My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 61: “Did You Miss Me?”

　　Three days before the fifteenth, the entire Xiao Mansion was bustling with activity. The head steward directed the servants and maids to thoroughly clean and decorate the Mansion. Purchases were made, and invitations were sent to prominent families, relatives, and friends in the Capital, all proceeding in an orderly fashion.

　　Elder Xiao, the Grand Tutor, was highly respected in the Court and had many students. His invitations for his granddaughter's banquet were widely accepted, as everyone gave him due respect. Old Madam Xiao, the Grand Tutor's wife, was the daughter of the Princess of Pinglin, known for her courage, determination, and virtuous character. Many wives from prominent families in the capital admired her conduct.

　　Upon receiving the invitations, some ladies from prominent families even secretly sent messengers ahead of time to confirm their attendance.

　　This banquet was truly grand.

　　Xie Jinjia and Yun Ling strolled through the garden, laughing. “Although our Xiao family did fall into a period of decline after Grandfather's near-retirement, and we were once neglected, your brother is now a close advisor to the Crown Prince. Grandfather is also the Crown Prince's esteemed teacher, highly respected by him. Now, in the entire Capital, who dares to underestimate our Xiao family?”

　　“Ah Ling, you are now the most prestigious young lady in the Capital. This kind of spectacle is only fitting,” Xie Jinjia chuckled, teasingly. “You even helped prepare for the Palace banquet. What grand occasion haven't you witnessed? Surely you won't be intimidated?”

　　Yun Ling smiled and shook her head. “Of course not.”

　　She knew that as a Lady from a prominent family, these social events were unavoidable.

　　One must bear the weight of responsibility commensurate with the honor received.

　　Xie Jinjia said, “Yes, our Yun Shanggong is such an amazing person! Everyone praises you.”

　　The two strolled through the garden, chatting as they walked.

　　The sun was warm today. The Princess, six months pregnant, had been advised by the physician to walk more for a healthy delivery, so Yun Ling accompanied her for a longer stroll.

　　As they were chatting, a sharp female voice suddenly came from behind a rockery. It was difficult to make out the words.

　　Following the voice, a woman of around thirty, dressed in an elegant dark green jacket with floral patterns, with slender, upward-slanting eyebrows that gave her a shrewd appearance, walked over with a young lady in a peach-colored dress and delicate features. Several timid maids trailed behind them.

　　As she approached and looked up, seeing Yun Ling and Xie Jinjia, her expression instantly changed to one of beaming smiles. “This is the eldest young lady who was recently found, isn't it? She is truly stunningly beautiful. No wonder the whole family dotes on and protects her.”

　　Xie Jinjia's face shifted slightly. She whispered in Yun Ling's ear, “That's your stepmother, Lady Liu.”

　　Then, she stepped forward to greet her, “Mother-in-law and Mingrong have returned to Yongzhong Marquis' Mansion for the wedding banquet. How have things been these past few days?”

　　Lady Liu smiled, saying, “Princess, please take care of yourself. You carry our Xiao family's blood within you; there must be no mishap.”

　　Xie Jinjia replied, “Thank you for your concern, mother-in-law. I will be careful.”

　　Lady Liu's lips curled into a slight smile, then she turned to Yun Ling.

　　Yun Ling stepped forward and performed a courtesy, “¹Daughter, Yun Ling, greets Mother.”

　　Although Lady Liu wasn't her biological mother, she was a properly married stepmother. As a junior member of the family and a daughter of the Xiao family, Yun Ling felt it was appropriate to show her due respect and courtesy.

　　And by showing proper respect, she left little room for criticism.

　　Lady Liu quickly stepped forward to warmly help Yun Ling up. “Get up, get up, you're such a good child. I was overjoyed to hear of your return, but family matters delayed me. You won't blame me, will you?”

　　Yun Ling shook her head. “Of course not.”

　　“That's good,” Lady Liu said with a smile, suddenly pulling Mingrong forward. “What are you standing there for, child? Haven't you come to greet your sister?”

　　Xiao Mingrong forcefully shrugged off Lady Liu's hand, glancing down at Yun Ling with disdain.

　　“What sister? As if I don't know, she's just a lowly palace maid! Someone like her is not fit to be my sister!”

