Passing through the bustling marketplace, Lian Qiao lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and pointed ahead, introducing the surroundings to Xie Mianmian. “Miss, the bridge ahead is Zhuque Qiao. Once we cross it and go one more street, we will arrive at Yongchang Houfu.”
“Mhm.” Xie Mianmian tried to search for memories of the Houfu, but her mind was a complete blank.
It was as if a thick layer of fog separated her from the past; she could neither see it clearly nor grasp it.
Seeing her calm expression, Lian Qiao couldn’t help but imagine the scene. “You’ll be seeing your family soon. You’ve been missing for ten years; they must have been longing for your return!”
Xie Mianmian’s interest was low. “Perhaps.”
Ten years ago, the five-year-old legitimate daughter of Yongchang Houfu had been admiring lanterns with her elder brother on the night of the Lantern Festival. She never expected to be separated by the crowd and subsequently snatched away by human traffickers.
Because the little girl was as lovely as carved jade, the traffickers wanted to sell her for a high price, and so they moved her through various places, reluctant to sell her off cheaply.
Later, they accidentally clashed with Anyingwei on a mission. The traffickers were wiped out, and the young girl was rescued by the leader of the Anyingwei.
The girl had lost her previous memories due to excessive shock and became the youngest soldier in the Anying.
—This was what was written in the dossier the Crown Prince had given her regarding her background.
During ten years in the Anying, after countless hardships and life-and-death struggles, she had become the famous “Little Demon King” of the Huangjia Anying, as well as the current Crown Prince’s all-purpose Yingwei.
Over these years, she had long grown accustomed to staying by the Crown Prince’s side, accompanying and protecting him, while being pampered and indulged by him.
She had thought she would remain by his side for the rest of her life, never to leave, only for him to suddenly inform her that she was the legitimate daughter of Yongchang Houfu who had been lost for ten years, and then order her to return to the residence to acknowledge her ancestors.
As a version of Xie Mianmian who lacked her memories from before the Anying, she did not have much expectation or affection for this unfamiliar Houfu.
But since the Crown Prince wanted her to return, she would return.
Because the Crown Prince’s decisions were always right.
The Crown Prince said that in three months at most, he would bring her back.
He even sent two people to accompany her, saying one was skilled in martial arts while the other was well-versed in the affairs of the inner court.
It was just a pity…
She hadn’t seen the Crown Prince before she left today, nor had she been able to say a formal goodbye.
Before exiting the palace gates, she couldn’t help but look back. She thought she saw him on the city tower, but then felt her eyes must have played a trick on her.
After all, the autumn wind was biting, his health was poor, and he resided in the Donggong year-round; it was impossible for him to climb the tower.
…
Seeing Xie Mianmian’s indifferent expression, Nanny Qi feared she was overthinking and offered comfort. “Miss has been missing for ten years. When the Marquess’s Wife sees you, she will surely weep with joy.”
As the managing nanny of the Donggong, she had watched Xie Mianmian grow up and loved her like her own child.
Such a wonderful child had brought her immense joy during her many years in the palace; surely the Marquess’s Wife would be even more doting now that she had regained her lost daughter.
Lian Qiao nodded repeatedly. “Exactly! The residence must be decorated with lanterns and streamers already, with your favorite dishes and snacks prepared, just waiting for you to step through the door!”
“Maybe.” Xie Mianmian’s reaction was calm as she leaned against the carriage wall, eyes closed to rest.
The chill of the carriage wall seeped through her clothes, just enough to suppress the faint stirrings in her heart.
The carriage slowly crossed Zhuque Qiao, its speed gradually decreasing.
Lian Qiao excitedly lifted the curtain, her voice bubbling with joy: “We’re here, we’re here! Miss, look, that is Yongchang Houfu!”
Xie Mianmian opened her eyes and followed her gaze.
The vermilion gates were tightly shut. The four gold-plated characters for “Yongchang Houfu” on the plaque were written with powerful strokes, exuding the prestige of a great noble family.
However, there were no lanterns or streamers, no sounds of laughter or joy—not even a single figure waiting to welcome them.
The wind swept up a few fallen leaves, swirling them beside the stone lions flanking the gate.
The carriage came to a steady halt in front of the Houfu. The driver pulled the reins and announced loudly, “The Eldest Young Miss of Yongchang Houfu has returned home!”