Zheng Qi reached out to take the item from her hand, examined it briefly, and then returned it to her.
"Follow me."
The middle-aged man in a black embroidered robe opened the red gate, gesturing for her to enter.
The two of them passed through the hanging flower gate, walked along the path beneath the eaves, and amidst the flowers and trees, by the pond and rockery, there were sycamore trees planted.
At the side hall, Zheng Qi indicated for her to sit for a moment and hurriedly left.
On the wall hung a hunting scene embroidered in gold and silver thread, with exquisite craftsmanship. The Taishi chair was large overall, with the backrest and armrests connected, forming three sections. The main seat had two chairs, with four chairs each on the left and right sides, separated by a small sandalwood table.
A fine white glazed porcelain cup was placed on the small table, with the cupboard doors symmetrically opened, and adorned with decorative paintings.
The hall also featured bonsai of fantastic peaks, stone trees, clear springs, and white stones, all showcasing meticulous craftsmanship.
Lu He sat on one of the Taishi chairs, as if seeing the former Zhao Mansion, just like this, feeling a mix of emotions. The eldest young master’s home was gone, and she had turned into this state; surely, her heart was very sad.
Before the Minister’s Wife arrived, Ye Zhi and Shen Chen had secretly snuck into the side hall first.
The two of them crouched sneakily by the windowsill, observing the woman inside the hall.
After observing, they crouched down to discuss.
Ye Zhi absentmindedly said, "Xiao Chen, why is she looking for my mother? Could she really be my mother’s daughter? Judging by her appearance, she should be my older sister, not a younger one."
Shen Chen comforted, "Perhaps she’s here to discuss matters with the madam; you needn’t worry too much."
Finally, he also touched her creamy little cheek, enjoying the smooth feeling.
As they grew older, the Ye Family had warned them this spring, emphasizing the notion that men and women should not touch each other, strictly forbidding them from having any physical contact.
Ye Zhi, enamored by the handsome Little Traitor, would secretly hold his little hand or pat his head now and then, feeling like she’d gained something.
Shen Chen was also happy with this arrangement, indulging her as she pleased.
The sound of two footsteps approached, and the eavesdroppers held their breath and quieted!
The Ye Family matron hurriedly arrived on the scene, looking around to see only a little girl. Her eyes and brows slightly lifted, "Who are you? Why didn’t Xiao Yan come?"
Her mother was called Gu Yan, and the Xiao Yan mentioned by the woman was her mother’s maiden name.
Lu He, who lost her mother young and had been without support for years, had traveled thousands of miles to the Capital City to seek her kin. At this moment, her nose felt hot, and tears began to fall: "My name is Lu He, from Feng County. My mother... passed away. She handed me the white jade bracelet, instructing me to come to the Capital City and find my relatives."
She took the white jade bracelet from her bosom and handed it to the woman.
It was the very Hollow Lotus Patterned White Jade Bracelet given by the Ye to her childhood friend. As she took it and carefully examined it with her fingers, memories of her friend’s jade-like beauty and their childhood together came flooding back.
The girl forced a brave smile after chasing away a mad dog, "Ah Ling, with me here, there’s no way that mad dog will bite you."
On a cold day, the girl complained in the carriage on the way to the women’s school, "This blasted weather, I really don’t want to go to school. Fortunately, Ah Ling is with me, hehe."
Later, after meeting that person.
The girl, full of charm with every smile and frown, said, "Ah Ling, I’ve met a scholar. He looks pale and delicate, somewhat boring, not as wealthy or humorous as the noble young men in the Capital, yet somehow, I just can’t stop thinking about him."
"Look, Ah Ling, this is the love letter that bookworm wrote me. His handwriting isn’t bad, eh,"
"Ah Ling, my parents won’t allow me to marry him, what should I do, alas!"