　　Xie Jinjia's brow furrowed, about to speak, when Lady Liu immediately exclaimed, “Be quiet! You've been spoiled rotten by your father, getting whatever you want, never a harsh word spoken to you. Now you dare say such things!”

　　Then, turning to Yun Ling, she apologized, “Ah Ling, your sister is still young and doesn't understand. She's been spoiled and speaks without thinking. Mother knows you're sensible and won't hold it against her.”

　　It was clearly an attempt to force Yun Ling to swallow her anger.

　　It was a clear display of intimidation.

　　Xie Jinjia felt the injustice keenly and was about to speak up, but Yun Ling, with remarkable calm, said, “As the elder sister, I naturally won't hold it against my own sister.”

　　“Otherwise, it would be said that I, the elder sister, am not magnanimous and cannot tolerate my younger sister.”

　　Lady Liu smiled but didn't respond.

　　It's good that she knows.

　　Then, Yun Ling continued calmly and deliberately, “However, Mingrong, as a daughter of the Xiao family, will inevitably interact with many ladies from prominent families. At home, it's fine; as family, I will naturally tolerate it. But if she speaks disrespectfully outside and causes trouble, can Mother simply smile and say she is young and inexperienced, thereby letting the matter pass?”

　　“Mother should understand the saying, ‘A loose tongue brings misfortune.’ As the eldest daughter of the Xiao family, I must also consider the family's reputation and honor, therefore I must remind you of this. Please do not take offense, Mother.”

　　The smile on Lady Liu's face faltered. After a moment, she said, 

　　“Eldest Miss has quite a sharp tongue. Indeed, you were a highly skilled court lady.”

　　Yun Ling smiled. “Thank you for the compliment, Mother.”

　　Lady Liu's smile was strained as she pulled Xiao Mingrong away quickly.

　　After they left, Xie Jinjia walked to Yun Ling's side, worriedly saying, “Ah Ling, Lady Liu is your stepmother. If you confront her, she can use filial piety to pressure you, and only your reputation will suffer.”

　　Yun Ling watched their retreating figures. “She is not my birth mother. If she is willing to live peacefully with me, I am also willing to get along with her.”

　　“But as you saw just now, before I returned, Xiao Mingrong was the only young lady in the Xiao Manor. Now that I've suddenly appeared, it's normal for her to be unhappy for a while. However, she shouldn't have openly insulted me without any restraint. If I swallow my anger, they will only become more and more arrogant.”

　　Yun Ling said to Xie Jinjia, “Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Xiao Mingrong was disrespectful first, and Lady Liu is in the wrong; she won't spread this matter.”

　　“But you... have you never been wronged?”

　　Xie Jinjia shook her head. “She's usually quite warm towards me and hasn't really mistreated me. Even if she has, your brother will protect me, and she is still quite afraid of my husband.”

　　“That's good.”

　　Yun Ling sighed softly.

　　It seemed that things weren't entirely peaceful in the Xiao family.

　　……

　　Three days later, the Xiao family sent out invitations for a banquet at home. Early in the morning, many carriages from prominent families arrived.

　　One luxurious carriage after another stopped at the entrance of the Xiao Manor—a lively scene.

　　Before the banquet began, the female guests gathered in the garden, not far from the courtyard where the male guests were.

　　The garden was filled with guests.

　　Yun Ling wore a light crimson jacket with a floral pattern paired with a snow-white brocade skirt, and a pair of South Sea pearl earrings adorned her ears. Her face was delicately made up with a peach blossom blush. Standing amidst the flowers, she smiled gently. Her fair skin and red lips truly resembled a peach blossom, stunningly beautiful. Even the precious flowers cultivated in the garden couldn't compare.

　　A few young noblemen inadvertently caught a glimpse of her and immediately began composing impromptu poems, such as ‘The soft moonlight cannot compare to a single glance from the beautiful lady.’

　　The female guests also kept their gazes fixed on Yun Ling.

　　It was no secret that Yun Ling had once been a Shanggong in the East Palace. Most of the noble ladies present today had actually seen Yun Ling before.

　　However, three years ago, she resigned from her position as a Shanggong, and no one in the Capital had seen her since.

