Chapter 9, Close Relatives

She gently patted her brother's shoulder, and after a long moment of reluctance, she finally released her hand. She then slowly stepped forward, as if her feet were weighed down by a thousand pounds. When she reached the front, however, she did not take her mother's outstretched hand; instead, her knees buckled, and she knelt down on the ground, bowing her head three times.

Yu'er has been frail since childhood, so this time when going to the capital, in addition to the Song family's servants and a few maids, I also plan to have Han'er accompany her. First, when arriving in an unfamiliar place, they can look out for each other; second, although Han'er is not the lady's biological child, she was still the lady's beloved during her lifetime, and it is only proper to pay a visit to the matriarch.

In three or four days, the weather will gradually become cooler. At that time, let's choose a good day to set off. Han'er, tomorrow I will have someone take you home to bid farewell to your mother and younger brother. After you arrive in the capital, I will ensure that they are well taken care of.

Sister

"Your sister is going on a long journey, so your mother is counting on you to take care of things." Seeing Zhang Chang's shocked expression, with his eyes gradually turning red, she gently stroked the little one's forehead and, holding back her tears, said, "A man should not shed tears lightly; you must remember, a true man does not cry, even when he bleeds or sweats. Your mother has only you to rely on!"

Her biological mother, her biological younger brother, at this very moment, she should have already left the Zhang family to return home and reunite with her loved ones. Yet now, she is forced to struggle painfully for herself and her family, all of which is attributed to the Zhang family. Now, Zhang Changyong even speaks in a tone of bestowal, as if stabbing her deeply in the chest! This man, apart from wealth and glory, can discard his wife and daughter without a second thought; in his heart, he has never cared for anyone but himself! Now, Zhang Changyong even speaks in a tone of bestowal, as if stabbing her deeply in the chest! This man, apart from wealth and glory, can discard his wife and daughter without a second thought; in his heart, he has never cared for anyone but himself!

The family of three returned home together. Knowing that Zhang Changyong believed that both inside and outside the Zhuang family were his own people, and that his mother and younger brother, being women and children, could not escape, he did not send Song Mama along today. Zhang Han understood that this opportunity was rare, so she sent Bi Yin and Fang Cao to guard outside. She then squatted down and said to Zhang Chang: "Sister has something important to tell mother. Little brother, stay here and don't let anyone in. If you can do this, sister will be able to return and reunite with mother and you in the future, do you understand?"

It was only after Zhang Changyong entered the room that Zhang Han fiercely clenched the handkerchief in his hand into a ball

Mother, this jade phoenix hairpin, let us each take half, and in the future, we shall use this item to speak for ourselves

Sister, you can rest assured!" Zhang Chang vigorously wiped his eyes with his sleeve and then said decisively, "My mother and I will be waiting for your return!

Zhang Han was momentarily taken aback when she was tightly embraced by someone, but upon realizing that the little one was her younger brother Zhang Chang, her stiff body quickly relaxed. Trembling, she reached out to caress the round little head, and tears began to fall uncontrollably. Instinctively, she held him tightly in her arms. Once she finally managed to stop the tears, she lifted her head and saw a middle-aged woman staring intently at her from more than ten steps away, momentarily forgetting to move.

Zhang Han pretended to be joyful as she knelt in greeting, but inside she was harboring an indescribable anger

The last time, she evaded her longing for her deceased mother and was unwilling to leave Guide Mansion. This time, Zhang Changyong personally accompanied Mama Chu and Mama Zhao to persuade her. At first, Zhang Qi sulked and ignored them, followed by a long bout of crying. It was only after Zhang Han helped to mediate that she reluctantly agreed. Seeing that both mothers firmly believed in Zhang Qi's identity, Zhang Changyong could not help but feel a significant weight lifted from his heart. Once Zhang Qi had rested and the group sat outside, he finally brought up the most important matter.

