A Mother and Daughter's Love
Although her appearance was not particularly striking, the dignity she carried could not be concealed, even in a simple blue dress.
Even daughters raised in noble households since childhood carried themselves in this manner, but this girl had been abandoned to the countryside for more than a decade. She had never been guided by a tutor or a nanny.
How could this be?
Madam Zhao was puzzled, but she did not slow her steps as she led Yu Linlang and the others toward the gates of Yuchunyuan.
"Miss, please wait here for a moment," Madam Zhao said before turning to a young maid standing at the door. She gave the girl a meaningful glance and instructed, "Go inside and report that Miss Yu has arrived."
With that, she turned back to Yu Linlang. Seeing that the girl remained calm and composed, showing no displeasure, Madam Zhao felt a surge of curiosity.
Any ordinary girl, abandoned by her family for so many years before finally returning home, would be unable to hide her emotions. No matter how much she tried to suppress them, some reaction would show.
But this girl—no sorrow, no joy, no anger. There was something missing.
Madam Zhao found herself at a loss for words.
They waited quietly outside the gate for a short while before the little maid returned. She glanced at Yu Linlang and smiled.
"Madam Zhao, the lady says she is feeling a little tired today, and since it is already late, she asks that Miss Yu return to her own quarters to rest. She will speak with her tomorrow."
Madam Zhao turned to Yu Linlang again, expecting a reaction.
Any other person, abandoned by their mother for years and now met with such distant treatment, would likely be heartbroken. Some might even burst into tears.
Yet, Miss Yu's expression remained unreadable. Her composure was unsettling—almost as if she had expected this outcome.
Without hesitation, she turned to Madam Hu. "Lead the way."
Madam Hu had been watching the exchange with interest. But the moment Yu Linlang's gaze swept over her, she quickly adjusted her expression, forcing a smile. "Yes, Miss."
Madam Zhao hurried forward to escort Yu Linlang out of the courtyard, attempting to smooth over the situation. "Actually, Madam has been talking about you for the past two days. She did not expect your journey to be delayed until this late. After a long day, she must be exhausted and didn't want to force a meeting tonight.
"Miss, don't take it to heart. You must be tired from your travels, having braved the wind and sun. Get some rest tonight, freshen up, and I'm sure the lady will invite you to reunite properly tomorrow."
"Mm." Yu Linlang nodded lightly. "Madam, please stay behind."
As they reached the porch, a strong fragrance of perfume filled the air.
A group of young girls, laughing and chatting, escorted a strikingly beautiful girl toward the gate of Yuchunyuan.
She wore a double-ring bun and a wide-sleeved red robe.
The embroidery on her dress was exquisite—peonies and bamboo patterns so lifelike that they seemed to dance with every step she took. As the hem of her dress swayed, a brilliant red shadow spilled into the golden light of the setting sun.
As they crossed paths, Madam Zhao and Madam Hu's faces lit up with warm smiles.
"Oh, it's the young lady!"
"Madam thought you wouldn't be back today! Please, come in quickly."
The girl in red smiled. "Father was at the ancestral hall today, so I came back late. Mother hasn't gone to bed yet, has she?"
"No, no. Our lady is the most filial. She never misses her morning and evening greetings. She has been waiting for you."
Still smiling, the girl in red linked arms with Madam Zhao and walked inside.
As she passed Yu Linlang, she cast her a fleeting glance before moving on with her maidservants, her smile never faltering.
"Madam, who was that?" Yu Linlang asked.
"Oh, that's Miss Yu Pianpian, the most outstanding young lady of our household. She was raised by the madam herself, adored by her grandmother, and is the pride of our family. She is skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting," Madam Hu replied enthusiastically, eyeing Yu Linlang closely.
"Currently, Miss Pianpian is studying at Shuyun Women's Academy in Weizhou, the most prestigious school for young ladies in the capital. She ranks among the top students every year.
"With her talents, beauty, and grace, she stands out even in the capital's most elite circles."
Madam Hu watched Yu Linlang intently, hoping to see some reaction—jealousy, anger, or at least some emotion.
But there was none.
Yu Linlang remained as composed as ever, like a still, unfeeling statue.
It was strange. Most people, upon meeting someone who had taken their rightful place, would feel some resentment. They might not lash out, but they would at least show a flicker of emotion.
But Yu Linlang… nothing.
It was almost unnatural.
Madam Hu sighed.
What a twist of fate it had been. Miss Pianpian had been mistakenly brought into the household, and yet, even after the truth was revealed, the madam refused to cast her aside.
It seemed that the bond between a mother and daughter was not merely one of blood. Meanwhile, Yu Linlang, the madam's true daughter by birth, could never quite win her mother's heart.
"Has the garden been prepared?" Jiujin suddenly asked, her tone calm. "How much longer will it take?"
Madam Hu's heart skipped a beat. She was afraid this unruly girl might throw another tantrum and start hitting people again. She quickly responded, "We're almost there."
"You'll follow me to the front yard later," Jiujin instructed. "Gather more servants and move all my lady's potted plants to her new quarters."
Madam Hu pursed her lips. "I doubt there will be enough space."
Jiujin's patience snapped. She swung a fist at the older woman. "If there's no space, I'll just stack them on top of you!"
Madam Hu shrieked and ducked, covering her head. "Alright, alright! The garden is just ahead!"
"Our residence isn't large. In the past, the eldest and second young misses had to share space in Magnolia Garden. Later, Madam took pity on the second miss and gave her the western side of the garden to build a private residence.
"Now, Miss Yu, your quarters will be the east wing—where Miss Pianpian used to live."
"Such a small yard, though," Madam Hu murmured. "How will you fit all those plants?"
"Stop talking. Just move them," Jiujin snapped, helping her mistress into Magnolia Garden.
It was indeed a small courtyard. A narrow corridor connected two wing rooms on the east and west sides. In the center was a tiny open patio with a stone table and three stone benches.
It was obvious that this place had once been used as a study rather than living quarters.
There were too many people in the governor's mansion, and most of the rooms were already occupied.
Some concubines—those without favor—probably didn't even have single-family courtyards like this one.
Yu Linlang stepped forward, pushed open the door to the east wing, and frowned.