　　Three years ago, Yun Ling escaped. The Crown Prince used the pretext of apprehending an assassin from the East Palace to seal the city, and the subsequent arrest warrant also used this reason.

　　Only a small number of people knew it was related to Yun Ling. Most people in the Capital only knew that Yun Shanggong had committed a serious crime three years ago and was released from the Palace.

　　It was unknown whether she had fallen out of favor with the Crown Prince, but she never returned to the East Palace.

　　However, no one expected that three years later, she would reappear in the Capital, this time as the granddaughter of the Grand Tutor Xiao, who had been lost sixteen years ago. It was truly a twist of fate—no one would have ever thought of this outcome.

　　Several noble ladies, in small groups, observed Yun Ling from a distance, none daring to approach.

　　Xiao Mingrong and her close friends sneered from the side.

　　The noble ladies formed a close-knit circle. Yun Ling, having been a Shanggong in the East Palace, would naturally have been given some respect. But now that she was no longer, did she think she could still squeeze into their circle? Who would tolerate that?

　　The atmosphere was rather awkward.

　　Yun Ling, engrossed in conversation with a Minister's wife, didn't pay attention to this.

　　At that moment, a young woman dressed in a bright red dress, exuding confidence and vitality, hurriedly walked in. She glanced around and, upon spotting Yun Ling, quickly made her way over, joyfully calling out, “Ah Ling!”

　　Yun Ling turned her gaze and saw Shen Chunxiang approaching her with an expression of delight. “Miss Shen!”

　　Shen Chunxiang waved her hand nonchalantly, saying, “No need to be so polite! Just call me Chunxiang. I heard you were back, and I was so excited I couldn't sleep! Now that you're out of the Palace, we can finally hang out together.”

　　“Congratulations on being home! I specifically picked out a fine riding whip for you. I will teach you how to ride a horse!”

　　Yun Ling happily accepted the gift. “Thank you. I'll consider you my teacher, Chunxiang.”

　　She had wanted to learn how to ride for a long time.

　　Shen Chunxiang laughed heartily. “I guarantee I'll teach you well!”

　　Yun Ling couldn't help but smile.

　　With Shen Chunxiang leading the way, many other noble ladies approached Yun Ling one after another to chat.

　　Seeing this, Xiao Mingrong's fingers turned white with anger. She was the legitimate young lady of the Xiao family! Why was everyone only paying attention to Xiao Yunling?!

　　Not only that, but in addition to the noble ladies, several Marchionesses also attended this banquet.

　　This was an immense honor, unprecedented in all of the capital.

　　One Marchioness spoke warmly to Yun Ling, her words filled with praise. “When I saw you in the Palace, I knew you were a capable and intelligent child, with quite the bearing. I praised you wholeheartedly back then. Now I know you are the granddaughter of Old Madam Xiao. You truly resemble your grandmother; you haven't lost her grace at all!”

　　Every word was full of praise, clearly audible to everyone present.

　　Old Madam Xiao smiled modestly. “Oh, Madam, you flatter me.”

　　Several other ladies also joined in with their praise.

　　After this banquet, Yun Ling's good reputation would spread throughout the capital.

　　With so many people lending her their support, it was truly a great honor.

　　Several young ladies gathered together, whispering amongst themselves,

　　“Wasn't that the Marchioness of Huaiyuan, who rarely goes out? She actually came?”

　　“And Old Madam Chang is here too!”

　　“Could this banquet for Miss Xiao have actually invited all the important figures in the entire capital?”

　　The garden was filled with happy laughter and lively chatter.

　　Just as the time approached and everyone was about to be seated, a sharp announcement suddenly came from outside the gate: “His Highness, the Crown Prince, has arrived!”

　　Everyone in the garden immediately stopped, their eyes widening in surprise.

　　A small banquet, hosted for a young lady, and the Crown Prince actually came?!

　　The Xiao family truly had immense influence!

　　A procession of Imperial Guards marched in, standing in orderly rows on both sides. Then, a tall and imposing figure slowly walked in, dressed in a dark blue robe embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns, his demeanor cold yet noble and unparalleled. It could only be His Highness, the Crown Prince of the Great Jin Dynasty.

