When they last met, Xiao Yan said to her, "Ah Ling, I have no regrets, parting now, not knowing when we’ll meet again. If someday I am destitute, will you despise me, Ah Ling?"
Ye Family’s eyes turned red, and tears fell like kite strings that had snapped, dropping continuously. She disregarded the presence of others and began wailing bitterly.
At this moment, she was no longer the exalted Minister’s Wife but a woman mourning for a friend.
"Xiao Yan, why did you leave? If things aren’t going well, you can come find me in the Capital City..."
"I’m not your parents; whoever you’re with, I would agree. I have money, I can support your whole family. Why did you lose hope..."
"No matter what, I’ve never despised you, Xiao Yan. We even promised to see our grandchildren surround us, to go to Jiangnan to retire together, and now you’re gone. Who will I go with in the future..."
Wearing a Mutton Fat Jade Begonia Hairpin, with gold-inlaid jade earrings, a jade-silver patterned, hibiscus floral, diagonal lapel jacket, the once opulent and elegant Ye Family now sat on the Taishi Chair, crying miserably, gasping for breath, completely disregarding her image.
Lu He, beside her, was affected and the sadness of her mother’s death welled up, leading her to tears as well.
When the master began grieving, the butler, Zheng Qi, quietly exited the side hall, not staying.
Listening from the corner, Ye Zhi understood the situation clearly and remained silent, her mood heavy. Shen Chen noticed her unease and approached to comfort her, as the gentle child leaned into his chest, "Xiao Chen, I’m sad, let me hold you for a moment."
Xiao Shen Chen simply held her without speaking.
Half an incense stick later, the exhausted Ye Family slowly quieted down, turning sobbing into faint sobs, "Did your mother say anything before she left?"
Shaking her head, Lu He said softly, "My mother gave me this bracelet and told me to go to the Capital City to find relatives, saying no more after that."
The bracelet was the sole token of proof.
Gu Yan severed ties with her family back in the day, eloping with a scholar. The Gu Family, being of high status, valued lineage, etiquette, and integrity highly. "In the halls where the old Wang and Xie families were graced, few are seen in common households today." An unclearly introduced niece might not be recognized heartily by the Gu Family.
The bracelet served as a token to seek family, essentially to rely on the Ye Family.
The perceptive Ye Family was fully aware of her friend’s intentions and had plans in mind.
Xiao Yan, I have already met your daughter, as beautiful as you. From now on, I will regard her as my goddaughter. If you know this in the afterlife, find peace.
Finally, the last tear fell.
Ye Family opened her beautiful eyes, her face kind, she walked up to Lu He, held her calloused, rough hand, feeling a pang of heartache. If Xiao Yan were here, she wouldn’t have been willing. This child has suffered a lot!
"I was a close friend of your mother. You can call me Aunt Ye, for now, rest easy and make yourself at home in Ye Mansion as if it were your own. I will tell you more about your maternal family later."
Lu He nodded. Her mother had spoken of this Aunt Ye, but when her mother left the Capital City, Aunt Ye was still a maiden yet to be married.
The girl seemed to remember something, her face blushed, struggling to utter any words.
Sly old Ye Family understood, "Speak freely."
She took a deep breath, gathering courage to say, "It’s like this, previously in Feng County, I received help from the Zhao Family’s Eldest Young Master. He was wronged by wicked people, and his household confiscated, his face disfigured, his voice impaired, and his legs had trouble moving. This time coming to Shangjing, besides seeking family, I also want to find a doctor to help him."