TFWYH – Chapter 709 Careful Instructions

Even if she had met him before the age of three, she could no longer remember.

However, judging from everyone’s reactions just now, she had already guessed who he was.

The Emperor smiled warmly.

“I am the Emperor—your imperial grandfather. I even held you in my arms when you were little.”

“Imperial… Imperial Grandfather…” Huangfu Ronglan smiled shyly.

She wanted to get up and pay her respects.

But the Emperor stopped her gently.

“You may dispense with formalities. Rest for a while first. I need to discuss some matters with your father. Later, I’ll have someone bring you something to eat, all right?”

“All right. Thank you, Imperial Grandfather!” Huangfu Ronglan nodded obediently.

“Gentle and well-mannered—a good child indeed,” the Emperor praised with satisfaction. He then looked at the others and said, “Let’s step outside and let Ronglan get some rest.”

Everyone was baffled, but none dared disobey, so they all filed out.

As Jiang Shi, hidden beneath her hood, was leaving, she looked back at Huangfu Ronglan on the bed with profound reluctance.

This was the first time mother and daughter had met.

It would probably also be the last.

She could not even call herself her mother.

Then again, she wasn’t worthy of being this child’s mother.

What kind of mother forgot she had given birth to a child, leaving her to fall into the hands of wicked people and suffer for years?

She wasn’t worthy…

Hidden beneath the hood, Jiang Shi’s face was already drenched in tears.

Huangfu Ronglan noticed her gaze and asked curiously,

“Auntie… is there something else you need?”

“N-No, nothing.” Jiang Shi held back her sobs as she gently advised her. “Take good care of yourself and focus on recovering, understand?”

Just as Ling Yu and Tang Wan reached the doorway, they heard her voice and finally recognized the hooded woman as Jiang Shi.

The young couple froze simultaneously and turned to look at her.

Meanwhile, Jiang Shi continued speaking softly to Huangfu Ronglan.

“You are the mistress of the household. If servants ever bully you again, you must show the dignity befitting your status. If you lack anything or want something, tell your father. Your father is a good man. As long as your requests aren’t unreasonable, he will surely grant them.”

“You spent so many years in confusion and suffering, but you are still a prince’s daughter—a member of the imperial family. Once your health improves, you should begin learning all the things a noble lady ought to know…”

“Oh dear, listen to me…” Jiang Shi forced a smile. “You’re already such a sensible child. I suppose none of this needs to be said. I’m being too long-winded…”

Huangfu Ronglan felt both puzzled and deeply touched.

An inexplicable desire arose within her—to draw close to this auntie, to cling to her and seek comfort.

But…

That would be too abrupt.

Her cheeks flushed red.

“I understand, Auntie. I’ll be good.”

“Good child… good child…” Jiang Shi murmured. “Then… then I’ll be going. I’m leaving now…”

Reluctantly withdrawing her gaze, she walked away in a daze.

My child, this parting will last forever.

I can never repay what I owe you in this lifetime.

In your next life, don’t be born from my womb again.

I am not worthy of being your mother.

Watching Jiang Shi’s retreating figure, Huangfu Ronglan suddenly felt a strong urge to call out to her.

But…

She was a stranger.

A stranger.

Wouldn’t it be strange to stop her?

And even if she did, what would she say?

Wouldn’t the woman think she was being odd?

As these thoughts drifted through her mind, Huangfu Ronglan let out a yawn.

Sleepiness overtook her, and before long, she drifted into a drowsy slumber.

After stepping out of the room, Jiang Shi’s legs gave way, and she nearly collapsed.

Ling Yu and Tang Wan quickly caught her from either side.

The looks in all four of their eyes plainly asked:

“Good heavens, why are you here?”

Jiang Shi merely shook her head, unwilling to explain.

This was hardly the time for such discussions.

The young couple exchanged a glance and silently decided to wait until they returned home before asking any questions.