Full House Spring

Chapter 76 Returning Home
Mrs. Luo had no idea that the old lady had done such a good deed without telling them. It turns out that old people are always wise.

There was a determined light in her eyes, as if no one could stop her, and she said in a straightforward voice: "Don't worry, sister-in-law, I know what to do."

Song also didn't want the Duke's Mansion to become a laughing stock in Kyoto, but nowadays face is not as important as substance, and her two children have to gain a foothold in Kyoto.

She said calmly, "The old lady and the Duke are gone, the children should wear mourning clothes. No matter how noble the princess's status is, her grandmother is gone, she should come back to burn incense."

Luo's eyes were deep, and she echoed, "It should be so. Even if she is the queen, she should not forget filial piety."

Lu Jianfeng lowered his head and remained silent, obviously agreeing with his two sisters-in-law's actions.

On the other side, Xia Li returned to the house in a depressed mood. The matter of Shi Mi and Qiao He going with her had been made clear to the eldest lady. Xia Li received all the redemption money she was entitled to, and the eldest lady also gave her the indenture.

Song probably wanted to establish a good relationship with Xia Li. She had no shortage of servants around her, and it would be difficult to make arrangements for the elderly people around the old lady, so it would be better to do her a favor.

Although Shi Mi was sad about the old lady's death, she was not so frightened now that she had a new place to stay. Qiao He was afraid that there would be chaos in the mansion and someone would bump into Xia Li, so she came early to stay by her side.

The two maids had always believed in Xia Li from the bottom of their hearts, and although their status had changed now, they adapted quickly. Nanny Zhou was not a person who would take advantage of her seniority, so the three of them put Xia Li first in everything, and they got along very harmoniously for a while.

Seeing that the luggage in the room was packed neatly, Madam Zhou said respectfully, "Young lady, it's almost noon, and the Second Master hasn't come to pick you up yet. How about I go back to the mansion to check on him?"

Xia Li was rubbing the bracelet that Madam Xie often wore. She raised her eyes and said calmly, "Second brother must have been held up by something. It would be good for Madam to go back to the mansion and let Second Brother know. It won't be too late for him to come pick me up after he has dealt with the matter."

When Madam Zhou heard this, her heart was warmed. She felt that her daughter was as considerate and sensible as when she was young. She said gently, "I know about this and will return soon. You two should not leave the daughter alone."

Qiao He nodded in agreement, and Shi Mi handed a cup of tea to Xia Li, saying in a hoarse voice: "Don't worry, Madam, we won't be careless about the young lady."

Although Nanny Zhou had not been with Xia Li for a long time, she could see that she was a very independent-minded girl, so she left with peace of mind. After Qiao He closed the door, Shi Mi lowered her voice and asked, "Miss, will the mansion get through this difficult time?"

Their family all worked in the Duke's Mansion. Although they often quarreled over marriage, Shi Mi was really worried about their safety. Xia Li took a sip of tea and said calmly:

"I don't know if I can get through this safely. It depends on what our Second Miss thinks and the attitude of the Crown Prince. It's certain that Prince Hui will bear a grudge, but he won't go so far as to confiscate our property."

Shi Mi frowned, she knew in her heart that the Duke's Mansion would be seriously damaged this time. Without the old lady in charge, the situation would be very bad. She couldn't ask Xia Li for help, she could only take it one step at a time.

Qiao He had no concerns about the mansion, and it was not her turn to worry about Madam Lu, so what she cared about most at the moment was what would happen after she accompanied Xia Li home.

She said in a brisk tone: "Miss, are we going to live in Lord Fang's mansion in the future, or live in Laizhou for a long time?"

Xia Li said in a gentle tone: "I should go to Laizhou. My parents and elder brother are all in Laizhou. There are still many people of my clan there. I will definitely go back."

Qiao He held her chin with her hands and looked longing. She said in a clear voice, "Laizhou is close to the sea. People there should love to eat seafood. I can't cook much. I must learn how to cook it when I get there."

Xia Li had never really thought about these things. Now that she had regained her freedom, she would not be too restrictive on Qiao He and Shi Mi. They could boldly try whatever they wanted.

Xia Li said softly: "You are still young, it is not too late to learn again, and I will not put pressure on you."

A new life always makes people yearn for it. Shi Mi's lips curled up unconsciously. She said softly, "It's not enough for the girl to be with us three. We need two more people who can do needlework."

Xia Li pondered and said, "One person who can sew is enough. I can make some clothes myself in my free time. It would be even better if I could have a maid who can read the account books. Seeing how generous my second brother is to me, I think I will have plenty of private money in the future."

Shi Mi covered her mouth and laughed, "Young lady, you are really thoughtful. In the future, you will need someone to take care of the dowry, and I have to learn how to manage the accounts."