　　Everyone in the courtyard immediately bowed. “Greetings to His Highness, the Crown Prince.”

　　Xie Jue stopped and said, “Rise.”

　　Grand Tutor Xiao and Xiao Qibai immediately stepped forward.

　　Grand Tutor Xiao said, “How come Your Highness is here? We failed to greet you properly; please forgive us.”

　　Xie Jue's lips curled into a slight smile. “There's a joyous occasion at my teacher's house; how could I not come?”

　　He then swept his gaze across the garden, pausing when his eyes landed on a certain figure.

　　The women in the garden were secretly astonished. Grand Tutor Xiao was highly respected by the Crown Prince, and the fact that the Crown Prince attended a simple banquet was an immense honor.

　　At this time, Old Madam Xiao led Yun Ling and Xiao Mingrong forward to greet him.

　　Under the gaze of all the guests, Yun Ling walked to Xie Jue, respectfully bowing. “This humble servant, Yun Ling, greets His Highness, the Crown Prince. May Your Highness be well.” Xiao Mingrong also bowed.

　　After she finished speaking, Xie Jue's deep gaze rested directly on Yun Ling, and for a moment, he said nothing.

　　A hush fell over the garden; no one dared to speak.

　　Almost everyone in the garden knew that this Miss Xiao had once been a Shanggong, highly favored by the Crown Prince. Although she had been punished and dismissed from the Palace, the Crown Prince's presence here was a clear show of respect and affection for Miss Xiao.

　　After a moment, Xie Jue slightly curled his lips. “Miss Xiao was once an official in my East Palace. She is intelligent, quick-witted, and possesses a gentle and refined nature. She is also well-educated, virtuous, and gentle, a model for all women.”

　　The Crown Prince's high praise left everyone present astonished.

　　Yun Ling stood before him, bowing again. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

　　Xie Jue gave a soft ‘hmm.’ “Rise.”

　　Under the watchful eyes of everyone, one was the high and mighty Crown Prince, and the other a young lady of the court.

　　There was nothing more to be said. Xie Jue was then led by Xiao Qibai to the head seat at the banquet.

　　The banquet soon began.

　　Because of the Crown Prince's unexpected arrival, and because of the recent bribery case—which had made the Crown Prince even stricter—the officials were all on edge, and the atmosphere at the banquet was somewhat cautious and subdued, lacking the previous relaxed and lively atmosphere.

　　Even so, as dusk approached, the banquet ended, and the guests began to leave one by one.

　　The Crown Prince, who had apparently consumed quite a bit of alcohol during the banquet, was already somewhat intoxicated. It was unclear who had been so bold as to ply the Crown Prince with so much alcohol. 

　　Seeing this, Grand Tutor Xiao said, “It's getting late, and Your Highness is intoxicated; it's not advisable to travel. Would you like to rest at our residence for the night?”

　　Xie Jue slowly raised his eyes and smiled faintly. “With such a kind invitation from my teacher, I would be remiss to refuse.”

　　The news that the Crown Prince would be staying overnight caused a flurry of activity in the Xiao household, as everyone scrambled to make the necessary arrangements and ensure that he was well-cared for.

　　Lady Liu's face practically glowed with delight. This was an unparalleled honor for the Xiao family.

　　She quickly arranged for someone to prepare a guest room, then, after some thought, asked Xiao Jujian, “The Crown Prince is staying overnight tonight. This is a wonderful opportunity. Our Mingrong…”

　　Before she could finish, Xiao Jujian scolded her, “Put aside those thoughts of yours. The Crown Prince would never look at Mingrong.”

　　Lady Liu was displeased. “Oh, he wouldn't look at Mingrong? Does that mean he'd look at your eldest daughter, the one who was lost and found? If he had any interest in her, wouldn't she have been taken into the East Palace long ago? Why would she have been punished and dismissed?”

　　She said it nicely, calling her an official, but to put it bluntly, wasn't she just one of the Crown Prince's former servants? Would the Crown Prince possibly be interested in her? His visit is surely because of respect for her father-in-law and Xiao Qibai.

　　Her voice lowered. “And besides, don't you know what kind of person your eldest daughter is...?”

