Ever since her mother's recovery, Mo Lixia had spent several nights sleeping in her mother's room. Mo Wushang watched from the sidelines, his heart burning with silent protest. Every time he wanted some quality time with his wife, his daughter was there—effectively reverting their family dynamics back to when Lixia was a toddler.
Mo Wushang grumbled that Mo Lixia was sent by the heavens specifically to "thwart" him. To this, Lixia could only offer a helpless, teasing smile.
Though Ye Qingwan had been lost in madness for years, her maternal instinct had never faded. Nanny Guirong showed Lixia a wardrobe full of clothes her mother had made for her during those five years—over a dozen outfits, tailored for every season, a testament to her constant prayer and hope.
Mo Wushang often remarked that it was a miracle Lixia remembered her own name despite her amnesia. He called it fate, a direct response to her mother's daily prayers. Mo Lixia stayed silent, thinking of her past life; perhaps it was indeed a strange coincidence that she shared the same name in both worlds.
New Beginnings in the General's Manor
The manor provided Lixia with everything she could need. Her courtyard was elegant, featuring a pavilion and a lush garden. Most importantly, after learning of her medical skills, her brother, Mo Zhanchen, had a professional pharmacy built for her. He even ensured Mochen had his own space for study.
The servants now referred to Mochen as the "Little Young Master," treating him with the same respect as the eldest son. When Lixia shared Mochen's tragic past with her family, Ye Qingwan had wept uncontrollably. She decided then and there to take Mochen as her godson, seeing in him a reflection of the child she had lost to a miscarriage years ago.
Despite his new status, Mochen refused to change his way of addressing Lixia, stubbornly insisting on calling her "Master." Just yesterday, Mo Zhanchen had officially enrolled him in Ying Tian Academy. With Mochen away at school and A'Mu—the chinchilla—off on one of its frequent forest adventures, Lixia found herself feeling a bit bored.
The Independent Future Sister-in-law
"What's wrong, Li'er? Are you feeling unwell?" Ye Qingwan asked, entering the pavilion to find Lixia lounging listlessly. She sat down and doted on her daughter, stroking her hair.
Now healthy, Ye Qingwan was the picture of a virtuous and graceful lady. Her natural elegance made it easy to see why Mo Wushang adored her. She managed the household with kindness but was held in great respect by all the servants.
"I'm fine, Mother. You shouldn't have troubled yourself to come over; you could have just sent word," Lixia said, sitting up and taking her mother's hand. She had quickly grown accustomed to this warmth.
"It's no trouble. Besides, that 'beauty soup' you've been giving me is working wonders. I feel much more energetic," Ye Qingwan teased.
"Mother was already a beauty. Even without the soup, you'd have Father so mesmerized he'd forget to eat," Lixia quipped. The surrounding maids and nannies let out muffled giggles; Lixia, once cold and silent, had learned to enjoy a bit of family banter.
"If you're bored, I should have your brother take you out for a stroll."
Lixia shook her head. "Brother is busy with his duties as the Commandant of the Imperial Guard. I shouldn't bother him."
"He's just busy with trifles," Ye Qingwan said. "Perhaps I should have him take you to meet your future sister-in-law."
Lixia's eyes widened. "Brother is engaged?"
Nanny Guirong stepped in to explain. "Young Miss, the marriage was arranged when they were children. They were supposed to wed years ago, but the young lady's father passed away, and she had to observe the mourning period."
The Story of Leng Xue
Background: She is the daughter of the Leng family, who were long-time friends of Mo Wushang.
Status: The Lengs were a merchant family. While noble families often looked down on merchants, the General didn't care about such social standings.
Current Situation: After her father died, her half-brother sold off most of the family assets and moved south, leaving her with only one shop and a small courtyard.
Independence: She now runs a clothing shop in the Capital. Her craftsmanship is so refined that the noble ladies of the city frequent her shop for their finest gowns.
"I've known that girl since she was small. She's stubborn but hardworking," Ye Qingwan said with concern. "She sent word saying she's been ill lately, which is why she hasn't visited me yet."
Lixia was intrigued. A woman running her own shop in the Capital? It seemed the women of this world weren't all confined to their inner chambers.
"Li'er, would you like to accompany me to visit her tomorrow?" her mother asked.
"Yes, Mother. I'll go with you."
"Haha! And where are we going tomorrow?" Mo Wushang's boisterous laughter echoed as he entered the courtyard. Since Lixia's return, the General had been in a perpetually good mood, smiling at everyone he met.
"We were just saying we'd go visit Leng Xue tomorrow," Ye Qingwan said, giving him a playful look.
"Go, then. Have Zhanchen escort you. I heard the girl is ill? Li'er, make sure you give your future sister-in-law a proper check-up."
"I will, Father," Lixia replied with a smile.