After all, the requirements for serving Xia Li and serving the old lady are different. The old lady needs attentive service in terms of food and daily life, while Xia Li needs a helper. Shi Mi has no plans to change her master, so she can only learn more skills.

Xia Li simply ignored the word "dowry" and encouraged her, "It's good to have many skills. If you want to go out and live a free life in the future, you will be more confident. I can set you two free at any time."

Shi Mi and Qiao He looked at each other and said in unison: "We will live with the girl and don't want to go anywhere."

Some people have deep-rooted ideas, so Xia Li didn't force them. She chuckled and said, "It's up to you to decide. People always have different ideas at different ages..."

As soon as she finished speaking, there was a knock on the door. Nanny Zhou said in a steady voice, "Young lady, the Second Master is here to take you home. He has already arrived at the mansion and is burning incense for the old lady in the mourning hall. I asked this old servant to come and inform you first."

Qiao He hurried to open the door. Nanny Zhou was followed by six maids. Seeing Xia Li hurriedly bowing, Xia Li stepped forward, raised his hand, and whispered softly, "Then I'll go right over."

Madam Zhou turned around and told the maids, "Put the girl's luggage on the carriage and wait outside the mansion."

Shi Mi and Qiao He followed Xia Li without looking around. They had all seen the world, and Xia Li was also accustomed to the behavior of the masters in the mansions of nobles, so they adapted well.

After Fang Jingzhi came out of the palace, he immediately asked his long-time attendant to go back to the mansion to arrange a carriage. He came to the Duke of Liang's Mansion wearing court clothes, his heart full of worries about his younger sister. Now is a turbulent time, and the longer he stays in the Duke of Liang's Mansion, the more dangerous it will be.

After Fang Jingzhi finished offering incense, Song said politely, "Thank you, Lord Fang, for coming to offer condolences. Xia Li was not frightened last night. If Lord Fang is busy with official duties, it would be fine to let her stay at the mansion for a few more days."

Fang Jingzhi bowed to her and said respectfully, "My sister has been bothering me in the mansion for many years. It would have been fine if I didn't know about it before, but now I really don't want to be separated from her. Our Fang family's daughter is precious, and the relatives in Laizhou are looking forward to her return."

Song nodded slightly, regretting once again that she had missed such a good daughter-in-law. Luo and the others had not returned from Prince Hui's Mansion yet. Seeing Fang Jingzhi wearing court robes, Song couldn't help but ask, "Does Lord Fang know about my son's situation? Did he suffer before he was taken to prison?" Fang Jingzhi, seeing that Xia Li grew up in the Duke's Mansion without being tortured, also remembered the Duke's Mansion's kindness, so he told her everything he knew:
"Prince Lu has not been disrespectful to the new emperor, he was just implicated by the Third Prince. He has not suffered any physical pain in the palace, and I think he will return home soon, Madam, there is no need to worry."

Song was relieved to know that her son was safe and sound. She had never known that the Fang family had such a good boy. Thinking that Qing He had not yet been engaged, she could not help but feel a little tempted. Just as she was about to ask more questions, she heard Xia Li's voice as warm as jade calling, "Second brother, you are here..."

Fang Jingzhi saw his sister's happy expression, and thinking that they were in the mourning hall, he quickly restrained his expression and said lovingly: "I was late because of something. Were you scared last night?"

Xia Li first bowed to Song as a junior, and then said, "There are guards in the mansion. I was not scared. Don't worry, second brother."

Fang Jingzhi saw that Xia Li's eyes were a little red and swollen, and knew that she must not have slept well last night, so he said in a deep voice: "If you have nothing else, let's go back home."

Xia Li nodded gently, looked at Song and said, "Thank you for your care over the years, Madam. Xia Li is going home. Please take care of yourself. I will come to pay my respects to you again if I have the chance."

Song's love for Xia Li was from the bottom of her heart. Now that she was leaving, she couldn't help feeling sad. She held Xia Li's hand and said softly, "You must come back to the mansion more often. Qing He is close to you. Contact her more often when you have time. Don't be estranged."

Xia Li nodded slightly, and before leaving, she lit another stick of incense for the old lady. Aunt Xie had been buried earlier, and the old lady who had once given her warmth and protection was no longer with her. She could only slowly explore the road ahead by herself.

After the brother and sister came out of the Duke's Mansion, Fang Jingzhi accompanied Xia Li on the carriage. After the carriage left the Duke's Mansion, Fang Jingzhi said in a low voice:
"Xia Li, I am the only one living in my house for now. My cousin comes to visit occasionally. Something happened in Minister Cao's house and she couldn't leave, so she didn't come to pick you up. She is also thinking about you, so don't mind it."

Xia Li chuckled and said, "Second brother, don't worry so much. The Duke's Mansion was so dangerous last night, let alone other mansions. But why didn't you call me Youyi?"

