My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 60: Pearl.

　　It wasn't long before Xie Jinjia, her belly swollen, walked in quickly, surrounded by several maids. The maids' worried voices followed her, “Princess, be careful.”

　　Under her crimson silk robe, her belly was round and full, looking at least six months pregnant.

　　Ignoring the maids' attempts to stop her, Xie Jinjia hurried in. Upon seeing Yun Ling, her eyes fixed, then immediately welled up. “Three years, finally I see you again, Ah Ling.”

　　“Jinjia has been praying at the temple these past two days,” said Old Madam Xiao with a smile. “She must have heard news of you and rushed back immediately.”

　　“I hear you two were very close when you were in the palace. Now that you're sisters-in-law, Ah Ling won't be lonely with Jinjia by her side.”

　　Xie Jinjia nodded repeatedly. “I never thought I would have such a connection with Ah Ling.”

　　She walked over and took Yun Ling's hand tightly. “Three years ago, when you... left, you have no idea how worried I was when I heard the news. How have you been these past three years?”

　　“How did you come back? Did the Crown Prince find you? He—”

　　Xie Jinjia bombarded her with questions, one after another, her concern overflowing. Before she could finish, Xiao Qibai walked over and gently held her arm. “Alright, Ah Ling just came back. Let her rest.”

　　Xie Jinjia paused, realizing she almost let something slip, and stopped talking. She just stared at Yun Ling with warmth in her eyes.

　　Yun Ling curved her lips into a soft smile and squeezed her hand in return. “I'm fine. You don't need to worry.”

　　Xie Jinjia nodded repeatedly, her eyes red.

　　Seeing her like this, one could tell that although she had grown more stable with age, her spirited nature remained unchanged. It was clear that she must be living quite well after marrying into the Xiao family.

　　As long as the princess and Xiao... brother were doing well, she felt reassured.

　　After Yun Ling had just reunited with the Xiao family and left the main hall, her grandmother led her to the room that had already been prepared for her.

　　Passing by a rockery with murmuring water and winding corridors, Old Madam Xiao personally led Yun Ling to Zhu Hui Yuan (Pearl Return Courtyard). This courtyard was located next to Old Madam Xiao's Jinshan Hall, a prime location—large and sunny, clearly showing careful consideration.

　　“Zhu Hui, Pearl Return,” Old Madam Xiao said. “This is the name your brother personally wrote for you, signifying a pearl lost and found. Your childhood name was Mingzhu (Bright Pearl), Xiao Mingzhu.”

　　“But you've been called Yun Ling for over a decade. Whether you want to change your name back is entirely up to you.”

　　Mingzhu…

　　What a precious name.

　　After a moment, Yun Ling shook her head. “I think I'll stay with Yun Ling. Mingzhu is in the past.”

　　People must move forward. Compared to Mingzhu, Yun Ling is the name she's carried for most of her life, holding more than a decade's worth of memories. There's no need to change it back.

　　Old Madam Xiao smiled. “Good, good. Then from now on, Grandmother will call you Ah Ling. From now on, you are Xiao Yun Ling.”

　　“Good,” Yun Ling softly replied.

　　A maid pushed open the door, revealing Yun Ling's beautifully furnished room. A high-quality Huanghua pearwood canopy bed, a carefully placed fish-and-lotus screen, an armchair with auspicious cloud patterns, and a red-wood gold-inlaid dressing table—every item showed meticulous care and appreciation.

　　Old Madam Xiao held Yun Ling's hand. “Things were a little rushed these past two days, so I had people prepare these things for you. If you need anything else, just come and tell Grandmother.”

　　“Lǜshuǐ and Lǜyī are two maids I've carefully selected for you as your senior maidservants. They are both intelligent and quick-witted. You used to manage the Shanggong Bureau in the Palace, so Grandmother is confident in your ability to manage servants. You can choose the rest of the maids yourself.”

　　The two maids immediately stepped forward to greet her.

　　“Lǜshuǐ (Lǜyī) greets Miss.”

