Chapter 13: Returning Home, Farewell to the White Lotus

Hearing Shen Haoyue’s hoarse voice, Shen Ningyuan’s cries grew even more heart-wrenching.

She clung to Shen Haoyue tighter, repeatedly calling out, “Second Brother.”

Shen Potian and Cui Jin, along with Shen Haobai standing not far away, saw this scene and felt nothing amiss.

The close bond between Shen Haoyue and Shen Ningyuan was well known throughout the capital.

Everyone knew that the immortal young master Shen Haoyue, who had been obsessed with cleanliness since childhood—never tolerating even a speck of dirt on his pristine white clothes and always changing into a fresh set immediately—had painstakingly raised his younger sister.

His so-called obsession with cleanliness completely vanished when it came to his beloved sister.

For example, now, as Shen Ningyuan sobbed into Shen Haoyue’s embrace, tears and mucus smeared all over him.

Yet Shen Haoyue showed no hint of disgust or resistance; after loosening his hold, he gently wiped her tears away with his sleeve.

“Alright, little sister, no more crying. If you keep crying, it won’t look good.”

His voice was as gentle as his movements.

With his comfort, Shen Ningyuan gradually stilled her sobs.

“Second Brother, I just haven’t seen you for so long, I missed you terribly,” she choked out.

“It has indeed been a long time. Ever since you married off, Second Brother hasn’t seen you for a whole year…” Shen Haoyue said somewhat helplessly.

Looking at Shen Haoyue’s face, an indescribable feeling welled up inside Shen Ningyuan.

To Shen Haoyue, they had only been apart for a year.

But for her, it had been a full four years.

And the last time they met, Shen Haoyue had been turned into a human pig by Ji Yunchuan, confined in a tiny jar.

Thinking of this, Shen Ningyuan’s eyes reddened again, tears streaming uncontrollably.

Shen Haoyue quickly raised his hand and wiped away her tears with his sleeve.

Nervously soothing, he said, “Yuan’er, didn’t I say no more crying? Seeing you so heartbroken makes Second Brother uneasy!”

“Indeed, if you cry any more, you’ll ruin the new clothes your Second Brother just made,” Shen Haobai said, dismounting and coming over to pat their backs.

“Alright, there are too many eyes outside. Let’s go in and talk!” Shen Haobai said. “Yuan’er, your sister-in-law is waiting for you inside! You know she’s advanced in her pregnancy and can’t go out in the wind, so she didn’t come to greet you.”

Shen Ningyuan nodded in understanding.

At this time, her sister-in-law was about seven months pregnant.

In two more months, the little nephew in her womb would be born.

This time, she was determined to let the little nephew grow up safe and sound!

“All right, let’s go in.”

Shen Potian called to the three siblings as they entered the General’s Mansion.

The five of them stood shoulder to shoulder in a line, striding into the mansion together.

Yet, through the crack in the gate, a pair of eyes glared viciously at the scene.

Seeing Shen Ningyuan safe and sound, the owner of those eyes clenched their teeth fiercely.

Unwilling, they muttered, “Shen Ningyuan, I never thought you’d really come back alive! What exactly happened? How could the Ji family’s bunch of useless people fail even this small task?”

As Shen Ningyuan and the others stepped onto the steps of the General’s Mansion, the owner of those eyes hurriedly composed their expression and came out.

“Aunt, uncle, didn’t you say you were going to the Ji family for my cousin-in-law’s funeral? Why did you bring my cousin back?”

Cui Mingzhu stepped into view and, seeing Shen Ningyuan, feigned surprise.

Seeing Cui Mingzhu appear, a flash of hatred exploded in Shen Ningyuan’s eyes.

This traitorous white-faced wolf had colluded with Ji Yunchuan to betray their entire family!

She remembered clearly that at first, she had no affection for Ji Yunchuan, much less love.

It was Cui Mingzhu who kept whispering in her ear about how wonderful Ji Yunchuan was, the dream husband for many women.

