C17

The Second Miss of the General Mansion, who was thought to have been killed, has returned!

This news left everyone in disbelief. After all, Mrs. Yu had claimed that the Second Miss was captured by bandits, and even Mrs. Yu herself had escaped with injuries. Once back at the mansion, she prayed daily, sending out search parties one after another, all returning empty-handed. Mrs. Yu even fainted in the prayer hall...

In the grand hall, an old Taoist sat solemnly in a yellow robe, though his palms were slick with sweat. His demeanor, however, remained that of a sage. Feng Qingchen sat beside him, glancing around. The General Mansion was opulent, with red walls and colorful tiles, shaded by willow trees. The hall was spacious, with four large red pillars standing tall, and a grand plaque hanging above, inscribed with "Peace of Mind" in bold, striking characters, as if ready to leap from the wood...

Feng Qingchen overheard the murmurs around her and was surprised by Mrs. Yu's elaborate act. No wonder people called her "Madam."

"Thank you, Master, for bringing my daughter back. I am deeply grateful. Please, allow me to host a meal in your honor," said General Hee from the main seat. Dressed in a dark robe, he was dignified, with a commanding presence honed from years in the military. Nearing forty, his physique was still impressive, and if not for the hint of weariness in his eyes, he could easily pass for a younger man.

He glanced at Qingchen, and with just one look, he knew she was his daughter; their resemblance was unmistakable.

The old Taoist, having been instructed beforehand, dared not linger and quickly made his excuses.

He pondered for a moment, then shook his head, "I was originally headed to the Eastern lands to hunt demons and gain some experience. Who would have thought I'd encounter bandits along the way and find your daughter, General? I saved her because it was the right thing to do. She had been through a lot and was disoriented, unable to recognize anyone. I had no choice but to bring her here."

As he spoke, he took a jade pendant from his waist and placed it on the table. "I saw this pendant on her and guessed she was from your family, General. Without it, she would have been lost in the crowd, and I wouldn't have known where to return her."

The pendant was a rich green, with the words "Ying'er" elegantly inscribed on it. He had personally written those characters for Yanlan's tenth birthday, having it made into a pendant.

Though the quality of this pendant was good, it was nothing compared to the one Yimian received that year. Yet, even so, Yanlan wore it every day, never parting with it for a moment.

Yingyun's eyes flickered, and any doubts he had vanished instantly. He looked at Qingchen with a hint of guilt in his gaze.

"Ying'er, you've had it tough," Hee Yingyun sighed softly.

He had always felt a bit of disdain for his youngest daughter, who had been timid since childhood. As a general, he admired children who were decisive and bold. But this daughter always seemed like a mouse in front of a cat, which often made him feel a sense of annoyance.

Even though his eldest daughter, Hee Yimian, was spoiled and willful, he preferred her over Hee Yanlan's timid nature. However, today, when "Hee Yanlan" returned and followed the advice of the old priest by greeting him, her demeanor was remarkably different from before.

She had a lazy charm and a radiant presence, like a pearl that had been dusted off. Even her features seemed more lively and delicate than before.

He couldn't help but feel a newfound affection for her, perhaps mixed with a tinge of guilt.