As the two were talking, light footsteps came from inside the house, and then a dashing woman came out. It was Ji Zhuo's mother, Chu Yunni.
"Zhuo'er?" Chu Yunni's voice carried a hint of surprise.
“Mother.” Ji Zhuo took Lin Xihe’s hand and quickly walked forward.
When Chu Yunni saw her son, she was first taken aback, then a bright smile bloomed on her face. Clearly, her son's return filled her with joy.
"Why are you back so early? Didn't you say in your letter that you would come back for the New Year?" Chu Yunni looked at Ji Zhuo with tender eyes, her gaze full of affection.
“A few days ago, I was attacked while I was out. Qin Mu said that he had planted people around you and Father, and because I was worried about your safety, I rushed back.” Ji Zhuo said, while carefully looking at his mother to make sure she was unharmed before he felt a little relieved.
"Hmph, there were indeed five petty scoundrels, but by now, they are already five wandering ghosts." Chu Yunni raised her chin slightly, her tone revealing a sense of pride and confidence.
"It's good that Mother is alright," Ji Zhuo said sincerely.
"All your martial arts skills were taught by me. How could I be harmed by those petty thieves?" Chu Yunni said, her gaze inadvertently falling on Lin Xihe, a hint of inquiry flashing in her eyes: "And who is this young lady?"
“Mother, I was just about to introduce you. This is Lin Xihe, General Lin’s daughter,” Ji Zhuo said hurriedly.
"Lin Bin?"
Chu Yunni's expression changed slightly.
"Greetings, Madam Ji. Lin Bin is my father." Lin Xihe bowed respectfully.
“Then you’re not welcome in my home,” Chu Yunni said bluntly without any mercy.
"Mother!"
Upon hearing this, Ji Zhuo's voice unconsciously rose a few decibels, filled with dissatisfaction.
Lin Xihe was also taken aback, and wondered to herself if there was some deep-seated hatred between Ji Zhuo's mother and her "father".
"Mother? What mother? If you don't listen to me, you can leave too." Chu Yunni's attitude was firm and she refused to back down.
“Xi’er saved my life when I was in a life-or-death situation. It is extremely rude of you to speak like that.”
Ji Zhuo immediately stepped forward and did everything he could to protect Lin Xihe.
However, Chu Yunni remained unmoved and turned to go into the house, leaving Ji Zhuo and Lin Xihe standing there, staring blankly at her back.
Suddenly, a cool breeze blew by, ruffling their hair. Ji Zhuo and Lin Xihe looked at each other, their eyes filled with confusion.
"Why?" Lin Xihe asked softly.
"I don't know..." Ji Zhuo shook his head helplessly.
Feeling utterly helpless, the two slowly turned around, and just as they were about to leave the courtyard, they happened to run into Ji Wuzheng.
Ji Wuzheng looked at them, a slight smirk playing on his lips: "Oh, you haven't even gone inside yet?"
"Father, do you know what grudge Mother has against General Lin?" Ji Zhuo asked hurriedly.
“As soon as you went in, I remembered. Before your mother married me, she had a crush on a young general, but that general was in love with his cousin. Judging from your mother’s current reaction, that young general must be General Lin.” Ji Wuzheng said slowly, his face calm.
Ji Zhuo asked with a puzzled look, "How could I not know about this?"
Lin Xihe was also very curious, feeling that Ji Zhuo's father's reaction was too calm and composed.
"It's all old news, what good will it do you to know? It's all in the past anyway." Ji Wuzheng waved his hand, then lowered his voice and said to Ji Zhuo, "Help me stop Xiao Lan, I'll go in and coax your mother a bit more. Otherwise, I won't even have my official robes to wear to court tomorrow."
"My lord, your conspiracy is too loud. Fine, fine, I'll let you in. Just say you knocked me out!" Xiao Lan obediently stepped aside, thinking to herself that now that the young master was back, the madam's temper would probably be much milder. She couldn't afford to offend her now.
Seeing that the maid no longer stopped him, Ji Wuzheng hurriedly walked into the courtyard.
Ji Zhuo softened his voice and said softly, "Let Father coax her. It's a good thing your father didn't agree to my mother's request back then, otherwise we would be siblings now."
"Nonsense! If that were true, the babies born wouldn't look like us now." Lin Xihe gave him a reproachful look.
"Let's not just wait here. Let's go to my room and tidy up a bit."
As Ji Zhuo spoke, he took Lin Xihe's hand and began to walk into the house.
"I'm not going. Your mother said she doesn't like me. I'd better find an inn to stay in first," Lin Xihe said awkwardly, pursing her lips.
“As long as my mother sees my father, she will be coaxed into a good mood within an hour.” Ji Zhuo held Lin Xihe’s hand tightly. He really didn’t want Lin Xihe to leave his mansion. He was determined to resolve this matter satisfactorily today.
Ji Zhuo continued to persuade, "Let's go and wash up first, then go out for a meal. When we come back, Mother's anger will surely have subsided."
Lin Xihe did feel hungry, since the two of them had only eaten a few steamed buns since morning.
Seeing that Ji Zhuo didn't seem to care too much about his mother's dislike of her, her anxiety lessened somewhat.
The two returned to Ji Zhuo's room, tidied up briefly, and then left the mansion together.
This was the first time Lin Xihe had ever truly witnessed the bustling prosperity of the capital. Everywhere, the streets and alleys were brightly lit and decorated, and despite the night having fallen, the city was still teeming with people, a scene of vibrant activity.
Although the original owner knew of the prosperity of the capital city in his memories, it was only a vague impression and was far less impressive than what he saw with his own eyes now.
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