　　Yun Ling gestured for them to rise, then turned to Old Madam Xiao. “Thank you, Grandmother. You've gone to so much trouble.”

　　Old Madam Xiao shook her head. “It's not enough. You were lost for sixteen years. Grandmother wants to make up for everything, to give you the very best.”

　　She reached out to gently stroke Yun Ling's hair, Old Madam Xiao gazing at her intently. “Life in the Palace must have been difficult, wasn't it? I heard you were severely bullied before you became a Shanggong. My granddaughter suffered.”

　　Old Madam Xiao's hair was already quite white, and her emotions had been running high today. It truly wasn't necessary for her grandmother to worry so much on her behalf.

　　Yun Ling took her grandmother's hand in return. “Grandmother, I'm fine now. Don't worry about the past.”

　　“Good, good,” Old Madam Xiao said, not pressing further. “You've traveled a long way. Rest well first. Grandmother will come see you later.”

　　Having finally found her granddaughter, Old Madam Xiao couldn't seem to get enough of looking at her.

　　Yun Ling nodded obediently. “Good.”

　　After Old Madam Xiao left, Yun Ling dismissed Lǜshuǐ and Lǜyī. She wanted some time alone to reflect on everything that had happened today.

　　Once she was alone, Yun Ling looked around the room, at the furniture, and then sat down quietly.

　　Closing her eyes, the events of the day replayed in her mind.

　　It dawned on her that from now on, she had a family.

　　A loving grandmother, a stern grandfather, a father, and a kind brother.

　　Yun Ling couldn't quite describe how she felt, but the rapid beating of her heart, now that she calmed down, told her the truth.

　　She wasn't calm.

　　After sitting quietly for a while, a knock came at the door. “Ah Ling, may I come in?”

　　It was the Princess.

　　Yun Ling got up to open the door, and the Princess entered with a bright smile. She glanced around the room. “Grandmother doesn't care much for material things herself, yet she's furnished this room with the best for you.”

　　She continued, “Ah Ling, you don't know how happy I was when I heard the news! I rushed back immediately.”

　　Yun Ling smiled. “I'm very happy too.”

　　Seeing how happy she was now, Yun Ling was genuinely happy for her.

　　Xie Jinjia couldn't stand for long, so she pulled Yun Ling down to sit beside her. “Ah Ling, how have you been these past three years?”

　　How have the past three years been…?

　　Yun Ling thought for a moment. The three years since she left the Palace had been difficult at first, as she fled his pursuit. But later, in Meiyang County, life had gradually settled down with Sister Mu Dong. She had her own jewelry shop, taught a group of homeless children, and had Silan, a lovely student. Life was peaceful, stable, and free – so, yes, she'd been well.

　　“Good. I'm fine. You don't need to worry.”

　　Xie Jinjia finally relaxed. She had been so afraid that Ah Ling had suffered during her years away from the Palace.

　　“Alright, let's not talk about me,” Yun Ling said, looking at her swollen belly and gently touching it. “How many months along are you?”

　　Xie Jinjia's eyes softened as she spoke of her child, pulling Yun Ling's hand to press it against her belly. “Almost six months. Ah Ling, you're going to be an aunt soon.”

　　Aunt.

　　The child in Xie Jinjia's belly was connected to her by blood.

　　Yun Ling had been stunned many times today—first by gaining a family, and now by suddenly understanding the meaning of blood ties.

　　A gentle smile graced her face as she lightly stroked Xie Jinjia's belly, sighing softly. “Yes, I'm going to be an aunt.”

　　“You went to the temple to pray for the child's wellbeing?” Yun Ling asked.

　　To Yun Ling's surprise, Xie Jinjia's expression drooped as she shook her head. “The child is fine; I was praying for my mother.”

　　“Yu Fei?” Yun Ling asked, a bit confused. “What happened to her? Is she ill?”

　　Xie Jinjia replied, “My mother passed away three years ago.”

　　Yun Ling was taken aback. “Passed away? How could that be? Wasn't Yu Fei always in good health?”

