Chapter 283: Chapter 255 Zhan Er
It has only been a little over six years since Liang Ning passed away, and most of those serving at the Liang Mansion are still the same people from back then. How could Fu Zhen possibly not recognize them?
This Uncle He was still a servant under Liang Ning’s father!
Uncle He, trembling with fear, never expected to hear his own name from the mouth of the important General’s wife and was suddenly shocked, eyes wide open!
"... Madam, how does the Madam know of me?"
Fu Zhen remained calm and composed: "I have a close relationship with your General’s wife. We share everything and she often talks to me about the loyal old servants of your mansion."
Uncle He was immediately moved beyond words!
Servants like them, who have been honest and loyal all their lives, have no great ambitions or desires. To be remembered and acknowledged by the current lady of the house in their old age was an inexplicable honor!
He was suddenly excited: "I am unworthy! – Someone! Someone, quickly report to the madam, that the wife of General Pingxi has arrived!"
With his shout, all the household staff heard it from all directions, immediately stopping their tasks and swiftly preparing to receive the guest!
Fu Zhen tugged at Liang Xuan’s little arm: "Your house is so big, don’t make your mother run back and forth, you lead me inside."
Liang Xuan said: "Alright!"
At this time, the housekeeper near the front courtyard of the Liang family had already come out to greet them. Seeing the wife of General Pei being led by only the child Liang Xuan, he rushed to intervene: "Madam, please wait a moment. You are a distinguished guest of the Liang Mansion, how can we receive you so casually? Our great general and his wife will come out soon!"
"Little... ah, Fifth Sister-in-law!"
At this moment, another voice rang out loudly, and it was Liang Zhi coming towards them in quick strides: "Why are you here alone? Where is the fifth brother? The seventh brother said he left the camp early on, yet he didn’t accompany you?"
Fu Zhen didn’t pay attention to his words but instead looked around at the gradually forming welcoming crowd, saying: "I’ve already entered the door. Do you think making such a big fuss is appropriate?"
Liang Zhi was taken aback, then quickly gestured to the household staff: "Leave the welcoming to me, you go and tend to other things!"
After saying that, he promptly led Fu Zhen into the courtyard.
The purpose of the welcoming ceremony was to show off at the main gate. Once inside, it was no longer necessary.
A member of the Liang family returning to their own home, why bother with ceremonies? What etiquette is needed?
Liang Zhi would have preferred it if he could have climbed over the wall like in the old days!
The servants spread the word incredibly quickly, and before long, Liang Chen and Su Xinger stepped out, exclaiming: "Weren’t you supposed to come in the afternoon? How come you’re early? The kitchen may not have time to prepare a feast!"
"Then let’s just eat something simple!" Fu Zhen said, "Ask the old chefs to make a table of dishes they used to cook often!"
Passing through the two gates, Fu Zhen’s pace couldn’t be stopped!
She lifted her leg and walked along the corridor toward the main house!
Once home, who still bothers about eating?
Of course, she hurried to revisit this place where she had lived since childhood, examining everything again. More than six years ago, Liang Ning left home to pray at Baihe Temple, never thinking she’d never return in this life. And after her death, she never thought she would stand alive in this residence again!
Along the way, she struggled to hold herself back, barely managing not to behave strangely in front of the servants.
However, the Liang family was well prepared, leaving only a few servants to attend to their needs, and these individuals were among the most loyal.
"It’s better to come early, so you can stay longer."
Once inside the main hall, Su Xinger waved everyone away, leaving only the four of them to talk.
"After the meal, I’ll take you around. Let’s become sisters, and today’s purpose will be fulfilled."
It was merely a formality, something easy to accomplish.
Fu Zhen hesitated: "Why aren’t the First Sister-in-law and Second Sister-in-law in the mansion? I should actually visit them."
The two sisters-in-law indeed felt like her own daughters, and out of caution, she had to temporarily hide her resurrection from them, but how she longed to properly pay her respects to them.
"On further thought, it seemed best to find a way to keep Mother and Aunt away. They know you so well that even the slightest hint would reveal you. It’s better to resolve things with Xu Yin first."
Fu Zhen guessed as much, so she said no more.
Mentioning Xu Yin just so happened to bring something up!
"We’ve just finished interrogating the assassin caught at the Zhe Family last night."
"What did you find out?"
Fu Zhen gazed at them deeply: "The assassin is very likely from the northern lands."
"Northern lands?"
Liang Chen, a general guarding the border, was particularly sensitive to regions. Upon hearing this, he stopped the cup of tea halfway to his mouth.
"Does ’northern lands’ refer to Dayue or another country or tribe?"
"It’s hard to distinguish," Fu Zhen replied, "Only his northern accent can be discerned."
Aside from Dayue, the northern lands also house several small countries. They all share ties, appreciate Central Plains culture, and are like vassals, so their accent gives no specific origin.
"The northwest camp stretches over a large area. While you lived there, you barely left its boundaries. Beyond the camp is mostly desert, with few villages or towns, and once you leave the border, there’s little hope of encountering such people. So Xu Yin couldn’t possibly have met such people back then."
Liang Chen set down the tea: "Where is he now?"
Fu Zhen said: "In Zhan Er’s villa."
As Pei Zhan returned to the manor and changed his clothes, he arrived at the Liang Family to find Liang Xuan sitting on a stone step, tilting his head as he gazed towards the main hall.
Pei Zhan approached and flicked his hair: "What are you doing here?"
Liang Xuan turned his head: "Father, mother, and Second Uncle are being so odd. Clearly, I’m the one who invited Fifth Aunt here, yet they won’t let me inside."
Pei Zhan, understanding the situation, said: "Adults are talking; what do kids need to do? Go do your homework."
He then headed toward the hall.
Just as he reached the doorway, he heard Fu Zhen say "Zhan Er," and his steps slowed as his mind filled with chaotic thoughts.
"Zhan Er"?
So, in her eyes, he was still that young boy who could have his cheeks squeezed and pinched at whim, even though he was five or six years older?
Pei Zhan looked down at his sturdy frame, then inhaled deeply as the servants announced his presence, walking in and settling beside Fu Zhen, leaning gently to her ear:
"I just went back to change my clothes, and you came so soon. Why didn’t you wait for me?"
The man’s breath suddenly brushed against her cheek, making Fu Zhen shiver, and she leaned back!
Pei Zhan casually supported her shoulder, making her sit upright: "We’re all family, no need to stand on ceremony."