Chapter 5, Entering the Palace

Since Xie Fanghua is to enter the palace tomorrow in the identity of Wang Yin, accompanied by Duke Zhongyong to present a secret letter to the Emperor, she cannot restore her identity for the time being. Therefore, that evening, Xie Mohan instructed the attendant to tidy up the adjoining room next to him, and she took residence in Zhilan Courtyard

Xie Mohan had never imagined that one day her sister would return in such a grand manner. She could never have anticipated that her sister would actually destroy Wuming Mountain. What is Wuming Mountain? It is a place that exists like hell, and she had never thought it could be destroyed one day. And the one who destroyed it was her sister.

On the morning of the second day, Aunt Fu came to call for Xie Fanghua. Xie Fanghua was still dressed like a servant as she had been yesterday, but she had changed into a new outfit. Her complexion remained a deep red, and her strides were large, making it hard to discern any semblance of a young lady.

The two arrived at Zhilan Garden, where Xie Mohan was already waiting at the entrance. The evening breeze was quite chilly, and he was only wearing a light fur coat, without a cloak. Although he appeared to have a long neck, he seemed somewhat frail.

Xie Fanghua emerged from Rongfu Hall, and the sky had already darkened

Brother!" Xie Fanghua called out warmly with a smile

The Xie family lineage has been passed down to this day. Although its roots are not as extensive as during the time of the founding ancestors, it has consistently thrived, with each generation of the direct line producing talents who have served in the court, thus maintaining stability for over two hundred years. However, during the time of the old marquis, the political situation became turbulent, and the northern border of the Qi state was unstable. The old marquis was in charge of the military, stationed in the army, and the old lady passed away early, which delayed the birth of their children. As a result, they were left with only a son and a daughter. That son is the father of Xie Mohan and Xie Fanghua. Unfortunately, six months after the birth of Xie Fanghua, both of her parents died in an accident, leaving behind a pair of siblings. The daughter, in turn, married far away to the Northern Qi as a substitute for the late emperor's eldest princess. Thus, the direct lineage of the Xie family has become a single line of descent with Xie Mohan.

However, using an eagle to send messages can only convey brief words, and we can only know that each other is safe without saying much more.

That night, Xie Fanghua slept exceptionally well

Xie Mohan looked at Xie Fanghua from head to toe, then pulled her aside to inquire about her situation over the years. Xie Fanghua briefly recounted her experiences, but Xie Mohan felt a bit uncomfortable as he observed her calm demeanor. Xie Fanghua understood that her brother felt she was useless, which was why he had sent her to suffer in the nameless mountains. She then changed the subject and asked him about his experiences over the years

Aunt Fu breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, repeatedly saying, "That is good. Now that you have returned, things are not as they were before. In the past, when you had not yet reached the age of maturity, the old marquis only told others that your health was poor, that you were delicate and could not withstand wind and rain, fearing accidents. Therefore, you were kept in seclusion, rarely leaving the house, and were excused from all the banquets at the palace and various estates. People outside speculated that you must have contracted a serious illness, which is why you were not seen. There were inquiries made, but the old marquis and the heir were very secretive, and nothing could be uncovered. These years have passed peacefully. Now that you have reached maturity, it is time to consider marriage. No family can continue to hide their daughter away from the public eye. Otherwise, your future prospects for marriage may become difficult. Therefore, since you have returned, you must still uphold the decorum of a young lady, to avoid making mistakes in public and becoming the subject of ridicule."

The Duke of Loyalty and Valor is now advanced in age. He retired from court three years ago. Although he no longer participates in state affairs, the Duke's residence is a hereditary marquisate, and the old duke still retains the right to meet with the emperor at any time

Xie Fanghua, with her clear understanding, knew what she was worried about. She smiled and said, "Aunt Fu, you need not worry. If I can survive from a place akin to hell, I can certainly manage being a young lady of the Hou residence. As it stands now, I am behaving this way, but once I regain my status, I will not act like this. I have not forgotten a single bit of the etiquette I learned before."

