Old Madame Guogong had also received word that Feng Jinxuan had regained consciousness.
Yet she felt no joy, only confusion and worry.
Nevertheless, her face showed surprise and delight.
“Xuan’er pays her respects to Grandmother.”
Feng Jinxuan stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
Old Madame Guogong was momentarily stunned, followed by disbelief.
“She truly has awakened.”
Old Madame Guogong clasped her hands together, quickly rose from the couch, helped Feng Jinxuan up, and examined her with tear-filled eyes.
This closer look, however, made Old Madame Guogong’s heart sink.
Feng Jinxuan’s eyes held a smile, yet they were cold and detached, like a dispassionate observer.
Old Madame Guogong embraced her, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere.
“Thank heavens, you’ve finally awakened.”
Feng Jinxuan allowed herself to be held, showing no struggle, no emotion, no joy.
Madam Yun stood nearby, glancing at Nanny Zhao.
Nanny Zhao kept her head bowed, not daring to utter a word.
After all, before the young lady lost her wits, she had been arrogant and fierce—who would dare provoke her?
This made Nanny Zhao recall past events, still vivid in her memory.
She couldn’t help but shudder. It had been eight years of madness, yet now that she was awake, why did her gaze still seem so terrifying?
Old Madame Guogong held her for a while, but seeing no reaction, she eventually let go.
“If your mother knew you had awakened, she would rest in peace beneath the nine springs.”
Supported as she sat down, Old Madame Guogong sighed with emotion.
“How coincidental, Granddaughter remembers that tomorrow is Mother’s death anniversary.”
Feng Jinxuan did not sit but looked at Old Madame Guogong, slightly frowning as if trying hard to recall.
Old Madame Guogong, holding a teacup, paused. “Let your second mother handle this matter.”
“Second mother?” Feng Jinxuan tilted her head, looking utterly confused.
“It’s her,” Old Madame Guogong chided gently. “Now that you’re lucid, have you forgotten the events of these years?”
“Some things from these years, I truly cannot remember.”
As she spoke, she rubbed her temples, her eyes growing somewhat dazed.
Old Madame Guogong sighed in response. “If you can’t remember, let it be. No need to strain your mind.”
Naturally, she did not want Feng Jinxuan to recall anything and hold it against her.
Seeing this, Madam Yun stepped forward. “Xuan’er, do you truly not remember me?”
“Are you my second mother?” Feng Jinxuan asked with an innocent expression.
Madam Yun, seeing her revert to her former foolish demeanor, smiled faintly and nodded.
“I wish to leave the manor tomorrow,” Feng Jinxuan suddenly changed the subject.
“You’ve just awakened; you should rest and recuperate properly.”
Old Madame Guogong set down her teacup, speaking with displeasure.
“Grandmother, it is Mother’s death anniversary. I should go to pay my respects.”
Feng Jinxuan’s gaze was resolute.
“Didn’t I say to let your second mother handle it? You can pay respects within the manor.”
Old Madame Guogong’s voice grew stern.
“Oh.” Feng Jinxuan lowered her eyes, then tilted her head again. “But… why do I live in the side courtyard?”
Old Madame Guogong frowned. “It was to spare you from painful memories, so we sent you to the side courtyard to recuperate.”
“Now that I am well, I should return to my own courtyard.”
Feng Jinxuan turned to look at Yingge, then lowered her gaze to her own tattered clothes.
Madam Yun spoke up at this moment, “You’ve been ill all these years, and that courtyard has been empty for a long time. A few days ago, when my niece came to visit me, I let her stay there.”
“Then have her move somewhere else,” Feng Jinxuan’s tone suddenly turned cold as she looked at Old Madame Guogong. “Grandmother, what do you think?”