　　“I don't know either,” Xie Jinjia said, still feeling deeply pained by the subject. “Nanny Jin said my mother suddenly fell ill and passed away within an hour. The Imperial doctors didn't arrive in time; by the time they got there, she had already breathed her last.”

　　“She was looking forward to my marriage but didn't get to see me one last time.”

　　Her expression grew even more somber.

　　Considering she was pregnant, excessive worry wasn't good for her. Yun Ling comforted her, saying, “The departed are gone; we must look forward. I'm sure Yu Fei wouldn't want to see you continue to grieve.”

　　Xie Jinjia nodded. “Yes, I know. It's just... still hard to think about, and I regret not seeing my mother one last time. That's why I offered a perpetual lamp for my mother at the Dajue Temple (Great Enlightenment Temple). Grandmother is exceptionally kind to me, allowing me to visit the temple from time to time to pray and chant sutras for my mother.”

　　“Let's not talk about this anymore. I'll take you for a walk in the garden to get acquainted with the place, shall we?”

　　“Good.”

　　With Xie Jinjia by her side, the slight unease Yun Ling felt upon returning to the Xiao family lessened considerably.

　　Her grandparents were incredibly kind to her, and her father had sent many gifts, showering her with affection and care. She appreciated their efforts and was deeply touched by their kindness. However, having just returned to the Xiao family, she had no memory of her life before the age of four and didn't know how to interact with her family; genuine closeness hadn't yet developed.

　　Except with her brother, Xiao Qibai. They had some interaction in the East Palace. Even after she was reprimanded by the Crown Prince for the incident where the Princess fell into the water, he had interceded on her behalf. Yun Ling was very grateful for this and felt more naturally close to him.

　　But she knew these things couldn't be rushed. With time and interaction, affection would surely grow.

　　Now, everything was good for her in the Xiao family.

　　Since her return, her grandmother had been overjoyed, taking her to meet other elders in the clan and sharing the good news. The entire Xiao clan was abuzz, with elders flocking to visit. Several older relatives repeatedly caressed Yun Ling's hands, and some even shed tears of joy.

　　Before long, almost every prominent family in the capital knew the news: the Xiao family's daughter, missing for sixteen years, had been found!

　　Yun Ling was quite tired from all the visits with relatives. Returning to her courtyard, she washed up and fell fast asleep.

　　Despite her physical exhaustion, she woke up again after less than an hour's sleep.

　　This had been happening for the past few days.  

　　She was tired, but her sleep was restless, her mind filled with many thoughts.

　　Getting up and putting on a thick robe, she decided to go for a walk in the courtyard to clear her head.

　　As soon as she opened the door, she saw a departing figure at the moon gate, followed by two maidservants. Yun Ling unconsciously called out, “Grandmother, why are you here?”

　　Old Madam Xiao stopped and turned around, smiling. “Ah Ling, you're awake? I came to talk to you about something, but seeing you were asleep, I didn't want to disturb you.”

　　Yun Ling walked to her side. “It's late. Grandmother, you should rest early. Don't worry about me so much; it's too tiring for you.”

　　“Who else would I worry about if not you?” Old Madam Xiao said with a smile. “Rest assured, I'm still very healthy.”

　　“It's a pity your mother isn't here. Before she passed away, she kept calling your name. I'll take you to pay your respects to her when we pick a good day.”

　　Yun Ling, touched by her words, nodded repeatedly. “Okay.”

　　Old Madam Xiao sighed. “Don't worry, I'll take care of everything for you from now on.”

　　“We can't let our Ah Ling suffer.”

　　Looking at her grandmother's graying hair, Yun Ling's eyelashes fluttered, momentarily speechless.

　　Old Madam Xiao looked at her and asked, “Did you wake up again?”

　　Yun Ling was slightly surprised that her grandmother knew. “Yes, I couldn't sleep, so I wanted to come out for a walk.”

　　Old Madam Xiao held her hand affectionately.