Mother Song ultimately did not go to Zhang Changyong to stir up such meaningless disputes. After Zhang Changyong met with Mother Chu and Mother Zhao, he learned that Zhang Yu was unwilling to go to the capital due to her attachment to her deceased mother. Hearing the two women speak highly of Zhang Han, he naturally accompanied them in sighing and lamenting for a while. The next day, when he personally came to the villa, he took the opportunity, when no one was paying attention, to nod in approval at Zhang Han.

"Mother, please do not say that. The causes and effects of today stem from the City God Temple of the past; if there is anyone to blame, it is only myself for being overly concerned." Zhang Han interrupted her mother's words, then gently pried apart her mother's fingers one by one. After gazing into her tear-filled eyes for a moment, she softly said, "Mother, you must remember every word I am about to say. After I enter the capital, if one day someone comes to see you with my token, you must believe what he says, and you must act according to his words. Do not hesitate, and do not ask why."

"It is all my fault. It was my fear that they would go off to war and never return that led me to agree to Madam Gu's request to send you to the government office!" Zhang Liu felt her heart wrenching in pain, and she tightly grasped Zhang Han's arm, unable to hold back her tears. "It is all my fault, it is all my fault that I harmed you... Han'er, all these years, every time I dream, I dream of you calling for me, and I truly regret it..."

Jiang Chang nodded vigorously, and Jiang Han smiled as she touched his forehead, then she pulled Jiang Liu into the inner room. Once the mother and daughter settled down together, she took a deep breath and asked directly: "Mother, how did you come here?"

Thank you, godfather

"It was Master Zhang who sent someone to fetch us. I initially hesitated, saying I was used to living in the old house, but they insisted that the security in the city was unstable. I couldn't refuse, so I brought Chang'er over. " Upon seeing that Zhang Han's expression was not good, Zhang Liu immediately reacted, "Could it be that something has happened to the Zhang family?"

However, Mother Song did not notice that Zhang Han, sitting there seemingly engrossed in listening to others, had been keeping a watchful eye on her from the corner of her eye. The moment she saw a hint of a mocking smile at the corner of Mother Song's mouth, she immediately sensed it. Reflecting on the conversation between Zhang Changyong and Mother Chu, where Mother Song had previously mentioned that all her relatives were under the control of the Gu family, how could she truly believe that they had any good intentions towards her? Her heart grew increasingly vigilant. It was not until Zhang Changyong spoke that she suddenly came to her senses.

What! Mrs. Zhang Liu originally thought that with Madam Gu not present, she could bring her daughter back for a reunion. Hearing this news was like a bolt from the blue, leaving her utterly stunned. After a long while, she finally embraced Zhang Han's shoulders and, her voice trembling, said, "How could this be? Then when... when will you return?"

Madam Chu and Madam Zhao, after all, are from the Hou residence, and at this moment, they are both seated on small stools, while Madam Song stands beside Zhang Han. Upon suddenly hearing that the matriarch had originally intended for Zhang Han to enter the capital together, she could not help but feel a chill run down her spine.

Zhang Changyong, however, believed that she was genuinely pleased, and for a moment, he felt proud again. He then whispered, "Moreover, I have heard that your mother initially wanted to match Yuer with His Highness the Prince of Zi. You should try to inquire about this marriage when you arrive in the capital. If this matter can be facilitated, I will become the father-in-law of the Prince of Zi, and you will enjoy endless wealth and glory!"

"Hmm, I was just thinking of wearing the shoes you made for me!" Zhang Han took the handkerchief Bi Yin handed him to wipe the corner of his eye, then nodded slightly. He then affectionately rubbed his younger brother's head and smiled as he nodded again, "I also want to see if the studies I left for my younger brother have made any progress."

This is something I have saved for many years, bought from a jewelry shop, originally intended as a gift for you to celebrate your fortieth birthday this year. The other pieces of jewelry are from the Zhang family, while the silver hairpin you gave me, I cannot bear to break it, so I can only use it as a token. " Zhang Han tightly grasped the half jade hairpin held by Zhang Liu's hand, smiling through tears, and said, "The day when these two broken hairpins can be reunited will be the day our family is together again"

"The godmother has passed away." Upon hearing this, Zhang Liu's expression changed dramatically, and he immediately showed a hint of joy, but quickly suppressed it again. Zhang Han did not want to worry her mother too much, so she vaguely said, "But two marquis families from the capital have sent people to take my sister to the capital, because my godfather is worried and wants me to accompany her..."

