Chapter 12: Xie You'an's Indifference

The nickname "Lingyun," as grandmother once said, was chosen to mean "spiritually elegant and intelligent, resilient and perceptive," embodying the hopes placed upon her.

Alas, in her previous life, Xie Yun’s experiences ultimately failed to live up to these words.

But this time, with a fresh start, she was determined never to follow the old path again.

"You... you came here? You were just supposed to come see us, right? Your father—he’s still at the study hall and hasn’t returned yet. I’ll send someone right away to fetch him!"

Wang Chengdai’s expression was fraught with panic. She hadn’t even registered Xie Yun’s words when she said "I’m back." In her heart, she thought perhaps Xie Yun was only here to visit briefly and would soon return to the opulent Prime Minister’s residence.

Seeing her flustered and incoherent, Xie Yun smiled softly, pressed her lips together, and gently took hold of her arm. “Mother, there’s no rush. I’m staying here this time. When father comes home tonight, he’ll see me too.”

Wang Chengdai seemed rooted to the spot, staring blankly at her. Only then did she notice the thin cloth bundle cradled in Xie Yun’s arms.

Not going back to the Prime Minister’s mansion?

Was this really what she meant?

“Mother, let’s go inside and talk.”

Xie Yun caught sight of someone approaching from the side, clearly drawn by the noise, and frowned slightly. Wang Chengdai finally snapped out of her daze, pulling her inside and carefully closing the door behind them.

Though the Xie family’s home on Huaiqing Alley could not compare to the grand estates in Mingzhao Lane, it was far better than Xie Yun had imagined.

White walls and dark tiles came into view. The square courtyard shared one side with a tall wall adjoining the neighbor’s property, likely compromising soundproofing.

Under the eaves stood three adjacent rooms, with a kitchen on the far right connected to a stone corridor. On the far left sat a pearwood table and several rattan chairs, with a pomegranate tree flourishing in the corner, lush and vibrant.

Those three rooms probably belonged to Xie Yuming, Xie Wenyan and Wang Chengdai, and the remaining one to her elder brother, Xie You’an. The kitchen was modest but not cramped, outfitted with all essentials.

The courtyard where Xie Yun now stood, barely spacious, served as a living room.

She glanced around and felt a subtle stirring within.

No towering red gates, no pavilions or water terraces, no flower halls or winding corridors—yet merely by looking, a warmth seeped into her heart.

Wang Chengdai stood beside her, watching her expression anxiously. “Yunjun... don’t disdain this place. Come, sit here. I’ll fetch you some water.”

She guided Xie Yun to a rattan chair in the courtyard, then hurried into the kitchen to pour a cup of water.

As if still busy, Xie Yun smiled and pulled her down to sit beside her. “Mother, please sit too. I want to have a proper talk with you.”

Wang Chengdai’s fair cheeks flushed bright red from excitement. She hurriedly sat beside Xie Yun, letting out a small “Ah.”

Seeing that Wang Chengdai had many questions, Xie Yun patiently explained everything in detail.

“Yuming has already returned to the mansion today. The Prime Minister’s wife adores her, so you need not worry.”

“I saw them recognize each other as mother and daughter. I also miss you deeply, Mother. Leaving the Prime Minister’s mansion was my decision, and of course, I informed the Prime Minister’s wife. From now on, I will stay here and keep you company.”

Only then did Wang Chengdai feel as if she were not dreaming.

But though Xie Yun spoke lightly, Wang Chengdai keenly sensed something amiss.

If she were truly well-treated at the Prime Minister’s mansion, why would she want to come back to Huaiqing Alley? There must be some hidden truth she did not know.

“My dear child, since you wish to return, your mother will welcome you anytime!”

For the moment, Wang Chengdai set aside her other worries and looked at Xie Yun with eyes reddened by emotion.

This woman, nearing forty, had only just learned yesterday that the girl she had raised for fifteen years, Xie Yuming, was not her biological daughter. Early this morning, the girl had been whisked away by the Prime Minister’s luxurious carriage, leaving Wang Chengdai little time to process it all.

Though not related by blood, Yuming had been by her side for fifteen years!

Her heart ached, and she secretly wondered whether her true daughter was in an awkward position within the Prime Minister’s household. Unexpectedly, Xie Yun had taken the initiative to return here.

Having lost one daughter, Heaven had sent her real daughter back. It seemed fate was not unkind to her.

Seeing her reaction, Xie Yun’s almond-shaped eyes shimmered with faint tears, but she quickly smiled to hide them.

Mother and daughter spoke for some time in the courtyard, growing familiar with each other. As the sun dipped below the rooftops, Wang Chengdai suddenly realized she hadn’t prepared dinner. Xie Yun volunteered to help in the kitchen.

Xie Wenyan and Xie You’an returned together.

Upon seeing Xie Yun standing gracefully in the courtyard, both were stunned. Hearing Wang Chengdai smile and explain Xie Yun’s identity, Xie Wenyan was so shocked his hands trembled for a long while.

Only seventeen-year-old Xie You’an scanned Xie Yun with a detached gaze before coldly averting his eyes.

Hmph—a young lady of noble birth, how long could she possibly stay here?

This brother was simply unworthy.