“In other words, they should be the ones to try and get close to you. If you get along, then accept it; if not, it's not your fault.”

　　His two sentences left Yun Ling stunned.

　　She felt a sudden sense of enlightenment.

　　“Besides,” Xie Jue looked at her, raising an eyebrow slightly, “you are my Crown Princess; they wouldn't dare not treat you well.”

　　Yun Ling suddenly thought of something.

　　The news of her being the missing Xiao family daughter would cause a sensation in the capital. If he were to establish her as Crown Princess at this time, it would inevitably lead some people to speculate.

　　If he were to make her his Crown Princess, and she suddenly transformed from a female official into the deceased Grand Tutor Xiao's granddaughter, what would the officials think? Might they think he'd deliberately arranged this identity for her?

　　And if she enters the Xiao residence as the Crown Princess, wouldn't it make a purely familial relationship even more difficult? She's just found her family, and now she's going to the East Palace immediately?

　　Thinking of this, Yun Ling asked earnestly, “Your Highness, if I return to the Xiao family, can we postpone the announcement of my installation as Crown Princess? Let me meet my family first. I really don't want to make a big fuss about it.”

　　Xie Jue put down his book, his brows furrowed slightly, appearing reluctant to agree.

　　“I don't want to delay the matter of establishing you as Crown Princess any longer.”

　　Yun Ling continued, “I never expected my origins to lead back to the Xiao family. It's an understatement to say I'm shocked. Your Highness, please give me some time to deal with matters concerning the Xiao family first. If you establish me as your Crown Princess at this time, there will be speculation and rumors throughout the Court, and I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it.”

　　Her expression was serious, her eyes earnest, as she looked at him with hopeful pleading.

　　She truly needed some time to process everything. Adding the matter of becoming Crown Princess would be overwhelming.

　　“I've finally found my family, Your Highness. Please give me some time to spend with them,” Yun Ling stood up, went to sit beside him, and reached out to tightly grasp his long fingers. “Please, Your Highness, I beg you.”

　　Her hands were small and soft, enveloping his fingers, warmth slowly spreading into his palm.

　　Although reluctant, Xie Jue knew her words were reasonable. Even if he wasn't afraid of Court gossip, he considered her having just found her family; how could he immediately make her marry into the East Palace? It would be inhumane.

　　He clasped her fingers tightly in his palm, and put his other arm around her. “Tomorrow, I will have Pei Yuan personally escort you back to the Xiao family.”

　　Yun Ling's two arms suddenly climbed onto his shoulders and hugged him tightly, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

　　……

　　Early the next morning, the urgent carriage had already arrived outside the Capital. Fei Ying showed a hand card, and the guards at the city gate immediately made way, respectfully announcing, “We welcome the Crown Prince back to the Capital.”

　　The officials had gathered on both sides, their voices united in a grand chorus, “We welcome the Crown Prince back to the capital.”

　　After the Crown Prince's carriage entered the City, another rather inconspicuous carriage followed slowly, making its way in a different direction.

　　After about an hour, a soft sigh was heard as the carriage came to a gradual stop.

　　Pei Yuan's voice came from outside the carriage, “Lady Yun, we've arrived at the Xiao residence.”

　　Yun Ling paused, lifting the carriage curtain to look outside.

　　The Xiao family, a noble and prestigious family of literati, their residence, while not extravagant compared to the opulent mansions of the capital, was still a grand estate. Two imposing stone lions stood guard at the gate, and above the lintel, two characters, ‘Xiao Mansion,’ were written in elegant gold lettering on a black background, exuding a powerful and refined aura.

　　Two anxious young servants stood at the gate, looking around. When they saw a carriage stop, their eyes lit up. One servant hurriedly pushed open the gate to report inside.

　　The other servant quickly descended, bowing respectfully to Pei Yuan before turning to Yun Ling, his voice stammering slightly, “The old master, the old madam, the master and the young master have been waiting since early morning. Please wait a moment Miss, Xing Long has gone to call someone, and will be here soon...”

　　Before he finished speaking, the vermilion gate was pulled open from the inside. A frail old woman, her hair white, wearing a light purple robe embroidered with longevity symbols, was supported by Xiao Qibai, walking at the front. Following them were Grand Tutor Xiao and his son, Xiao Jujian, a man of about forty, with a calm and composed expression.

　　Across the short distance, they gazed at each other.

　　Time seemed to stand still.

　　Old Madam Xiao's eyes welled with tears. She reached out, saying, “Quickly, quickly, let Grandmother see you.”

　　……

　　Before the Xiao family's eldest daughter went missing, she had been raised in the courtyard of Grand Tutor Xiao and Old Madam Xiao since childhood.

　　From the moment Yun Ling was born, she had been the apple of her grandparents' eyes, a lovely, chubby baby. Old Madam Xiao had doted on her endlessly.

　　Old Madam Xiao had even personally raised her in her early years, and she remembered Yun Ling's birthmarks clearly all these years.

　　After glancing at a small, inconspicuous red birthmark on the back of Yun Ling's neck, Old Madam Xiao immediately embraced her, “Yes, she is my granddaughter.”