　　“You silly child, I see everything going on in your heart. You've only just returned, and you're not yet familiar or close with your family; that's perfectly normal. But you don't need to think about anything or force yourself.”

　　“Your grandfather and I won't blame you.”

　　Old Madam Xiao, resolute and strong-willed, was a remarkably perceptive person. She understood her granddaughter's anxieties perfectly.

　　She pitied her granddaughter for having been lost and alone for over a decade, so she tried her best to compensate her in every way possible.

　　But Ah Ling is a thoughtful child, and she probably feels burdened.

　　Yun Ling nodded lightly. “I understand.”

　　After a moment's thought, she asked, “Grandmother, was there something you wanted to talk to me about?”

　　Old Madam Xiao took her for a walk in the garden, delaying her answer. “My dear, you grew up by your grandfather and my side. Who else would we spoil if not you?”

　　“Even your father was afraid of your grandfather, but you, when you were little, even peed on your grandfather's back!” Old Madam Xiao chuckled, recalling a funny childhood anecdote.

　　Yun Ling, though she didn't remember the embarrassing childhood incident, felt a little shy and blushed.

　　“Your grandfather was strict with your brother from a young age, but he was quite indulgent towards you. You peed on him, and he just laughed!”

　　Yun Ling couldn't help but smile.

　　Old Madam Xiao then turned to Yun Ling. “Getting you back is a great blessing for our Xiao family.”

　　“The fifteenth of next month is an auspicious day. I want to discuss with you about holding a banquet to announce to the capital that my granddaughter has returned. Your grandfather is a stubborn old man; he doesn't usually like such extravagant affairs, but when he heard about the banquet for you, he immediately agreed, instructing me to make it grand.”

　　“He's even excited to write the invitations himself.”

　　Yun Ling was stunned. Grand Tutor Xiao was renowned for his integrity and dislike of extravagance; it was surprising he'd agree to this.

　　Old Madam Xiao stroked her hair. “You may have forgotten things from the past. Your mother's health wasn't good after giving birth to you, and your father was away on official business, so your grandfather and I raised you from the time you were born. Your grandfather loved you the most when you were little. He would rush to hold you the moment he returned from Court, even before taking off his official robes. You used to pull his beard when you were little, and he would just laugh. When you fell off the cliff and were presumed dead, he was inconsolable. Your grandfather was ill for half a year and almost retired. Besides our status as Grand Tutor and the daughter of a Marquis, we were just ordinary grandparents who lost their granddaughter.”

　　“Your grandfather was full of knowledge, but he gave you the name Mingzhu (Bright Pearl), wanting to announce to the world that our Ah Ling is the jewel of our Xiao Manor.”

　　The night wind was strong, rustling the branches of the trees.

　　It brushed against her cheeks, carrying Old Madam Xiao's words to her ears.

　　Her voice wasn't loud, yet it resonated deeply, making Yun Ling's heart tremble.

　　“You have no idea how happy your grandfather and I have been since your return.”

　　“You are the apple of your grandfather and my eye. We would give you anything, so you don't need to feel burdened.”

　　Old Madam Xiao's words drifted into Yun Ling's ears. Perhaps the night wind was too strong, but unknowingly, Yun Ling's eyes welled up.

　　At some point, they had reached the East Lan Courtyard.

　　Even at this late hour, the study was still lit.

　　Old Madam Xiao patted Yun Ling's hand. “Your grandfather is still writing the invitations.”

　　“I haven't seen him this happy in years. Do you want to go see him?”

　　Yun Ling blinked, trying to calm herself, and nodded, walking towards the study.

　　The study was brightly lit.

　　Yun Ling knocked and entered, seeing the frail, elderly figure standing at the writing desk. She had only seen the renowned Grand Tutor from afar in the East Palace. Coming closer, she realized his hair was almost entirely white, and his body was somewhat stooped.

　　Hearing the sound, Grand Tutor Xiao looked up. “Ah Ling? Why aren't you asleep at this hour?”

　　Yun Ling approached. “I passed by East Lan Courtyard and saw the light on in the study, so I came to take a look.”