　　Xiao Jujian was speechless.

　　……

　　Night had fallen, and the Xiao household was quiet and still, everyone settled for the night.

　　Yun Ling, tired and sore from a long day, had spent a good while soaking in the bath to ease her aching body.

　　After her bath, she changed into fresh white sleeping clothes. Lǜshuǐ was combing her hair.

　　At that moment, a few knocks came at the door, followed by Grand Eunuch An's voice, “Miss Xiao, His Highness requests your presence.”

　　Lǜyī and Lǜshuǐ, the two maidservants, exchanged surprised glances.

　　The Crown Prince requests her presence?!

　　Yun Ling, however, remained calm, instructing the two maidservants to keep their mouths shut and not reveal a word of this.

　　The two maidservants quickly replied, “Yes.”

　　After dressing, Yun Ling opened the door and followed Grand Eunuch An to the west wing, where the Crown Prince was staying.

　　A dim, yellowish light illuminated the room. Two guards stood watch outside. Yun Ling gently pushed open the door, then turned to close it behind her.

　　After closing the door, she found the room silent. Looking around, she saw him slowly emerge from behind a screen, newly dressed in sleeping clothes, still damp from his bath.

　　His dark hair cascaded over his shoulders, and the open collar of his sleeping attire revealed a beautifully sculpted clavicle. Tall, handsome, and undeniably noble.

　　In the dim candlelight, his sharply defined profile was half-hidden in shadow as he walked towards her, step by deliberate step.

　　Yun Ling sighed helplessly. “Your Highness, this is the Xiao residence. There are many people around. What if someone sees you calling me here so late at night?”

　　Xie Jue coldly snorted. “If I hadn't called for you, would you have come to see me on your own initiative?”

　　“Miss Xiao seems quite content in the Xiao residence, doesn't she? Now that you have your family, you've forgotten all about me?”

　　Yun Ling was at a loss for words. “How could that be? I've been at the Xiao residence these past few days, seeing relatives, acknowledging elders—I've been incredibly busy. I haven't had a moment to spare. How could I possibly have forgotten Your Highness?”

　　Xie Jue said, “Xiao Qibai is a close official to me. Even if you're busy, surely he could have found the time to pass on a message for me?”

　　His words... it would be highly improper for her, a young lady from a respectable family, to send a message to the Crown Prince through her brother. Yun Ling sighed softly, deciding not to argue with him. Her tone softened considerably. “Alright, Your Highness, what is wrong with you?”

　　He was fixated on these trivial matters.

　　Xie Jue's stern brow softened, his coldness dissipating. He walked in front of her, suddenly bending down to embrace her tightly.

　　His palm clasped her slender back, his grip firm enough to feel like it was sinking into her bones. He buried his nose in her hair, inhaling her scent. His lips were slightly pursed, his long lashes lowered. His voice was soft.

　　“I simply missed you. Did you miss me?”

________________

Glossary:

¹Daughter, Yun Ling (Nǚ ér yún líng - 女儿云泠) is a bit unusual in Chinese. Here's why it's used and what it signifies:

- Formal Address: It's a very formal way for a daughter to address her mother. It emphasizes the filial respect and deference expected in traditional Chinese society. It's a way of highlighting the daughter's position within the family structure.

- Distance: This form of address can also imply a slight distance between the daughter and her mother. Perhaps they haven't been close, or there's a sense of formality or tension in their relationship.

- Emphasis on Lineage: By saying ‘Daughter Yun Ling,’ it underscores the fact that Yun Ling is a member of the Xiao family. This can be significant if the mother is from a different family, or if there are power dynamics at play.

In the context of the story:

It's likely that Yun Ling uses this formal address because she's not close to her stepmother, Lady Liu. It's a subtle but powerful detail that hints at the complexity of their relationship.

…

T/N: So, the stepmom and stepsister... Totally normal, right? They're practically award-winning amateurs in the art of mild annoyance! Less threatening than a fluffy kitten. Their scenes? Blink and you'll miss 'em. That's all the juicy gossip I'm spilling. 🤫 Consider yourselves... uh... possibly warned? Maybe? 😂 Oh, btw, I will change Yun Ling's title according to the situation. So, don't get confused.

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