Fang Jingzhi pursed his lips and smiled, "You have been Fang Xiali for so many years. I am afraid you will not be used to the sudden name change. In the future, you will still be Fang Youyi in the family tree. You can just call you Xiali by your nickname. External things are not important. What matters most is that you are happy."

There are too many things in this world that are forced in the name of love. When Xia Li heard such a thoughtful answer, she felt Fang Jingzhi's respect and care for her. He did not mind his past as a slave.

Xia Li smiled lightly, "Father and mother... do you know that my second brother has found me?"

Fang Jingzhi nodded and said, "I have already sent a letter back to Laizhou as fast as I can. Your family will send someone to pick you up in a month at the latest. During this time, your second brother will take care of you. If I have done anything wrong, just point it out. Don't hold your temper. It's not worth it to get yourself hurt."

Xia Liliu had little kinship and no experience getting along with her brother. She chuckled and said, "Don't worry, second brother. I never get depressed. I just tinker with some small things occasionally. If there are things in the mansion that cannot be moved, you must let me know in advance."

Fang Jingzhi liked her bright and generous personality, and said in a relaxed tone: "You can do whatever you want at home. I can also accompany you to walk around in my spare time. I guess you are not free in the inner house, and you haven't been to many places in Kyoto, right?"

Xia Li's eyes lit up, and she nodded rapidly, saying, "Apart from going to the market, I only accompanied the old lady to burn incense, and then stayed for a while at a farm in the suburbs of Beijing. I haven't been to other places, and I spent most of my time doing embroidery in the mansion."

Fang Jingzhi said distressedly: "Try to do less embroidery in the future, so as not to damage your eyes."

Xia Li chuckled and said, "I have my own way of protecting my eyes, so it won't be a big deal. Sometimes I can't help but want to use my skills, so don't worry, second brother."

The brother and sister had just met each other, but they had no barriers in speaking to each other. The more they talked, the more they understood each other, and soon the carriage arrived at the gate of Fang's house.

Xia Li was helped out of the car by Fang Jingzhi. After entering the door and crossing the front yard, a winding corridor came into view. After walking a few steps forward, there were several houses standing above, alternating between dark and gloomy.

Walk up a few more steps along the stone steps and you will enter a courtyard with lush flowers and trees. The whole courtyard is filled with the faint fragrance of flowers, giving you a tranquil feeling of being one with nature.

Fang Jingzhi saw Xia Li's smile and said in a steady voice:

"This house is quite old. My parents got married here. This east wing is specially reserved for you. Go in and take a look. If you need anything, just ask Madam Zhou to arrange it."

Xia Li was not a picky person. She walked straight to the east wing and saw more than a dozen pots of vibrant flowers placed under the eaves. She looked at them for a few more seconds.

When she reached out and pushed open the door, she saw that the room was fully equipped with a bed, a wardrobe, a table and chairs. In the middle was a yellow wood carved bird display stand. The furnishings were all for a boudoir, and were carefully crafted.

Fang Jing pointed at the jewelry box on the dressing table and said, "Second brother doesn't understand your preferences as a girl. He only collected the most expensive jewelry on the market. Let your cousin accompany you to choose again some other day."

Xia Li's eyes flickered as he said, "My second brother said that I will be going to Laizhou soon. Why did you prepare so many jewelries? It's such a waste of money."

Fang Jingzhi said nonchalantly, "This is nothing. Mother has saved a lot for you. You are the only girl in our family. Who else should I give these things to if not you? Just dress up well and don't worry about what others say."

Xia Li had never been treated so attentively by her family members, and she couldn't help feeling a little overwhelmed. After achieving financial freedom in her previous life, she also collected jewelry. These things can be bought with money, but family affection cannot.

Seeing that she was silent, Fang Jingzhi thought she was tired, and said considerately: "I guess you didn't get enough rest last night, go back to your room and catch up on some sleep. The court is in such a mess that I may have to go back to do some work. If you have anything to ask, just tell the housekeeper to do it, don't worry."

Xia Li collected his thoughts and said with a light smile, "I understand. Second brother, just take care of your own business and don't worry about me."

Seeing his younger sister being so well-behaved, Fang Jingzhi couldn't help but continue nagging:
"I'll have lunch delivered to your room. If I'm home before dinner, I'll eat with you. If I'm not, just eat your own..."

He wanted to explain everything in detail. Nanny Zhou was so amused that she couldn't help but joked, "Second Master, the young lady has an old servant by her side. If you keep talking like this, the young lady will find you annoying."

Fang Jingzhi said with a lingering feeling: "Okay, I won't say any more. I'll keep an eye on the news from the Duke's Mansion for you. It won't affect you, so just stay home and relax."

(End of this chapter)