　　“You're still writing so late, Grandfather?”

　　“The invitations for the banquet. I need to write them in advance,” Grand Tutor Xiao said, putting down his brush. “Has your grandmother told you about the banquet? What do you think?”

　　“She has,” Yun Ling nodded, speaking softly. “I'll do as Grandmother and Grandfather wish.”

　　“Good, good.” Grand Tutor Xiao nodded repeatedly, his usually serious and stern face beaming with joy.

　　It suddenly occurred to Yun Ling that she had heard in the East Palace that Grand Tutor Xiao had been troubled by family matters.

　　Now she understood. It had been because of her.

　　This man, well over sixty years old, had been burdened by this for over a decade.

　　Her throat tightened. “All these years, I've caused you so much worry, Grandfather.”

　　“Silly child, what are you saying?”

　　Grand Tutor Xiao's aged eyes looked at her with affection. He simply said,

　　“It's good to have you back.”

　　After bidding farewell to her grandparents, Yun Ling left the study and returned to her courtyard, where Lǜyī helped her settle down for the night.

　　Lǜyī and Lǜshuǐ were personally chosen by her Grandmother. They were quick, efficient, and loyal. After attending to Yun Ling and ensuring she was asleep, they quietly blew out the candle, closed the door, and left.

　　The room fell dark and silent.

　　Yun Ling lay in bed, her eyes open, lost in thought for a long time before finally closing them.

　　Pulling the blanket up high, her whole body relaxed, experiencing a sense of peace she had never felt before.

　　A fortnight passed in the blink of an eye. The grass grew, the swallows flew, and new buds sprouted on the branches.

　　Spring was warm and the scenery was beautiful.

　　——

　　The East Palace.

　　A spring shower suddenly fell in the evening, leaving the ground damp.

　　Inside the brightly lit hall, Pei Yuan reported, “Your Highness, all the people involved in the case of the Vice Minister of Rites (礼部侍郎 - lǐbù shìláng) taking bribes, including the Vice Minister himself and five other officials, have been arrested and imprisoned.”

　　Xie Jue didn't look up, only responding faintly.

　　Pei Yuan hesitated for a moment before continuing, “The Minister of Rites, Li Zhaorong, is kneeling outside the hall, seeking leniency for his nephew.” After all, he is an old minister and is old.

　　“Your Highness…”

　　Before he could finish, he saw Xie Jue coldly raise his gaze. “Seeking leniency? It is already a mercy that I haven't demoted him along with the Vice Minister of Rites.”

　　His sharp brows exuded a chilling demeanor. “If he wants to kneel, let him kneel.”

　　“Whoever dares to plead for mercy, I will punish him together.”

　　A deathly silence fell over the hall; even the wind that blew in felt cold.

　　The moment His Highness returned, he immediately began handling the bribery case, executing those who deserved it, demoting others—his methods were ruthless and decisive, leaving no room for hesitation.

　　Pei Yuan quickly knelt down. “Yes.”

　　After Pei Yuan left and Xie Jue finished the day's affairs, he rubbed his aching temples, then rose and walked out.

　　Grand Eunuch An hurried to catch up, his heavy cloak wrapped tightly around him. Although winter had passed, the nights were still cold.

　　Outside, the sky had turned dark, and the moon hung in the night, casting a delicate veil of silvery light.

　　The surroundings were eerily quiet.

　　Xie Jue had yet to shake off the cold and harsh aura enveloping him. He looked up at the moon, and after a moment, he closed his eyes in pain, thinking, “I wonder how she is doing at the Xiao family.”

　　It had been more than half a month since she returned to the Xiao family.

　　Grand Eunuch An stood respectfully behind him. Hearing this, he replied, “I'm sure Lady Yun is fine. I've noticed that Lord Xiao hasn't stopped smiling these past few days.”

　　“I heard that the Xiao family is holding a banquet for Lady Yun on the fifteenth of this month. They truly adore her; Your Highness needn't worry.”

　　Xie Jue remained silent for a while before slowly opening his eyes.

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