Upon arriving at Rongfu Hall, Duke Zhongyong was already dressed and waiting for her

Xie Fanghua held Xie Mohan's hand and led him into the house

Xie Fanghua looked at the Loyal and Brave Marquis, whose hair had turned gray for the most part, and after a moment of melancholy, she lowered her head and stood properly behind him

Xie Fanghua nodded and murmured, "Grandfather is the most stingy, he wouldn't even spare a meal for me, it's still my brother who cares for me"

Thus, the two siblings know very little about each other's lives over the past eight years, and there is an endless amount to talk about.

After a long separation, the two siblings unknowingly conversed until deep into the night

Aunt Fu observed her several times, hesitating to speak.

The loyal and brave marquis glared at Xie Fanghua and said, "How do you ride a horse?"

Xie Fanghua respectfully said, "Old Marquis, I am a military general, and there are no cowards in the army. Naturally, I cannot ride in a sedan chair."

The loyal and valiant marquis observed her with a serious demeanor, paused for a moment, and then lowered the curtain of the sedan chair

When Xie Fanghua left at the age of seven, there was no news for three years. Xie Mohan once thought that his sister could not possibly survive in that hellish place, and he was heartbroken. Unexpectedly, three years later, he received a letter that she had secretly sent back. From then on, he would receive a letter from her every six months, which gradually reassured him.

The Duke of Loyalty and Valor had a restless night yesterday, growing increasingly agitated at the audacity of Xie Fanghua. It was one thing for her to personally destroy Wuming Mountain, but to not only hide away quietly but also to personally deliver this news to the Emperor was beyond comprehension. Indeed, he had grown old; in the company of this granddaughter, he was even less composed and dignified than she was. After tossing and turning, contemplating repeatedly, he still could not come up with a good solution and could only agree to her entering the palace

Indeed, from ancient times to the present, it has always been the case that wicked individuals are more tenacious

The collateral branches have always sought to grow stronger, marginalizing the direct line in order to seize the titles. Moreover, Xie Mohan's health has been poor, often falling ill. Therefore, it has been extremely challenging for the old marquis to manage the vast marquisate alone over the years

The attendant stood at the door waiting for her and respectfully said in a low voice, "Young Master Zheng Er and Young Lord Yan, along with others, have all left. The heir has ordered your favorite dishes to be prepared and is waiting for you at Zhi Lan Courtyard"

Since she was able to send a message back from the strict controls of the nameless mountain, it indicates that she is certainly not an incompetent person within the nameless mountain

Sister!" Xie Mohan stepped forward, his voice somewhat restrained and suppressed

The sedan bearer carried the loyal and valiant marquis in front, while Xie Fanghua rode on horseback behind, proceeding towards the imperial palace in a front-and-back manner

Xie Fanghua nodded slightly, secretly thinking that the idea of marriage was very distant for her; she had no intention of marrying herself off in this lifetime

Xie Fanghua led the horse past the doorway, stepped onto the stirrup, slightly adjusted her leg, and gracefully mounted the horse

The remaining branches of the Xie family, however, are increasingly flourishing with descendants, in contrast to which the direct lineage appears solitary and desolate

The Marquis of Loyalty and Valor dismounted from his carriage, and Xie Fanghua got off her horse. The Marquis presented the palace token, and an inner servant led the two of them towards the southern study.

The two siblings entered the room, and the attendant closed the door, standing guard outside.

The Duke of Loyalty and Valor's residence is located on the outskirts of the imperial palace, not far from the palace itself. Before long, they arrived at the palace gate

Xie Fanghua thought that among the young gentlemen she had seen today, her brother was a complete invalid. Even though Qin Zheng appeared thin, he was definitely not weak; that person was about the same height as her brother, yet he was much more spirited than him

Upon exiting the gates of the Duke of Loyalty and Valor's residence, the Duke ascended the sedan chair

The attendant glanced back; just a moment ago, he had stood at a distance, yet he could still hear the old lord's heavy breathing, clearly indicating that he was once again agitated. It was already fortunate that the young lady had not been punished, so how could there still be the mood to invite him to dinner

Xie Mohan wanted to reach out and embrace her, but then he remembered that she was no longer a child; his younger sister was now fifteen years old, taller than the average girl, and had already passed the age of coming-of-age, considered a young lady. Even as her older brother, he could not be disrespectful. After a moment of melancholy, he withdrew his hand and gently patted her head