At that time, young and naïve, she was easily deceived by Cui Mingzhu and began to care for Ji Yunchuan.

Later, Cui Mingzhu repeatedly brainwashed her, insisting she must marry Ji Yunchuan.

If not for Cui Mingzhu, she would never have married Ji Yunchuan and would have avoided what happened next!

Unable to control herself, Shen Ningyuan glared at Cui Mingzhu with eyes full of hatred, wishing to tear her to pieces.

At this moment, hearing Cui Mingzhu’s words, Shen Haoyue frowned slightly, clearly displeased.

“This is Yuan’er’s home too. What’s wrong with bringing her back?” Shen Haoyue asked coldly.

Cui Mingzhu’s face twitched at his question.

She hurried to explain, “Second Brother, I didn’t mean that. I just feel sorry for my cousin and wondered if she had suffered some grievance, otherwise why would she suddenly come back?”

“Since she married into the Ji family, she hasn’t returned even once. If she hadn’t suffered some great grievance, why would she suddenly come back to the Shen family?”

No sooner had she spoken than Shen Ningyuan took a deep breath and cast a cold glance at Cui Mingzhu.

She never expected that upon meeting Cui Mingzhu after her rebirth, she would immediately lose control and openly confront her in front of the entire Shen family.

What did “If she hadn’t suffered, why would she suddenly return to the Shen family?” mean?

It was clearly a veiled insult to Shen Ningyuan, implying she had no place in the Shen family.

Otherwise, why wouldn’t she return even once after marrying out?

Yet she knew full well that a year ago, after marrying Ji Yunchuan, he had gone off to war.

There was no wedding banquet, no bridal chamber night, no husband accompanying her back to visit.

That marriage was incomplete.

Therefore, she could not return to her maternal home!

Only after Ji Yunchuan returned and accompanied her on a formal visit could she come back to the Shen family without hesitation.

Taking a deep breath, Shen Ningyuan was about to retort when a clear voice rang out from behind Cui Mingzhu.

“The Shen family will always be your sister’s home. Whether she wants to come back or when she wants to come back is her choice. What business is it of yours?”

Just then, a woman in a blue pleated skirt, her raven hair tied up high, stepped out from behind Cui Mingzhu.

Though visibly pregnant, she walked with a heroic grace, like a free wind blowing straight to Shen Ningyuan.

Grasping Shen Ningyuan’s hand, the woman looked around before finally exhaling in relief.

“It’s good you’re safe. Ever since father, mother, and husband went out, I’ve been anxious, fearing something might have happened. Now seeing you return safely, I can finally rest easy!”

Shen Ningyuan clasped the woman’s hand in return, smiling, “Thank you, sister-in-law, for your concern. Yuan’er is back.”

“We’re family; no need for such formalities!”

Saying this, Song Feiyan shot a sidelong glance at Cui Mingzhu.

“Unlike some people who, the moment sister returns, rush to poison her mind, as if afraid she’ll live too peacefully!”

Named directly by Song Feiyan, Cui Mingzhu immediately became agitated.

She hurriedly defended herself, “Sister-in-law, I’m only concerned for my cousin, afraid she suffered in the Ji family. How could you twist my words?”

“Whether you twist them or not, you know the truth yourself!”

“Hmph!”

Song Feiyan snorted coldly and refused to look at Cui Mingzhu further, pulling Shen Ningyuan into the General’s Mansion.

“Aunt—”

Cui Mingzhu’s eyes reddened, looking aggrieved at Cui Jin.

She seemed about to say something but stopped.

Cui Jin merely glanced at her and said lightly, “If there’s anything, we’ll discuss it inside.”

“Yuan’er just returned and needs time to recover. Mind your tongue and don’t say things you shouldn’t!”

Having had things put this bluntly, Cui Mingzhu could only nod, “...Alright, Aunt.”

She shut her mouth and followed the others into the mansion.

Yet her gaze remained fiercely fixed on Shen Ningyuan’s retreating figure, teeth clenched tightly.

Why, this wretch—why was she still alive and able to come back?