Although it was said that they were being sent home, early the next morning, after Zhang Han boarded the carriage with Fang Cao and Bi Yin, she realized that the carriage was not heading to her home. Indeed, the carriage drove straight out of the city, following a small path that she vaguely remembered for quite some time, and finally entered another estate of the Zhang family, stopping only at the second gate. Just as she stepped down from the carriage, supporting Fang Cao with her hand, she saw a small figure rush over like the wind.

The reunion of mother and daughter felt as if there were endless words to share. After sitting for a long time in the room, Zhang Han noticed that Zhang Chang was standing behind the curtain of the main room, intently gazing outside. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow in her heart and called out, "Little brother." Zhang Chang turned around, and upon seeing her, he immediately ran back with great joy, embracing her arm and calling out, "Sister."

"Xiang'er... my child..." Upon hearing the word 'unfilial,' Zhang Liu's heart felt as if it were being cut by a knife. The tears that had been swirling in her eyes could no longer be contained. She almost instinctively pulled her daughter into her embrace. It was only when she saw her younger son, Zhang Chang, holding Zhang Xiang's hand and wiping his tears with all his might that she suddenly became aware of her surroundings. She quickly raised her sleeve to wipe her eyes and forced a smile as she said, "Alright, alright, it's rare for you to come back. Don't cry and make a fool of yourself. Mother has made you clothes, shoes, and socks. Come and try them on to see if they fit. Chang'er even specially wrote a couple of big characters for you to see!"

Not bad, it is not in vain that the lady has taught you these past few years how to win people's favor. Hmm, before you accompany Yu'er to the capital, I will arrange for you to meet your mother and your younger brother

Not knowing, she resolutely uttered these three words that greatly disappointed her mother. Zhang Han then held her mother's hand and said, "Mother, even though I am not by your side, you must take good care of yourself and the books. Also, take care of Chang Di... If there are any letters from Father and Elder Brother, just tell them that I am doing well, and do not let them worry..."

Mother, I have come back to see you... the unfilial daughter has returned to see you

Zhang Liu saw that the exquisite phoenix pattern still remained on her half of the jade hairpin and couldn't help but speak: "Han'er, you..."

She is not like Madam Zheng, who simply goes along with whatever the lady says. Even if the Prince of Zhi and Zhang Yu are of similar age, and even if Concubine Gu has deep sisterly feelings, it is unreasonable to push her own son into a fire pit. Moreover, there are indeed daughters from both noble families, so how could the good fortune of becoming a princess fall to someone like Zhang Yu, who is frail and sickly? Now that she has come up with this scheme to deceive everyone, Zhang Qi's advantageous marriage actually puts her in danger. This time in the capital, she must plan carefully and investigate the true intentions of the matriarch. As for Zhang Han, this troublemaker must be dealt with somehow!

Well, sister, you can rest assured

At this point, she took a jade hairpin from her bosom, crouched down, and struck the joint against the ground several times with force. Seeing that the hairpin broke into two pieces, she wrapped one of the pieces in a handkerchief and handed it to Lady Zhang Liu.

Mother Chu immediately broke into a smile and slightly nodded, saying: "Even if Second Aunt's husband did not mention it, I originally intended to bring up this matter. Before leaving, the matriarch had mentioned that she wanted to meet the beautiful Miss Han, who is described as a gem in Second Aunt's letter, to see what kind of person could elicit such praise from her. It is fortunate that Second Aunt's husband has the same intention; that would be even better."

In the countless days and nights at the government office, she longed for the New Year. It was not for the delicious food or fine clothes that the New Year brought, but because it meant she could return home for three days, see her mother and younger brother, enjoy the sesame dumplings made by her mother’s own hands, and wear the coarse cloth jacket sewn by her mother. This was far more precious than any luxurious clothing or sumptuous feasts at the Zhang family.