　　“Since we received news of you, Grandmother hasn't been able to sleep peacefully for these past two days, longing for your return. Our Ah Ling must have suffered so much all these years,” The usually calm and resolute old woman, accustomed to weathering storms, couldn't help but shed tears.

　　The calming scent of sandalwood on her body surrounded Yun Ling. Suddenly enveloped in Old Madam Xiao's tight embrace, Yun Ling's body stiffened.

　　Outside the screen, the upright Grand Tutor Xiao, whose hair had turned gray, nodded heavily upon hearing the news of his granddaughter's return. “This is indeed a great fortune for the Xiao family!”

　　Xiao Jujian also had red-rimmed eyes, overwhelmed with emotion, “Yes, yes, it's good that Ah Ling has come back. It's truly good.”

　　The unresolved disappearance of his youngest daughter, who fell from a cliff sixteen years prior and whose body was never recovered, along with the subsequent death of his wife a year later, has cast a shadow over the Xiao family. His father, Grand Tutor Xiao was consumed with worry, while his mother often cried late into the night. Qibai cried daily for his sister, and the Xiao family had nearly fallen apart during those years.

　　At last, the child had finally returned.

　　Yun Ling remained stiff for a while before raising her hand to gently pat Old Madam Xiao's back in a soothing manner. “¹Old Madam (lǎo fū rén), please don't cry, and take care of your health.”

　　Old Madam Xiao wiped her tears and smiled, “Grandmother is just so happy.”

　　Yun Ling took out the amulet from her sleeve to show the old madam. “My Master told me that this amulet has been with me since I was little. Later, fearing it would be lost, my Master kept it safe for me.”

　　The memories of her childhood gradually faded as she grew older, and she had forgotten about the amulet. It was only after seeing it in that book that she slowly remembered it was hers.

　　Old Madam Xiao took the amulet from Yun Ling and looked at it. Seeing the words ‘Yun Ling’ inside, her aged voice was filled with regret, “How could I not have thought of it? I should have realized it long ago.”

　　“This was an amulet your mother made for you. Grandmother doesn't know what's written inside.”

　　But now she did.

　　“Yun Ling, Yun Ling. ‘Yun’ is the ‘Yun’ of Yunze, your mother's hometown. ‘Ling’ was the name your mother originally wanted to give you. She only changed it because it clashed with her own name.”

　　Old Madam Xiao said with absolute certainty, “You are the child our Xiao family lost sixteen years ago, Qibai's own sister!”

　　Yun Ling stood there, stunned.

　　Old Madam Xiao looked at Yun Ling intently, as if she could never look enough, saying lovingly, “Silly child, you should call me Grandmother.”

　　Grandmother…

　　Yun Ling's breath hitched.

　　Seeing Old Madam Xiao's fervent gaze, her fingers curled slightly beneath her, her throat feeling incredibly dry, as if a thousand obstacles were blocking her. With great difficulty, she softly uttered, “Grandmother.”

　　Old Madam Xiao responded with a relieved sigh, crying and laughing at the same time, the wrinkles around her eyes deepening.

　　Pulling Yun Ling to outside the screen, she said, “This is your grandfather and your father.”

　　Yun Ling greeted them one by one, “Grandfather, Father.”

　　Grand Tutor Xiao, usually stern, showed a smile. “Good girl.”

　　Xiao Jujian nodded repeatedly, overcome with emotion, “Good, good.”

　　Finally, leading her to Xiao Qibai, Old Madam Xiao said, “Ah Ling, you've met him in the palace. This is your brother, Xiao Qibai.”

　　Yun Ling finally turned to look at him.

　　Xiao Qibai seemed to come to his senses at this moment, looking at Yun Ling, “The first time I saw you, I inexplicably felt a sense of closeness towards the gentle demeanor of the lady-in-waiting by His Highness's side. Even when I learned of your background, I felt a sense of pity and regret.”

　　“Unexpectedly, after all this time, you're actually my own sister. Thinking about it now, it's almost as if it was some kind of intuition. My sister was right beside me for so long, and I was completely unaware. I'm so foolish, it's my fault. If Mother knew, she would scold me for not even recognizing my own sister.”

　　Yun Ling quickly shook her head, unsure of what to say.

　　“I feel guilt and regret, but now I only feel joy,”

　　Xiao Qibai's handsome face held a gentle smile. “Ah Ling, my sister, sixteen years… welcome home.”

　　From the moment she learned her true identity, Yun Ling felt as if she were floating in the air, unreal and uncertain. Only now did she finally feel grounded, a sense of reality settling over her.

　　Old Madam Xiao couldn't help but wipe away her tears with a handkerchief.

　　At that moment, a rush of hurried footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door, approaching their direction.

________________

Glossary:

¹lǎo fū rén (老夫人) literally translates to ‘old madam’ or ‘old mistress.’

It's a respectful title used to address an elderly woman of high social standing, especially within a family. It's often used for a grandmother or matriarch of a family.

In this context, ‘Lao fu ren’ refers to the elderly head of the Xiao family, likely the grandmother of the characters.

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