"Yes, Madam, your maid will arrange it right away."
Hui Chun nodded and quickly went down to make arrangements as instructed by Ling Changyi.
Ling Changyi stood in place. The cold north wind blew on her face, but she felt no chill. Instead, it was rather comfortable. The wind in the capital city carried with it wealth and prosperity; even a biting cold wind felt not cold at all.
…
Two days later, Ling Changyi, filled with joy, went to the city gate early in the morning to wait. She had been anticipating every second, finally having managed to get her person brought here.
"Madam, it's Miss… it's Miss's carriage that has arrived."
Hui Chun immediately recognized it as their Zhang family's carriage and shouted loudly.
The carriage stopped beside them, and a graceful woman alighted.
"Greetings, Miss," Hui Chun said with a slight bow to the woman.
"Daughter greets Mother."
"Miaor, you must be tired from your journey. Mother has been longing day and night for your arrival."
Ling Changyi stepped forward and clasped Zhang Miaor's hand, a surge of emotion welling up in her heart. She reached up to wipe a tear from the corner of her eye.
"Mother, daughter was safe all the way. Now that I finally see Mother, daughter is also at peace."
"Everything will be fine once we get to the capital. Come, go with Mother to meet your maternal grandfather."
Ling Changyi pulled Zhang Miaor's hand to walk forward, but Zhang Miaor gently held her back. "Mother, daughter has traveled a long way, and my hair is a bit disheveled, with dirt stains on the hem of my clothes. I should go change before meeting Maternal Grandfather."
"No… Miaor, it's best for you to go see your maternal grandfather in your current attire."
Although Father appears cold on the outside, his heart is the softest. Seeing Miaor's pitiable appearance, he will surely be moved, and their plans will be more convenient then.
"Daughter understands, Mother."
Zhang Miaor nodded slightly, firmly keeping her mother's instructions in mind.
As she stepped into the Ling manor, she realized what true wealth and prosperity meant.
Their family was considered affluent, but compared to the Ling manor, it was insignificant. A small courtyard here was larger than their entire mansion.
Before, when Mother spoke of the Ling manor's wealth, she thought Mother was exaggerating. Now, seeing it with her own eyes, she understood what true riches were.
Zhang Miaor's eyes darted around, finding everything novel and rare.
"Mother, this courtyard is so grand, and those flowers… there are so many I've never seen before…"
"Silly child, this is the capital, and the Ling family is an ancient noble lineage. Of course, some things are rare. But you will be living here from now on, so there's no rush to see everything. You'll have plenty of time to look slowly later."
"Yes, Mother."
The thought of staying here made Zhang Miaor unable to hide the smile on her lips.
"Do you still remember what I taught you? When we meet your maternal grandfather later, do you know what to do and what to say?"
"Daughter remembers everything Mother taught. Daughter knows what to say and will absolutely not disappoint Mother."
Ling Changyi looked at Zhang Miaor with affection. Her daughter was the most outstanding and would never disappoint her.
"Mother trusts you. Let's go in."
Ling Changyi, holding Zhang Miaor's hand, stepped inside and bowed slightly to the Ling family patriarch, who was amusing himself by playing with a bird. "Greetings, Father. Father, Miaor has arrived."
As soon as she finished speaking, Zhang Miaor, with keen awareness, stepped forward and knelt before the Ling patriarch. "Miaor greets Maternal Grandfather and kowtows to pay respects."
The Ling patriarch turned around to look at Zhang Miaor kneeling before him. This was the first time he had seen his granddaughter. "Get up, let me have a good look."
"Yes, Maternal Grandfather."
Zhang Miaor slowly stood up, her eyes smiling as she looked at the Ling patriarch.
"You…" The Ling patriarch was momentarily stunned upon seeing Zhang Miaor's appearance.
This child bore such a striking resemblance to her maternal grandmother in her brows and eyes, but with a lack of calculating shrewdness, only radiating brightness and innocence.
The Ling patriarch's mind involuntarily conjured up the image of that calculating, malicious woman. He lowered his gaze, concealing the expression on his brow. "How old are you this year?"
"Replying to Maternal Grandfather, I am sixteen this year."
"Sixteen… such a fine age. Have you studied any books?"
"I have studied 'Nu Ze' and 'Nu Xun'…"
The Ling patriarch nodded with satisfaction. "It is good for girls to have studied these books. You will stay here peacefully for these days. Remember, you must abide by the rules in the Ling family, do you understand?"
"Miaor understands. I will definitely be well-behaved in the Ling family and will absolutely not cause any trouble."
Carefully remembering her mother's admonishments before arriving, Zhang Miaor appeared very docile. Her initial impression on the Ling patriarch was quite good.
"Later, I will have a tailor come to make you two new dresses. If you need anything, tell your eldest sister-in-law. She is currently in charge of the household affairs. You must obey her in all matters and must not defy her."
"Miaor understands."
Zhang Miaor respectfully listened to the Ling patriarch's instructions until he waved them away. Only then did they leave.
"Mother, who is the eldest sister-in-law that Maternal Grandfather mentioned just now? He even specifically instructed me to obey her. This eldest sister-in-law must truly be favored by Maternal Grandfather."
"She is currently in charge of the household's internal affairs, making decisions on all matters big and small within the manor. Do not provoke her, do you understand?"
Zhang Miaor stuck out her tongue and nodded dismissively, unconcerned. "I understand, Mother."
She had only just arrived at the Ling family and was unfamiliar with the surroundings. Moreover, she was not a legitimate daughter of the Ling family, so naturally, she wouldn't intentionally stir up trouble.
"It's good that you understand. Go back to your room, change your clothes, and wash up properly. I will take you to meet that eldest sister-in-law."
"Yes, Mother. I'll go now."
She deliberately chose a ruqun embroidered with plum blossoms, styled her hair in a coiled snake bun, and adorned it with a silver hairpin shaped like four butterflies, making her appear even more delicate and charming.
Zhang Miaor looked at her reflection in the mirror with satisfaction. She had always been confident in her appearance. Coupled with her mother constantly telling her that her looks were more than enough to be an imperial concubine, her confidence grew even more.
"Miss is truly beautiful. This maid thinks you are even more beautiful than the noble ladies in the capital."
"Naturally. My beauty has always been superior. Once I settle in the capital, all the women in this city will be eclipsed by me."
Zhang Miaor's tone was quite arrogant. After admiring her peerless beauty once more, she twirled her waist and went out contentedly.
"Mother, do you think my attire is alright?"
She walked up to Ling Changyi and turned around, a smile on her lips.
"You truly are my daughter, so beautiful."