Chapter Two, Lady Eighteen

"My leaf, my leaf." Mother cried, from a low sob to a loud wail, her cries seemed to carry more than twenty years of longing and pain. The luxurious bedding was soaked with blood and tears, appearing even more horrifying. Overcome with emotion, a strange flush appeared on Mother's face, her breathing gradually becoming rapid and labored, and I hurriedly wiped her tears.

Congratulations, Madam, congratulations, Madam, you and your daughter have finally been reunited, Jun Tingting has come to congratulate you. Although the person has not yet arrived, the voice has already reached, and the expression on the mother's face slightly changed

"Truly my dear child, truly my son." Mother, seeing my emotional turmoil, attempted to struggle to sit up, but before the maid could assist her, she spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, staining the luxurious bedding red. The sight filled me with alarm, and I hurriedly grasped my mother's hand, which felt icy to the touch

The Hulong Sifu is quite large, with each of the eighteen ladies having their own courtyards. The matriarch, who has been ill for a long time, does not wish to be disturbed and has long since issued an order that no other ladies are to come to pay their respects.

Li Xuan is this lovely little fellow, and I am filled with joy

On the road, Xuanmu and Luoyin rarely spoke. In the few words exchanged, I learned that I had a seven-year-old younger brother named Li Xuan. He was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, excelling in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. However, his character was simple and kind-hearted; he referred to the maids in the household as sisters and the guards as brothers, showing compassion for flowers and leaves. The servants in the household all liked him. Unfortunately, my father did not appreciate this aspect of his character, claiming that such a child would not amount to much. After several attempts to discipline him, and seeing that he made no changes, my father chose to ignore him, ultimately despising him.

On the third day, my mother finally woke up. Because of my return, her spirits improved significantly. That day, she unexpectedly ate a bowl of rice and drank a small bowl of soup. A hint of color returned to her pale face, and during these three days, I also began to understand this family.

The magnificent and spacious dormitory, apart from two graceful maids, only housed a seven or eight-year-old boy. His features were like a painting, and his handsome little face was so tender that it made me want to pinch it. However, at this moment, his little face was tightly drawn, and his eyes were filled with the same panic as mine

"Sister, do not be afraid, Mother will be fine." Li Xuan suddenly took my hand, his grip strong, as if to impart strength to me. In that moment, I understood for the first time what it meant to be connected at heart and bound by blood

She slept for a whole day and night. I sat on the edge of her bed, gazing at her for a long time. Li Xuan also obediently sat beside me, occasionally glancing at me with eyes full of dependence

In addition to these, my father also has some concubines to warm his bed. Although he does not have the three palaces and six courtyards of the Northern Emperor, it is still a scene of singing and dancing, with the fragrance of cosmetics wafting in the air. Hearing this, I felt a chill in my heart. With so many women vying for favor, how could my mother live comfortably?

"Ye'er, have you been well these years? Mother truly misses you." Mother kept talking, but due to her emotional agitation, she coughed up a mouthful of blood. Seeing that blood, my heart was in turmoil. The doctor waiting outside rushed in trembling and gave Mother a bowl of medicine. Not long after drinking it, Mother fell into a deep sleep, with a sweet smile still lingering at the corner of her eyes.

At this moment, a beautifully dressed woman entered from outside, strikingly beautiful in appearance. Although her voice was soft and gentle, her brows and eyes were quite sharp. Behind her followed six elegant maidservants, exuding the demeanor of a head matron.

"Xuan'er, this is your sister." Although mother’s tears had not yet ceased, her weak voice carried a sense of encouragement, making her appear somewhat more spirited. However, the bloodstains on the bedding that had not been cleaned up tugged at my heart.

Father came once, and he did not speak; he merely stood quietly in front of Mother’s bed. His tall figure resembled a great mountain. Li Xuan leaned in my embrace, looking at Father with a sense of reverence, clearly a bit afraid of him

In these years, I have witnessed too many separations and deaths, and my heart has grown fearful. I gently patted her back and softly said to her, "I have returned. Regardless of the reasons my parents abandoned me in the past, I have come to terms with my mother's current concern for me." Under my comfort, she gradually calmed down, yet her beautiful eyes still brimmed with tears.

The power in the Northern Kingdom is concentrated in the three prominent families of Luo, Yan, and Liu, as well as the eight major clans. My mother is the daughter of Luo Tong, the Prime Minister of the Northern Kingdom. The Luo family, to which she belongs, is the foremost among the three families. In addition to my mother, who is the legitimate wife, my father has eighteen concubines, all of whom come from distinguished backgrounds. One is the sister of the great general Jun Weizhen of the Northern Kingdom, three are daughters of the clan leaders from the eight major clans, and the rest are either from prestigious families or the daughters of wealthy merchants.

My mother clutched my hand tightly; although the veins were slightly visible, her grip was weak and frail. I was astonished at how weak she had become.

Ye'er, I truly cannot believe that I can see you in my lifetime. Am I dreaming? You tell me, am I dreaming? Mother slightly raised her head, her smile filled with gratitude towards the heavens

"Sister—" Li Xuan, unreserved, walked over and took my hand, showing a sense of closeness. His eyes sparkled, barely concealing his excitement and happiness. His brows and eyes resembled our father, yet he possessed the gentle demeanor of our mother. At the moment I held his soft little hand, a warm current flowed through my heart, and I was so excited that my hands trembled slightly. This little guy is my younger brother

Father's gaze was profound, devoid of any emotion. He stood up to leave without uttering a single word, nor did he extend his hand to gently stroke Mother's hair. I wonder if this man ever spoke a kind word to Mother. Was there love between them?